Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
ueson City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL. NO.

introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES

AN ACT
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH
LOCATED IN THE MUNCIPALITY OF BACOLOR, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA, A
HERITAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the immediate environs ‘of the San Guillermo Parish Church
located in the municipality of Bacolor, province of Pampanga, @ heritage site and tourist
destination.

The San Guillermo Parish Church stands as @ powerful symbol of Filipino resilience, faith
and cultural heritage. Established in 1576 by the Augustinian friars ‘and named after the
municipality of Bacolor’s patron saint, the San Guillermo Parish Church has endured
centuries of natural disasters, including a major earthquake in 1880 and the catastrophic
eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, which buried it halfway in lahar.

Despite these tragedies, the people of Bacolor have demonstrated, 2° extraordinary
Despite nent to preserving the church, painstakingly excavating and restoring its priceless
baroque altars and centuries-old religious icons.

The San Guillermo Parish Church's architectural splendor—evident in its giided main and
Tre ables. inricate pulpit, and historical signficance—makes it one of the oldest and
sine artistically important churches in the Philippines. It also gained renewed fame throug!
Tr feature in the popular ABS-CBN drama May Bukas Pa, further increasing its cultural and
tourism value.

Recognizing San Guillermo Parish Church as a historic site ensures protection of its baroque
architecture, religious artifacts, and historical integrity from unregulated alterations or
‘encroaching development. Dectaring the ‘church a tourism site can drive sustainable tourism,
providing economic benefits to the local community while promoting appreciation for Filipino
heritage on a global scale.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

REP. ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES
3” District, Pampanga


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNo. 289 _

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ALYSSA MICHAELA “MICA” M. GONZALES

AN ACT
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE SAN GUILLERMO PARISH CHURCH
LOCATED IN THE MUNCIPALITY OF BACOLOR, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA, A
HERITAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The immediate environs of the San Guillermo Parish Church located in the
Municipality of Bacolor, Province ‘of Pampanga, are hereby declared a heritage site and
tourism destination. Pursuant thereto, the development of the immediate environs of the San
Guillermo Parish Church shail be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism
(DOT), in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP),
municipal government of Bacolor, and concerned agencies of the government, subject to the
fules and regulations governing the development of heritage sites ‘and tourism destinations.

SECTION 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the municipal government of
Bacolor shall, in coordination with the DOT, NHCP, Department of Public Works and
Highways and concerned agencies of the government, prepare @ 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 San Guillermo Parish 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 San Guillermo Parish Church: Provided,
further, That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the
budget of the municipal government of Bacolor.

SECTION 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal govemment of Bacolor in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in the
tourism capacity building, it shall also include the immediate environs of the San Guillermo
Parish Church in all its national and regional promotion programs.

SECTION 4, The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
pudget of the municipal government of Bacolor. The DOT may augment such allocation with
internally-generated funds.

SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the municipal government
‘of Bacolor shall, in consultation with the DOT and concerned agencies of the government,
promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act.


SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the
Official Gazette and in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,