NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
Senate
of the fercretsrp
•22 0Cn2 A9 S3
SENATE
S.B.No. 1377
Rl;CEi'.ftD BV.
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
DECLARING THE ADJACENT ENVIRONS OF THE SAINT MATTHIAS PARISH 
CHURCH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TUMAUINI, PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, A TOURISM DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Saint Matthias Parish Church, commonly known as the Tumauini Church, 
in Isabela, is a Roman Catholic Church famous for its Baroque-style architecture. It 
was once called as the “Jewel of the Valley” for its exquisite brick ornamentation. In 
fact, in the book entitled “Great Churches of the Philippines”, it was described as “an 
ultra-Baroque church, it is unique for its extensive use of baked clay both for wall 
finishes and for ornamentation.” Certainly, Tumauini Church is one of the most striking 
and interesting churches built during the Spanish period.
In 1989, the Tumauini Church was declared by the National Historical 
Commission of the Philippines as a National Historical Landmark. It was also 
recognized by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure.
Pilgrims, tourists and even natives flock the Church not only to celebrate the 
Holy Mass but also to experience its beauty and architectural brilliance. As a result, 
the people of Isabela benefit in the profits that tourism provides in the Municipality and 
its neighbouring towns.
This bill seeks to declare Saint Matthias Parish Church and its adjacent 
environs, a tourist destination. This will assist the Municipality in its needed 
appropriation and support not only to boost its local tourism but also to help the church 
return to its former glory.
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMOhLBONG REVILLA, JR. 
'senator 
y-4


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
Senate
of tiie ^rcrrtRi-f
•22 OCT 12 A9 53
SENATE
S.B. No. 1377
RHCEiVED BV.
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
DECLARING THE ADJACENT ENVIRONS OF THE SAINT MATTHIAS PARISH 
CHURCH LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TUMAUINI, PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, A TOURISM DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress 
assembled:
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Section 1. The adjacent environs of the Saint Matthias Parish Church located
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in the Tumauini, Province of Isabela, is hereby declared a tourism destination. As
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such, the development of the Church and its adjacent environs shall be prioritized by
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the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the municipal government of
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Tumauini and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
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governing the development of tourism destinations.
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Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
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coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National
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Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the municipal government of
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Tumauini and other concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism
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development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of
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such appropriate facilities and infrastructure to improve the overall features of the
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Church and its adjacent environs, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of


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tourists: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and 
conservation of the historical significance of the area.
Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to 
implement the tourism development plan for the Church and its adjacent environs and 
shall incorporate the same in tourism its development program for the calendar year 
immediately succeeding the approval of this Act.
Sec. 4. The Secretaries of the DOT and the DPWH shall include in their 
respective Departments’ program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and shall augment such 
allocation with the internally generated funds of the DOT.
Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, in 
consultation with the municipal government unit of Tumauini, Isabela promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved.