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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. GO

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Basi Revolt Shrine in the Municipality of Piddig,
Province of Ilocos Norte, as a tourist destination, providing for its development,
and appropriating funds therefor.

One of the most popular products sold in Ilocos Norte is the basi, a sugar
cane wine made by fermenting boiled, freshly extracted sugar cane juice.
Fermentation process takes three months up to a year, and this beverage is a
favorite among locals, even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Basi is an integral
part of the lifestyle and customs of llocanos. In birth and death, love and
marriage, planting and harvest, victory and defeat, basi is always present. It is also
a major source of livelihood for llocanos.

However, in 1807, the Spanish rulers banned the production and sale of basi
due to its growing popularity and profitability. This angered the wine-loving
llocanos for they were deprived of their source of livelihood and forced to divert
from their accustomed way of living. Thus, on September 16, 1807, the llocanos
revolted against the unfair Spanish rulers. The revolt spread through other towns
like wildfire and lasted for weeks. Unfortunately, this led to the demise of many
locals and is popularly known as “The Basi Revolt.”

In September 2012, to commemorate the Basi Revolt, Municipal Ordinance
No. 2012-09-098 of the Sangguniang Bayan of Piddig was enacted. A shrine was
erected at the rotunda of the Municipality of Piddig which serves as the main
entrance to the town proper.


The Basi Revolt created historical significance worthy of sharing to both
local and foreign tourists. Not everyone in the country is aware of the bravery
displayed by the llocanos to preserve their custom and culture. The shrine is a
symbol of the strong passion and drive in preserving the cultural rights of the
llocanos.

The Basi Revolt was initially a localized expression of protest that eventually
led to the series of revolts that occurred in the 1800s. The succeeding revolts may
have failed, but it gave the llocanos enough strength and courage to fight for
their freedom. The Basi Revolt remains a testament to the strength of character of
the llocanos.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this proposed measure is earnestly
sought for.

RIA CHRISTINA @. FARINAS Rl R G. FARINAS |


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6356

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

AN ACT
DECLARING THE BASI REVOLT SHRINE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PIDDIG, PROVINCE
OF ILOCOS NORTE, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Basi Revolt Shrine in the Municipality of Piddig, Province of
llocos Norte is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall
be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) which shall be subject to the
rules and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the DOT, in
coordination with the concerned local government units and agencies of the
government, shall prepare a tourism development plan involving the
construction, installation, and maintenance of appropriate infrastructures and
facilities that enhance tourism in the area: Provided, That the development plan
shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the natural beauty and
resources of the area: Provided, further, That any activity and development to be
carried out in the area must conform with the concept of ecotourism as provided


in the national ecotourism strategy jointly issued by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and the DOT.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the tourism development plan that suits the needs of the Basi Revolt
Shrine, and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the
ensuing calendar year. It shall also include the Basi Revolt Shrine in all its national,
regional and local promotion programs.

Sec. 4, The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and from intemally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Tourism, in consultation with the Municipality of Piddig, shall promulgate the

necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders, or parts

thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,