Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _322

Introduced by KABATAAN PARTY-LIST Representative Sarah Jane |. Elago,
ACT TEACHERS PARTY-LIST Representative France L. Castro,
BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST Representatives Carlos Isagani T. Zarate,
Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia C. Cullamat,
and GABRIELA WOMEN’S PARTY Representative Arlene D. Brosas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Youth power is recognized in the world today as a mobilizing force of the social
development. The youth are filled with tremendous energy and towering ambitions to
be a catalyst of change in the society to transform the present times into a bright future.
Recognizing the momentous role of the youth in the country, Dr. Jose Rizal once
quoted that “The youth is the hope of our Motherland.” As such, they are considered
as a ‘trustee’ of the nation-building process who will establish the national identity and
secure the essence of democracy by ensuring that the rights and liberties of our
people are being upheld all the time.

The history even unveiled the heroism of the Filipino youth who sacrificed their
lives for democracy. First Quarter Storm is a major event initiated by youth and other
advocates to combat tyrannical rule and authoritarianism. It is a continuous
movement from January 25, 1970 to March 1970 against the dictatorship of former
President Ferdinand Marcos.

It all started when President Marcos was delivering his State of Nation's
Address (SONA) on January 26, 1970. The youth demonstrators demanded for
constitutional reform before the law enforcers responded with violent riot. On the
following days, simultaneous demonstrators were held again for constitutional reform,
and to express grievances against the police for the said incidence. Security forces
reacted again with force until it caused the death of four (4) students and hundreds of
wounded protesters. Series of demonstrations spread throughout the archipelago. As
a response, President Marcos declared Martial Law that eventually transpired the
death of democracy and the rise of totalitarian rule.

This event must not be buried in the past but rather considered as a success
of the struggle of the Filipino people in ousting a dictator. The memories of the youth
who fought to revive democracy and to defend the rights and liberties of the Filipino
people must be respected as a foundation of realization of our dream to free ourselves
from misery of fascist rule. Without their efforts, our society must have been paralyzed


up to the present due to the atmosphere of fear and agony persisted arising from
excruciating oppression of the government and state violence against its people.

This bill seeks to declare a day, specifically, January 25, also the day that FQS
started, as the day for commemoration of the anniversary for First Quarter Storm.
During this proposed official anniversary of FQS, it will be a chance for every citizen
to look back to the past and learn the lessons from the nightmare of the Marcos regime.
It is the day we can repay and honor those youths who never feared to fight and
sactifice their lives in pursuit of their aspiration to establish the society whereby the
freedom is respected and equality among the people is observed. Their fight is not an
end but a beginning for our struggle toward democratic goal.

This representation earnestly seeks the passage of this bill at the most
immediate possible time. Let this be a model for the international community, a step
closer to a more informed, dynamic, and critical public crucial for democracy.


Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

A
Tp aS Bo oeeh
Rep. CARLOS I: ANI T. ZARATE fep. FERDINAND GAITE

BAYAN MUNA Party-List BAYAN MUNA Party-List
p ama
Rep. EUFEMIA C. CULLAMAT p. ARLENE D. BROSAS

BAYAN MUNA Party-List GABRIEMA Women's Party



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2
HOUSE BILL NO. 322

Introduced by KABATAAN PARTY-LIST Representative Sarah Jane I. Elago,
ACT TEACHERS PARTY-LIST Representative France L. Castro,
BAYAN MUNA PARTY-LIST Representatives Carlos Isagani T. Zarate,
Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia C. Cullamat,
and GABRIELA WOMEN’S PARTY Representative Arlene D. Brosas

AN ACT RECOGNIZING JANUARY 25 EVERY YEAR AS OBSERVANCE OF THE
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST QUARTER STORM, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES, AND APPOPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Section 1. Short Title - This Act shall be otherwise known or cited as “First
Quarter Storm Anniversary Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. —

(a) The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building
and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage
their involvement in public and civic affairs;

(b) — The State shall give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate
social progress, and promote total human liberation and development; and

(c) The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-
based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

Section 3. On 25'" of January of every year, school officials,
student councils, and students shall undertake appropriate activities to commemorate
the First Quarter Storm, such as, but not limited to forum, panel discussions, exhibits.

Section 4. The Role of Agencies Concerned —

(a) National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)-
The NHCP created pursuant to Republic Act 10086 shall lead its role in
implementation of historical education activity that seeks to educate the audience on
the facts about First Quarter Storm. It shall coordinate with other agencies concerned
for planning and implementation of the programs.


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(b) Commission on Higher Education (CHED)- It shall coordinate
with NHCP for planning and implementation of educational activities on FQS to all the
academic institutions in tertiary level. Furthermore, it shall allow all the universities and
college under its jurisdiction, students, and faculties to conduct any activity inside their
institutions with relevance to FQS.

(c) Department of Education (DepEd)- \t shall plan, with
coordination of NHCP, any educational activities and discussions on FQS to all the
students from primary, secondary and senior high school level. It shall give directives
to all the schools under its jurisdiction to conduct an event that shall consist of
academic, art, musical and cultural activities which shall inculcate nationalism and
patriotism among the students.

(d) National Youth Commission (NYC)- It shall encourage all its
local and regional chapters, affiliated organizations and agencies, and its individual
members to plan, formulate, and organize an event in relevance to the
commemoration of FQS anniversary.

Section 5. Appropriations Clause. ~ The amounts necessary to carry out the
initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s
appropriation of the agencies. Thereafter, the amounts necessary for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 6. Separability Clause. — If for any reason any section or provision
of this Act is declared unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. — Any laws, decrees, or laws, decrees, or
rules and regulations which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this
Act are hereby amended or repealed.

Section 8. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,