/ .:
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SEI
;.r I-
of III? ^rcv^tnrp
23 m25 PI 50
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF BAYBAYIN AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS PROMOTION, 
PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
"Baybayin" is a pre-colonial script primarily used by the Tagalog-speaking 
populations.1 For generations, "Baybayin" has been an important component of 
Philippine culture and tradition.
"Baybayin" should be recognized and preserved in our country as this can 
symbolize our culture, tradition, and our history. This may also strengthen the 
Filipino identity.
Like Japan, Korea, China, and other countries, having their unique writing 
system contribute to these countries' easiest recognition in the international scene. 
Their letters and scriptures brought familiarity to those who saw them.
It is right to look back to our roots, especially if these can provide our identity 
and uniqueness. Indeed, it is essential to have a trace of our history, which will 
continue to Impact the country's present and future, thus, "Baybayin" should be 
recognized and preserved in our country.
Thus, this bill seeks to promote, protect, preserve, and conserve the 
"Baybayin" and to foster wider appreciation of its importance and beauty.
In this light, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR
1 Office, D. I. (2019, October 21). IBF on Baybayin - University of the Philippines Diliman. IBF on Baybayin 
University of the Philippines Diliman, https://upd.edu.ph/ibf-on-baybayin/


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
^ruau‘
of tlie ^ rCl ctar.p
23 APR 25 P1 50
SEMA 
S. No.
RECEIVED BV
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF BAYBAYIN AS A TOOL FOR CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS PROMOTION, 
PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the State's policy to inculcate,
2 
propagate, and preserve the cultural heritage and treasures of the Philippines for the
3 
evolution and development of patriotism among the citizenry by giving utmost
4 
priority to the conservation and promotion of arts, letters, and culture.
5 
Towards this end, there is a need to promote, protect, preserve, and
6 
conserve "Baybayin," using it as a tool for cultural and economic development to
7 
create a consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history,
8 
heritage, and our authentic identity.
9 
Sec. 2. Declaration of "Baybayin" as the National Writing System of the
10 
Philippines. - To generate greater awareness of the plight of "Baybayin" and foster
11 
wider appreciate of its importance and beauty, "Baybayin" is hereby declared the
12 
National Writing System of the Philippines.
13 
As used un this Act, "Baybayin" shall refer to all existing and discovered
14 
ancient and traditional scripts of the Philippine indigenous peoples.
15 
Sec. 3. Promotion of "Baybayin" as the National Writing System of the
16 
Philippines. — "Baybayin," as the national writing system representing Philippine
17 
traditions and national identity shall be promoted through the following:


1 
(a) by encouraging all manufacturers of locally produced and processed
2 
produced food products to inscribe "Baybayin" scripts and their translation on
3 
their containers or labels;
4 
(b) by mandating the local government units (LGUs) to include the
5 
appropriate "Baybayin" script in their signage for local tourist attractions;
6 
(c) by directing the appropriate government agency to disseminate knowledge
7 
and information about the "Baybayin" script by distributing reading materials
8 
in ail levels of public and private educational institutions as well as in
9 
government and private agencies; and
10 
(d) by enjoining appropriate government and private agencies and offices to
11 
instill awareness of the declaration of "Baybayin" as the national writing
12 
system through the conduct of staff training for the proper handling of these
13 
important documents.
14 
Sec. 4. Protection, Preservation, and Conservation of "Baybayin" Script —
15 
The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) is hereby mandated to
16 
protect, preserve, and conserve "Baybayin" as a National Cultural Treasure.
17 
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days after
18 
the approval of this Act, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), In
19 
coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of
20 
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd) and
21 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall promulgate the necessary rules and
22 
regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
23 
Sec. 6. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
24 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the
25 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
26 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this Act shall
27 
be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other part, section, or provision not
28 
otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
29 
Sec. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its
30 
publication In the Official Gazette ov in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,