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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1177
III
Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillancs IV
AN ACT
DECLARING THE “BALANGAY” AS THE NATIONAL BOAT OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the late 1970s, archeologists have discovered evidence of the existence of the Balangay which is 
considered to be the first and oldest wooden sailing vessel discovered in Southeast Asia. This boat is 
made from wood adjoined by pins and dowels, and was designed for long distance navigation 
without the use of blueprints or any course-plotting methods. According to researchers, said 
watercraft exhibited Filipino ingenuity and early craftsmanship, as well as the seamanship skills of 
Filipinos during the pre-colonial era.1
The historical importance of the role of Balangays in navigation and maritime industry could not be 
denied. The Balangay was instrumental in maintaining harmonious relations with neighboring 
islands and the Southeast Asia region through cultural and commercial interactions. Historian Arnold 
Azurin also looks at the possible role of the Balangays in the spread of religion citing the presence of 
the Hindu-Buddhist tradition prior to Islam and Christianity, and the introduction of the Baybayin 
script.2
Considering the invaluable contributions of Balangay in the pre-colonial history of the Philippines, it 
is important that we accord it recognition not only through museum displays, but through instilling it 
to the consciousness of every Filipino. This can be done by declaring it as the National Boat of the 
Philippines, forming part of the roster of national symbols of the country. Through this measure, it is 
hoped that the state inculcate nationalism and pride in the cultural and historical heritage of the 
nation.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
ANTONIO
ONNY” F. TRILLANES IV
Senator
1 Rosario, B. (2016, January 31). 'Balangay' lo he declared national boat. Retrieved from hHp://www.mb.com.ph/balangay-to- 
bc-declared-national-boat/
2 Dimacali, T. (2013, August 9). Massive balangay 'mother boat' unearthed in Btiiuan. Retrieved from
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/32l334/scitech/sciencc/massive-baIangay-mother-boat-unearthcd-in-butuan


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 1177
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Introduced by Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV
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AN ACT
DECLARING THE “BALANGAY” AS THE NATIONAL BOAT OF THE PHILIPPINES
Be it enacted hy the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION I. It is the policy of the State to promote and inculcate nationalism, 
appreciation and pride in the cultural and historical heritage of the nation including the national 
symbols of the country which embody its ideals and tradition.
SEC. 2. The “Balangay” is hereby declared as the National Boat of the Philippines. It 
refers to the prehistoric edged pegged plank type of boat discovered and excavated in the City of 
Butuan.
SEC. 3. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in coordination with the 
National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Museum, the Department of 
Education and other concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to 
carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 4. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, 
administrative order, rule and regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,