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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._ 8011

Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO, First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

“We are called upon to decide on this momentous debate whether or not

this land of ours will remain the cradle and grave, the womb and tomb of our race —
the only place where we can build our homes, our temples, and our altars

and where we erect the castles of our racial hopes, dreams and traditions and
where we establish the warehouse of our happiness and prosperity,

of our joys and sorrows.”

~ President Carlos P. Garcia

Without doubt, Philippines’ eight (8%) president, Carlos P. Garcia, remains one of
the most esteemed sons of Bohol. Naming the Bohol island circumferential road to his
name is the least expression of our solemn gratitude to the president whose legacy is his
belief in the Filipinos.

Perhaps one of the, if not the most, popular legacy of President Garcia is the
“Filipino First Policy.” Recovering from the effects of World War 2, this policy ensured
government support to Filipino businessmen and Filipino products over foreign
investors and foreign products. Foreign business was not totally ignored and was
allowed to participate under the 60-40 ratio of ownership within the business.

President Garcia is also known for his Austerity Program which he implemented
to curt the rampant graft and corruption in the country through wise spending, industry,
thrift, trustworthiness, integrity and honesty. He also urged people to avoid luxury items
and to live a simple life and reminded government officials and employees that
corruption destroys the peoples trust in the government.

It was also under his term that the Bohlen-Serrano Agreement was executed —
the law that shortened the original 99-year lease of US bases in the Philippines to 25
years and renewable for period only up to five years.

After having been under a long period of colonization from various countries, the
Garcia administration found the necessity in putting emphasis on cultural revival. To
encourage this, awards were given to Filipino writers, artists, historian and scientists.

President Garcia hails from Talibon, Bohol and was born on November 4, 1896.
This year marks his 120" birthday.

+ speech during a joint session of Congress on September 18, 1946


After having been among the top ten (10) bar examinees in 1923, President
Garcia first worked as a teacher at Boho! Provincial High School. He became famous for
his poetry, where he earned the nickname "Prince of Visayan Poets" and the "Bard from
Bohol".

Prior to his presidency, Carlos P. Garcia became Representative of the third
district and Governor Bohol. He then became Senator, Vice President and Foreign
Affairs Secretary to the Magsaysay Administration. Post presidency, he was elected
president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention until his death on the same year.
President Garcia became the first layman to lie in state in Manila Cathedral — a privilege
until then limited to a deceased Archbishop of Manila — and the first President to be
buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

To date, we can find in Bohol a municipality, a sports complex and an avenue
named after President Carlos P. Garcia. But Bohol have yet to give a province-wide
recognition and tribute to our beloved president. This is aiso a fitting reminder to our
youth of nationalism and love of country.

Itis for this purpose that this bill is being sought to be passed.

nes

REP. EDGAR: M. CHATTO


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO:_ 8011

Introduced by HON. EDGAR M. CHATTO
First District, Bohol

AN ACT
RENAMING BOHOL ISLAND CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD TO
PRESIDENT CARLOS P. GARCIA CIRCUMFERENTIAL ROAD

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

SECTION 1. In recognition of the remarkable achievements and contributions
of the late President Carlos P. Garcia in Bohol and in the country, the Bohol Island
Circumferential Road, is hereby renamed as President Carlos P. Garcia Circumferential
Road.

SECTION 2. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is hereby
directed to implement the provision of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,