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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3292

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative ADOLPH EDWARD G. PLAZA
2 District, Agusan del Sur

“AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS THE HOME OF THE
GOLDEN TARA”

Explanatory Note

In this fast changing world, culture aids social communities in
preserving and promoting identity and character. Globalization tends to
erode people’s culture and identity; hence, the need to protect and uphold
cultural artifacts to provide a sense of stability that creates lasting identity.

Cultural objects and artifacts are the best representation of the
community's identity. They are material culture anchored to the past and
evoke history. The 21- karat Hindu or Buddhist deity statuette, better
known as The Golden Tara, found in 1917 by a Manobo woman named Bilay
Campos on a muddy bank of Wawa River in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur is a
testament of an elaborate and complex culture and society of pre-colonial
Agusan del Sur.

Dating back to the 9th-10th Century, there were suggestions the
Golden Image was made and crafted as trade goods for the Buddhist Empire
of Sri Vijaya. The Image serves as an evidence of early Agusanon Sur's
craftsmanship and their trading relations with early Southeast Asian
Empires, revealing its historic-cultural significance.

‘The statuette’s iconographic attributes may have been a subject of
debate as to whether it belongs to the Hindu or Buddhist pantheon, but it is
certain that it is discovered in Agusan del Sur. The image is believed to have
come from the upriver areas of the province and was carried away
downstream by a flood to where it was found, at the riverbank of Esperanza.



‘Taking into consideration the circumstances of its discovery, it is therefore,
beyond dispute that its home is the Province of Agusan del Sur.

Presently, a historical landmark was built by the locals from
Esperanza where the important cultural artifact was discovered. This is an
initiative of the local community to establish their rightful claim on the
famous Golden Tara with a view of boosting tourism in the province.

In view of this matter, the urgent approval of this bill is sought.

ADOLPH EDWARD G. PLAZA
2" District, Agusan del Sur


Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3292

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative ADOLPH EDWARD G. PLAZA
2® District, Agusan del Sur

“AN ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS THE HOME
OF THE GOLDEN TARA”

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

SECTION 1. It is the policy of the State to promote and popularize the
nation’s historical and cultural resources as well as the artistic creations.

SECTION 2. The province of Agusan del Sur is hereby declared as the Home
of the Golden Tara.

SECTION 3. The Golden Tara shall refer to the 21-karat gold statuette of a
female Hindu deity which was found in 1917 on the banks of Wawa River in
Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

SECTION 4. The Province of Agusan del Sur, in coordination with the
Department of Tourism, shall take immediate steps to incorporate this Act in the
Department's overall tourism development program for the ensuing year. They shall
likewise promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.