Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / -
Quezon City Hs

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNO, 4094

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOSE “PINGPING” I. TEJADA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare September 1 of every year as a special non-working holiday
in the Province of (North) Cotabato.

What was once the Empire Province of Cotabato became operative as a “Local
Government Unit” in September 1, 1914, the date when the creation of the Department of
Mindanao and Sulu took effect pursuant to the Philippine Commission Act No. 2408. The
area covered by the empire Province of Cotabato is the territory presently occupied by the
provinces of North Cotabato (the mother province}, South Cotabato, Maguindanao,
Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, including the area now covered by the Cities of Cotabato and
General Santos. The empire province covers an area of 2,296,791 hectares or about one
thirteenth of the whole country which is an area of about 30 million hectares. So big was the
province that its area was the size of the central plain of Luzon and bigger than the six states
in the United States, including the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

While the original Cotabato had an area of 2,299,791 hectares, the present Province
covers only 731, 102 hectares or a bit more than one-fourth of its original size when South
Cotabato was separated from the Empire Province in 1966 and thereafter the division of the
remaining Empire into three (3) district provinces, namely North Cotabato, Maguindanao
and Sultan Kudarat, pursuant to PD No. 341 in November 1973. By virtue of the forgoing
North Cotabato was retained as the mother Province.

With its distinct characteristic resulting from varying cultures, dialects, traits, and
ways of life as indicated by its unique blend of people, Cotabato, today remains a
progressive province with a sustained economic growth brought about by various economic
industries. At present the province prides itself as the agro-industrial hub in Region Xl. It is a
major producer of cereals, tropical fruits, vegetables, sugarcane, coconut, coffee, freshwater


fish and livestock. It is also one of the country’s leading producers of raw and semi-
processed rubber and industrial trees, with markets in Asia and Europe.

In September 1, 2014 the Province will again mark another landmark in its history as
it celebrate its 100" year as a Local Government Unit. Thus, the declaration of its founding
anniversary as a regular non-working holiday is fitting and proper to give meaning to the
establishment of the Province, and in recognition to its forefathers who, during the time of
war, atrocities and destruction by foreign invaders fought hard for the province's liberation
and for their untiring effort to attain peace and development.

Hence the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

kd

JOSE “PII ING” |. TEJADA
3° District, Provificelof North Cotabato


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNO 4094

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOSE “PINGPING” I. TEJADA

AN ACT DECLARING SEPTEMBER 1 OF EVERY YEAR
AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF (NORTH) COTABATO.

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

Section 1. It is hereby declared as a policy of governance of the Province of North
Cotabato, to recognize the birth of the province in the preservation of its heritage and the
promotion of forms of development in the local autonomy.

Section 2. September 1 of every year is hereby declared as a special non-working
holiday in the Province of North Cotabato in commemoration of its foundation as a local
government unit.

In the event the holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday will be observed
‘on the Monday that follows.

Section 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,