NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
]
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
]
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 1154
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*22 AUG 15 A9:40
RECEIVED BV, 5
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
DECLARING THE LUZON DATUM LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF MOGPOG, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE A TOURIST 
SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The province of Marinduque, dubbed as the "Heart of the Philippines", is a 
heart-shaped island in the Southern Tagalog Region. Coincidentally, the island is also 
the geographical center of the archipelago and a stone marker marks its significance 
in Philippine geography.
To signify that it is the geographical center of the Philippine archipelago, a 
marker has been fixed in what is known as the Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station 
Balanacan. This piece of stone marker is located on top of a hill that locals call Mataas 
na Bundok or Mt. Mataas in Barangay Hinanggayon, town of Mogpog. It is the primary 
geodetic reference or origin of all geological surveys in the Philippines which means 
all maps and surveys made in the country use the Luzon Datum as a reference point.
In other countries, their geographic centers have become tourist attractions 
due to their creative initiative to build large stone monuments in these centers. 
Examples of these countries are Japan, India, Taiwan, Australia and the United States 
of America.


With this current global trend of setting up monuments in their respective 
geographic centers, it is the right time to convert the Luzon Datum of 1911 into a 
modern-day tourist spot. As such, the development of a large stone monument in the 
Luzon Datum is feasible and beneficial, as it will help this country's tourism and will 
also identify that the Luzon Datum is a significant geographical point in the Philippine 
archipelago.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is eafnestly sought.
IN iGATCHALIAN


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] 
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 1154
||}j| ^euait
of tl)e ^f-a-ctarp
*22 AUG 15 A9 :40
RECEiVTD BY.
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
DECLARING THE LUZON DATUM LOCATED IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF MOGPOG, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE A TOURIST 
SPOT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Geodetic Reference or Origin. - Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station
2 
Balanacan, is a stone marker located on top of Mataas na Bundok or Mt. Mataas in
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Barangay Hinanggayon, Municipality of Mogpog, Province of Marinduque. It is the
4 
primary geodetic reference or origin of all geological maps and surveys In the
5 
Philippines.
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SEC. 2. Declaration as Tourist Spot - The Luzon Datum is hereby declared as
8 
a tourist spot. As such, It development shall be prioritized by the Department of
9 
Tourism (DOT), and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the
10 
development of tourist spots. The' DOT shall prioritize the establishment of a tourist
11 
center to be known as the Luzon Datum Tourist Center.


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SEC. 3. Tourism Development Plan. - Within six (6) months after the approval 
of this Act, the DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise 
Zone Authority (TIEZA) and concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a 
tourism development plan involving the construction, installation and maintenance of 
such appropriate facilities and infrastructure as shall encourage tourism in the area: 
Provided, Thatsdi\6 development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation 
of the natural beauty and historical significance thereof.
SEC. 4. Incorporation in the Tourism. Development Program. - The DOT shall 
take immediate steps to implement the development plan and incorporate the same 
in Its tourism development program for the ensuing calendar year.
SEC. 5. Appropriation. - 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 from internally-generated funds 
of the DOT.
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT shall promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations for its proper implementation.
SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,