Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 319

Introduced by Hon. Julienne “Jam Jam” Baronda

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Iloilo City is well-known for its Spanish colonial churches, old houses, mansions, historical
buildings, monuments and landmarks that has made it a major tourist destination of the country.
The value of these heritage sites are beyond measure considering their significance to
Philippine history, arts, culture, trade and tourism.

Itis to Hoilo City’s advantage that it is the State’s policy to promote a tourism industry that is
ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable
and equitable for local communities.

Historical edifices in Hoilo City were given due recognition when in May 15, 2013, President
Benigno Aquino signed into law Republic Act 1055 declaring the Jaro Cathedral, the Molo
church, the Hoilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex,
Molo Plaza Complex and Plaza Libertad Complex as a cultural heritage tourism zone.
As such, these places are now to be accorded priority development by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) and shalll be subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of
tourism zones.

Sadly, the Arevalo Plaza which is equally of major historical significance, deserving of the
State’s attention and priority for preservation and development, was not included in this law.

‘The Arevalo Plaza can be found in Arevalo, founded in 1851 and now a district of Hloilo City.
Arevalo is well-known as the flower capital of Hoilo. It is worth noting that Arevalo, after being
declared the capital of Panay and Negros, served as a Spanish Naval station. Its busy seaport
opened the doors to trade in the archipelago as early as the 15" Century. It served as jumping
off point for Spanish expeditions and as a supply base of Spanish garrisons in the Moluccas.
Later it became the target of attacks by the British, Dutch and Moros. It was the first Spanish
settlement in Panay that was attacked in 1588 by the English privateer Sir Thomas Cavendish,
third circumnavigator of the world.


Here in Arevalo is where you will find the Corona de Reyna Isabella Il Monument, built by the
women of Arevalo and dedicated to the Spanish Queen Isabella II. The monument signifies the
deep friendship between Spain and Iloilo.

Situated right in the middle of the Arevalo Plaza is the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
also known as the Sto, Nifio de Arevalo Parish Church where the third-oldest image of the Sto
Nino in the Philippines is enshrined. The image is believed to have been brought in by Spanish
explorer and conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1581. Adjacent to the Villa Arevalo
Church is the Arevalo Convent, another heritage building in Spanish colonial design.

With all the Historical buildings and landmarks that brings you back to the Spanish-American
colonial years, Plaza Arevalo is truly a sight to behold for local and foreign tourists. It is one
of lloilo City’s pride and among our country’s oldest treasures.

The Arevalo Plaza is a tableau of Iloilo's rich and glorious history in trade, culture and arts.
The rich history, cultures and traditions has undeniably molded Iloilo City’s success as a source
of historical knowledge and inspiration.

We must give due recognition to the Arevalo Plaza and push for its inclusion in the city’s
heritage tourism zone. This would greatly benefit not only the people of the District of Arevalo
and Tloilo City but the whole country as well. I strongly urge that the preservation and
development of the Arevalo Plaza be ensured not only by the city’s local government unit but
by the relevant agencies of the state as well, such as the Department of Tourism and the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts among others. It should be given ample state
support to maintain its grandeur and continue to develop as a major tourism and trade
destination to locals and foreigners.

The inclusion of the Arevalo Plaza in the list of declared Cultural Heritage Tourism Zone in
Republic Act No. 10555 is not only an act of solemn respect to our history and heritage and to
our heroes and forefathers. It is also our unwavering commitment to shaping a better landscape
for the future and for the development of the Filipino people and our country.

The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JULIE! ‘JAM JAM” BARONDA
Representative, Iloilo City Lone District


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._910

Introduced by Hon. Julienne L. Baronda

AN ACT AMENDING
SECTION 1 AND 2 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10555
TO INCLUDE AREVALO PLAZA AND FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE

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

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Republic Act No. 10555 is hereby amended as follows:

This Act shall be known as "An Act Declaring the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Iloilo City
Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex, Plaza
Libertad Complex, and Arevalo Plaza, all Located in the City of Iloilo, as Cultural Heritage
Tourism Zone”.

The Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Hoilo City Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro
Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex, Plaza Libertad Complex, and Arevalo Plaza, all located in
the City of lloilo, are hereby declared as heritage and tourist spots. As such, they shall be accorded
priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

SEC. 2. Section 2 is hereby amended as follows:

“It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for
local communities.

‘Towards this end, the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, the Hoilo City Central Business District, Fort
San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Molo Plaza Complex, Plaza Libertad Complex, and Arevalo
Plaza, all located in the City of Iloilo, shall be declared as cultural heritage tourism zone, shall be
accorded priority development by the DOT and shall be subject to the rules and regulations
governing the development of tourism zones.

SEC. 3. The other pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 10555, and other laws, rules and
regulations which are inconsistent with this amendatory law are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 4. This law shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in
the Official Gazette ot two newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,