Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2545

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution has very wisely given the highest priority to the
protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural communities to
ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being.

Various provisions for the promotion of the rights and welfare of the
members of the indigenus cultural communities are enshrined in the 1987
Constitution. Hence, it is imperative upon the government to adopt policies
and programs for indigenous cultural communities. But to ensure that these
programs are based on facts and an enlightened judgment, it is necessary to
have a continuing in-depth study of the indigenous cultural communities,
who should also participate in such study.

To serve this purpose, this proposed measure seeks to create a center
for studies on indigenous cultural communities. The said center will conduct
research and policy studies to proactively and effectively respond to and
address the needs of its beneficiaries.

The early passage of this proposed measure is highly recommended.

si .

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2545

HOUSE BILL NO.

Authored by HON. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

AN ACT
CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE CENTER FOR STUDIES ON
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES , APPROPRIATING FUNDS
‘THEREFOR AND OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. There is hereby created a Philippine Center for Studies on
Indigenous Cultural Communities , herein after referred to as “Center”, in
the University of the Philippines.

SEC 2. The Center shall be conduct research and policy studies for
the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to ensure their economic, social and cultural well- being and
provide an opportunity to both Muslims and non-Muslims to participate in
the national life and development.

SEC 3. The Center shall be composed of the existing Institute of
Islamic Studies in the University of the Philippines and an Institute of
Studies on Non - Islamic Cultural Communities in the Cordilleras and other
regions.

SEC 4. The Center shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall
be appointed by the President, with the confirmation of the Commission on
Appointments, for a term of five (5) years, from among the members of the
faculty of the University of the Philippines and other state colleges and
universities. The faculty member appointed as executive director shall,
during his service as such, be deemed as on leave from his position as
faculty member.

SEC 5. The Center shall organize annually a national conference on
indigenous cultural communities and of officers, organizations and academic
institutions with functions, activities and/or programs related to these
communities.

The agenda of the conference shall be the studies of these
communities. In addition to recommendations on further studies, the
conference shall also make recommendations for policies and programs for
indigenous cultural ‘communities.


SEC 6. To carry out the purpose of this Act, the sum of Ten Million
Pesos (P10,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the
funds of the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year
two thousand and ten (2010).

Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall be included in the
Annual General Appropriations Act as approved by Congress>

SEC 7. Should any part, section or provision of this Act be held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision note otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC 8. All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive
orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders , rules or regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed,
modified or amended accordingly.

SEC 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2 newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,