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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi||No.   8895
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=      DATE  c  1   .A,I.]ci   2e23
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Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Balintawak Shrine, located in A. Bonifacio Avenue comer EDSA, Barangay
Unang Sigaw, District 6, Quezon City, stands on the hallowed grourrd where one of the
pivotal events in Philippine history occurred - the Cry of Pugad Lawin or the Cry of
Balintawak. This event, which took place on August 23, 1896, marked the beginning
of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. This historical monument
features the Philippine hero and revolutionary leader Supremo Andres Bonifacio,
better  known  as  ``Ama  ng  Katipunan"  who  led  the  katipuneros  with  zeal  and
determination to unite against the oppressive Spanish regine. His leadership and
contributions to the Philippine Revolution have left a lasting impact on the nation's
history and the struggle for independence.
Andres Bonifacio's historical significance lies in his role as the founder and
leader of the Katipunan, his initiation of the Philippine Revolution, his dedication to
the masses, and his status as a martyr and national hero. His leadership continues to
be celebrated and remembered, representing the undying spirit of the Filipino people
in our pursuit for genuine lasting freedom and national identity.
By preserving the historical monument of Balintawak, we pay our respects to
thelegacyofBonifacioandthesacrificeofkatipunerosbyhonoringthissacredground
and upholding the memory of heroes and heroines who majestically fought for our
country's freedom. The Shrine, which is nestled along the busy and bustling Bonifacio
Avenue and EDSA, is subject to daily traffic and pollution. Declaring the area as a
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historical heritage site will pave the way for proper development, maintenance, and
preservationoftheshrineenvirons.Throughawell-subsidizeddevelopmentplan,the
shrine  could  be  a  safe  and  welcoming  public  space  where  generations  upon
generations of Filipinos can spend their time embracing the rich history of Andres
Bonifacio. With its heritage site status, we can appropriately mandate the restoration
of the shrine's infrastructures, preservation of its culture, and rehabilitation of its
imlnediate environs.
Bonifacio's legacy as a revolutionary leader symbolizes Filipino nationalism
and patriotism. He embodies the spirit of resistance, the love for country, and the
determination to fight for freedom, continuously inspiring generations of Filipinos to
stand up for their rights and the nation's sovereignty.
May this monument remind us dearly to love our country  -  a love that
encompasses all.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.#
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi|| No.   8695
Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
AN ACT DECLARING THE ANDRES BONIFACI0 MONUMENT IN THE
6TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 0F QUHZON CITY AS A CULTURAL HERITAGH
SITE, PROVIDING FOR ITS PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted by the  Senate  and House  Of Representatives  Of the  Philippines  in Congress
assembled:
1      SECTION 1. Sfoorf TIT/a -This act shall be known as "The Balintawak shrine Heritage site
2      Act"
3
4      SECTION 2. DecJ¢rolfo# a/Po/fiey -It is a policy of the State to conserve, promote, and
5      popularize  the  nation's  historical  and  cultural  heritage  and  resources,  as  well  as  artistic
6      creations. Moreover, the constitution declares that all the country's artistic and historic wealth
7      constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall therefore be under the protection of the
8      State which may regulate its disposition.
9
10      Towards this end, it shall be the duty of the state to protect, preserve, and promote the
11      cultural and historical heritage of the Balintawak shrine.
12
T3      SE!CT\OIN 3. AndTes  Boniifiacio  Monument  as  a  Cultural  Heritage  Site. - The  Armdres
14      Bonifacio Monument, also known as the Balintawak shrine, located in A. Bonifacio Avenue
15      comer Epifinio De los santos Avenue (EDSA), Barangay unang sigaw, District 6, Quezon
16      City is hereby declared as a cultural heritage site. As such, its development shall be prioritized
17      by the Department of Tourism (DOT), National commission for culture and the Arts (NCCA),
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1      the National Historical commission of the philippines (NHCP), the Tourism Infrastructure and
2      Enterprise zone Authority, and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
3      governing the preservation and development of national heritage sites.
4
5      SECTION 4. rowrtsm Dctie/opme#fpJa# -Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act,
6      the DOT, in coordination with the Department of public works and Highways (DPWH) and
7      other  concerned  agencies  of the  government,  shall  prepare  a  tourism  development  plan
8      involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
9      infrastructure that shall improve the overall features and environs of the area, thereby ensuring
10      the accessibility and security of tourists; Prov!.ded, that said development plan shall ensure the
11      preservation and conservation of the historical significance of the area. Provz.dec7/"7~/7zer, that
12      the  DOT and  its  concerned attached agencies  shall take necessary  steps to  implement the
13      tourism development plan appropriately aligned and incorporated in the National Tourism
14      Development plan.
15
16      SECTION 5. 4proprirfous. -The secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's
17      prograni the implementation of this Act, the necessary funding of which shall be included in
18      the annual General Appropriations Act.
19
20      SE:CT\ON  6.  Inaplementing  Rules  and Regulations.  - WLthin sixty  (60)  days from the
21      effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with the local government unit ofQuezon city,
22      shall promulgate rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
23
24      SECTION   7.  Rcpc¢/I."g  Cfouse   -  All   laws,   presidential   decrees,   executive   orders,
25      memoranda, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Acts
26      are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
27
28      SECTION  8.    Scp¢rabi.lrty/  C7aiisc.  -  If any  part  or  provision  of this  Act  is  declared
29      unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts of provisions not affected shall remain in full
30      force and effect.
31
32      SECTION 9. Ej7cl crfuz.fy. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
33       the QLicJ.cz/ Gc}ze#e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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