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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4138

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Kaka J. Bag-ao

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On 9 December 1934, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr., the founder and Supreme
President of Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA), was born in
Cabilan in the town of Dinagat.

At an early age, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. started his mission as a spiritual leader
and faith healer, and has travelled in many parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Eventually,
he gained a lot of followers from different parts of the country some of whom became
his loyal supporters. It is at this time that the early doctrines of PBMA were
established.

‘As the leader of PBMA, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. always tells his members to
“detach” themselves from money as it destroys the life of man, He constantly reminds
the members "Matam-is kanunay ang mapag-ubos” (It is always sweet to be humble),
and advises them to observe humility and live a God-centered life.

Aside from being the leader of the PBMA, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. holds the
record for serving the longest term as local executive in Dinagat for 24 years until his
demise on December 20, 1987.

The PBMA—an organization of people who dedicated their lives for the service of
humanity without expecting any monetary benefits, do charitable works by serving
others faithfully, and giving help voluntarily—was officially registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Despite his death, the legacy of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. still remains until today.
Thus, the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Dinagat Islands issued Ordinance No, BBE-03,
Series of 2013 entitled “Declaring Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. as Local Hero of the Province


of Dinagat Islands and for Other Purposes’. The above cited ordinance states the
following, to wit:

“1, That, the former late Mayor Ruben E, Ecleo, Sr, was known to be of good
standing and undefeated Political Leader during his incumbency as Municipal
Mayor;

2, That, he had a number of accomplishments during his term as the mayor
of the Municipality of Dinagat;

SS That, Ruben, Sr, is the founder and was then the Supreme President of the
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. whose ‘main objective 1s
to promote the spint of brotherhood, sisterhood and above all love of country
and Divine Providence;

4, That, he had contributed total development nok only in the Municipality of
Dinagat where he was the Local Chief Executive but in the entire islands
indectinated and encouraged to do good things for the welfare of al:

Xxx

“A strong believer that a good leadership should be both professional and
personal;

Named "South's Mysterious Superstar” by WHO Magazine in 1980, avowed
bs the Plenipotentiary of the Knights of Malta and once upon a time had
# come the President of the Mayors’ League of the Philippines, in region
X; and

Adjudged as the Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines 1969, and
‘trough his relentless effort, San Jose was once declared the Most
Outstanding Barangay of the Philippines.”

In recognition of the immense contribution of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. to the
provines of Dinagat Islands, the passage of this bill Is earnestly sought.



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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__ 4138
Introduced by Representative Kaka J. Bag-ao

AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 9 OF EACH YEAR A SPECIAL NON-WORKING
HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS TO
COMMEMORATE THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF “LOCAL HERO”
RUBEN EDERA ECLEO, SR.

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

Section 1. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Philippine Benevolent Missionaries
Association, Inc. (PBMA) founder Ruben Ecleo, Sr., December 9 of each year is hereby
declared as a special non-working holiday throughout the entire Province of Dinagat Islands
by virtue of Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Dinagat Islands Ordinance No, BBE-03 entitled
"Declaring Ruben Edera Ecleo, St. as Local Hero of the Province of Dinagat Islands and for
Other Purposes’.

Section 2. All laws, orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 3. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in at
least two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,