Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS, TOURISM 
AND HERITAGE COUNCILS IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE COUNTRY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Philosopher George Santayana wrote that nations who never learn from 
the lessons of the past are bound to repeat its mistakes. Civilizations have 
valued their art, heritage, and traditions for this reason. Our culture as seen 
in our languages, cuisines, music, handicrafts, museums, and literature 
shape the overall shared identity of Filipinos today. When we enrich and 
celebrate our nation’s culture, we do not only dedicate an ode to those who 
have come before us but hone and prepare the next generations of Filipinos 
to come. 
The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) was created 
primarily for the purpose of developing, enhancing, and institutionalizing arts 
and culture programs in the country. However, it remains limited by its 
organizational nature – an agency based in the country’s capital with no 
bureaucratic network to expand its programs, projects, and activities up to 
the grassroots level. At best, it could only enter into memoranda of agreement 
with local government units to fund particular programs or projects with an 
arts and culture component. 
Animating the citizenry with the love and passion for their culture, arts, 
tourism, and heritage should be a shared responsibility of both the national 
and the local government units. Cultural programs at the provincial and city 
level must be complemented with the support of national agencies like the 
NCCA, the National Museum, the National Historic Commission of the 
Philippines, and stakeholders from the private sector.  
September 7, 2022
3:24 pm
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While a number of local government units have taken the initiative of 
organizing their own arts, culture, tourism, and heritage councils, a vast 
number of our provinces which have rich untapped potential remain in need 
of such support. 
In order to strengthen and institutionalize this necessary collaboration, 
this bill seeks to establish Culture, Arts, Tourism, and Heritage Councils in 
every province of the country. These opportunities to preserve, enhance, and 
develop local arts, culture, tourism, and heritage shall be a fitting gift for the 
next generation to appreciate and enjoy. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS, TOURISM 
AND HERITAGE COUNCILS IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE COUNTRY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Culture, Arts, 
Tourism, and Heritage Councils in Every Province Act.” 
SECTION 2. Creation of Culture, Arts, Tourism, and Heritage Councils. 
– There is hereby created, in every province in the country, a Culture, Arts,
Tourism, and Heritage Council that shall undertake culture, arts, tourism
and heritage preservation, enhancement and development.
SECTION 3. Funding. – The Department of the Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) shall assist in the creation of these councils and provide 
for its initial funding. The DILG shall, in coordination with National 
Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and other relevant culture, arts, 
tourism and heritage agencies actively promote the creation of these councils. 
The subsequent allocation for the operationalization of these councils shall be 
borne by their respective local government units.  
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) days 
from the approval of this Act, the Department of Interior and Local 
Government, the Department of Tourism, the NCCA, in coordination with 
representatives from the Local Government Units, shall promulgate the rules 
and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act.  
SECTION 5. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
existing laws. 
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act shall 
be declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof 
which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.  
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – All general and special laws, decrees, 
executive orders, proclamation and administrative regulation, or any parts 
thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or 
modified accordingly.  
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
Approved,