Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTA’
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No,_5866

Introduced by HON, RENE L, RELAMPAGOS
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare December 5 of every year as a non-working public
holiday in the Municipality of Sikatuna, Province of Bohol.

Sikatuna attained its stature as an independent municipality on December 5, 1917
by virtue of Executive Order No. 88, issued by then Governor General Francis Burton
Harisson Said municipality is named after Datu Sikatuna, the ancient chieftain of Bohol.

‘The date when Sikatuna became a political entity is a historic event that deserves
‘ full commemoration by the local government and its constituents. Sikatuna is a 5!"
income class municipality in Bohol with a total land area of 2,675 hectares composed of
10 barangays, about 17 kilometers from Tagbilaran, According to historical records, the
town served as a haven for evacuees from the neighboring towns and some from the
province of Cebuduring the World War II, despite the presence of Japanese soldiers. It
is richly endowed with natural resources, scenery and historical significance.

‘The immediate passage of this bill is urgently requested as this shall further
inspire the people of Sikatuna in their continuing efforts for progress and development.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought.

‘Ke
coi RELAMPAGOS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

66

HOUSE BILL NO,

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS.
First District, Bohol

“AN ACT DECLARING DECEMBER 5 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NON-
WORKING PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SIKATUNA,
BOHOL IN COMMEMORATION OF ITS CHARTER DAY ANNIVERSARY”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Datu Sikatuna Day”.

SECTION 2. Special Working Holiday. ~ December 5 of every year is hereby
declared a special non-working public holiday in the Municipality of Sikatuna, Bohol, in
commemoration of its charter aay anniversary. In the event that the holiday falls on a
Saturday or Sunday, the holiday shall be observed on the Monday that follows,

SECTION 3. Implementing Agency. — The Department of Education Regional
Offiee and the local government of the municipality of Sikatuna shall plan and
implement activities for the “Datu Sikatuna Day", and ensure that Sikatuna’s legacy of
courage and heroism is given emphasis to encourage the youth to continue the good
values and patriotism demonstrated by the late Datu Sikatuna.

Moreover, to ensure meaningful observance of the holiday as herein declared, all
heads of local government units and instrumentalities, including government-owned
and controlled corporations, and employers in the private sector shall encourage and
afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in
any activity conducted within the premises of their respective offices or establishments
to celebrate the Sikatuna Day.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. If any provisions of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SECTION 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,