Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRESS
Second Regular Session 8

HOUSE BILL NO. 5730

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES
Lone District, Marinduque

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The history of Ang Mahal na Birhen ng Awa (Our Lady of Prompt Succor)
can be traced back to 1700s. In 1621, the Jesuits brought an old image of the
Immaculate Conception when they first set their foot in Marinduque. During the
same era, Moro pirates are known to have raided vulnerable coastlines
settlements, in order to plunder and capture natives. Thus, the e churches, like
the Boac Cathedral was constructed with fortified walls and heavily-built gates
to protect its perimeter. The church served as not only as a spiritual abode but
also as an early warning system, that served as a lookout for approaching intruders
with its carillons sounding alarm to the area.

It is said that by mid-1700s, an intense battle between the Moro Pirates and
the natives occurred. For four days, the locals stood firm on the vicious attacks
from the buccaneers. On the fifth day due to starvation and lack of sleep, the
people eventually lose hope and believed that only a miracle can save them, Oral
history tells that as the pirates are approaching the walls, an unknown woman
which looks similar to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception appeared by the
walls of the church. This apparition halted the advancing bandits from destroying
the fortifications, causing the Moro pirates to immediately leave in fear. From
then on, the locals called the image of the Holy Immaculate Conception as Birhen
ng Biglang-Awa as a reminder of the time when the locals were saved during
their most desperate moment.


Several stories of the miracles of the Our Lady of Prompt Succor had been
known and passed down through the years, These include numerous apparitions
of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and testimonials of devotees who was
healed from their sickness.

The feast of the Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa takes place every year
on November 11. While every 10" of May marks the celebration of Our Lady's
canonical coronation on 1958, and the establishment of the Diocesan Shrine by
the year 2008.

During this time, local devotees and tourists bear witness to the lively and
pious festivity in the municipality of Boac. Blue and white motif banners and
decorations can be seen everywhere while the cathedral bells resonates
throughout the whole town. Vibrant and colorful parades of the image of Birhen
ng Biglang Awa adds to the festive sensation in the air while thanksgiving masses
and novenas are held inside the Boac Cathedral, These undertakings
commemorate the marvels and grace of the Patroness of Marinduque.

This bill, therefore, aims to declare the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen
ng Biglang Awa located in the municipality of Boac, Province of Marinduque as
a pilgrimage site and tourist destination mandating the Department of Tourism,
i ordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
(TIEZA), Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned
agencies of the government, and in consultation with the Provincial Government
of Marinduque to formulate with a comprehensive development plan for the
improvement of the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa.

With this declaration, it is hoped that the number of tourists and pilgrims
participating in the feasts of the Birhen ng Biglang Awa and other religious
occasions will greatly increase. Moreover, this will greatly help boost the tourism
industry of not only in the municipality of Boac, but the whole province of
Marinduque.

In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill into law is earnestly sought.

RE (A ONGSIAKO REYES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

16" CONGRE:
Second Regular Se:

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative REGINA ONGSIAKO REYES
Lone District, Marinduque

AN ACT
DECLARING THE DIOCESAN SHRINE OF MAHAL NA BIRHEN NG
BIGLANG AWA (OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR) LOCATED IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF BOAC, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE, AS.
A PILGRIMAGE SITE AND TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING
FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa
(Our Lady of Prompt Succor) located in the Municipality of Boac, Province of
Marinduque is hereby declared a pilgrimage site and a tourist destination. As
such, it shall be accorded with priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations.

SECTION 2. The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure
and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), and other concerned agencies of the government, shall,
immediately after the approval of this Act, prepare a development plan involving
the construction, installation, and/or maintenance of such appropriate facilities



and infrastructure that shall improve the overall feature of the area thereby
ensuring the accessibility and security of the pilgrims and tourists; Provided, that
the said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the
historical significance of the area.

SECTION 3. The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies
shall take immediate steps in implementing the tourist development plan that will
suit the needs of the Diocesan Shrine of Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa and
shall incorporate the same in the Department’s overall development plans and
programs for national implementation.

SECTION 4. The DOT, in consultation with the Provincial Government
of Marinduque, shall likewise promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for
the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be charged
against the internally generated funds of the Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and/or appropriations in the Annual General
Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion
of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

APPROVED.