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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
House Bill No.  8 6 9 S
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Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Melchora Aquino, celebrated as the ``Ina ng Katipunan" from her dedicated
service  to  the wounded Filipino  soldiers and revolutionaries  during the Spanish
colonial occupation, had her roots in the heart of Banlat, District 6, Quezon City. She
was greatly revered for her courage and valuable contributions in the Philippine
revolution which led us to liberation of our country.
The heroine was widely called as Tandang Sora, a moniker she received from
Filipino soldiers during her time as a Filipina revolutionary. Tandang means ``old,"
since Aquino was 84 years old when the revolution started. She provided shelter, aid,
encouragement, and other resources to our soldiers and revolutionaries, even offering
her own home as refuge where soldiers found comfort, nourishment, solace, and
protection.
To commemorate her unwavering service towards her country and fellowmen,
the Tandang Sora National Shrine was built in 2008 under the leadership of then
Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and through the craftmanship of sculptor
Toym Imao. Located in Banlat Road, Brgy. Tandang Sora, Quezon City, the shrine
houses a museum, pavilion, and a stage for historical events and gatherings. Tandang
Sora died in 1919 and was interred at the Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Philippine
Revolution at the ha Loma North Cemetery. Her remains were re-interred at the
Tandang Sora Shrine on her 200th birth anniversary on January 6, 2012. The Shrine
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gained its national status on March 2, 2012, through a resolution by the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Melchora Aquino's contributions to the Philippine Revolution represent the
vital  role  played  by  women  in  the  stmggle for  independence.  By  declaring  the
Tandang Sora National Shrine a heritage site, we honor not only her memory but also
recognize the invaluable contributions of women throughout Philippine history.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi||No.8696
Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar
AN ACT DECLARING THH TANDANG SORA NATIONAL SHRINE IN TIIH
6T[] LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF QEUZON CITY AS A CULTURAL HERITAGE
SITH, PROVIDING FOR ITS PRESERVATION AND DEVHLOPMENT, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
1      SECTION 1. Srfeorf ri.#e -This act shall be known as "The Tandang Sora National Shrine
2      Heritage siteAct"
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4      SHCTI0N 2. Dcc/ore/I.o# a/Po/irry -It is a policy of the State to conserve, promote, and
5      popularize  the  nation's  historical  and  cultural  heritage  and  resources,  as  well  as  artistic
6      creations.  Moreover, the Constitution declares that all of the country's artistic and historic
7      wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall then be under the protection of
8      the state which may regulate its disposition.
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10      Towards this end, it shall be the duty of the state to protect, preserve, and promote the cultural
11      and        historical        heritage        of        the        Tandang        Sora        National        Shrine.
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L3      SLLC"OIN 3. Tandang sora National shrine as a cultural Heritage site. ~ The Tandang
14      Sora National shrine located in Banlat Road, Barangay Tandang sora, District 6, Quezon city
15       is hereby declared as a cultural heritage site. As such, its development shall be prioritized by
16      the Department of Tourism (DOT), National commission for culture and the Arts (NCCA),
17      the National Historical commission of the philippines (NIICP), the Tourism Infrastructure and
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1      Enterprise zone Authority, and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations
2      governing the preservation and development of national heritage sites.
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4      SECTION 4 rowrism Dcvcfupn.e#/ Py¢# -Within one (l) year after the approval of this Act,
5      the DOT, in coordination with the Department of public works and Highways (DPWH) and
6      other  concerned  agencies  of the  government,  shall  prepare  a  tourism  development  plan
7      involving the construction,  installation, and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and
8      infrastructure that shall improve the overall features and environs of the area, thereby ensuring
9      the accessibility and security of tourists; Prov!.did, that said development plan shall ensure the
10      preservation and conservation of the historical significance of the area. Provided/wrffoer, that
11      the  DOT and its concerned attached agencies  shall take necessary  steps to  implement the
12      tourism development plan appropriately aligned and incorporated in the National Tourism
13       Development plan.
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15      SECTION 5. 4ppropr[.¢frous. -The secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's
16      program the implementation of this Act, the necessary funding of which shall be included in
17      the annual General Appropriations Act.
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19      SE:CT\O"  6.  Inaplementing Rules  and Regulations.  - W±thin sizrty  (60)  days  from the
20      effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in consultation with the local government unit ofQuezon city,
21      shall promulgate rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
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23      SHCTI0N   7.  jRcpc¢/I.#g  CJ¢use.   -  All   laws,   presidential   decrees,   executive   orders,
24      memoranda, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Acts
25      are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
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27      SECTION  8.    Sep¢rabJ.JJ.fy  CJ¢usc.  -  If any  part  or  provision  of this  Act  is  declared
28      unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts of the provisions not affected shall remain in
29      full force and effect.
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31       SHCTION 9. Ej7eTctfurty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
32      the QLicJ.¢/ Gclze#e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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