Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 7592

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO ‘TONYPET’ T. ALBANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the San Pablo Church in San Pablo, Province of
Isabela as tourist destination.

The San Pablo Church located in Poblacion, San Pablo, Isabela was built in
1624 during the Spanish regime. It is the oldest church in the Province of Isabela
and is almost four (400) hundred years old, It is famous for its tall bell tower that
has six (6) levels including the circular apex made of adobe. Its campanario or bell-
tower is the tallest in the Cagayan Valley. The church was heavily damaged during
the last World War and was restored to its original design. The restoration did not
diminish its original beauty and only added to its overall aesthetic value. Pilgrims
and tourists from the neighboring provinces come to visit the San Pablo Church not
only to hear mass but also to marvel at the beauty of the church.

In many ways, the San Pablo church is a historic, architectural, artistic ,
cultural edifice that is a jewel in the trove of our country’s national heritage sites, In
this light, San Pablo Church deserves to be declared as a national tourist destination

National government assistance is essential to ensure the development of the
church as a tourist destination. Towards this end, the declaration of the church as a
national tourism destination is imperative,

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Can a

ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO


COVA AKHaAWwNE

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7552
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO ‘TONYPET’ T. ALBANO

AN ACT
DECLARING SAN PABLO CHURCH IN SAN PABLO, PROVINCE OF ISABELA , A
TOURIST DESTINATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. The San Pablo Church located in San Pablo, Province of Isabela and its environs is,
hereby declared a tourist destination. As a tourist destination its development shall be prioritized by
the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Local Government of San Pablo, Isabela
and other concerned agencies, and it shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourist destinations.

Section 2, Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with
the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies of the
government shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and
maintenance of appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall improve the overall features of the
area surrounding the San Pablo Church, in order to ensure its accessibility and the security of
tourists: Provided, that said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
historical significance of the area.

Section 3, The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the appropriate tourism development plan for the San Pablo Church and its immediate
environs, and shall incorporate the same in the National Tourism Development Plan.

Section 4. The Secretary of the DOT and the DPWH shall include in their departments’
programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriation Act and internally generated funds of the DOT and DPWH.

Section 5.Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation
with the local government unit of San Pablo, Isabela shall promulgate the rules and regulations for
the proper implementation of this Act.

Section 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette
or in two (2) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,