LEE

Jagr RESE

& ®
Republic of the Phil Cs ZN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES = RECEIVED 2

Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7553
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO
EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Saint Matthias Parish Church, Tumauini,
Province of Isabela as a tourist destination.

The construction of the Saint Matthias Parish Church began in 1783 and
was completed in 1805. Attached to the church’s facade is a wedding cake-like
cylindrical bell tower and is one of the remaining cylindrical bell towers in the
Philippines. The church is famous for its baroque-style architecture. It has clay
for its wall finishing and interior ornamentation. The facade of the church is in
concentric circles and has details like flowers, foliage, surfaces, cherubs and
saints. The church was damaged during the Second World War in 1945 and was
renovated in 1950. In July 31, 2001, it was declared by the National Museum as
a National Cultural Treasure.

In order to conserve and preserve the architectural and cultural
significance of the church, the government, in coordination with the DOT should
provide assistance to develop it as tourist destination.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Be a=

ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

S DATE: AUG 3 0 20ffi


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7553
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SAINT MATTHIAS PARISH CHURCH, TUMAUINI, PROVINCE
OF ISABELA A TOURIST DESTINATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. The Saint Matthias Parish Church in Tumauini, Province of Isabela
and its environs is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such its development shall
be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Local
Government of Tumauini, Isabela and other concerned agencies and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of a tourist destination.

Section 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other
concerned agencies of the government shall prepare a tourism development plan
involving construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
infrastructure that shall improve the overall features of the area surrounding the Saint
Matthias Parish Church, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists:
Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of
the historical significance of the area.

Section 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate
steps to implement the appropriate tourism development plan for the Saint Matthias
Parish Church and its immediate environs and shall incorporate the same in the
National Tourism Development Plan,

Section 4. The Secretary of DOT and the DPWH shall include in the Departments’
program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
annual General Appropriation Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.


QuaWNE

Section 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
consultation with the local government unit of Tumauini, Isabela shall promulgate the
rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

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

Approved,