Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3881

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representatives Sonny L. Lagon and Daphne A. Lagon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the month of May every year as Visayan Heritage Month to
promote the unique historical, and cultural heritage of the Visayan people.

‘The Constitution mandates for the State to conserve, promote and popularize the
nation’s historical cultural heritage. Pursuant thereto Proclamation No. 439 was issued in
recognition of the need to create in the people a consciousness of respect and love for the
legacies of Filipino cultural history and to raise material support for the protection of tangible
and intangible heritage.

Among the nation’s largest ethnic groups, the Visayan people is also diverse in itself
with characteristics that are unique among Cebuanos, Boholanos, longgos, Siquijodnons,
Hiligaynons and the other Visayan ethnic groups. Hence, there is a need to highlight the
unique characteristics of the ethnic groups by highlighting the unique arts and culture of the
Visayan people.

In view of the above, the month of May is hereby declared as the Visayan Heritage
Month to coincide with the celebration of the National Heritage Month. During the whole
month of May every year, concerned government agencies shall be mandated to conduct
programs and activities that highlight and promote the heritage, arts and culture of the
Visayan people.

In view hereof, the prompt approval of this measure is camestly sought and
recommended.

SONNY L. LAGON DAPI ~ LAG
Party List, AKO BISAYA 6" District, Cebu



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3881

Introduced by Representatives Sonny L. Lagon and Daphne A. Lagon

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF MAY EVERY YEAR AS VISAYAN HERITAGE
MONTH

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

SECTION 1. The month of May every year is hereby declared as Visayan Heritage
Month to promote the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the Visayan
people.

SECTION 2. Alll agencies of the national government and the local government units
in Regions 6, 7 and 8 and the Negros Island Region are hereby enjoined to undertake
appropriate programs and activities to promote the unique cultural and historical heritage of
the Visayan people to coincide with the celebration of the National Heritage Month, The
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is hereby tasked to lead and
coordinate such activities.

SECTION 3. The Department of Tourism shall support the promotion of the major
festivals in the Visayas such as the Sinulog of Cebu, Dinagyang of Hoilo, Ati-Atihan of
‘Aklan and other festivals in any parts of the Visayas to promote cultural tourism in the
Visayas region.

SECTION 4. The Department of Tourism, Department of Education and the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts shall include in their yearly budgets the amounts
necessary for the proper implementation of this Act.

SECTION 5. Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts, in coordination with the Departments of Education
Tourism and the Interior and Local Government, shall issue such rules and regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect immediately.

Approved,