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

RECEIVED ~

= DATE 01 SEP 7

TWENTIETH CONGRESS 9 —
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo, 4230

Introduced by Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

EXPLANATORY NOTE

At the heart of the Philippines is the Island Province of Romblon, embracing the
Municipality of Romblon that is known for its lucrative marble industry and prominent
craftsmanship in traditional stone carving.

Home to vast and high-quality marble deposits, the Municipality of Romblon has
managed to become a strong contender in producing marble products, including sculptures,
tiles, home decors, souvenirs and architectural pieces, among others. The beginning of its
marble industry dates to the Spanish colonial era and has gained global recognition through the
works of illustrious local marble artisans.

‘The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources have both acknowledged the rich geological makeup of
the Municipality of Romblon, with marble classified as a key non-metallic resource that laid a
foundation to it being a promising source of marble pieces in the country. Consequently, the
Department of Trade and Industry has long included marble products from the Municipality of
Romblon under its One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, promoting the same to both
domestic and international markets.

The marble industry has been a staple to local and foreign tourists, who have constantly
lauded the preservation of traditional stone carving practices and equally welcomed the
innovations that have brought the local craftsmanship of Romblomanons to world recognition.
The sought declaration of the Municipality of Romblon as the “Marble Capital of the
Philippines” shall establish its position as a thriving tourism product, being a destination that
values both heritage and innovation, a combination that carves global admiration.

Hence, this bill is earnestly recommended for immediate approval.

aa

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

ahs

4

|
tu}
Y



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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4230

Introduced by Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF ROMBLON IN THE PROVINCE OF
ROMBLON AS THE “MARBLE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES”

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

SECTION 1. The Municipality of Romblon in the Province of Romblon is hereby
declared the "Marble Capital of the Philippines,” in recognition of its rich and diverse marble
reserves that shaped a lucrative marble industry and prominent craftsmanship in stone carving,
while promoting tourism through the confluence of heritage and innovation.

Sec. 2, The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall include and feature the Municipality
of Romblon in the Province of Romblon as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines” in its
national and regional promotion programs.

Sec. 3. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or

amended accordingly.

Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,