NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
j ssT'ntiif'
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’(Pfiir of I'!? ^
24 AUG 14 P6-.13
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE SENTRO RIZAL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066, OR THE "NATIONAL 
CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT OF 2009" AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
11961
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Sentro Rizal, established in 2011, was a key initiative aimed at promoting 
Philippine arts, culture, and language on a global scale. According to Republic Act 
No. 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, Sentro Rizal 
was designed to function as a cultural repository and center, providing both Filipinos 
and foreign nationals with access to materials and programs that deepen their 
understanding and appreciation of Philippine culture. However, despite its 
foundational role, the effectiveness of Sentro Rizal has been limited by constraints 
in its current scope and operational framework. This bill seeks to address these 
limitations by transforming Sentro Rizal into a more dynamic and strategically 
oriented hub for cultural diplomacy.
The primary objective of this bill is to strengthen Sentro Rizal's role in cultural 
diplomacy by enhancing its functions and expanding its capacity to promote the 
Philippines' cultural identity and soft power on the international stage. The bill 
envisions a comprehensive approach to cultural diplomacy, incorporating a wide 
range of programs and activities that will ensure Sentro Rizal effectively represents 
the Philippines globally. This includes broadening the institution's functions through 
partnerships with foreign government agencies and local entities, and establishing


a Sentro Rizal Council to oversee strategic planning and policy formulation. These 
measures will provide Sentro Rizal with greater authority and flexibility, aligning its 
operations with current international standards in cultural diplomacy.
Furthermore, the bill proposes to streamline and modernize Sentro Rizal's 
mandate. The new provisions will enable Sentro Rizal to operate more effectively 
and adapt to contemporary needs. The bill also includes provisions for the 
establishment of a Secretariat to support the Sentro Rizal Council in executing its 
functions, as well as for the appropriation of funds, grants, and financial assistance 
to ensure the sustainability and impact of its cultural diplomacy initiatives.
By strengthening institutional linkages and fostering coordination with various 
government agencies and stakeholders, the bill aims to enhance resource-sharing 
and ensure that Sentro Rizal's activities are aligned with national and international 
objectives. The bill envisions a reformed Sentro Rizal that will be better equipped 
to promote the Philippines' rich cultural heritage, foster international relationships, 
and enhance global appreciation of Filipino culture. Through these reforms, Sentro 
Rizal will be empowered to effectively contribute to the country's cultural and 
diplomatic goals.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
24 AUG 14 P 6 -13
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE SENTRO RIZAL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066, OR THE "NATIONAL 
CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT OF 2009" AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
11961
1
2
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Sentro Rizal Act".
4 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy and State Principles. — The State shall foster the
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preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based
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on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual
7 
expression. The State shall likewise ensure equal access to cultural opportunities
8 
through the educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants
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and other rewards, community cultural centers, and other public venues.
10 
It is thus declared the policy of the State to provide global knowledge of the
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Philippines and Filipino culture through cultural, historical, scientific, creative,
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educational, and economic programs and activities and cooperative exchanges,
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partnerships, and collaborations with and among foreign government agencies,
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nongovernmental agencies, and community organizations; as well as utilize cultural
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diplomacy as a tool to advance Philippine foreign policy through the Sentro Rizal
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system.


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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:
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a) Culture - refers to a set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual,
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and emotional features that characterize a society or social group which
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includes not only arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental
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rights of human beings, value systems, traditions, and beliefs. Coverage
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on its definition may be referred to in RA 7356.
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b) Cultural diplomacy - refers to using culture as a tool for diplomacy
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and an instrument of foreign policy, differentiating it from promoting
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culture for culture's sake. It is a strategic use of culture to pursue
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national interest, foster mutual understanding and cultural relations with
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other countries, and protect and enhance the image of the Philippines
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abroad.
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c) Cultural diplomacy hub - refers to the physical space for the
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repository of materials and implementation venue of programs for
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cultural diplomacy.
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d) Sentro Rizal- refers to the system whose main purpose is to provide
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global knowledge of the Philippines and promote Philippine culture,
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history, arts, language, and creative output throughout the world
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through cultural diplomacy and scientific, cultural, historical, creative,
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educational, and economic programs, projects, and activities as well as
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cooperative exchanges and partnerships with and among local and
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foreign government agencies, and non-government organizations. The
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Sentro Rizal shall cater to both the Filipino diaspora and foreign nationals
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in the host country.
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e) Sentro Rizal hubs - also referred to as "Sentros Rizal" or "Centers",
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refer to the physical institution tasked to carry out the objectives of the
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Sentro Rizal System through the delivery of various services and
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programs in other countries that are carefully adapted according to the
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differing socio-cultural and political environments of the host country.
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f) 50/itpoiver-refers to enhancing the Philippines'global standing and
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influence through appeal, persuasion, and other non-coercive means. In
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the context of the Sentro Rizal and its proposed cultural diplomacy hubs.


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it is the use of the following in pursuit of cultural diplomacy objectives:
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culture, history, language, Filipino content. One Town, One Product
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(OTOP), tourism and trade and investment, and other means related to
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the promotion of soft power.
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Sec. 4. Strengthening the Sentro Riza! as a Cultural Diplomacy Hub. — The
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Sentro Rizal, established under Republic Act No. 10066, otherwise known as the
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"National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009", is hereby converted into a cultural diplomacy
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hub whose main purpose, as a government instrumentality, is to promote the
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country's brand and enhance the image of the Philippines throughout the world
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through cultural diplomacy.
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Sec. 5. Functions. — The Sentro Rizal shall have the following duties and
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functions:
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(a) Function as the center for Philippine cultural diplomacy and implement cultural,
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historical, scientific, creative, educational, and economic programs and
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activities;
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(b) Establish and sustain cooperative exchanges, partnerships, and collaborations
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with and among foreign government agencies in coordination with the DFA,
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creative entities, organizations, and associations, locally and overseas, whether
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from the public or private sector, for purposes of promoting Philippine culture,
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history, arts, language, and creative output in the global stage;
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(c) Collaborate with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Education
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(DepEd), Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), foreign academic institutions,
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Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills
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Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology
25 
(DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department
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of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine
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Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), National Commission for
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Culture and the Arts (NCCA), National Historical Commission of the Philippines
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(NHCP), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), National Museum of the
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Philippines (NMP), National Archives of the Philippines (NAP), National Library
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of the Philippines (NLP), Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), Film Development


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Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Design Center of the Philippines (DCP),
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National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Bangsamoro Autonomous
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Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and other pertinent government
4 
agencies in providing tourism, educational, trade and investment, cultural, and
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historical materials, including information, education, and communication
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materials (lECs) to all Sentro Rizal hubs;
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(d) Assist the private sector in marketing and promoting Filipino content overseas
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with the DTI, DOT, PCIDC created under Republic Act No. 11904, otherwise
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known as the "Philippine Creative Industries Development Act", DCP, Center
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for International Trade Expositions and Missions, CCP, and other pertinent
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government agencies;
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(e) Collaborate with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Management Committee
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to assist in supporting the beneficiaries of the OTOP Program and promote
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products through the Sentro Rizal hubs for OTOP Philippines products pursuant
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to the provisions and objectives of Republic Act No. 11960, otherwise known
16 
as the "OTOP Philippines Act";
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(f) Be the repository of cultural materials by acquiring, organizing, servicing, and
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preserving resource materials on Philippine arts, culture, languages, and other
19 
related fields; organize cultural events and activities for Filipinos, hold fora on
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Indigenous traditions and practices along with cultural heritage campaigns;
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coordinate the activities of visiting artists and performing groups from the
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Philippines to ensure maximum participation and community impact with the
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Filipino diaspora; and offer courses on Philippine culture, history, languages,
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arts, and other related fields; and
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(g) Adopt a whole-of-nation approach in the promotion of Philippine culture,
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history, arts, language, and creative output throughout the world.
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Sec. 6. Sentro Rizal Council. - The Sentro Rizal Council, herein referred to as the
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Council, is hereby created to strengthen the State's institutional capacity to carry out
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the above-declared policy. The Council shall be composed of eleven (11) ex officio
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members:
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(1) The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as Chairperson


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(2) 
The Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, as 
co-Chairperson;
(3) 
The Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines 
(NHCP);
(4) 
The Secretary of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA);
(5) 
The Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);
(6) 
The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
(7) 
The Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW);
(8) 
The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
(9) 
The Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd);
(10) The Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and
(11) The Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development 
(TESDA)
The ex-officio members of the Council may designate their respective next-in­
rank officials as their alternate representatives to the Council.
The Council for budgetary and administrative purposes, shall be attached to the 
NCCA.
Sec 7. Powers and Functions of the Council. - The Council shall serve as the 
policy and advisory body to the President on matters pertaining to cultural diplomacy 
and shall, adopting a whole-of-nation approach, formulate policies and programs 
aimed at promoting Philippine culture, history, arts, language, and creative output 
throughout the world. To this end, the Council shall exercise the following powers and 
functions:
(a) Formulate a Sentro Rizal Development Plan that shall define Philippine cultural 
diplomacy goals and the following key performance indicators, including, but 
not limited to: (1) influence of cultural diplomacy on foreign policy decisions; 
(2) monitoring and evaluation of media coverage and public perception; (3) 
cross-cultural understanding; (4) conduct of cultural exchange activities 
including cultural exchange programs, cultural festivals, co-production, touring 
exhibitions, and academic exchanges; (5) partnerships and collaborations 
established with international organizations, cultural institutions, and


1 
government agencies; (6) economic benefits generated by cultural diplomacy
2 
initiatives including tourism, trade, investment, and job creation; (7) addressing
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long-term resource needs and exploring diverse funding models for the Sentro
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Rizal programs; (8) culturally-literate and participative communities of Filipinos
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overseas and foreign nationals; and (9) other soft power indicators as may be
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defined by the Council;
7 
(b) Assess the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy in enhancing the country's soft
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power and global reputation through indices like the Soft Power Index, global
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opinion polls, and cultural influence rankings, among others;
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(c) Devise strategies in utilizing, among others, online platforms, digital tools, and
11 
social media to expand its reach and engage global audiences for the marketing
12 
and promotion of Philippine culture, history, arts, language, and creative output
13 
throughout the world;
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(d) Review and approve programs, projects, and activities of the Sentro Rizal hubs
15 
pursuant to the general purposes of this Act;
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(e) Provide rewards and awards to top-performing Sentro Rizal hubs, as well as
17 
opportunities for the private sector to assist and collaborate with the Sentro
18 
Rizal in the conduct of cultural diplomacy pursuant to the objectives of this Act,
19 
and financial and/or logistical support to Sentro Rizal hubs in the performance
20 
of their official duties and responsibilities;
21 
(f) Identify potential sites for the Sentro Rizal hubs and formally propose, through
22 
the DFA, the establishment of said centers in host countries. The DFA shall take
23 
the lead in negotiating the appropriate bilateral agreements with the host
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countries, pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 7157;
25 
(g) Lease, purchase, or otherwise acquire, construct, improve, furnish, or maintain
26 
a suitable permanent headquarters for the Sentro Rizal hubs;
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(h) Accept grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions from local
28 
or foreign sources made to the Sentro Rizal, to be used actually, directly and
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exclusively by the Sentro Rizal for purposes relevant to its functions: Provided,
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That such grants, in cash or in kind, from government of foreign countries,
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their agencies and instrumentalities or multilateral institutions or organizations,
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acceptance thereof shall be subject to the prior clearance and approval by the


1 
President or his authorized representative based on the recommendation of the
2 
Secretary of Finance; Provided, further, That other donations, in cash or in kind,
3 
from foreign governments shall require prior clearance and approval by the
4 
President or his authorized representative based on the recommendation of the
5 
Secretary of Foreign Affairs; Provided, finally. That such grants, bequests,
6 
endowments, donations, and contributions shall be exempt from donor's tax
7 
and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income
8 
for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with
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the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended;
10 
(i) Create ad hoc committees or technical working groups which shall include the
11 
private sector to discuss specific issues pertaining to soft power, cultural
12 
diplomacy, and the promotion of Filipino content; and
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(j) Exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary to effectively
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carry out the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Act.
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Sec. 8. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. - A Secretariat to the
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Sentro Rizal Council, hereinafter referred to as the Secretariat, shall be established to
17 
be headed by an Executive Director (ED), who shall be appointed by the President of
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the Phiiippines from a list of at ieast five (5) nominees recommended by the Council.
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The ED shall be assisted by five (5) Division Chiefs for: (1) Research and Development;
20 
(2) Operations, (3) Policy h Planning Division, (4) Admin and Finance, (5) Assets and
21 
Management, (6) Communications and Public Affairs.
22 
Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act, the NCCA
23 
shall create the organizational structure and plantilla positions of the Secretariat and
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submit the same to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval.
25 
The formulation of qualification standards and the appointment to the newly-created
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positions shall be done in accordance with civil service laws, rules, and regulations.
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Pending the creation of the Secretariat's plantilla positions, the NCCA shall
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maintain its existing Secretariat. Each of the Council member agencies shall formally
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designate at least one (1) representative on temporary detail to the interim secretariat
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until such time that the plantilla positions of the Secretariat shall have been created.


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The NCCA, in consultation with the DFA, shall likewise be authorized to engage the
2 
services of consultants and enter into service contracts, as necessary.
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Sec. 9. Functions of the Secretariat - The Sentro Rizal Secretariat shall perform
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the following duties and responsibilities:
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(a) Implement plans, programs, and projects as approved by the Council;
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(b) Enter into and carry out contracts of every kind and description, save for the
7 
contracts contemplated by Sections 7(f) and 7(h) of which the contracting party
8 
is the Council, with any person, firm, association, or corporation, domestic or
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foreign, and sue or be sued relative to the contracts entered into;
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(c) Lease and utilize, in any manner recognized by law, real or personal property
11 
outside the Philippines or elsewhere necessary to carry out the purposes of this
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Act;
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(d) Adopt, alter, and use a corporate seal of the Sentro Rizal;
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(e) Serve as the lead in the promotion of Philippine arts, culture, languages, and
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other content throughout the world; and
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(f) Perform such other functions as vested by the Council to the Secretariat.
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Sec. 10. Crafting the Fiiipino Brand. - To establish, manage, and enhance the
18 
image of the Philippines throughout the world, the Council 
shall, within three (3)
19 
months from the effectivity of this Act, develop and promote the "Filipino brand" which
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shall reflect the history, culture, image, and aspirations of the Philippines among other
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elements.
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The Filipino brand shall, as much as possible, be adopted by all departments,
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agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, including government
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owned and -controlled corporations, and local government units (LGUs) in the
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formulation and implementation of their programs, projects, and activities relative to
26 
the same.
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The Council shall undertake a whole-of-government approach in the crafting of
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the Filipino brand in partnership with the private sector towards a whole-of-society
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approach in fostering and championing the same.
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Sec. 11. Sentro Rizai Assistance Program. - The Council may provide


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financial assistance in the form of a grant to cultural, historical, scientific, educational,
2 
and creative organizations or entities for the promotion of the Filipino culture
3 
throughout the world. No grant made pursuant to this Act shall be treated as taxable
4 
income.
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Sec. 12. Awards and Citations. -To encourage the promotion of the Filipino
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brand and enhancement of the image of the Philippines throughout the world, the
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Council shall establish an annual recognition program under which monetary prizes,
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awards and citations will be given by the President of the Philippines, upon the
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recommendation of the Council, for special achievements and important contributions
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and services in the area of cultural diplomacy efforts.
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Sec. 13. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation
12 
of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DFA and
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NCCA. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act
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shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 14. Annuai Report. - The Council shall submit to the President of the
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Philippines and to both Houses of Congress a report that provides a detailed account
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of the implementation of this Act, including policy recommendations for legislation.
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Sec. 15. Transitory Provision. - All existing Sentro Rizal hubs and facilities,
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established pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 10066 shall continue to
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operate pursuant to, and be regulated by, the provisions of this Act and its
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implementing rules and regulations.
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The DFA and the NCCA shall, in coordination with the DBM and the Civil Service
23 
Commission, ensure that the necessary changes in the plantilla items of the Sentro
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Rizal Secretariat are reflected in the Revised Compensation and Position Classification
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System and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
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Sec 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
n approval of this Act, the Council shall, in consultation with the other concerned
28 
government agencies and stakeholders, formulate the rules and regulations for the
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effective implementation of this Act.


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Sec. 17. Separability Clause. — Should any portion or provision of this Act be
2 
declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the
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other not affected provisions hereof.
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Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, orders, and rules and
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regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
6 
amended accordingly.
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Sec. 19. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
8 
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
10