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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill N09 095

Introduced by CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Fifth District of Quezon City or the Novaliches District is one of the fastest developing
Quezon City. It has a size of 5,246.72 hectares, comprises 14 barangays, and its population
has already reached the half-million mark, Located at the northernmost part of the city, Novaliches
serves as the gateway to the metropolis of the big province of Bulacan and is also the geographical
center of Quezon City, San Jose, and Caloocan City. The District also houses the La Mesa Dam
Watershed, which supplies water to over 20 million residents of Metro Manila, and the La Mesa
Eco-Park, an ecological nature reserve site that has become a favorite destination of city dwellers.

Apart from its development potential, the Novaliches District has also been a witness to the
Philippines’ rich history. The District is the home of the Katipunan Tree which was “a staging area
of the Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution, Under this tree, the Katipuneros held meetings
and treated their wounded." In addition, itis in one of the barangays in Novaliches where Melchora
Aquino, more popularly known as Tandang Sora, last stood her ground and was eventually arrested
by the Guardia Civil on August 29, 18962

The separate legislative district of Novaliches was created by virtue of Republic Act. No.
10170, which was approved on July 2, 2012.

‘This bill seeks to declare July 2 of every year as “Araw ng Novaliches,” to instill a sense
of pride to all Novalefios.

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

LFRED VARGAS

* Historical Marker installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (formerly National Historical
Institute. The Katipunan Tree is located in the grounds of the Metro Manila College in Barangay Kaligayahah,
Novaliches, Quezon City,

* paraiso, B.A.C. (2012) “Tandang Sora: Profile of a Courageous Mother.” National Historical Commission of the
Philippines. (http://nhcp.gov.ph/tandang-sora-profile-of-a-courageous-mother/| Retrieved 6 February 2017,



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. S095

Introduced by CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
DECLARING JULY 2 OF EVERY YEAR AS ‘ARAW NG NOVALICHES' IN THE FIFTH
DISTRICT OF QUEZON CITY

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

SECTION 1. The second day of July of every year is hereby declared as “Araw ng
Novaliches” to be observed in the Fifth District of Quezon City.

SEC 2. To ensure meaningful observance of the “Araw ng Novaliches,” all district and
barangay government officials, officers of public and private learning institutions, and
employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and
opportunities for their employees and students to engage and participate in any activity
conducted within the premises of their respective offices, establishments, or schools to
celebrate the "Araw ng Novaliches,” such as, but not limited to, parades, fairs, sportsfest,
and the like.

SEC 3, This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,