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

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
1* Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3416

Introduced by Hon. WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare February 24 of every year as a special non-working
holiday to be hailed as the “Araw ng Sibugay” to be held within the Province of
Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Province of Zamboanga Sibugay was created by virtue of Republic Act
No. 8973 which was enacted into law by President Joseph Estrada on November 7,
2000. On February 24, 2001, a plebiscite was conducted within the 44
municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur as well as Pagadian City aiming to further ratify
RA 8973.

As such, the abovementioned events have then paved its way towards the
establishment of Zamboanga Sibugay as the 79" Province of the Philippines. As it
stands, the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay is comprised of sixteen (16)
municipalities and 389 barangays which serves as home to approximately 633,129
inhabitants (Census, 2018) all belonging to varying walks of life, ethnicity, creed and
beliefs. At its very core, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay serves as the central
entity which promotes progress, inclusivity, social justice and service for the
Sibugaynons.

With the declaration of February 24 of every year as a special non-working
holiday to be hailed as the “Araw ng Sibugay”, it would then lead towards
empowering its citizens to celebrate and honor the humble roots and rich history
of the province. Moreover, the celebration of the “Araw ng Sibugay” would then
enable its citizens to be part of celebrations honoring the province’s mandate


towards progress, sustainable development and inclusivity for the people. In light
of this, the festivities would serve as a stepping stone towards attaining progress
and unity not just for the province but also for its citizens.

As it stands, this bill was approved by the House during its third reading on
November 11, 2017 and was passed with amendments by the senate during its
third and final reading on June 3, 2019. However, due to lack of material time, the
bill was not enacted into law. Thus, the refiling of this bill and its immediate
reapproval is earnestly sought.

bie) Pediat

WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II
4" District, Zamboanga Sibugay


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No3416

Introduced by HON. WILTER “SHARKY” WEE PALMA II

AN ACT
DECLARING FEBRUARY 24 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL WORKING
HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY IN COMMEMORATION
OF ITS FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY, TO BE KNOWN AS “ARAW NG SIBUGAY”

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

SECTION 1. February 24 of every year is hereby declared a special working
holiday in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay in commemoration of its founding
anniversary, to be known as “Araw ng Sibugay”. Upon proclamation of the
President, February 24 of every year shall be a special nonworking holiday in the
Province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

we wne

a

SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
7 Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

8 Approved,