Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
19 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3750

House Bill No.

Introduced by: REP. JOEL R. CHUA

Explanatory Note

At the heart of the City of Manila lies the vibrant area of Quiapo. For
many reasons, Quiapo has become a household name, a landmark, and a
symbol for many Filipinos. The name “Quiapo” was derived from the word
Kiyapo. It is a species of floating water lily with thick, light-green leaves, similar
toa tiny, open cabbage. At around the early 1600s, the galleon trade increased
the population of Chinese migrants who exchanged their silk and other
products near Quiapo. Towards the next century, Quiapo transformed into a
wealthy suburb. It boasted stately homes, the most beautiful street in Manila
(R.Hidalgo), the loveliest park in Manila (Plaza del Carmen), and the most
spacious public market in Manila (Mercado de la Quinta) (Andrade, nd.)

Within this area, two historical churches may be found: the Minor
Basilica of the Black Nazarene, popularly known as Quiapo Church, and the
Minor Basilica of San Sebastian.

The Quiapo Church was founded at around 1578, and it serves as the
home of the miraculous Black Nazarene Statue for whom thousands of
devotees would gather every Friday, and especially on the 9 of January. On
December 11, 1987, His Holiness, Pope John Paul II granted the recognition of
Quiapo Church as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene because of its role
in strengthening a deep popular devotion to Jesus Christ and its cultural
contribution to the religiosity of the Filipino people (Cacho, 2009).

The Minor Basilica of San Sebastian is just as significant, and part of the
Heritage Zone. On 1621, four San Sebastian masonry churches stood at Plaza
del Carmen before it was destroyed by earthquakes and fires. It was rebuilt as
the current architectural marvel as it is the only all-steel church in the country.
The Minor Basilica opened on May 5, 1621, to house the statue of Virgen del
Carmen.

The City of Manila needs a Heritage Zone not just to create jobs, but to
help uplift the reputation of the city in the Philippines and in the world.


Currently, there are two Heritage Zones in the City of Manila. However, this is
not enough to support the vibrant Capital. Through this Bill, the proposed
Quiapo Pilgrimage and Living Heritage Zone within these areas will receive
the attention it deserves. Ultimately, there is a need to declare the immediate
environs of Quiapo Church, Plaza Miranda, San Sebastian Church, and Plaza
del Carmen as a National Heritage Zone for the restoration of their
infrastructures, preservation of its culture, and the rehabilitation of the
community as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
197? CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3750

Introduced by: REP. JOEL R. CHUA

AN ACT DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF QUIAPO CHURCH,
PLAZA MIRANDA, SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH, AND PLAZA DEL CARMEN
AS A NATIONAL HERITAGE ZONE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ITS
RESTORATION REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION, DEVELOPMENT AND.
OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as “The Quiapo Heritage Zone Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the state to
protect, preserve, and conserve the nation's cultural heritage, its properties and
history, and the traditions of local communities.

SECTION 3. Quiapo National Heritage Zone. - The Quiapo Heritage Zone shall be
bounded on the west by Evangelista Street, wrapping around the properties
surrounding Quiapo Church and Plaza Miranda; on the north by rear property lines
of buildings facing Escaldo Street and F. R. Hidalgo Street, continuing northwest along
the rear property lines of buildings facing San Sebastian Street and northeast along,
Recto Avenue; on the east bounded by the side property lines of the San Sebastian
College complex and Plaza del Carmen, and on the south, following the south bank
of the Estero de Quiapo and wrapping around the rear property lines of buildings
facing Hidalgo Street and A. Bautista Street.

The Quiapo Heritage Zone shall be accorded priority development by the Department
of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned departments and units and shall be subject to
the rules and regulations governing the development of national heritage zones.

SECTION 4. Development Plan of the Quiapo Heritage Zone. - The Department of
Tourism, in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), other
government agencies concerned, and the City Government of Manila, shall within one
year after the approval of this Act, prepare the development plan involving the
restoration, rehabilitation conservation and/or maintenance of such appropriate
facilities which shall enhance the area: Provided, That said development shall ensure
the preservation of the cultural heritage and the historical significance of the identified
area.


SECTION 5. Coordination with National Agencies and Local Government Units
(LGUs). - The DOT, together with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in
coordination with the City Government of Manila, shall set forth and implement the
necessary construction and/or improvement of roads and other infrastructure upon
the promulgation of this Act and incorporate it in its infrastructure program.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the DOT and
the Secretary of the DPWH, in consultation with the stakeholders, shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. -The Secretary of the DOT and the Secretary of the
DPWH shall immediately include in their respective programs the implementation of
this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act and/or charged against the internally generated funds of the DOT.

SECTION 8. Repealing clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of
implementation, rules and regulations or part or parts thereof inconsistent with any
provision of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, superseded, or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 9. Separability clause. - Should any portion or provision of this Act be
declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the other portions, or
provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.