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

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1575

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church or Nuestra Sefiora De Candelaria,
located in the Municipality of Silang, Province of Cavite, was first established on
February 3, 1595 under the patronage of St. Diego of Alcala. It was then dedicated to
Our Nuestra Sefiora de Candelaria in 1640 based on the tale told by Fray Murillo
Verlarde, where the image of the Virgin Mary was found by Andres in the mountains
of Silang.

The parish is considered as the oldest standing structure of colonial baroque
architecture in the Province of Cavite. Due to its association with pre-historic events,
the historic marker was given in 2008 by the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines the church complex
and its altarpiece, known as retablos, were declared as National Cultural Treasure by
the National Museum in 2017. The declaration adds to the historic marker given in
2008 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the pilgrim church
marker from the Diocese of Imus, Cavite given in 2012.

The church’ historical significance; and the architectural beauty of the complex
and the refablos entice visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries
as well. Moreso, the narrations of the Our Nuestra Seftora De Candelaria's indulgence
and miracles to its patrons and devotees have been widespread. As such, more
Marian devotees and tourists are visiting to witness the glory it brings to its believers.
Thus, the parish needs to adopt policies and measures to protect its historical
importance while ensuring its accessibility and security to pilgrims.


Hence, in celebration of the parish’ 430" year in 2025, this bill seeks to declare
the Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church in the Municipality of Silang, Province of
Cavite as a pilgrimage site and tourist destination mandating the Department of
Tourism and its attached agencies, in coordination with the Department of Public
Works and Highways and in consultation with the local government unit of Silang,
Cavite, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for the improvement of
Silang Church, all areas attached to it, and all roads leading to and from it.

AT DRO M. LOYOLA

Ripresentative
Fifth District of Cavite


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__1575

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

AN ACT
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF OUR LADY OF CANDELARIA
PARISH CHURCH LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SILANG, PROVINCE
OF CAVITE, AS A TOURISM DESTINATION

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

SECTION 1. The immediate environs of Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church
located in the Municipality of Silang, Province of Cavite, are hereby declared as a
tourism destination. Pursuant thereto, the development of the immediate environs of
Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church shall be prioritized and supported by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the
development of tourism destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National
Historical Commission of the Philippines and other concerned agencies of the
government, shall prepare a 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 Our
Lady of Candelaria Parish Church, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security
of the tourists: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation
and conservation of the historical significance of the church.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its concerned agencies shall take immediate steps to

formulate and implement the appropriate tourism development pian for Our Lady of
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Candelaria Parish Church and shall incorporate the same in the National Tourism
Development Plan. The DOT shail also include the immediate environs of Our Lady of
Candelaria Parish Church in its national and regional promotion programs,

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 Silang, Cavite, shall promulgate rules and

regulations to implement this Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,