NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1866
23 FEB 13 P2 51
RtCEiV'cD BY:
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF BAYBAYIN AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
PROMOTION, PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND 
CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks the promotion, protection, preservation, and conservation of the 
"Baybayin" script.
The "Baybayin" is an ancient Philippine writing system composed of 17 cursive 
characters or letters representing either a single consonant, vowel, or a complete 
syllable. To recognize our traditional writing systems, which are objects of national 
importance and considered a National Cultural Treasure, the "Baybayin," an 
indigenous national writing script which will be Tagalog-based national written 
language and one of the existing native written languages, is hereby declared 
collectively as the "Baybayin" National Writing Script of the country. Hence, it should 
be promoted, protected, preserved, and conserved for posterity for the next 
generation.
This bill, therefore, seeks to promote, protect, preserve and conserve the script 
through the following (a) by requiring food manufacturers to inscribe "Baybayin" 
scripts and their translation on containers or labels; (b) by mandating the LGUs to use 
"Baybayin" scripts in their signage for street names, public facilities, among others;


(c) by requiring newspaper and magazine publishers to include "Baybayin" 
translation of their official name; (d) by directing the appropriate government agency 
to disseminate knowledge and information about "Baybayin" script by distributing 
reading materials in all levels of public and private educational institutions as well as 
in government and private agencies; and (e) by enjoining appropriate government 
and private agencies and offices to instill awareness of the declaration of "Baybayin" 
as the national writing system through the conduct of staff training for the proper 
handling of these important documents.
To provide us a glimpse into the legacies of the past that continue to shape the 
present and the future of our coimtry, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No.
Senate
' (©ffici* of the
23 FEB 13 P2S1
RECEIVED 3\.
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF BAYBAYIN AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
PROMOTION, PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND 
CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Writing System
Act:
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the State's policy to inculcate, propagate, and 
preserve the cultural heritage and treasures of the Philippines for the evolution and 
development of patriotism among the citizenry by giving utmost priority to the 
conservation and promotion of arts, letters, and culture.
Towards this end, there is a need to promote, protect, preserve, and conserve 
"Baybayin," using it as a tool for cultural and economic development to create a 
consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history, heritage, 
and our authentic identity.
Sec. 3. Declaration of "Baybayin" as the National Writing System of the Philippines. 
- To generate greater awareness of the plight of "Baybayin" and foster wider 
appreciation of its importance and beauty, "Baybayin" is hereby declared the National 
Writing System of the Philippines.
As used in this Act, "Baybayin" shall refer to all existing and discovered ancient 
and traditional scripts of the Philippine indigenous peoples.


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Sec. 4. Promotion of "Baybayin" as the National Writing System of the Philippines. -
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"Baybayin," as the national writing system representing Philippine traditions and
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national identity shall be promoted through the following;
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(a) by requiring all manufacturers of locally produced processed produced
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food products to inscribe "Baybayin" scripts and their translation on
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their containers or labels;
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(b) by mandating the local government units (LGUs) to include the
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appropriate "Baybayin" script in their signage for street names, public
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facilities, public buildings, and other necessary signage for other public
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service establishments such as hospitals, fire and poHce stations,
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community centers and government halls;
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(c) by requiring newspaper and magazine pubhshers to include a
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"Baybayin" translation of their official name;
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(d) by directing the appropriate government agency to disseminate
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knowledge and information about the "Baybayin" script by distributing
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reading materials in all levels of public and private educational
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institutions as well as in government and private agencies; and
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(e) by enjoining appropriate goverrmient and private agencies and offices
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to mstill awareness of the declaration of "Baybayin" as the national
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writing system through the conduct of staff training for the proper
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handling of these important documents.
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Sec. 5. Protection, Preservation, and Conservation of "Baybayin" Script. - The
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National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is hereby mandated to
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protect, preserve, and conserve "Baybayin" as a National Cultural Treasure.
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Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the
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approval of this Act, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in
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coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of
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Interior and Local Covernment (DILC), Department of Education (DepEd) and
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Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall promulgate the necessary rules and
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regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
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regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the
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provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act shall be
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declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other part, section, or provision not
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otherwise affected shall remain in fuU force and effect.
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Sec. 9. Ejfectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its pubhcation
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in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,