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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES * TIME:. Lm »
Quezon Ci 2 ie &
uezon City Aas 1] &
NINETEENTH CONGRESS Sey, KF
First Regular Session INDEX,
4425
HOUSE BILL No. 27"

Introduced by REP. SITTIE SHAHARA "BAI DIMPLE" I. MASTURA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Grand Mosque of Cotabato City stands as a symbol of the best expression
of the Muslim faith in the country.

Built on a five-hectare land in Barangay Kalanganan in Cotabato City, the Sultan
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, otherwise known as The Grand Mosque of Cotabato,
is said to be the largest mosque in the Philippines, with the capacity to accommodate
15,000 people. The majestic Islamic place of worship features 14 majestic gold domes
with tips adomed by crescent moons, and four minarets soaring up to 43 meters (141
feet) high. Designed by
inspired by modern and classical masjids in Turkey, Dubai and the Arabian Gulf and
incorporates architectural character from the Filipino Muslim culture.

It was formally named Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, after the incumbent
Brunei sultan who funded its construction in 2008 at a cost of $48 million. The five-
hectare land where it is situated was donated by the family of former Maguindanao Rep.
Didagen Dilangalen.

Beyond being places of worship, mosques are heritage sites which unify key
factors in society, such as religion and culture. They promote cultural diversity, cultural
understanding, respect between religions, Islamic history, the history of mosques and
the surrounding Muslim community. The Grand Mosque's religious and cultural
significance draws worshippers and tourists alike, enhancing the tourism and income of
Cotabato City.

Moreover, Cotabato City’s bustling economy and rich heritage makes it the
perfect tourist destination. Strategically located at the center of Mindanao, Cotabato City
is the commercial, industrial, finance, education, health care and regional center of the
Bangsamoro Region and of Central Mindanao. It has a road link to all major cities in the


island such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City and General Santos City, and
is accessible by air with daily flights coming in via Cebu Pacific and Philippine Air Lines.

In view of the Grand Mosque’s religious and cultural significance to Cotabato City
and the nation, the State needs to adopt policies that will preserve its beauty and
grandeur, while ensuring its accessibility and security. This is consonant with Section 1,
Article XII of the Constitution which states the goals of the national economy as a more
equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth; a sustained increase in the
amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and
an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the
underprivileged, and that in pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all
regions of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop.

It is beyond cavil that tourism is an indispensable element of the national
economy that spurs socio-economic growth, investment and employment in the country.
(Republic Act 9353 or the Tourism Act of 2009)

Thus, this bill seeking to have the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, or
The Grand Mosque of Cotabato, declared as a tourist destination, urging the
Department of Tourism and its attached agencies, in coordination with the Department
of Public Works and Highways and the local government unit of Cotabato City, to come
up with a comprehensive development plan for the improvement of The Grand Mosque,
all areas attached to it, and all roads leading to and from the mosque.

Considering its vital importance, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

with Cotabato City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

~ | 4425
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. SITTIE SHAHARA "BAI DIMPLE" |. MASTURA

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MASJID, OR THE GRAND
MOSQUE OF COTABATO, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS
DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, otherwise known as
the Grand Mosque of Cotabato, is hereby declared as a tourist destination. As such,
its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT and other
concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing development sites
and tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT in coordination
with the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies of
the government shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the construction,
installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall
improve the over-all features of the area, thereby ensuring the accessibility and security
of the worshippers and tourists; Provided, that the said development plan shall ensure
the preservation and conservation of the historical and religious significance of the area;

Sec. 3. The DOT and its concerned agencies shall take immediate steps to
formulate and implement the appropriate tourism development plan for the Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid (Grand Mosque of Cotabato) and shall incorporate the same
in the National Tourism Development Plan;


Sec. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General
Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the local government of Cotabato City, shall issue rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the
Official Gazette, or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,