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‘Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
Queson City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session
House Bill No.

Introduced by

HON. REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
4™ DISTRICT, BUKIDNON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 22 Article II of the Philippine Constitution mandates that:

‘The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous
cultural communities within the framework of national unity
and development.’

A quick survey of the gains achieved since Republic Act No. 8371 was
enacted way back October 29, 1997, otherwise known as, "An Act to
Recognize, Protect and Promote the Rights of Indigenous Cultural
Communities/Indigenous Peoples, creating a National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples, Establishing and Implementing Mechanisms,
Appropriating Funds Therefor and for other purposes", would show that
proactive actions remain lacking.

It could be accounted for by the fact that our culture is not that rooted
in ways that would preserve, enhance and develop what truly are
authentically indigenous — not just people but arts and culture as well.
Traditional indigenous crafts and products are gradually disappearing; songs,
chants, dances, poetry and story-telling are losing ground because no
sustained efforts are directed to ensure the survival of these indigenous
ways such that these are passed on from generation to generation. The


struggle is not totally lost though. Some local government units in the
country are exerting efforts that living, indigenous traditions are sustained.
Arts and culture councils endeavor to preserve indigenous folklores and, in
the process, enhance and develop these through careful documentation and
applying information, education and communication (IEC) strategies.

In the Province of Bukidnon, particularly in the Fourth Legislative
District, there is a significant community of indigenous peoples whose way of
life, products and crafts are worthy of preservation, enhancement and
development. With private sector assistance and help from the academe,
these efforts could still multiply. It is for this reason that this measure
proposes the establishment of an Indigenous Training Center in the City of
Valencia as a hub for the gradual mainstreaming of indigenous arts, crafts
and culture.

Given the above premises, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

HON. LAAI \VIN ROQUE
4™ DISTRICT, BUKIDNON


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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Queson City, Metro Manila
Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 2947

Introduced by

HON. REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
4 DISTRICT, BUKIDNON

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDIGENOUS
TRAINING CENTER IN THE CITY OF VALENCIA, PROVINCE OF
BUKIDNON, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. There is hereby established an Indigenous Training Center in the
City of Valencia, Province of Bukidnon.

SEC. 2. The initial funding to carry out this Act shall be charged against the
appropriations of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued implementation and
operationalization of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. All acts, laws, decrees, executive orders, Letters

of Instructions and regulations or any part thereof which are inconsistent
with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed and/or modified

accordingly.


SEC. 4. Separability Clause. If for any reason any section of provision of this
Act is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or
provisions of this Act which are not affected shall continue in full force and
effect.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. This Act shail take effect after fifteen (15) days following
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the
Official Gazette.

Approved.