Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 42 08

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES
Lone District, Marinduque

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Of the more than 7,000 islands that comprise the whole Philippine
archipelago, the heart-shaped island-province of Marinduque is believed to be
situated in its geographical center. Located in Region 4B, it is surrounded by
crystal blue waters and enclosed by spectacular beaches. Its natural beauty is
complimented by its distinct and special culture and history. Marinduque is a
fusion of all of these, and truly it is the “heart” of the Philippines.

The island gained popularity among tourists, local and foreign, for its
annual Moriones Festival, a unique Lenten tradition featuring masked men,
called “morions", dressed in colorful costumes to the likeness of Roman
soldiers. This week-long celebration starts on Holy Monday and culminates on
Easter Sunday when the story of Longinus is reenacted in pantomime.

More than the renowned Moriones Festival, Marinduque also takes
pride in its natural beaches and seascapes, unexplored caves, hot springs,
waterfalls, and spectacular underwater flora and fauna. In addition, the
island-province has stood witness to some of the most important periods of
our history. All these add up to the wonder that is Marinduque, an island
awaiting rediscovery.

One of these, is the Shrine of the Battle of Pulang Lupa in the
Municipality of Torrijos. It is interesting to note that in the Filipino-American
war, two battles won by the Filipinos occurred in the island-province of
Marinduque, the Battle of Pulang Lupa being one of these.


On September 13, 1900, after two days of combat, Filipinos, led by
Colonel Maximo Abad, won over the Americans in the mountains of Torrijos.
He was the Chief of the Revolutionary Force of Marinduque and he
commanded the 1%, 3%, and 4” Guerilla units in the province. It has been
called Pulang Lupa to represent the bloodshed that took place in the said
historic site. The battle is recorded in documents reposed in the archives of
the United States of America,

The historic battle exemplified the bravery and valor of Filipinos and
made headlines in the United States of America. Captain Devereux Shields’
personal report depicted the intense encounter between Filipinos and
‘Americans, where four American soldiers were killed, and six were wounded.

In commemoration of the bloody battle between the two forces more
than a century ago, an obelisk of marble tiles stands at the peak of the
“Pulang Lupa” Mountain. A mural can be found in the mountainside which is
made up of 60 concrete blocks joined together to show the bloody battle,
This place was then officially declared to be a historical landmark on
September 2, 1991.

Camping in the Shrine of the Battle of Pulang Lupa is not new.
Many campers enjoyed the great view from the top, the lush nature, the
stillness, the cool breeze, the ocean surrounding the mountain that sparkles
like stars, the flock of birds flying in the blue skies that give a very relaxing
and rejuvenating feeling. Our history would be enriched if emphasis is/given
to this site, and the awareness of its significance to our heritage is
for future generations of Filipinos.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._ 4208

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES
Lone District, Marinduque

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SHRINE OF THE BATTLE OF PULANG LUPA AND ITS
PREMISES LOCATED AT BARANGAY PULANG LUPA, TORRLJOS,
MARINDUQUE, AS A HISTORICAL PARK AND ECOTOURISM SITE
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. The Shrine of the Battle of Pulang Lupa and its premises
located at Barangay Pulang Lupa, Torrijos, Marinduque is hereby declared as
historical park and ecotourism site. As such, it shall be accorded priority
development by the Department of Tourism (hereinafter referred to as
“DOT") and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourist spots.

Sec. 2, The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure
and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the
government, shall, within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, prepare
the development plan involving the construction, installation and/or
maintenance of such appropriate facilities which shall enhance tourism in the


area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation of
the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.

Sec. 3. The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall take immediate
steps to implement the said development plan and incorporate the same in
the Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing
calendar year.

Sec. 4, The DOT shall likewise promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec, 5. The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this
Act shall be charged against the appropriations under the Annual General

Appropriations Act and/or against the internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 6, This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

APPROVED.