SI A KN I I JCNTII CONCRKSS OK THK ) 
K K ruilU C  o K T iii; I’liiL irriN K s 
)
Second Rcf^nlar Session 
)
S K N A T K
f;v, ; 
m > r f  of lH>' '
‘ 17 
JUL 31 
A 9  5 6
Senate Bill No. 1528
RtCtIVl.U I.”
(In substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 31 and 604)
I’l cpam l jointly by the Comniittccs on Kclucation, Arts and Cullui c. Civil Service and 
Covcrnnienf Rcoi Rani/.a(ion and Professional Remdation and Finance, with Senators 
Ke}>arda, Binay, A(|nino IV and Kscndcro as authors
AN ACT KSTABUSIIING TIIK DKPARTMFNT OF CULTURE, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Re I t  enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Coneres.' 
assembled:
SEC I ION l.S hoii Title. This Act shall be known as the “Department of Culture Act.’
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ARTICEE I
DECI.ARATION OF POLICY
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
1. 
To 
iccogni^e 
that 
culture 
is 
a 
unifying, 
humanizing and 
modernizing
agcnt/instnim ent o f  any .soeiety, and the p a trim o n y  and rig id  o f  every citize n  o f  the 
P hilippines;
». 
To recognize the vital role of eulture in nation-building;
:. 
To Incorporate considerations of eulture in the formulation of appropriate and 
significant political and economic policy that will better serve Filipinos and cn.sure 
that all Filipinos enjoy full cultural rights, take full advantage of a dynamic cultural 
cxpciience. and be inspired, sustained by, draw from, contribute to and celebrate the 
country’s culture;
I. 
To create a national body which will develop, manage and be responsible for the 
implementation of policy, legislation and strategic direction for the protection, 
regulation, prcsciwation, dcvcloiimcnt. management, dissemination and promotion 
of the countiy's culture, relative to the immense national re.sources, patrimony and 
wealth engendered and amassed through countless generations and centuries of 
distinctive Filipino ways of life and experiences in specific natural and social 
environments that this represents, and to facilitate the convergence of various 
agencies with cultural mandates and rationalize their organizations and functions;
To lo.ster. Strengthen, and accelerate the convergence of various cultural offices 
agencies, and rationalize their organizations and functions;


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y-
h.
lo icc()giii/,c tliiil cullur.'il aliication is tlic right of every eiti/.en ciiul therefore ensure 
that ciilliirnl lilci acy is inciilcalcil in tlic development and education of all [-'ilipinos;
To promote the national language of the country while enhancing the linguistie 
diversity of the Philippines; and.
To secure and improve the welfare of Filipino artists and cultural workers.
I he Department shall continually review the state and needs of culture and arts in the 
context of the country’s developincnial goals.
SKC’. 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be 
dcllncrl as follow:
a. 
“Art ’ shall icier to the expression or application of human creative skill and 
imagination.
h. 
Conservation” shall icier lo all process and measures of maintaining the cultural 
sigiiiricaiicc ol a cultural properly, including but not limited lo, preservation, 
rcsioralion. rcconsiruclion, protection, adaptive rc-u.se or any combination thereof.
s. 
CiiKiiinl agencies 
shall refer to any of the following national government 
agencies with their specific areas of rcsponsihilily; National Museum of the 
Phih|ipincs (cultural properly), the National Uhrary of the Philippines (books). 
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (Philippine history), the National 
Archives ol the Philippines (documents) the riillural Center of the Philippines 
(cultuic lind aits) anil Komisyon sa Wikang Fili|iino (language).
d. 
Cnitnral Kdneation” shall refer lo the leaching and learning of cultural concepts 
and proccs.ses.
c. 
“Ciilliii jil Heritage” shall refer lo the totality of cultural property preserved and 
developed through lime and passed on lo |iostcrity.
I. 
“Cultural Property” shall refer to all products of human creativity by which pcirplc 
and nation reveal their identity, including architecture and sites or human activity 
f dull dies, nio.siiucs and other places of religious worship, .schools] and natural 
history specimens and sites, whether public or privately owned, movable or 
immovable, and tangible or intangible.
g-
Cultiiie shall icier lo the broad spectrum of people’s beliefs, practices, cu.stoms 
and Iradilions. material culture, arts, and other forms of actual and symbolic 
cxpiessiiuis and representations which arc handed down from one generation lo the 
next in Hie process of interaction.
“History” shall refer to a wrillen record of past events relating to Philippine history.
ludigcnoiis Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples” shall refer to a group 
of people or homogenous .societies idcnlificd by .self-ascription and ascription by 
others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally 
bounded and dclined lerrilory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time 
immcmoiial, occupied, iiosscsscd and utilized such territories, sharing common 
bonds ol language, customs, Iradilions and oilier distinctive cultural traits, or who 
have, through resistance lo political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, 
non-indigenous religions and cultures, became historically differentiated liom the 
niajoiily ol Filipinos. ICC.s/lPs shall likcwi.se include pcojilcs who arc regarded as


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iiuligciioiis on accoiml ol (heir dcscciil lioin the populations which inhabited the 
country, at (he tune orcoiu|ucst or colonization, or at the time of inroads of non- 
indiycnous religions anil cultures, or (he estahlishincnt of'inesent state boundaries, 
who ictain some or all ol their own social, economic, cultural and political 
institutions, hut who may have been displaced from (heir traditional domains or who 
may have resettled outside their ancestral domains;
Intangible 
(ultural 
Heritage" shall 
refer to 
practices, 
representations, 
expicssions, knowledge, skills, as well as instrument, objects and artifacts 
associated therewith, (hat eommunitics. groups and individual recognize as part of 
their cultural heritage, such as; (I) oral traditions, usages, customs, languages and 
other expressions; (2) performing arts; (3) social practices, religious rites, rituals 
culinary traditions, and festive events; (4) knowledge and practices concerning 
nature and the universe, worship and (5) traditional craftsmanship.
AK I K Li: II
I in : d k i’a u t m i n i o f c:h l t u r f
• 4 C rei,Uon °f ll‘f’ Ih ’paniiu’iU of Ciilf me. There is hereby created (he Department 
C ulturc {Ar/gmiru.m /;g Kiiliuni). hereinafter referred to as the Dciiartment, which shall be 
the primary pohcy-lornuilatmg, planning, coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity 
ol the executive branch ol the National Oovernment that will implement the pertinent
provisions ol (he Constitution regarding culture and arts as well as the aforementioned policy of 
the Slate. 
' 
J
I he Department with its attached agencies shall be responsible for (he protection 
preservation, regulation, development, management, dissemination and promotion of the 
uillural, historical and artistic heritage and resources, tangible and intangible, of the Philippines 
and the I ilipmo people, all of which, will, their physical and social contexts and environments, 
.^e understood as together constituting and pertaining to Philippine culture for purposes of this
The Depai lment shall continually review the state and needs of euKiire and arts in the 
context ol (he country’s developmental goals.
s u e . .S. Powers ami Pmiclions. fhe Department shall exercise (he fidlowing powers 
and lunctions:
a. 
10111111^(0 and implcmenl national policies, plans, programs, and guidelines for the 
piotection, pieservation, regulation, development, management, disseniination and 
promotion of culture, to ensure overall consistency, effectiveness, eiriciency, and 
conlorniily with (he policies of (he State articulated in the Con.stitution as wcll as in 
this Act and other pertinent laws and issnances;
b.
Assume and exercise all existing regulatory and iiuasi-judicial functions established 
iiiider Republic Act No. 484b, or "The Cullural rropcrlies Preservation and 
rroteeUon AeK" Presidential Decree No. 374, or "Amending the Cn/inral Properties 
Preservation and Protection Act; " Presidential Decree No. Ibib, or "Creation of the 
Intranniros Administration: " Presidential Decree No. 1748, or "An Act Amending the 
Charter of the Intranniros Administration '' Reiniblie Act No. 8491, or "The T'la^ 
and Heraldic Code of the Philippines:'' Republic Act No. 910.5. or "Art and For{;eiy 
Act of 2001:'' Republic Act No. lOObb. or "The National Cultural Heritage Act of 
2dm. " and. Republic Act No. 1008b or "Strengthening Peoples' Nationalism 
ihnnigh Philippine History Act,'' as well as such functions promulgated through 
executive issuances that iicriain to the agencies of (he National Govci nmcnt covered 
under this Act, which arc all hereby tiansfcrrcd in toto to the Department from the


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said ajicncics;
c. Be rcsponsil)lc lor disaster risk rediielion and nianayemcnt relative to culture and 
cultural propcity, hotli tlirougli its own programs and projects as well as through the 
National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Couneil and Regional Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management rouncils. on which it shall have lull membership, 
rc|>rcscnlation and participation;
d. 
Recommend to the I’rcsidcnt of the I’hilippincs the designation, through Presidential 
I’loclamation, with aiipropriatc puhlishctl guidelines iicrtaining thereto, of a cultural 
property, whether immovahle or movable, tangible or intangible, as a National 
Cultural Monument, a category hereby established which incorporates the previously- 
established legal definitions of, criteria pertaining to, and all cultural property 
previously declared by authoii/,cd agencies as National Cultural Treasure. National 
I listorical l andmark. National Historical Shrine, National Historical Monument, and 
National I listorical Site;
e. 
Designate, through Department Order, and with appropriate published guidelines 
pertaining thereto, cultural property, whether immovable or movable, tangible or 
itilangible. as National Cultural Property, a category hereby established which
; 
mc.aporates the previously-establishetl legal dellnitions of, criteria pertaining to, and 
all cultural property previously declared by authorized agctieies as Important Cultural 
Propcity and llei itage House;
1. 
Administer the ciuahlication and selection, with appropriate published guidelines 
pertaining thereto, ol the Award for National Living rrcasurcs (OV/nv/(/;;g Aftni/iliklia 
nayanl which is heteby renamed as the Order of National Living Treasures 
(Olden ny inyn I'ninhimsdny MnnlUikha ny Unynn). and the Onler of National Artists 
(Olden ny iiiyii I'nnihansdiiy Alaydd ny Sininy), and recommend those nominees to 
either Order who have been t|ualilicd and selected to the President of the Philippines 
lor proclamation as such and conferral of the same;
g. 
Undertake, through a National Institute of Culture and Arts Management and the 
Inslitutts ()| Living iuulitions tc' be cstablishcil for the |iiirposc, in an appropriate 
partnership with the academic sector, the education, training and certillcation of 
cultural oil leers and personnel as a necessary (lualillcation for employment and 
promotion m the National Government and in local governments where such might 
be rc(|uircd by the Department in coordination with the Civil Service Commission 
and the ( aicer I xecntive Service Board, at the career sub-professional, career 
piofessional, and caieei executive levels, t<> include a[)propriale cour.scs and programs 
towaids certilicates, di|ilomas. and nndergiadnatc and graduate degrees;
h. Administer the ciualification, selection aiul conferral of such other awards as it may 
establish m support of its mandate;
i. 
Support the development of the cultural, artistic and creative industries of the 
country, in all particulars and at all levels;
j. 
Administer the endowment funds established separately under Scctitm 20 of Republic 
Act No. 7.3.56, I he f,dw ( iTdliny the Ndlioiuil ('nnnnission for cniinre und the A rts" 
and Section .50 of Republic Act No. 10066, which arc herein con.solidatcd into a 
single National lindowment Lund for Culture and Arts (NLLCA) that shall continue 
to be .souKcd and augmented as provided by the tiforcmcntioncd provisions, and 
piovidc Imancial supiiort Irom this lund for various national prograhis through a 
s.vstem ol grants drawing Irom the proceeds, including both principal and interest, of 
the same, subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management.


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k. 
I3cpicscn( the Philippines in nicnltcrs pertaining to culture in overseas regional and 
international organi/.alions and events.
l. 
Other iH)vvers and lunetions as may he created, assigned or transfciTcd by the 
President of the I’hilippincs in accordance with law.
SKC. 6, Composifion. I he Department proper shall include the Offlee of the Secretary 
and the stall units directly under it, including the Services e.stabli.shed herein. The Office of the 
Scuct.ny shall consist o( the Secretary, at least three (.3) Uiulersecretaries, and at least five (5) 
Assistant Secretaries, together with the personnel in their immediate offices.
SIX. 7. Scarfaiy of Culture. I he authority and responsibility for the exercise of the 
mandate ol the Department and for the discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in 
the Secictary, who shall have supervision and control of the Department and shall be appointed
l\y the Picsident ol the Philippines, subject to the confirmation by the Commission on 
Appointments.
s ix :. X. Pourrs ami l unetions of the Seeretaiy. —The Secretary shall have the 
following powers and fnnclions:
a.
f.
g-
Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the 
Department and exercise administrative supervision over its attached agencies;
l.st.iblish policies and standards for the cficclivc, elficienf and economical operation 
of the Dcpaitmcnf, in accordance with the programs of govcnmicnt;
Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out department mandates, 
objectives, policies, lunclions. plans, programs and projects;
Promulgate adminisiralivc is.suanees ncccs.sary for the efficient administration of the 
olliccs under the Secretary and for proper execution of the laws relative thereto. 
These issuances shall not prescribe penalties for their violation, except when 
expressly authori/.cd by law;
Ralionali/e delivery systems necessary for the effective attainment of the objectives 
of the D(. pailmcnt, in accordance with the programs of Government;
Appoint all olliccrs and employees of the Department except those whose 
appointments arc vested in the I’rcsidcnt or in some other appointing authority and 
shall aiipoint employees to positions in the second level in the regional offices as 
defined in Ihis Ael and in accordance with the Civil Service laws, nilcs and 
regulations;
lixcreisc di.seiplinary powers over officers and employees under the Secretary in 
accordance with law, including their investigation and the designation of a 
committee or officer to conduct such investigation;
Sit on the governing boards of attached agencies as provided in this Act, as well as 
any other agencies or organizations as may be appropriate or designated;
Coordinate with local governments, other agencies and public and private interests' 
groups, 
including 
non-government 
organi/alions 
(NGOs) 
and 
people’s 
oigani/ations (I’Os) on Department policies and initiatives;
Advise the I’lesidcnt ol the Philippines and make recommendations on the 
promulgation of executive anil administrative orders and regulatory and legislative 
proposals on matters pertaining to culture;


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k.
111.
II.
I oimulalc aiul ciilurcc a .system ol measuring and evaluating periodically and 
ohjcclivcly the pcrlormaiiec ol thc l)c|iaitmcnt and submit the same annually to the 
President;
Prciiarc and submit to the i’rcsidcnt through the Department of Budget and 
Management an estimate of the necessary expenditures of the department during the 
next fiscal ycai, on the basis of the reports and estimates submitted by bureaus and 
officers under the neiiartmcnt;
hxeici.se juri.sdiction over all bureaus, olfices, agencies and corporations under the 
Department as arc provitled by law; anil,
leiloims such other functions as may be proviifcd by faw or assigned by the 
I’l csidcnl of tlic Kc|nil)lic of the I’hilippiiics.
SIX'. 9. IhuU’rsvaetancs. I fie Secretary shall be assisted by three (.3) Undersecretaries, 
who shall be appointed by the President of the I’hilippincs upon the recommendation of the
Secretary, at least two (2) of whom shall be career oHicers. In general, the undersecretaries 
shall;
a. 
Advi.sc and assist the Secretary in the Ibrniulation and implementation of 
department (dijcctives and policies;
b. 
Oversee all tlic opcialional activities of tlie bureau or units for which he shall be 
responsible as assigned by the Secretary;
c. 
Coordinate the inograms and projects of the same and be responsible for its 
economical, cllleieni and effective administration;
d. 
Whenever ncecssary he designated to .serve as deputy to the Secretary in all matters
relating to the operations of the department; the designated Undersecretary will 
temporarily discharge the duties of the Secretary in the latter’s ab.scncc or inability 
to di.schargc his or her duties for any cause or in ease of vacancy of the said office, 
unless otherwise provided by law; the President of the IMiilippines shall likewi.se 
make the lcni|iorary designation ol Acting Secretary to the same; and 
*
c. 
Pciiorm such other lunctioiis and duties as may be provided by law.
SLC. \{).A.y’si.sian( ScacUnies. The Secretary shall be assisted by at five (5) A.ssislant 
Secrclaiies, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary, at least three (.3) of whom shall be career olTiccrs. Tlic 
Assistant Scerctarics shall be in charge of specific areas of responsibility as may be established 
by the Sccrctai N’.
SIX'. II. Qutilifications. No person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary, or 
A.ssistant Secretary of the Department unic.ss he or she is a citizen and resident of the 
I’hilipiiines, ol good moral character, and of proven integrity, and with at least seven (7) years 
of competence/ cxiu'i lisc/ experience as manager, advocate, scholar or practitioner in Helds of 
endeavor related to Philippine culture and the mandate and functions of the Department.
AUTICLi: III
n i l :  m.PARTMi.NT s i:k v i c i:s
SKC., 12. DrjKii tiiifiii S(T\'ic(’s.— I he Department of Culture shall have services which 
shall include the (icncral Administrative Service, Financial Management Service, Policy and


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I lamiing Service, I.egnI Aflairs Service, Physical i'acilitics Management Sci-vicc, Human 
Kesmirces 
Ilcvelopment 
Service. 
Siralcgic rommiinicalions and 
Initiativc.s Service, 
kncnvlcdgc and Inlormalion Systems, I’roject livalualion and Monitnring Service, Poreign- 
Assislcd and Special I’mjccls Service, 
Internal Audit Service, l-ndowmcnl Management 
Service. Ciianls Management Service;
AIM K M , IV 
n i i :  lu im  AHs
SLC . 1.3. ///<’ lUmunis of the Dquitlinent -W\c Department shall cxcrei.se supci-vision 
and control over the following six (6) Hnrcaiis which arc created under it:
a. 
Ilnrvau of ( iillmol Comiimnifics anti Tnulitionol Arts Development -  shall 
lornuilatc and implement plans, programs and activities for the development of the 
dideicnt cultural communities all over the country, ensure the preservation and 
(hssemination of the country's diverse cultures, cstahli.sh schooKs/ institutes for 
living traditions, encourage the continued practice and development of traditional 
aits and crafts, document the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP), 
and cause the iccognition of outstanding traditional artists.
b. 
Hureon of C iilliirol J'ropenies Proteefion and Pej’idafion -  shall be in-charge of 
the registration and documentation of the nation’s hi.storical and cultural propcrtic.s, 
issue permits and licen.scs. coiuluct inspection and assessment on cultural properties, 
implement Disaster Risk Reduction program for the cultural as.sct.s, enforce laws on 
cultural heritage conservation and intellectual property protection for artists and 
cultural experts.
c. 
Ihneoii of Cnitnrol Properties Preservation -  shall formulate and imiilcmcnt plans, 
programs, and activities for the prc.scrvalion of tangible and intangible cultural 
heritage, provide architectural, engineering, .scientific and con.scrvation laboratory 
.services, provide support to monuments and sites, mu.scums and galleries and 
libraries and archives all over the eouiitry and c.stablish a National Institute of 
I Icritagc Consci vation.
d. 
Ilnrean of Artistic Resources Development -  shall ensure the continuing and 
balance (Icvelo|imcnt ol the nation’s artistic heritage in its various forms; 
pci lorming arts, film and media arts, visual arts, architecture and allied arts and 
literature, provide support to regional and local culture and arts centers, pcribrming 
arts and exhibition venues, ensure the welfare of artists and cultural workers, 
uiulcrtake human resource development programs for artists, and establish the 
Natumal Acailcmy for Culture and Arts and National Institute for Culture and Arts 
Management.
c. 
Rnrean of Cnitnrol Research, luincalion and Dissemination -  shall undertake 
cultuial research for policy and iirogram development, publish cultural materials, 
especially on positive Filipino values for di.sscmination, manage the cultural 
education program (or the country, cnsiiic the development and promotion of 
I’hilippinc languages, implement national translation program, and imidcmcnt 
national promotion program in various forms of media.
1. 
Rnrean of Cnitnrol and Creative Industries 
shall formulate |ilans anil programs 
to ignite the innovative and ciitrepreiieui iai miiufsct of Filipino arti.sts and cstahli.sh 
industries in (he various genre of arts; performing arts, cinema, books and
publications, creative designs, culinary and lifestyle and architecture and allied arts 
and others.
Facli Bureau shall be headed by a Bureau Director, who .shall be assisted by one (I)


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Assistant Hiircan Director. The niireau Director aiul Assistant Ikircau Director shall be 
appointed by the I’resulent upon the rceomniciulation of the Secretary.
SLC. 14. I'oM crs ami Dufies o f Bincau Director. 
The Bureau Director sliall be its 
chiel executive olliccr. lie .shall exercise overall authority in matters within the jurisdiction of 
the bureau, including those relatiii}: to its operation.s, and enforce all laws and regulations 
pertaining to it. Shall appoint personnel to all positions in his bureau or (dficc. in accordance 
with law. In the case of the line bureau or oflice. the head .shall also appoint the second level 
personnel ol the regional offiees, unless such power has been delegated. He .shall have the 
authority to di.sciplinc employees in accordanec with the Civil Service I .aw.
AIM K l.i: V
T in : KITHONAL AND I IKLI) Ol I K KS
SI'X.. 15. li eg ion at Offices of the Deparfinenf. 1 he Department is hereby authorized to 
establish, operate and maintain a Regional OITiec. whenever appropriate, in each of the 
administrative regions of the country. 
Itach regional office shall be headed by a Regional 
Director, who may be assisted by one (1) Assistant Regional Director. The Regional Director 
:'i'd Assistant Regional Director shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation 
ol the Secretary: Providcil. fhat they .shall be persons recognized as an accomplished manager, 
advocate, scholar or practitioner in fields of endeavor related to Philippine culture in the
legion. Ol any suitably (|ualilicd person in accordance with Civil Service Commission (CSC) 
rules and regulations.
It may also establish satellite, extension or field offices when and wherever necessary 
particularly in locations where significant cultural and heritage properties and concerns arc 
ucniilicd to exist, and to suppoil the opeialions. programs and projects of its attached and 
oilier concerned agencies and in.stilulion.s. A regional ofllcc shall have, within its 
adminisiralivc region, the following functions:
a. 
Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, rules and regulations of the dcpailmcnt 
or agency in the regional area;
b. 
Piovidc economical, clficicnt and elfcctivc service to the people in the area;
c. 
Undcilake ic.scarch and gather data on local eulturc and arts trends and other 
relevant cultural and artistic information;
d. 
Cause to establish and ovcr.scc the regional and local culture and arts councils (as
lar as the city and municipal level) to engage pailicipalion of local artists and 
eullural workers;
c. 
( oordinalc with regional offices of other dcpailmcnts, bureaus and agencies in the 
area;
f.
ti­
ll.
Coordinate with local government units in the area;
Make iccoiiimcndalions to the Secretary on all matters relating to culture and ai1s in 
the region; and.
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
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SIX’. 16. Duties o f a Regional Director. -1 he Rcgioiinl Director shall perfomi duties 
and lunctions as may he provided hy law or rurlhcr delegated by the hca»l of agency or other 
proper authorities concerned.
Aininr, M
I iiL A 11 AC 
a (; i;n( IKS, i N s n n n  i s, a d v i s o u v  c:o iin c :ik, o v k u s k a s
()l KIC KS
SI'X . 17. Jho Attoehcil Aficneies.
:i. 
I he National Commission lor Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is hereby abolished, 
and then powers and lunction.s. applicable funds and appropriations, records. 
c(|uipmcnt. projicrty. and personnel transrerred to the Department.
The lollowing agencies are hereby attached to the Department I'or policy and 
piogram coordinatir)n. and shall continue to operate and I'unction in accordance with 
the charters, laws or orders creating them, insofar as they are not inconsistent with 
this act.
I).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. 
11. 
12.
C’ullural Center of the I’hilipiiincs (CCI’)
National Museum of the Philippines (NMP)
National Historical Commission of the Philiiipincs (NIICP) 
National l.ibrary ol the Philippines (Nl.P)
National Archives ol the Philippines (NAP)
Komisyon sa Wikang l ilipino (KVVf)
Intramuids Administration (lA)
National Paiks Development Committee (NPDC)
Na>'ong Pilipino Poundation (Nl’p)
film Development Council of the Philiiiidncs (PDCP)
National Hook Development Moaul (NMDM)
Design C enter ol the Philippines
c.
I he laws and rules on government reorgani/ation as provided for in Kcpiiblie Act 
No. b.Sbb. otherwise known as the Reorgani/ation Law, shall govern the 
organization process of the Department.
SI'X . IS. Notional Institutes. I he following National Institutes, with their respective 
networks throughout the country, shall be established under the Department:
a. 
I he National Institute of Living 1 radilions. and through it, a network of individual 
Schools ol Living I radilions to be c.slablishcd, which, with the .support of 
appiopiiale paitnerships, shall he responsible for programs and projects related to the 
.safcguaiding, sustainability, propagation and intcrgcncrational transmi.ssion of
intangible culluial heritage, particularly that which iicrtains to indigenous cultural 
communities;
b. 
I he National Institute ol Cultural Heritage Pre.scrvation. and through it, a network of 
individual /■.'.v/orc/r/ Tolycr (Workshop Schools) to be c.stabli.shcd, which, with the 
support of appropriate partnerships, shall be responsible for |irograms anil projects 
related to national capacity building in the area of conservation ails, sciences and 
trades with respect to the pre.scrvation of immovable and movable cultural property 
and with a particular focus on vocational training for youth; and
c. 
I he National Institute ol Culture and Arts Management, and through it, a network of 
mdivulual Culture and Arts Management fraining Centers to be established, which, 
with the support of appropriate partncr.ship.s, shall be rc.sponsibic for programs and


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proiccts iclatcil to the education, training and ccHilication of cultural olTiccrs and 
personnel as a necessary (pialilicalion lor employment and promotion in the National 
Ciovernmcnt and in local governments where such might he required by the 
Department in coordination with the Civil Service Commission and the Career 
hxcailivc Service Hoard, at the career sub-professional, career professional, and 
eaieci executive levels, to include approjniatc courses and programs towards 
ccitiIIcates, diplomas, and undergraduate and graduate degrees;
S he. 19. NaUniml Actuh my of Cnlun c ond Arts. I here is hereby established under the 
Department a National Academy of Cnltnic and Arts, which shall be an institutionalized 
associalKui ol the nation’s loremost leaders and exponents of culture and arts, the primary 
purpose ol which IS to support the mandate of the Department as an independent body of
eminent persons. The President of the Philippines shall be the Honorary Patron of the National 
Academy ol Culture and Arts.
The structure and organization of the Academy, including the spceincation of its 
lunetions, procedures as to its governance and the selection of its members, and the 
compcxsition of its .secretariat, shall be contained in a chailcr to be formulated by tbc 
Department and promulgated by the President of the Philippines through an I-xceutivc Order 
within one (1) year of the el fcctivity of this Act.
SI'X’. 20. Culture and Arts Advisory Councils, fhe Department shall facilitate the 
creation ol a National Culture and Arts Advisory C ouncil, a Regional Culture and Arts 
Advi.sory Council, and, a Local Culture and Alls Advi.sory Council, to assist the Department in 
the implementation ol culture and ai1s initiatives.
SI'.C . 2 1. Sectoral and Industry Task Forces, 'fhe Department may create a sectoral 
.ind iiKlustry task forces, technical working groups, advisory bodies or committees for the 
luitbcrancc ol its objectives. 
Additional private sector representatives, such as from the 
academe. CSOs, and lederalion of private indu.strics directly involved in culture and the ai1s as 
well as rcprcscntalu cs of other I ,Cd Is, an.l CiOCCs may be appointed to these working groups.
SL( . 22. liizal Centers 
'fhe Department shall, through a dedicated organizational 
unit to be csiablishcil lor the purpose, establish and manage centers, to be known as Rizal 
C enters or Sentm Rizal. throughout the country and overseas, the primary puniosc of which 
.sha 1 be the promotion ol, and the facilitation of access by the constituency of each center to, 
Philippine culture generally as well as the cultural rc.sourccs managcil by the Department and 
Its attached agencies in particular.
Domc.stically, the Department .shall establish Scutro Rizal as regional cultural centers 
and hubs, to be sniicrviscd and oiicratcd appropriately through its regional ofi'iccs. Such 
icgional centers .shall include exhibition and performance vcnuc.s, and facilities enabling acce.ss 
to knowledge resources, particularly those pertaining to vernacular language re.sources.
Overseas, the Department shall establish Sentro Rizal as Philippine cultural centers in 
key places lor the benelil of the global diaspora of Philippine citizens, the global community of 
•ilipmo migrants or dcsccndcnts thereof, and all who arc intcrc.stcd in Philippine culture. The 
Department lor this purpose shall coordinate with the Department of Lorcign Affairs, the 
Commission on bilipinos Overseas, and other concerned agencies.
Snell Srniro Rizal as may be established overseas shall have a dedicated budget and staff 
under the Dcparlmcnt and be considered as overseas oflkcs thereof, shall function as 
repositories ol Philippine cultural resources, shall carry out active programs and projects to 
engage then- respective consliiuencies, and shall offer courses in the national language and any 
other l ilipino languages as may appropriate.
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llic opcniliuiis of (lie Srniro Rizal nclwork ol'llic Department, both domestieally and 
overseas sliall lie considered as one its permanent flagsliip programs, and sliall therefore be 
specilieally provided tor in the General Aiiproprialions Act for every liseal year.
Aiticle XII, including Sections 42 to 47, ofKepublie Act No. 10066 is hereby repealed.
SKC , 23. Overseas OJliees. 1 be Department .shall establish overseas onices wlienever 
necessary to;
a.
e.
d.
Iniplement plans, programs and projects of the Department relative to communities 
ol rlnlippinc citi/ens abroad;
Piomole I'ili|iino ciiltiirc to (be international community;
Coordinate with inlcrnational organizations as well as with the overseas offices of 
other departments, offices and agencies of the Philippine government; and
Pcriorm such other lunctions as may be provided by law.
AIM l( l,i: V 
UK()K(iANIZA riON
r 
• 
n, C j^ 4' 
'• I'C laws and rules on government reorganization as luovided
lor in Republic Act No. 6656. otherwi.se known as (he Reorganization Law, shall govern (he 
icoiganization process ol (he Department and. where appropriate, its attached agencies,
Sl"<Oine and SlaffinK raUent. Subjeet to the approval of the Department of 
Budget and Maiiagcincnt (DHM). (he Department and, where appropriate, its attached 
agencies, .shall determine its orgain/ational strueture and create new divisions or units as it 
may deem nccc.s.sary, aiul shall appoint officers and employees of the Dcpailmcnt and its 
attached agencies m accordanec with the Civil Service Law, rules, and regulations.
SIX'. 26. Transilion Period. The (ransicr of functions, a.sscts, funds, equipment 
piopcities. transactions, and personnel of al fected agencies, and the formulation of the internal 
oigamc sliucture, stalling pattern, operating sy.sicm, and revised budget of the Department, 
s ia 
be completed within si.x (6) months from the cffcctivity of (his Act, during which time 
llic existing personnel shall continue to a.ssumc their po.sts in holdover capacities until new 
appointinenl.s are issued; Provnlnl. 
that after (he abolition of the agency, as specified in 
. cction 16(a) ol this Act, the F9cparlmcnt. in coordination with (he DBM, .shall dctcmiinc and
Cl cate new posiiion.s, the lunding rcc|uircmcnt of which shall not exceed the equivalent cost of 
liositions abolished.
SLC. 27. ScpaniMoii from Servieo. I niployccs separated from the service as a result of 
Ibis reorganization shall, within ninety (90) days thcrclrom, receive the separation and 
ictircmcnt benclits to which (hey may be entitled under Lxccutivc Order No. 366 Provided 
lhat such .separation pay and retirement benefits shall have priority of payment out of the 
savings ol the department or agency.
ARTK’LIC VI
PKOPLIM ILS Ol' I IIK DKPAIMMLN I
SLC. 2S. Post njfiee lhilldinK and l.loasanK llonifaeio. The Post Office Building, 
currently the property of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost), and (he area known as 
Liwasang Bonifacio (formerly Plaza Lawton), both in the City of Manila, arc hereby
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appiopiialccl lor llic exclusive use aiul cenlial olCice premises oniic Department ofCulturc anil 
its allaclicd aj;ciu'ies,
SI'X , 29. O ther Properties. Real aiui movable properties owned by those ageneies 
abolished or absoibed into the neparlmcnt under lids Act, namely the National Commission
lor Culluie and the Arts Huilding and the Mclropolilan rbealre, shall be transferred to the 
Department.
A u n c u :  Ml
AITUOI’KIATIONS AND FINAL I’KOVISIONS
SI‘X . 30. A ppro priation s. Hie amount needed for the initial implementation of this Aet 
shall be taken Irom the eurrent liseal year’s appropriation for the NCCA through the Office of 
Ihe I icsidcnl. and olher aiiiiropriations available lor the purpose. Thereafter, the amount 
necilcd lor the operation and mainlenanec of the Department proper shall he ineludcd in the
.eneral Appropriations Aet, provided that for the next fiscal year, the amount shall be no less 
than Iwo Billion Pesos (PI IP2,()0(),n0().()n().00).
SIX’. 31. Im plem enting Rules an,I Repniations. 
I he Office of the President in 
eon.sultation with other government agencies mentioned in this Act, shall promulgate its 
implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the effeelivily of this Aet.
SL (; 32. Repealing d a n se . All laws, decrees, cxceulivc orders, rules and regulations 
and other issuances or iiaits thereof that arc inconsistent with this Act arc hereby repealed
amended o r m o d ifie d  a ccordingly.
SI'.C. 33. SeparahHity d a n se . If any provision of this Act shall he declared 
uneonstitulumal or invalid, the olher provisions not olhcrwi.sc affected shall remain in full 
lorec and clicct.
SFC. 34. P ffee/ivity dan.se. This Aet .shall take effect liltccn (13) days from its 
publication m at least Iwo (2) papers of general circulation.
Approveil.
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