Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8215
Introduced by Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pursuant to Republic Act Nos. 7551 and 7685, the City of Davao celebrates its
foundation anniversary on March 16" of every year. This is premised on the assumption that
that Davao City was founded on March 16, 1937. Over time, however, pieces of evidence were
discovered showing that Davao City was actually founded on March 1, 1937.

Recently, the City Council of Davao, through its Committee on Rules, Privileges, Laws
and Ordinances, conducted an inquiry to determine the basis of Republic Act 7685 in declaring
March 16 as the Foundation Day of the City and found out no factual basis supporting the same.
In fact, in the minutes of the House deliberations dated August 18, 1993 on which RA No. 7685
was approved, Congressman Sergio Antonio Apostol of Leyte merely moved for the
declaration of the “Araw ng Dabaw” to be March 16 without citing any factual or historical
basis.

On the contrary, the Committee discovered significant evidence showing that Davao
City was founded on March 1, 1937 such as markers on historic landmarks, two of which are
found in the City Hall of Davao itself and a local legislation — Resolution No. 25 promulgated
by the Sth Council of Davao City which covered the period 1972 to 1975, indicating that Araw
ng Dabaw should be celebrated on March I of every year which was prompted by a Resolution
of the Davao Historical Society then led by Dean Florendo R. Mangaoil.

With these findings, the City Council unanimously approved Resolution Number
1946-18 informing the Congress of the Philippines that the “Araw ng Dabaw” or Foundation
Day of Davao City is actually March 1, 1937 stating that for the date of the “Araw ng Dabaw”
to be historically correct, there is a need to amend/repeal Republic Act No. 7685.

Along these premises, the prompt approval of this measure is eamestly sought and
recommended to correct a historical inaccuracy in Davao City’s evolution as a major urban
center of the country, and arguably the seat of power/n this era of the coyntry’s history.

MYLENE J. GARCIA-ALBANO
2" District, Dayho City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. eet

Introduced by Rep. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano

AN ACT
DECLARING MARCH 1 OF EVERY YEAR AS A SPECIAL NON-WORKING
HOLIDAY IN THE CITY OF DAVAO TO BE KNOWN AS THE “ARAW NG
DABAW,” REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7551 AND
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7685

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

SECTION 1. March 1 of every year is hereby declared a special non-working public
holiday in the City of Davao to be known as the “Araw ng Dabaw” to commemorate its
foundation day.

SECTION 2. On March 1 of every year, the officials of Davao City shall lead
appropriate and meaningful celebrations and activities that give significance and meaning to
the founding fathers of the City, its glorious history and contributions to national development,
among others, to be participated in by officials and employees of the national and local
governments, agencies and instrumentalities, civic, religious and non-government
organizations, private companies and other interested parties.

SECTION 3. Republic Act Number 7551 and Republic Act No. 7685 are hereby
repealed.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Approved,