Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila REGISTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND iNufX SERVICE

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
2268

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. KAKA BAG-AO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On 9 December 1934, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr., the founder and Supreme President of Philippine
Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA), was born in Cabilan in the town of Dinagat.

At an early age, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. started his mission as a spiritual leader and faith healer,
and has travelled in many parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Eventually, he gained a lot of
followers from different parts of the country some of whom became his loyal supporters. It is
at this time that the early doctrines of PBMA were established.

As the leader of PBMA, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. always tells his members to “detach” themselves
from money as it destroys the life of man. He constantly reminds the members "Matam-is
kanunay ang mapag-ubos” (It is always sweet to be humble), and advises them to observe
humility and live a God-centered life.

Aside from being the leader of the PBMA, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. holds the record for serving
the longest term as local executive in Dinagat for 24 years until his demise on December 20,
1987.

The PBMA—an organization of people who dedicated their lives for the service of humanity
without expecting any monetary benefits, do charitable works by serving others faithfully, and
giving help voluntarily—was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).

Despite his death, the legacy of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. still remains until today. Thus, the
Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Dinagat Islands issued Ordinance No. BBE-03, Series of 2013
entitled "Declaring Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. as Local Hero of the Province of Dinagat Islands and
for Other Purposes”. The above cited ordinance states the following, to wit:

"1. That, the former late Mayor Ruben E. Eoleo, Sr., was known to be of good
standing and undefeated Political Leader during his incumbency as Municipal Mayor;


2. That, he had a number of accomplishments during his term as the mayor of the
‘Municipality of Dinagat;

3. That, Ruben, Sr. is the founder and was then the Supreme President of the
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. whose main objective is to
promote the spirit of brotherhood, sisterhood and above all love of country and
Divine Providence;

4. That, he had contributed total development non only in the Municipality of
Dinagat where he was the Local Chief Executive but in the entire islands
indoctrinated and encouraged to do good things for the welfare of all;

200K

+ A strong believer that a good leadership should be both professional and
personal;

+ Named "South's Mysterious Superstar” by WHO Magazine in 1980, avowed as
the Plenipotentiary of the Knights of Malta and once upon a time had become
the President of the Mayors’ League of the Philippines, in Region X; and

+ Adjudged as the Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines in 1969, and through
his relentless effort, San Jose was once declared the Most Outstanding Barangay
OF the Philippines.”

In recognition of the immense contribution of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. to the Province of Dinagat
Islands, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



2. That, he had a number of accomplishments during his term as the mayor of the
‘Municipality of Dinagat;

3. That, Ruben, Sr. is the founder and was then the Supreme President of the
Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. whose main objective is to
promote the spirit of brotherhood, sisterhood and above all love of country and
Divine Providence;

4. That, he had contributed total development non only in the Municipality of
Dinagat where he was the Local Chief Executive but in the entire Islands
indoctrinated and encouraged to do good things for the welfare of all;

0K

+ A strong believer that a good leadership should be both professional and
personal;

+ Named "South's Mysterious Superstar” by WHO Magazine in 1980, avowed as
the Plenipotentiary of the Knights of Malta and once upon a time had become
the President of the Mayors’ League of the Philigpines, in Region X; and

+ Adjudged as the Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines in 1969, and through
his relentless effort, San Jose was once declared the Most Outstanding Barangay
of the Philippines.”

In recognition of the immense contribution of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. to the Province of Dinagat
Islands, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

f (0

Lone. District, Dinagat Islands



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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__2268 _

Introduced by REP. KAKA BAG-AO

AN ACT
DECLARING DECEMBER 9 OF EACH YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING HOLIDAY
THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF DINAGAT ISLANDS TO COMMEMORATE
‘THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF “LOCAL HERO” RUBEN EDERA ECLEO, SR.

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

SECTION 1. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Philippine Benevolent Missionaries
Association, Inc. (PBMA) founder Ruben Ecleo, Sr., December 9 of each year is hereby declared
aS a special working holiday throughout the entire Province of Dinagat Islands by virtue of
‘Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Dinagat Islands Ordinance No. BBE-03 entitled "Declaring Ruben
Edera Ecleo, Sr. as Local Hero of the Province of Dinagat Islands and for Other Purposes”,

SEC. 2. All laws, orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least two
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,