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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _47

AN ACT DECLARING THE SANTO NINO DE TONDO PARISH IN TONDO, MANILA A
NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE FOR HISTORY, PROVIDING FOR ITS
PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS

THEREFORE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Historical sites serve as our reminder of how everything has once been. They may
serve as remnants of our colonial past, but they may also serve as a reminder of our
resilience despite hardship and difficulty.

The Santo Nino de Tondo Parish in Tondo, Manila is one witness to our nation's
history, having been established by Augustinian Missionaries back in the 16th century. Its
historical marker declared it as a “center for catholic activities” in Tondo, Manila.

Being a witness to the ongoing story of Tondo, protecting and conserving the parish
is akin to protecting and conserving the history of Tondo itself. As it stood the test of time,
itis a testament to the undying hope and devotion of Filipinos given that to date, it is still
‘one of the most visited churches in the Philippines.

Given its importance to Tondo, it was elevated to an “archdiocesan shrine" due to
the petition made by its parish priest Fr. Estelito Villegas, and the community. In view of
the foregoing, it is only fitting that the Santo Nino de Tondo Parish be acknowledged as a
national landmark and shrine for history.

It is for the foregoing premises that the passage of this bill is highly sought.


|. ERNESTO “ERNIX” M, DIONISIO, JR.
Representative
First Congressional District of Manila


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 47

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING THE SANTO NINO DE TONDO PARISH IN TONDO, MANILA A
NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE FOR HISTORY, PROVIDING FOR ITS
PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS

THEREFORE

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
preserve historical sites, monuments, and other relics that represent the Filipino heritage
and culture and should therefore be under the protection of the State. Likewise, the State
must provide the necessary support to conserve, promote, and popularize these national
treasures as part of our nation’s history.

‘SECTION 2. Designation as Historical Site. - The Santo Nino de Tondo Parish of Tondo,
Manila, an edifice that was finished in 1695, is hereby declared a National Historical Site
for History.

SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall exercise supervision over the preservation
of the aforesaid site and shall, within sixty (60) days, issue the necessary rules and
regulations to implement the provision of this Act.

SECTION 4. Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the provision of this,
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


SECTION 5. Authorization to Accept Donations. - The NHCP shall be authorized to
receive and solicit donations from private sources for the improvement and maintenance
of the Santo Nino de Tondo Parish. There is hereby created a special fund for this
purpose, which shall be managed by the Department of Finance

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,