Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2089 
Introduced by Representative Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the immediate environs of the San Pablo 
Church located in the Municipality of San Pablo, Province of Isabela, as a 
tourism destination. 
The San Pablo Church, built in 1624, is the oldest church in the 
Province of Isabela and is renowned for its six-level bell tower, the tallest in 
the entire Cagayan Valley. Despite the damage it sustained during the 
Second World War, its faithful restoration preserved its architectural 
integrity and enhanced its cultural significance. Today, it stands as a 
beacon of history, faith, and heritage, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. 
This measure was already passed on Third Reading in the House of 
Representatives during the 19th Congress. This version was the result of the 
collaborative efforts of the Committee on Tourism, concerned government 
agencies, and key stakeholders to promote responsible tourism while 
ensuring the preservation of our historical and cultural landmarks. 
By declaring the area surrounding the San Pablo Church as a tourism 
destination, the bill aims to prioritize the site's development, improve 
accessibility and safety, and bolster local economic activity. At the same 
time, it mandates the implementation of conservation measures to safeguard 
the church’s historical and cultural value. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO 
July 17, 2025
4:00 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2089 
Introduced by Representative Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE SAN PABLO CHURCH  
LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN PABLO, PROVINCE OF 
ISABELA, A TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The immediate environs of the San Pablo Church 
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located in the Municipality of San Pablo, Province of Isabela, are 
2 
hereby declared as a tourism destination. Pursuant thereto, the 
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development of the immediate environs of the San Pablo Church shall 
4 
be prioritized and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), 
5 
subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of 
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tourism destinations 
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SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the 
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municipal government of San Pablo shall, in coordination with the 
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DOT, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Historical 
10 
Commission of the Philippines and other concerned government 
11 
agencies, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the 
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2 
 
construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate 
1 
infrastructure and facilities to improve the overall features of the 
2 
immediate environs surrounding the San Pablo Church, thereby 
3 
ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists: Provided, That 
4 
said 
development 
plan 
shall 
ensure 
the 
preservation 
and 
5 
conservation of the historical significance of the San Pablo Church.  
6 
Provided, 
further, 
That 
the 
implementation 
of 
the 
tourism 
7 
development plan shall be included in the budget of the municipal 
8 
government of San Pablo. 
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SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of San 
10 
Pablo in the implementation of the tourism development plan by 
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providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall 
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also include the immediate environs of the San Pablo Church in its 
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national and regional promotion programs. 
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SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
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included in the annual budget of the municipal government of San 
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Pablo. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally-
17 
generated funds. 
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, 
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the municipal government of San Pablo shall, in consultation with 
20 
the DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules 
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and regulations to implement this Act.  
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3 
 
 
SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
1 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
2 
circulation. 
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Approved,