FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 841 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution has very wisely given the highest priority to the 
protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural communities to 
ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being. 
Various provisions for the promotion of the rights and welfare of the 
members of the indigenous cultural communities are enshrined in the 1987 
Constitution. Hence, it is imperative upon the government to adopt policies and 
prograrns for indigenous cultural communities. 
But to ensure that these 
programs are based on facts and an enlightened judgment, it is necessary to 
have a continuing in-depth study of the indigenous cultural communities, who 
should also participate in such study. 
To serve this purpose, this proposed measure seeks to create a center for 
studies on indigenous cultural communities. 
The said center will conduct 
research and policy studies to proactively and effectively respond to and address 
the needs of its beneficiaries. 
The early passage of this proposed measure is highly recommended. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senate Bill No. 
841 
AN ACT 
CREATING 
AND 
ESTABLISHING THE 
CENTER FOR STUDIES 
ON 
INDIGENOUS 
CULTURAL 
COMMUNITIES, 
APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and. House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. There is hereby created a Philippine Center for Studies on 
Indigenous Cultural Communities, hereinafter referred to as "Center", in the 
University of the Philippines. 
SEC. 2. The Center shall conduct research and policy studies for the 
protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural communities to 
ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being and provide an opportunity 
to both Muslims and non-Muslims to participate in the national life and 
development. 
SEC. 3. The Center shall be composed of the existing Institute of Islamic 
Studies in the University of the Philippines and an Institute of Studies on Non-
Islamic Cultural Communities in the Cordilleras and other regions. 
SEC. 4. The Center shall be headed by an Executive Director who shall 
be appointed by the President, with the confirmation of the Commission on 
Appointments, for a term of five (5) years, from among the members of the 
faculty of the University of the Philippines and other state colleges and 
universities. The faculty member appointed as executive director shall, during 
his service as such, be deemed as on leave from his position as faculty member. 
SEC. 5. 
The Center shall organize annually a national conference on 
indigenous cultural communitie's and of officers, organizations and academic 
institutions with 
functions, 
activities and/or programs related 
to 
these 
communities. 
, 
The agenda of the conference shall be the studies of these communities. 
In addition to recommendations on further studies, the conference shall also 
make recommendations for policies and programs for indigenous cultural 
communities. 


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SEC 6. To carry out the purpose of this Act, the sum of Ten Million Pesos 
(P10,OOO,OOO.00) is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the funds of the 
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year two thousand 
and ten (2010). 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall be included in the 
Annual General Appropriations Act as approved by Congress. 
SEC. 7. Should any part, section or provision of this Act be held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision note otherwise affected 
shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SEC. 8. All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive orders, 
letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or 
amended accordingly. 
SEC. 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,