Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO._______ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines is home to a rich and diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and 
traditions—each contributing to the unique identity of our nation. Among these cultural 
treasures are the indigenous and traditional writing systems such as Baybayin, Kulitan, 
Badlit, Kur-itan, and others, which once flourished across various regions of the 
archipelago. These scripts served as powerful tools of communication, expression, and 
cultural continuity long before colonization disrupted the development of native literacy. 
Today, many of these scripts face the threat of extinction due to centuries of 
marginalization, lack of intergenerational transmission, and limited institutional support. 
Without deliberate and sustained intervention, these writing systems may vanish—
taking with them vital aspects of Filipino identity, creativity, and heritage. 
This bill seeks to promote, protect, preserve, and conserve the indigenous and 
traditional writing systems of the Philippines by formally recognizing them as cultural 
treasures and integrating them into national development through education and 
cultural awareness. Among the key provisions of the proposed measure are: 
●
The inclusion of indigenous scripts in relevant subjects in both basic and
higher education, including the offering of specialized courses;
●
The active promotion of these scripts during national cultural celebrations
such as Buwan ng Wika;
●
The documentation and preservation of historical and oral materials relating
to the scripts;
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4:23 pm
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●
The organization of seminars, symposia, and cultural activities to strengthen
regional knowledge and use of traditional writing systems;
●
The designation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA) as the lead agency in crafting policies and coordinating with key
government institutions such as the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF),
Department of Education (DepEd), and Commission on Higher Education
(CHED) for effective implementation.
The passage of this measure affirms the constitutional mandate to conserve, 
develop, and promote our national culture and heritage. It also aligns with Republic Act 
No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, further strengthening the 
cultural foundation of the Filipino people in an era of rapid globalization and digital 
transformation. 
By investing in the revival and sustainability of our indigenous scripts, we empower 
future generations with a deeper sense of identity, pride, and continuity—anchored in 
the legacy of our ancestors and in the diversity that defines our nation. 
In the 19th Congress, this bill was sponsored by Representatives Marc O. Go, 
Elizaldy S. Co, and Greg G. Gasatsaya. It was approved in the third and final reading in 
the House of Representatives.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate and favorable passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.____ 
Introduced by Representative Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS AND TRADITIONAL WRITING 
SYSTEMS AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PROTECTION, PRESERVATION, AND 
CONSERVATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Indigenous and 
Traditional Writing Systems Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the State to foster the 
preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on 
the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression. 
To this end, the State shall promote, protect, preserve, and conserve the Philippine 
indigenous and traditional writing systems as a means to inculcate patriotism and social 
consciousness among the citizenry. 
SEC. 3. Promotion of Philippine Indigenous and Traditional Writing Systems. – To 
generate greater awareness of indigenous and traditional scripts of the Philippines and 
engender wider appreciation of their significance and beauty, the promotion of the 
writing systems is hereby recognized as part of our cultural treasures. 
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As expressions of Philippine tradition and symbols of the national identity, the 
country’s indigenous writing systems shall be promoted through the following measures 
and activities: 
(a) 
Inclusion of these writing systems in relevant subjects of basic and higher 
education such as elective or specialized courses in higher education on the 
study of the same; 
(b) 
 Conduct of activities to be spearheaded by the Department of Education, the 
Commission on Higher Education, and local governments that promote 
awareness of the writing systems, particularly during Buwan ng Wika and 
similar occasions and events; 
(c) 
Conduct of seminars, conferences, conventions, symposia, and other relevant 
activities on Philippine writing systems, taking into consideration the writing 
system that is indigenous to a particular region;  
(d) 
Ensure propser record-keeping of relevant documents and preservation of 
oral evidence on the wiring systems; and other applicable measure, as may 
be adopted by the concerned government agencies.  
SEC. 4. Protection, Preservation and Conservation of Indigenous or Philippine 
Traditional Scripts. – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shall 
be the lead agency in promulgating policy guidelines on the promotion of the writing 
systems. 
Accordingly, the NCCA is hereby mandated to protect, preserve, and conserve the 
writing systems as national cultural treasures in accordance with Republic Act No. 10066, 
otherwise known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”. The NCCA shall 
coordinate with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) for technical assistance on the 
development of the Philippine languages and writing, and with the DepEd, CHED, and 
other relevant government agencies for the proper implementation of this provision. 
SEC. 5.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the 
approval of this Act, the NCCA shall, in coordination with the DepEd, CHED and KWF, 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. – If any part, section or provision of this Act shall be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts, sections and provisions not 
otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 


 
SEC. 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,