Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Catholic churches breed both familiarity and wonder among us. Whether in the 
middle of bustling town or in the peripheries of a quiet barrio, there would always be that one 
edifice with a looming bell tower, welcoming devotees with its age-old, but ever recognizable 
façade.  
In the province of Bulacan, one church that truly captured the interest of many is St. 
Martin of Tours Parish Church.  
St. Martin of Tours Parish Church, also known as the Diocesan Shrine of the Holy 
Cross of Wawa, is located in Brgy. Poblacion, Bocaue, Bulacan. It was founded by Franciscan 
Missionaries in 1606 and is considered as one of the oldest churches in Bulacan.1  
Central to the existence of St. Martin of Tours Parish Church is the wooden cross called 
Mahal na Poong Krus sa Wawa. The said cross is believed to be miraculous when it was found 
floating in the river in 1850 after saving a girl who followed it until it had brought her to the 
shore. As a tribute to the relic, a river procession called Bocaue Pagoda Festival  is celebrated 
every July. 2 
Truly, St. Martin of Tours Parish Church stood the test of time and became one of the 
most venerated Catholic churches in the country. In fact, in 2021, St. Martin of Tours Parish 
Church was included in the list of Jubilee Churches for the celebration of the 500 years of 
Christianity in the Philippines.3 
Aside from its religious significance, it is undeniable that St. Martin of Tours Parish 
Church is also a product of exquisite architecture. From top to toe, its magnificence is timeless 
1https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/newsmakers/2018/03/20/1798343/top-10-must-see-places-
events-bocaue-bulacan 
2 https://newscorebulacan.net/grandiose-pagoda-sails-again-in-bocaue-rivers/ 
3https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/list-of-jubilee-churches-for-the-celebration-of-the-500-years-of-christianity-
in-the-philippines/?fbclid=IwAR30MGXMZTIbbxiKKPdKTM_61xwzQaSRd_3S9hXA1wST_AoFKcNP2G4z1Yc 
August 30, 2022
1:58 pm
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and inviting.  As such, many would always visit it, not only to pray, but also to marvel at the 
beauty and history it embodies.  
 
 
Considering its religious and historical significance,  this bill aims to declare St. Martin 
of Tours Parish Church as a tourist destination. Through this bill, policies and measures 
would be in place to protect its architectural, cultural, and historical significance while also 
ensuring its accessibility to all those who want to see it.  
 
 
With the help of the Department of Tourism (DOT), St. Martin of Tours Parish Church 
will continue to flourish, not only as a religious structure, but also as a symbol of Catholic 
faith in Bulacan and in the country.  
 
In view thereof, the immediate approval of this proposed measure is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     AMBROSIO “BOY” C. CRUZ, JR. 
Representative, Fifth District of Bulacan 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr. 
AN ACT DECLARING ST. MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH CHURCH  AS A TOURIST 
DESTINATION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “St. Martin of Tours Parish 
Church Tourist Destination Act.” 
Section 2. Scope and Coverage. –  St. Martin of Tours Parish Church, located in Brgy. 
Poblacion, Bocaue, Bulacan is hereby declared a tourist destination. In view thereof, the 
development and preservation of St. Martin of Tours Parish Church shall be prioritized by the 
Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Municipality of Bocaue and other 
related agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourist 
destinations.    
Section 3. Tourism Development Plan. – The DOT in coordination with the Tourism 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other government agencies, shall 
prepare a tourism development plan. The said tourism development plan shall consist, among 
others, of the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and 
infrastructure that shall encourage tourism in the area: Provided, that said tourism 
development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of St. Martin of Tours Parish 
Church. 
Section 4. Implementation. – The DOT, in coordination with TIEZA and other 
concerned agencies, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper 
implementation of this Act.   
Section 5. Appropriations and funding. – The Secretary of the DOT in the 
Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.  
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Section 6. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions 
of this Act.  
Section 7. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters of 
instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.  
Section 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation.  
Approved,