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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2678

Introduced by Rep. Witfude Mark M. Ewerga

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks to declare November 4 of every year as a special non-
working holiday in the Province of Quezon, to commemorate the death anniversary,

heroism and patriotism of Apolinario Dela Cruz, popularly known as “Hermano Puli”.

Freedom of religion or belief is one of the liberties that the Filipino people
fought and died for throughout the Spanish era in the country. One of the immortals in
this religious struggle is Apolinario de la Cruz. His Confradia De Jesus paved the way for
Father Jose Burgos’ struggle to secularize Philippine parishes and Father Gregorio
Aglipay’s efforts to establish the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

Hermano Pule rendered invaluable service in our country by founding the
brotherhood popularly known as Confradia De Jesus. The brotherhood or religious
organization that Hermano Pule founded spread like wildfire in the Province of Tayabas
(now Quezon, Laguna and some towns in Batangas) which historical research has
proved as one way of showing nationalism during that time.

Hermano Pule stands out among the heroes of the Filipino people. He saw the
power of religion on the life of his countrymen. He knew that colonial rule could not be
overthrown by force or use of arms. His studies in the library of the Hospital de San Juan
de Dios convinced him that religion was a powerful means to awaken his people and

liberate them from the abusive colonial government.


Thus, it is but fitting and proper to honor and emulate the heroism and
patriotism of Apolinario (Hermano Pule) de la Cruz and give the people of Quezon

Province full opportunity to commemorate the vent with appropriate ceremonies.

In light of the foregoing, passage of this bill is urgently sought.

Pe


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2678

Introduced by Rep. Witfiide Mark M. Enverga

AN ACT DECLARING EVERY FOURTH DAY OF NOVEMBER AS A SPECIAL
NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEZON

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

SECTION. 1. November 4 of every year is hereby declared as a special
non-working holiday in the Province of Quezon, to commemorate the death
anniversary, heroism and patriotism of Apolinario Dela Cruz, popularly known
as “Hermano Puli”.

SEC. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

APPROVED,


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSEBILLNO.____— 2679

Introduced by Rep. Witfride Mark M. Enverga

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Our Constitution provides that the State shall promote industrialization
and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian
reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and
natural resources, and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign
markets. In the pursuit of these goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions
of the country shall be given optimum opportunity to develop. Private
enterprises, including corporations, cooperatives, and similar collective

organizations, shall be encouraged to broaden the base of their ownership.

This bill provides for the creation of Northern Quezon Development
Authority (NQDA) which will pave the way for the gradual development of the
long neglected eastern coastal towns of the first congressional district of
Quezon. The bill likewise intends to create an institutional machinery to ensure
an effective ecologic and economic management of the northern part of the
Province of Quezon specifically the municipalities surrounding the upper

portion (northern) of Lamon Bay areas.


Northern Lamon Bay is a vast body of water consisting Lamon Bay and
Part of the Pacific Ocean encompassing the five (5) island-municipalities in the
first district of Quezon (northern Quezon), it is a rich fishing ground that
supply substantially marine and fish requirements of Southern Tagalog Region
and Metro Manila. Apart from having a rich marine life and other aquatic
Fesources, four coastal towns of General Nakar, Infanta, Real and Mauban,
Quezon, cover large area of forest lands rich in wild flora and fauna, animals,
forest and fruit trees and a watershed area supply supporting existing and
Proposed hydroelectric power plants, domestic water supply and irrigation
works.

The Northern Quezon is also in a strategic location ideal for harbor and
Port development in the pacific side of the country. This key geographic
location underscores its potential to be a major transshipment point and
center of trade in the northern Pacific Rim. Furthermore, thru Infanta-Marikina
Road, imported and local products can easily reach Metro Manila hence it will
Play a significant role in trade and economic activities of the country.

Yet despite its strategic location to facilitate economic development, its
Potential is however, not actualized. There is a lack of industrial progress in the
aforementioned coastal towns and island-municipalities. There is no known
development plan for the whole of the northern Part of Quezon. Development
Plans are still in the municipal level. Integrated and sustainable plan needs to
be drawn and implemented in the area if real development is to be achieved.

The Northern Quezon Development Authority (NQDA) will promote
the socio-economic development of Quezon first district through a holistic and
integrative coordination of all active sectors in the area. This agency will
oversee the general development of the area and will create a framework that

will facilitate economic progress and ecological preservation,


To bring forth serious and comprehensive long-term program for
socio- economic development, commensurate to the demands of time, the

passage of this measure is earnestly sought.