Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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Quezon City a

Ee 2005

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1663

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

There is a strongly compelling story in the pages of Philippine history which remains
obscure to many. An event which served as the fiery start that eventually led to the downfall of
the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in 1945. This happened in the waters of Romblon, the
Sibuyan Sea, to be particular.

The Battle of the Sibuyan Sea served as the opening phase and became a critical part of the
Battle of the Leyte Gulf which stands as one of the largest naval battles during the Second World
War, fought from October 23-26, 1944. The Japanese imperial forces initially sent their powerful
battleships to the Philippines with the strategy of deceptively misleading the American fleets away
from the main Japanese target, which was the Leyte Gulf. The patrolling American submarines,
however, were able to detect and intercept some of the Japanese flagships, cruisers and destroyers.
‘The sea and air battle that followed then first took place in the Sibuyan Sea on October 24, 1944
and led to further engagements in the Surigao Strait, Cape Engafio and into the Samar area. After
three days of fierce warfare, the capacity of the Japanese navy to fight was finally devastated and
crippled. This very crucial naval battle in the world’s history enabled the joint American and allied
forces to work side by side with our valiant Filipino soldiers in ushering an era of liberation from
the Japanese invaders.

‘Today, the areas facing the Sibuyan Sea in the Province of Romblon still have the scars
and memories of the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea. These areas stand as timeless witnesses not only
to the atrocities of war, but to the stories of valor, gallantry and patriotism.

Therefore, the establishment of a memorial shrine in the Municipality of Cajidiocan
fronting the Sibuyan Sea is but appropriate in order to commemorate this one unforgettable historic
moment - the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought.

ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

Lone District of Romblon



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1663

Introduced by REPRE!

‘ATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F, MADRONA

ESTABLISHING THE BATTLE ort THE SIBUYAN SEA MEMORIAL SHRINE IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF CAJIDIOCAN, PROVINCE OF ROMBLON, AND
DECLARING IT A TOURISM DESTINATION
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

SECTION 1. The Battle of the Sibuyan Sea Memorial Shrine is hereby established in
the Municipality of Cajidiocan, Province of Romblon, and declared a tourism destination. As
such, its development as a tourism destination shall be prioritized and supported by the
Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing the development
of tourism destinations.

SEC.2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the Municipal Government
of Cajidiocan shall, in coordination with the DOT, National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, and concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development plan
that shall include the establishment of the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea Memorial Shrine and the
construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate infrastructure and facilities to
enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the

preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided further,


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‘That the implementation of the tourism development plan shall be included in the budget of
the Municipal Government of Cajidiocan.

SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the Municipal Government of Cajidiocan in the
implementation of the tourism development plan by providing technical assistance in tourism
capacity building. It shall also include the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea Memorial Shrine in its
national and regional promotion programs.

SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual

budget of the Municipal Government of Cajidiocan.

The DOT through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA),
if necessary, may include such allocation in the TIEZA’s program.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Municipal
Government of Cajidiocan shall, in consultation with the DOT and concemed agencies of the
government, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, executive orders, presidential decrees, and other
issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or
amended accordingly.

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,