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

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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS:
Second Regular Session

548

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by HON. RENE L, RELAMPAGOS
‘st District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

bill seeks to declare September 8 of every year as a Special Non-Working
Day in the Municipality of Loon, province of Bohol, in celebration of the annual
Sidlakasilak Festival otherwise known as the “Festival of Lights” which coincides with
the Feast of Our Lady of Light.

Sidlakasilak Festival, a week-long festival of lights launched in the year 2000,
culminates every 8' of September. The name “SidlaKasilak” was derived from the
vernacular word “Sidlak” or light, which has multifarious meanings, like hope,
inspiration, enlightenment, triumph, success, deliverance, among others, which also
reflects the qualities of Boholanos who were able to withstand the test of time and, in
particular, survived the devastation caused by the 2013 earthquake.

Sidlakasilak has become the most anticipated annual event among Loonanons
and tourists alike, here and abroad. It aims to showcase Loon’s rich cultural heritage
and promote local tourism through socio-cultural programs; exhibits on arts,
photographs, handicrafts, and other local products; talent competition; homecoming
and reunions and competitions that involve lights, such as street dancing and other
performances, lighting of houses and streets. In the past 15 years, this festival has seen
to enhance active participation of the different sectors of society and strenghten
sentimental bond among Loonanons.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is sought

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RENE HH HZ RELAMPAGOS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVEBTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL 3548

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS,
First District, Bohol

“AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 8 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL.
NON-WORKING HOLIDAY, IN CELEBRATION OF SIDLAKASILAK
FESTIVAL”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “DECLARING
SIDLAKASILAK FESTIVAL AS NON-WORKING DAY”

SECTION 2. Special Non-Working Day. ~ September 8 of every year is hereby
declared as a non-working day in celebration of Sidlakasilak Festival or the Festival of
Lights in the Municipality of Loon, Province of Bohol.

SECTION 3. Executive Committee. ~ To ensure the meaningful observance of
said festival, as herein declared, the Local Chief Executive shall organize a SidlaKasilak
Executive Committee to be composed of, but not limited to, the following:

a. Municipal Mayour as chairperson;

b. Municipal Vice Mayor;

c. Representative of the local par

d. Representative of each administrative district of the LGU;

¢. Representatives of public and private school

f, Representatives of the different sectors, e.g. youth, women, business, POs, NGOs,
and others;

8. Members of the Municipal ‘Tourism Council; and

h. Members of the Municipal Council for Cultural Heritage and Arts.

h chureh;

The members of the Committee shall be assigned duties and re:
based on their capabilities. They shall also organize a secretariat
themselves.



SECTION 4. Program/Activities. - The Sidlakasilak or Festival of Lights shall
showcase, among others, socio-cultural programs like the practice of celebrating
“Paghiusadya Year” or grand homecoming of all Loonanons every fifth year of the
festival. This will instill and enrich cultural awareness and pride of place among
Loonanons, and promote the local tourism industry. It may feature any of, but not
limited to, the following events:

a, Competitions that involve lights, such as street dancing and other performan
lighting of houses and streets, and others;

b. Exhibits on arts, photographs, food, handi
producers and arti

c. Personality and talent showcase or competitions;

d. Homecoming and reunions of alumni, clans and familites; and

c. Other activities that may be proposed by the Sidlakasilak Executive Committee.

afts and other products of local

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. If any provisions of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
ition in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,