NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 2289
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of X\}f ^ftretar/
23 JUN27 P4 ‘43
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING POPULAR FILIPINO FIESTAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF 
BOOSTING TOURISM AND LOCAL BUSINESS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is known for its vibrant culture and colorful festivals. These 
fiestas showcase our rich cultural heritage and attract a significant number of local 
and foreign tourists. However, there is a need to promote these festivals further to 
boost tourism and the local economy.
These festivals are an essential part of our country's cultural heritage and are 
deeply rooted in our history and traditions. Some of the famous fiestas include the Ati- 
Atihan Festival in Akian, Sinulog Festival in Cebu, and the Kadayawan Festival in Davao 
City.
Despite these festivals' popularity, the tourism industry in the country has yet 
to maximize its potential. There is a need to promote these fiestas to attract more 
tourists and generate revenue for the local economies. Additionally, promoting these 
festivals can help preserve and promote our country's rich cultural heritage. This can 
have a significant impact on the country's tourism industry and local economies.
In light of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
0th Senate
of «}C
23 JUN 27 P 4 *44
SENATE
RECEIVE J BY:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROMOTING POPULAR FILIPINO FIESTAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF 
BOOSTING TOURISM AND LOCAL BUSINESS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assem bled:
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Section 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the state to recognize and
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promote the significance of Filipino festivals as an essential part of the country's
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cultural heritage. The government shall promote these festivals and support the local
4 
communities and businesses to maximize their potential as tourist attractions and
5 
income-generating activities.
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Sec. 2. Definition of Terms-
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a.) Filipino Fiestas - refers to colorful and vibrant celebrations of the
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Philippines' traditional religious, cultural, and historical heritage.
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b.) Tourism - refers to the activities of visitors who travel to places outside
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their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes.
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c.) Local Businesses - refers to enterprises owned and run by Filipino citizens
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who contribute to the country's economic development.
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Sec. 3. Policy Measures and Responsibilities -
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a.) The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall develop and implement the
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cultural tourism program, in coordination with the concerned Local
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Government Units (LGUs) and the National Commission for Culture and
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the Arts (NCCA), and shall be the lead agency In the implementation of
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this Act.
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b.) The pertinent LGUs shall assist In organizing and promoting the festivals.


1 
c.) The private sector shall be encouraged to invest in these festivals through
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incentives.
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Sec. 4. Monitoring and Evaiuation - There shall be a monitoring and
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evaluation system to annually assess the program's impact on tourism and local
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businesses. The system shall be conducted by the DOT in coordination with the
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NCCA and the concern LGUs.
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Sec. 5. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act
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shall be sourced from the DOT and the NCCA's share in the annual General
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Appropriations Act (GAA).
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Sec. 6. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The DOT, in coordination with
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the NCCA and relevant stakeholders, shall develop the implementing rules and
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regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 7. Separabiiity Cause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
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declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
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portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can
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still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
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Sec. 8. Repeaiing Cause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
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memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
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with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 9. Effectivity Cause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after
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its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,