EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2170
IN&EX
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM IN THE
PROVINCE OF BILIRAN AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIV, Section 16 of the Constitution states that, "AH the country's artistic 
and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under 
the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition. "Section 17 of the same 
Article further states that, " The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights 
of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, 
and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national plans and 
policies."
Many people are aware that Biliran Province is made up of a group of islands. 
With the passage of RA 10409, also known as "An Act Declaring the Province of Biliran 
as a Tourism Deveiopment Area and Providing Funds Therefor, " more foreign and 
domestic tourists are visiting the island. Despite being the fourth smallest province in 
the Philippines, with a total land area of 53,601 hectares, Biliran is rich in history and 
cultural heritage. It does not, however, have a cultural center to showcase its distinct 
cultural heritage. The province lacks a museum to house and protect all of the artifacts, 
relics, works of art, and a plethora of other objects that symbolize and represent the 
residents' past, present, and future.
This bills therefor seeks to establish a cultural center and museum in the Province 
of Biliran. It is imperative to preserve and protect its local history, tradition and values, 
as well as its cultural heritage and regional identity.
In view thereof, immediate approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.
: /».
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2170
I9ATE
T»ME
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM IN THE 
PROVINCE OF BILIRAN AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Establishment - There shall be established, under the supervision
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of the National Museum, a cultural center and museum in the province of Biliran to be
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known as Biliran Culturai Center and Museum.
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SEC. 2. Site Selection. - The Sangguniang Panglungsod of the Province of
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Biliran in coordination with the Director of the National Museum, shall choose the site
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of the Biliran Cultural Center and Museum.
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SEC. 3. For purposes of implementation of its activities and functions, the Biliran
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Cultural Center and Museum, is hereby authorized to give emphasis to the following
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undertakings:
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a. To compile the musical notes and lyrics of Biliran traditional songs, 
ballads and contemporary music compositions; and to collect samples of 
musical instruments of Biliran origin, design and manufacture; and to 
acquire and display a varied range of Biliran arts and artifacts;
b. To publish and disseminate Biliran literary works, epics, stories and 
historical accounts;
c. To compile Biliran iiterature, film, or audio-visual recordings of cultural 
performances in music, dances, oral literature, and festival celebrations; 
Biliran works, names of barangays, towns and other places of interests 
and their respective history;
d. To gather and document Biliran religious practices and traditions, and 
the background and origin of Biliran fiestas and festivals;
e. To compile photographs of and showcase by appropriate exhibits, Biliran 
landmarks, historical sites and scenic views;
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f. To gather specimens of archaeological findings; to collect stones, rocks 
and other geological materials; and to preserve by appropriate methods, 
samples of flora and fauna Indigenous to the province of Biliran.
SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the Implementation of this 
Act shall be charged to the current appropriations for the National Museum. 
Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the continuous operation and 
maintenance of the cultural center and museum shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
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SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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complete publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in
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the Philippines.
Approved/