Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no360 a

Introduced by Representative Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo

“KN ACT DECLARING OCTOBER 31 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE FOUNDATION DAY OF
THE MUNICIPALITY OF PORAC, PAMPANGA AND A SPECIAL NON-WORKING
HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY, NAMING IT PORAC DAY”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines, as a whole, takes pride in its growing culture and its rich history,
‘Almost every milestone and accomplishment that the country has is celebrated with passion
and sincerity. But within these historic events of the Philippines, its every region, province, city

and town has a history of its own.

On October 31, 1594, the municipality of Porac, Pampanga was founded. Porac is the
biggest and one of the oldest towns in Pampanga. It is believed to be the first town established
in the province. Its name was derived from the abundant Purac trees encountered by the first

settlers in the town.

By early nineteenth century, Porac became a stable agricultural town. It also established
its own church and a local government. But in 1991, when Mt. Pinatubo erupted, nine (9) of its
barangays were either partially or completely buried under lahar, sequentially affecting its
flourishing agriculture. This unfortunate event forced several residents to evacuate to
temporary relocation sites in neighboring towns and provinces. In 1992, the national
government, in coordination with the Mt. Pinatubo Commission and the municipal
government, started building several relocation sites within the municipality. These relocation
sites were eventually developed and they now serve as permanent residences for the displaced

locals of several barangays during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

At present, Porac has recovered enormously from the devastation of Mt. Pinatubo in the
1990s, In fact, it is now considered as the industrial hub of Central Luzon mainly because of
investments of some business tycoons since the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac
Expressway (SCTEX) and the accessibility it created to the Clark International Airport and the
Subic Bay Freeport


On the 31* of October 2013, Porac has celebrated its 419% Founding Anniversary. The
municipality has gone through ups and downs in its 419 years of existence. Its experiences over
the years have constructed its rich and vibrant history. Therefore it is but proper for its people
to celebrate their town’s foundation on the 31* of October each year to commemorate its past

and at the same time preserve its history for generations to come.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP.AGLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
2ND DISTRICT, PAMPANGA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.8604

Introduced by Representative Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo

“KN ACT DECLARING OCTOBER 31 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE FOUNDATION DAY OF
‘THE MUNICIPALITY OF PORAC, PAMPANGA AND A SPECIAL NON-WORKING
HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY, NAMING IT PORAC DAY”

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

SECTION 1. Foundation Day. ~ To commemorate the founding anniversary of the
municipality of Porac, Pampanga, October 31 of each year is hereby declared as the
Foundation Day of the Municipality of Porac and a special non-working holiday in the

municipality, which will be known as “Porae Day”

SECTION 2. Repealing clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations,

or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,

SECTION 3. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

APPROVED,