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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6157

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS,
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare September 8 of every year as a Special Non-
Working Day in the Municipality of Loon, province of Bohol, in celebration of the
annual Sidlakasilak Festival otherwise known as the “Festival of Lights” which
coincides with the Feast of Our Lady of Light.

Sidlakasilak Festival, a week-long fe:
2000, culminates every 8" of September.
from the vern

ival of lights launched in the year
he name “SidlaKasilak” was derived
ular word “Sidlak” or light, which has multifarious meanings, like
hope, inspiration, enlightenment, triumph, success, deliverance, among others,
which also reflects the qualities of Boholanos who were able to withstand the test
of time and, in particular, survived the devastation caused by the 2013
earthquake,

Sidlakasilak has become the most anticipated annual event among
Loonanons and tourists alike, here and abroad. It aims to showcase Loon’s rich
cultural heritage and promote local tourism through socio-cultural programs;
exhibits on arts, photographs, handicrafts, and other local products; talent
competition; homecoming and reunions and competitions that involve lights,
such as street dancing and other performances, lighting of houses and streets. In
the past 15 years, this festival has seen to enhance active participation of the
different sectors of society and strenghten sentimental bond among Loonanons.

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

“ye
RENE rope RELAMPAGOS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6157

Introduced by HON. RENE L, RELAMPAGOS
First District, Bohol

“AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 8 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL
NON-WORKING HOLIDAY, IN CELEBRATION OF SIDLAKASILAK
FESTIVAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LOON, PROVINCE OF BOHOL”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “DECLARING
SIDLAKASILAK FESTIVAL AS NON-WORKING DAY”

SECTION 2. Special Non-Working Day. ~ September 8 of every year is hereby
declared as a non-working day in celebration of Sidlakasilak Festival or the Festival of
Lights in the Municipality of Loon, Province of Bohol.

SECTION 3. Executive Committee. — To ensure the meaningful observance of
said festival, as herein declared, the Local Chief Executive shall organize a SidlaKasilak
Executive Committee to be composed of, but not limited to, the following:

a. Municipal Mayor as chairperson;

b. Municipal Vice Mayor;

c. Representative of the local parish church;

d. Representative of each administrative district of the LGU;

e. Representatives of public and private schools;

f. Representatives of the different sectors, e.g. youth, women, business, POs, NGOs,
and others;

g. Members of the Municipal Tourism Council; and

h. Members of the Municipal Council for Cultural Heritage and Arts.

The members of the Committee shall be assigned duties and responsibilities
based on their capabilities. They shall also organize a secretariat from among
themselves.


SECTION 4. Program/Activities. ~ The Sidlakasilak or Festival of Lights shall
showcase, among others, socio-cultural programs like the practice of celebrating
“Paghiusadya Year” or grand homecoming of all Loonanons every fifth year of the
festival. This will instill and enrich cultural awareness and pride of place among
Loonanons, and promote the local tourism industry. It may feature any of, but not
limited to, the following events:

‘a, Competitions that involve lights, such as street dancing and other performances,
lighting of houses and streets, and others;

b. Exhibits on arts, photographs, food, handicrafts and other products of local
producers and artists;

c. Personality and talent showcase or competitions;

d, Homecoming and reunions of alumni, clans and familites; and

e. Other activities that may be proposed by the Sidlakasilak Executive Committee.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. If any provisions of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,