Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11409)
Republic Act No. 11409 declares Pinsal Falls in the Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur a tourist destination.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is primarily responsible for the development of Pinsal Falls as a tourist destination.
The development of Pinsal Falls shall be prioritized by the DOT and must follow the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations with emphasis on ecotourism and preservation of natural beauty and resources.
The area declared as Pinsal Falls tourist destination covers seventy-five and 29/100 (75.29) hectares, more or less.
The DOT must prepare a tourism development plan within one (1) year after the approval of this Act.
The tourism development plan should ensure preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area and conform to the concept of ecotourism as provided by the national ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the DENR and DOT.
The DOT must coordinate with the concerned local government units and agencies of the government.
The plan should involve the construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure and facilities that encourage tourism while preserving the environment.
The Secretary of the DOT must promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of the Act.
The implementation of the Act shall be funded through the annual General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the Department of Tourism.
The DOT must include Pinsal Falls in all its national, regional, and local promotion programs.
They are amended accordingly to ensure consistency with Republic Act No. 11409.
This Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.