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Quezon City, Metro Manila RECEIVED 2)
Nineteenth Congress UAT EAU 5 0-202 a
First Regular Session TIME ee
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House Bill No. 118

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church or Nuestra Sefiora De Candelaria,
located in the Municipality of Silang, Province of Cavite, was first established on
February 3, 1595 under the patronage of St. Diego of Alcala. It was then dedicated to
Our Nuestra Sefiora de Candelaria in 1640 based on the tale told by Fray Murillo
Verlarde, where the image of the Virgin Mary was found by Andres in the mountains
of Silang

The parish is considered as the oldest standing structure of colonial baroque
architecture in the Province of Cavite. Due to its association with pre-historic events,
the historic marker was given in 2008 by the National Historical Commission of the
Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines the church complex
and its altarpiece, known as retablos, were declared as National Cultural Treasure by
the National Museum in 2017. The declaration adds to the historic marker given in
2008 by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the pilgrim church
marker from the Diocese of Imus, Cavite given in 2012.

The church’ historical significance; and the architectural beauty of the complex
and the retablos entice visitors from other parts of the Philippines and other countries
as well. Moreso, the narrations of the Our Nuestra Sefiora De Candelaria’s indulgence
and miracles to its patrons and devotees have been widespread. As such, more
Marian devotees and tourists are visiting to witness the glory it brings to its believers.
Thus, the parish needs to adopt policies and measures to protect its historical
importance while ensuring its accessibility and security to pilgrims.


Hence, in celebration of the parish’ 425" year this 2020, this bill seeks to
declare the Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church in the Municipality of Silang,
Province of Cavite as a pilgrimage site and tourist destination mandating the
Department of Tourism and its attached agencies, in coordination with the Department
of Public Works and Highways and in consultation with the local government unit of
Silang, Cavite, to come up with a comprehensive development plan for the
improvement of Silang Church, all areas attached to it, and all roads leading to and
from it.

KIROY M. LOYOLA
Repre§entative
Fifth District of Cavite


Car AH er woONH

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

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

118

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

AN ACT
DECLARING OUR LADY OF CANDELARIA PARISH CHURCH IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SILANG, PROVINCE OF CAVITE A PILGRIMAGE SITE AND
A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Our Lady of Candelaria Parish Church located in the Municipality
of Silang, Province of Cavite, is hereby declared a pilgrimage site and a tourist
destination. As such, its development shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism
(DOT) and other concemed agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing
the development sites and tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) and other
concemed agencies of the government shall prepare a tourism development plan
involving the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities
and infrastructure that shall improve the over-all features 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.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its concerned agencies shall take immediate steps to
formulate and implement the appropriate tourism development plan for Our Lady of
Candelaria Parish Church and shall incorporate the same in the National Tourism

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Development Plan.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program
the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act and internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the local govemment of Silang, Cavite, shall issue rules and
regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication

in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,