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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3276

Introduced by Representative LORENZ R. DEFENSOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pursuant to sections 14, 15, 16, and 17, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution’, it
is the mandate of the State to foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic
evolution of Filipino culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate
of free artistic and intellectual expression; conserve, develop, promote and
popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources as well as
artistic creations; protect the country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the
cultural treasure of the nation; and recognize, respect, and protect the rights of
indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions,
and institutions.

This proposed measure seeks the restoration, preservation and protection of
the Janiuay Public Cemetery by declaring it a National Cultural Treasure as defined
under Republic Act No, 10066 or the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”.

Built between 1874 to 1888, the Janiuay Public Cemetery was established by an
Augustinian friar, Fernando Llorente situated on an elevated ground with three (3)
grand staircases leading to an octagonal-shaped mortuary chapel. The cemetery was
built in a mixture of architectural styles and elements from Greco-Roman and
Renaissance’, walled with ancient sandstone and bricks.

Sec. 14. The State shall 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.

Sec. 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and
popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations.

Sec. 16, All 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.

Sec. 17. 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.

? Romantic mélange of architectural styles distinguishes Spanish-era cemetery of Janiuay, Hoilo |
Inquirer Lifestyle

> https: / /en-academic.com /dic.nsf/enwiki/1002010


‘The Janiuay Public Cemetery is one of two (2) significant Spanish-era
necropolis in the Province of Hoilo which was hailed as the country’s most artistic
cemetery and was once featured in the national geographic magazine for its unique
architectural design and history. However, the cemetery suffered from natural
deterioration after being subjected to calamities, wars, and natural elements over the
years requiring major restoration projects for the cemetery.

For over a century, the Janiuay Public Cemetery served as a gateway for
Janiuaynons to the past and one of the country’s most remarkable historical and
cultural sites. The Janiuay Public Cemetery’s historical and architectural importance
is truly irreplaceable and it is imperative for the State to prioritize its restoration and
preservation for future generations.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly spught.

LOREN¥ R. DEFENSOR
,, 3 DistXct.of Hoilo

“ hitps:/ /www-exploreiloilo.com/do/info/janiuay-cemetery/


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3276

Introduced by Representative LORENZ R. DEFENSOR

AN ACT
DECLARING THE JANIUAY PUBLIC CEMETERY AND ITS ADJOINING
STRUCTURES AS A NATIONAL CULTURAL TREASURE

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

Sec. 1. This Act shall be known as the “Janiuay Public Cemetery Cultural
Treasure Act”.

Sec. 2, The Constitution mandates the State to foster the preservation,
enrichment, and dynamic evolution of Filipino culture based on the principle of
unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression; conserve,
develop, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and
resources as well as artistic creations; protect the country’s artistic and historic
wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation; and recognize, respect, and
protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their
cultures, traditions, and institutions.

Towards this end, the promotion and preservation of the cultural and
historical landmarks that highlight the history and cultural treasures of the century-
old Janiuay Public Cemetery including all structures therein located in Janiuay,
oilo shall be pursued in the development and management of its tourism, cultural
heritage and resources.

Sec. 3. The Janiuay Public Cemetery including all structures established
therein located in Janiuay, lloilo, is hereby declared a National Cultural Treasure as
defined in Section 3 (bb), Article II of Republic Act No. 10066 or the “National
Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”. As such, it shall be accorded priority development
and preservation by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the


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Department of Tourism and its affiliated cultural agencies, and other concerned
agencies of the government in coordination with the municipal government of
Janiuay and the Provincial Government of Iloilo, subject to the rules and regulations
governing the conservation and preservation of national cultural treasures as
provided in Republic Act No. 10066 and other laws.

Sec. 4. The Department of Tourism, the National Commission for Culture and
the Arts, and its affiliated cultural agencies in coordination with the municipality of
Janiuay and the Provincial Government of Ioilo, shall immediately prepare the
development plan involving the preservation, conservation, restoration and
maintenance of the Janiuay Public Cemetery including all cultural and historical
sites and structures therein for the enhancement and sustainability of tourism in the
municipality of Janiuay. Provided, that the NCCA shall approve only those methods
and materials that strictly adhere to the accepted international standards of
conservation in undertaking conservation and restoration works, as provided for in
Section 15 of Republic Act No. 10066.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the Provincial Government of Iloilo, the municipal government of
Janiuay, the NCCA and its affiliated cultural agencies, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,