[1] National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Foundation of Towns: Lupi, Camarines Sur,
https://nhcp.gov.ph/articles/foundation-of-towns-lupi-camarines-sur/
[2] ParishPH.com, Saint Peter Baptist Parish – Lupi, Camarines Sur.
https://www.parishph.com/2022/01/saint-peter-baptist-parish-lupi-camarines-sur.html
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The St. Peter Baptist Church, located in Poblacion, Lupi, Camarines Sur, stands as one of the 
most historic ecclesiastical structures in the Bicol region. Founded in 1726, it has been at the heart of 
the town’s history and identity, coinciding with the establishment of Lupi as a pueblo under the 
patronage of St. Peter the Baptist [1]. In 2026, the parish will celebrate its 300th anniversary, making it 
one of the oldest continuously active parishes in Camarines Sur and a symbol of resilience and faith 
for the local community [1][2]. 
For nearly three centuries, the church has been more than a place of worship. It has shaped 
the cultural and spiritual lives of generations, hosting countless baptisms, weddings, and feasts, while 
also serving as a refuge in times of calamity. Its presence has nurtured values of unity, faith, and 
tradition, anchoring the identity of the citizens of Lupi and connecting them to their deep historical 
roots. Beyond its spiritual role, the church is also an architectural and cultural landmark, reflecting the 
heritage of Spanish colonial mission churches that remain integral to Philippine history. 
Despite its importance, St. Peter Baptist Church has yet to be formally recognized as a heritage 
site and tourist destination. With its tercentenary approaching, it is both timely and necessary to 
preserve its environs and secure its protection against the risks of neglect, encroachment, and 
unregulated development. Heritage recognition will enable a structured conservation program, 
encourage sustainable tourism, and ensure that future generations can continue to experience the 
church’s historical and cultural significance. 
Furthermore, designating the church and its immediate environs as a heritage site will boost 
local pride and strengthen community identity, while at the same time supporting local livelihoods 
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through tourism. Pilgrims, devotees, and visitors already frequent the parish for spiritual and cultural 
reasons; with formal recognition, the area can be further developed to responsibly accommodate 
cultural tourism, thereby contributing to both cultural preservation and economic growth. 
Similar efforts have been made in other parts of the country to preserve historical and 
religious sites, underscoring the urgency to safeguard equally valuable landmarks in Camarines Sur. 
With the 300th anniversary of St. Peter Baptist Church on the horizon, it is high time to honor its legacy 
and ensure its rightful place as part of the nation’s cultural and historical patrimony. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
First District, Camarines Sur 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE ST. PETER BAPTIST CHURCH IN POBLACION, LUPI, 
CAMARINES SUR, A HERITAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFORE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The immediate environs of the St. Peter Baptist Church, located in the Barangay 
Poblacion, Municipality of Lupi, Camarines Sur, is hereby declared a heritage site and tourism 
destination. As such, the development of the immediate environs of the St. Peter Baptist Church shall 
be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the National 
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the local government of the Municipality of Lupi and 
concerned agencies of the government, subject to the rules and regulations governing the 
development of heritage sites and tourism destinations. 
SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the local government of the 
Municipality of Lupi shall, in coordination with the DOT, NHCP, Department of Public Works and 
Highways and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall 
include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities 
to improve the overall features of the immediate environs surrounding the St. Peter Baptist Church, 
thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists: Provided, That said development plan 
shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the historical significance of the St. Peter Baptist 
Church: Provided, further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included 
in the budget of the local government of Lupi. 
SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the local government of Lupi in the implementation of the tourism 
development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall also include 
the immediate environs of the St. Peter Baptist Church in all its national and regional promotion 
programs. 
SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual budget 
of the local government of Lupi. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally-generated 
funds. 
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the local government of Lupi 
shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules and 
regulations to implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or 
in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,