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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE:
Quezon City, Metro Manila

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Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 844

Introduced by Representative Carlos M. Padilla

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Balete Pass in Sta Fe, Nueva Vizcaya as a National
Shrine to be known as the Balete Pass National Shrine. Originally filed in the 15"
Congress, it was approved by the House on Third Reading and transmitted to the
Senate. However, it was not acted upon by the Senate. Hence, it is being re-filed in
this Congress.

The Balete Pass symbolizes the gallant stand of Filipino soldiers and guerilla
fighters, together with the 25" Infantry Division of the United States Armed Forces of
the Far East, against the Japanese forces during World War II. This fierce battle drove
the Japanese Army back to the north of Luzon.

By virtue of Proclamation No. 653, the Battle of Balete Pass is annually
commemorated from May 10 to 13. This important part of our recent history is
symbolized by the Balete Pass Monument which stands as a landmark when entering
the Cagayan Valley through Sta Fe, Nueva Vizcaya. It is therefore fitting to declare the
place as a national shrine as a tribute to gallant Filipinos and Americans who staked
their lives in honor of freedom.

As proposed in this bill, the Balete Pass as a national shrine will be placed under
the care of the Military Shrines Service of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. Hence,
its maintenance shall be charged against the appropriation for the said office.

In view of the foregoing, early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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CARLOS M. PADILLA


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

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 844

Introduced by Representative Carlos M. Padilla

AN ACT DECLARING THE BALETE PASS IN STA FE, NUEVA VIZCAYA AS A
NATIONAL SHRINE TO BE KNOWN AS THE BALETE PASS NATIONAL SHRINE.

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

Section 1. The Balete Pass in Sta Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, more particularly described
‘as follows is hereby declared as a national shrine to be known as the Balete Pass
National Shrine. A parcel of land situated at Barangay Tactac, Sta Fe, Nueva Vizcaya,
bounded on the east, along lines 10-20 by Lot 1329, Lot 1327 and Lot 1325, CAD No.
768-D; on the south, along lines 1-2 by portion of the Talavera River Watershed Forest
Reserve; on the west, along lines 2-7 by the Wildlife Sanctuary; on the north, along
lines 7-10 by the Balete Pass Forest Reserve; Thence

2 ». 74” 09" W. 400.00 m.
2-3 |. 33” 59’ W. 360.00 m.
soe |. 85” 40" W. 390.39 m.
45 |. 04” 20’ E. 80.00 m.
5-6 Byewe ee 282.73 m.
6-7 . 33” 59’ W. 180.00 m.

Ss
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78 N. 78” 20'E 550.00 m.
8-9 S. 77" 10’ E. 270.00 m.
9-10 N. 68” 41’ E. 136.90 m.
10-11 ‘S.13°59°E. 127.70 m.
11-12 S. 04” 54’ E. 106.34 m.
12-13 S. 13”38' W. 16.59 m.
13-14 S$. 13%25,E. 184.23 m.
14-15 S.11” 01’ W. 21.63 m.
15-16 S. 13”46' W. 21.76 m.
16-17 S. 60"47’ E. 45.01 m.
17-18 S. 17" 16’ W. 7.95 m.


18-19 S. 41” 09’ W. 111.13 m.
19-20 N. 71” 17'W. 21.02 m.
20-21 S. 69" 14’ W. 154.12 m.

Containing an area of five hundred and fifty-seven thousand seven hundred eighty-nine
square meters (557,789 sq.m.) more or less. The administration and maintenance of
the Balete Pass National Shrine shall be under the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

Sec. 2. The Secretary of National Defense shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 3. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the budget of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.