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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

6473

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Representative DOUGLAS S. HAGEDORN

AN ACT DECLARING MARCH 30 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE
OF THE DECLARATION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY AS CITY OF THE LIVING GOD
AND AS A SPECIAL NON- WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE CITY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to designate March 30 of every year as a non-working holiday for the City of
Puerto Princesa, in observance of the Anniversary of its declaration as “City of the Living God.”

This declaration was duly supported and approved by the City Government of Puerto Princesa
through Sangguniang Panglunsod Resolution Nos. 770-2010 and 579-2012 dated June 4, 2012,
and preceded by Executive Order No. 13 declaring “Puerto Princesa City as City of the Living
God.”

Of all places in the country, only Puerto Princesa City is away from the ring of fire and the fault
line, thereby spared from the “Big One,” which is feared to strike in the future. In recent events,
we have read, heard and seen reports of continuing shaking in all parts of the world — varying
from tolerable to catastrophic, with some claiming thousands of lives in seconds.

The City is home of one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature of the World, the St. Paul
Subterranean River National Park, more popularly known as the Underground River. The
longest underghround river does not only boast of beautifully-shaped stalactites and
stalagmites, including the famed Cathedral in the inside and the limestones that rose over the
rainforest on the outside. The place is also the haven of various species endemic to Palawan.

MAR 2016
DAT PM,


Under the inspired leadership of then Mayor Edward Hagedorn, the people of the City
collaborated to preserve and protect the City’s environment and natural resources, catapulting
the City into a Highly Urbanized City, and gaining a new 3rd Congressional District for Palawan.

As if the City is serving as the lighthouse for other provinces to emulate, such environmental
programs became the model and were duplicated by other cities in the country. The collective
efforts of the leaders and people earned national and global recognition, with the City Mayor
garnering the United Nations’ Citation for Global Five Award, the first local government unit
that accomplished such a feat. In acknowledging the honor, Mayor Edward Hagedorn said, “It is
my dream to make Puerto Princesa a home of God-fearing, disciplined, progresssive and
environment-conscious people.”

In keeping with the Mayor's vision, a law is herebyu proposed to officially name “Puerto
Princesa City as City of the Living God,” encapsulating what the city is now, and where it is
destined to be.

As the City of the Living God, the City will achieve its full potential, and not ony limit itself to
being known as a city in a forest and sports tourism capital of the Philippines.

God has done it in the past. When this place was upgraded to be a City and allowed the Spirit of
God in the place of power, He has done more marvelous things. Definitely God can and will do
more for people who honor His name.

It is for this reason that the people of Puerto Princesa City support the passage of this bill,
declaring March 30 of every year as the anniversary observance of “Puerto Princesa City of the

Living God,” and making said day a special non-working holiday in the City.

March 30 of every year would encourage residents to celebrate the milestones achieved by the
City and to reflect on the duties called upon them as the people of the City of the Living God.

Approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

fea

HON. DOUGLAS

HAGEDORN


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

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No. 6473

Introduced by: Representative DOUGLAS S. HAGEDORN

‘AN ACT DECLARING MARCH 30 OF EVERY YEAR AS THE ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE
OF THE DECLARATION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY AS CITY OF THE LIVING GOD
AND AS A SPECIAL NON- WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE CITY

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

SECTION 1, To commemorate the Anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Puerto Princesa
City of the Living God, March 30 of every year is hereby declared as a special non working

holiday in observance of the same.

In the event that the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday will be observed on the
Monday that follows.

SECTION 2. All laws,orders, presidential issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in at least
two newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.