Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by: HON. ROMEO S. MOMO, SR. 
19th Congress of the Philippines (2022 – 2025) 
District Representative, Surigao del Sur 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Bayabas is a scenic municipality located in the Province of Surigao del Sur, situated in the 
southern part of the Philippines. This town is known for its rich cultural heritage, and two of its most 
significant annual celebrations are the "Araw ng Bayabas" and the "Gakit Festival." 
The "Araw ng Bayabas" is a special day that commemorates the founding anniversary of the 
municipality. It is a time for residents to come together and celebrate their shared history, culture, and 
traditions. The festivities typically include parades, cultural performances, and various community 
activities. It is a day of pride and unity for the people of Bayabas. The municipality  was created on  
November 20, 1961, by virtue of Executive Order No. 452 of President Carlos P. Garcia.  
The "Gakit Festival" is another prominent event in Bayabas, which celebrates the local craft 
of making "gakit" or woven mats. “Gakit” is a raft made of “balsa” or a flat float made of logs or 
planks, but usually made of bamboos. This festival highlights the town's artisanal skills, creativity, and 
craftsmanship. It involves vibrant displays of woven products, competitions, and cultural 
presentations, showcasing the unique identity of Bayabas. 
These celebrations are integral to the cultural identity and heritage of Bayabas. The festivities 
happen annually on the 18th to 20th of November. They not only promote community unity but also 
contribute significantly to the local economy through tourism and cultural preservation efforts. 
This bill aims to designate November 21 as a special non-working day in the Municipality of 
Bayabas, which holds significant importance. This declaration would offer residents and employees a 
well-deserved break following the strenuous preparations and active participation in the Araw ng 
Bayabas and Gakit Festival. It acknowledges the physical and emotional toll that these festivities can 
take and provides an opportunity for rest and recuperation. 
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ROMEO S. MOMO SR. 
1st District, Surigao del Sur 
February 6, 2024
12:38 pm
9880


Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 
Introduced by: HON. ROMEO S. MOMO, SR. 
AN ACT DECLARING NOVEMBER 21 OF EVERY YEAR AS A LOCAL SPECIAL 
NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAYABAS, SURIGAO 
DEL SUR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in. 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The "Araw ng Bayabas" is a special day that commemorates the founding 
anniversary of the municipality. The "Gakit Festival" is another prominent event in Bayabas, 
which celebrates the local craft of making "gakit" or woven mats.  
SECTION 2. These festivals, held from November 18 to 20, are in honor to the 
municipality's founding anniversary and to celebrate the local craft tradition of producing 
"gakit". In line with these festivities, November 21 of every year is hereby declared a special 
non-working holiday in the Municipality of Bayabas, Province of Surigao Del Sur in order to 
offer its citizens a well-deserved break following the strenuous preparations and active 
participation in the Araw ng Bayabas and Gakit Festival. 
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
9880