On September 2, 2020, The House of Representatives approves House Bill No. 7258 declaring the Mainit Falls and Hot Spring in Brooke’s Point, Palawan as an ecotourism site.
The bill, authored by Palawan 2nd District Representative Cyrille “Beng” F. Abueg-Zaldivar, aims to ensure the support of the National Government through the Department of Tourism (DOT) to develop and prepare Mainit Falls and the nearby Mainit Hot Springs for tourism activities. This support includes construction, installation and maintenance of facilities and infrastructures that will encourage tourism in the area.
The bill is submitted and is awaiting the approval of the Senate. On the other hand, Palawan Provincial Board approved a resolution supporting the said bill during the 59th Regular Session, September 15, 2020.
Mainit Falls serves as a source of drinking and irrigation water for nearby residents while the sulfuric waters of the hot springs were known for its medicinal properties.
“The falls serves as a source of drinking water to the residents living nearby and also irrigates neighboring rice fields. On the other hand, Mainit Hot Springs, located a few meters from the waterfalls, is known for its medicinal property. Its sulfuric waters have become known not only to local residents but also to foreign visitors,” as stated in the explanatory note signed by Rep. Cyrille F. Abueg-Zaldivar on House Bill No. 0673, the precursor of HB 7258.
Trogonoptera trojana also known as Palawan Birdwing or Triangle Birdwing, a butterfly species endemic in the province, is abundant in the area.