Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HousEBILLNo.    5031
EXPLANATORY NOTE
See. 22 Art. 2 of the Philippine Constitution mandates that:
SECTION 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights Of indigenous
cultural   communities   within   the   framework   Of   national   unity   and
development.
A quick survey of the gains achieved since Republic Act No.8371  enacted way back
October 29,1997 otherwise known as, "An Act to Recognize, Protect and Promote the Rights
of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, creating a National Commission on
Indigenous  Peoples,   Establishing   and  Implementing  Mechanisms,   Appropriating  Funds
Therefor and for other purposes", would show that proactive actions remain lacking.
It could be accounted for by the fact that our culture is not that rooted in ways that
would preserve, enhance and develop what truly are authentically indigenous -notjust people
but  arts  and  culture  as  well.   Traditional  indigenous  crafts  and  products  are  gradually
disappearing;  songs,  chants,  dances,  poetry  and  story-telling  are  losing  ground because  no
sustained efforts are directed to ensure the survival of these indigenous ways such that these
are passed on from generation to generation. The struggle is not totally lost though. Some local
government  units  in  the  country  are  exerting  efforts  that  living,  indigenous  traditions  are
sustained.  Arts and Culture councils  endeavor to preserve indigenous  folklores and,  in the
process, enhance and develop these through careful documentation and applying information,
education and communication (IEC) strategies.
In the Province of Bukidnon, particularly in the Fourth District, there is a significant
community  of indigenous  peoples  whose  way  of life,  products  and  crafts  are  worthy  of
preservation, enhancement and development. With private sector assistance and help from the
academe, these efforts could still multiply.  It is for this reason that an Indigenous Training
Center  be  established  in the  City  of Valencia as  a hub  for the  gradual  mainstreaming  of
indigenous arts, crafts and culture.
Given the above premises, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LAARNI
ROQUE
Bukidnon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session
HOUSEBILLNo.      503]
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE LAARNI LAVIN ROQUE
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT 0F AN INDIGENOUS TRAINING
CENTHR IN THE CITY 0F VALENCIA, PROVINCE 0F BUKIDNON, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House Of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. There is hereby established an Indigenous Training Center in the City of valencia,
Province of Bukidnon.
SEC. 2. The initial funding to cany out this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of
the National  Commission  on Indigenous  Peoples.  Thereafter,  the  amount necessary  of the
continued implementation and operationalization of this Act shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act.
SEC. 3. Repecz/i.#g C/cJ"se. All acts, laws, decrees, executive orders, Letters of Instructions and
regulations or any part thereof which are inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby
repealed and/or modified accordingly.
SEC. 4. Sepcrrczz}z./I.ty C/crws'c. If for any reason any section of provision of this Act is declared
to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions of this Act which are not
affected shall continue in full force and effect.
SEC. 5. j7Ji7rec/z'vz.fy. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Approved,