Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
18% Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4479

Introduced by HON. GERARDO “GERRYBOY” J. ESPINA, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is not unknown to many that Biliran Province is made up of a group of
islands. And with the passage of RA 10409 otherwise known as “An Act Declaring the
Province of Biliran as Tourism Development Area and providing funds therefor” it is
expected that more foreign and local tourists will be enticed to explore the island.

‘Though Biliran is considered as the fourth smallest province in the Philippines with a
total land area of 53,601 hectares (132,450 acres), it is rich in history and exceptional cultural
heritage. However, it has no cultural center to showcase its unique cultural heritage. The
province has no museum to house and protect all the artifacts, relics, works of art and the
multitude of other objects which symbolize and represent the heritage of the past, present and,
future of its residents.

Our historical artifacts and objects, with unique cultural significance, are scattered
throughout different municipalities in the province. Most are worn out, submerged to flash
floods, washed out by storm surge, stolen and lost. The rest of the objects may soon just
disappear and be lost forever unless immediate action is taken.

Thus, the establishment of a cultural center and museum in the province of Biliran is
imperative to perpetuate and protect its local history, tradition and values, cultural heritage and
regional identity.

In view thereof, immediate approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

HON. GERARDO “G) YY” J. ESPINA, JR.
Representative
Lone District of Biliran


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

18" Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4479

Introduced by HON. GERARDO “GERRYBOY” J. ESPINA, JR.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A CULTURAL CENTER AND MUSEUM IN THE PROVINCE
OF BILIRAN AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. _ Establishment. — There shall be established, under the supervision of
the National Museum, a cultural center and museum in the province of Biliran to be known as
Biliran Cultural Center and Museum.

See 2. Site Selection. — The Sangguniang Panglungsod of the Province of Biliran in
coordination with the Director of the National Museum, shall choose the site of the Biliran
Cultural Center and Museum.

Sec3. For purposes of implementation of its activities and functions, the Biliran Cultural
Center and Museum, is hereby authorized to give emphasis to the following undertakings:

a. To compile the musical notes and lyrics of Biliran traditional songs, ballads and
contemporary music compositions; and to collect samples of musical instruments
of Biliran origin, design and manufacture; and to acquire and display a varied range
of Biliran arts and artifacts;

b. To publish and disseminate Biliran literary works, epics, stories and historical
accounts;

©. To compile Biliran literature, film, or audio-visual recordings of cultural
performances in music, dances, oral literature, and festival celebrations; Biliran
works, names of barangays, towns and other places of interests and their respective
history;

d. To gather and document Biliran religious practices and traditions, and the
background and origin of Biliran fiestas and festivals;

fe. To compile photographs of and showcase by appropriate exhibits, Biliran
landmarks, historical sites and scenic views;


f. To gather specimens of archaeological findings; to collect stones, rocks and other
geological materials; and to preserve by appropriate methods, samples of flora and
fauna indigenous to the province of Biliran.

See. 4. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the current appropriations for the National Museum. Thereafter, such sum
‘as may be necessary for the continuous operation and maintenance of the cultural center and
museum shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 5. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,