Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Every April, Masbate's Rodeo Masbateño Festival draws tourists with its cultural events, 
trade fairs, food exhibits, and thrilling rodeo competitions. For three decades, this festival has 
showcased the nation's top wranglers, celebrating not just a sport but also the unique Philippine 
cowboy and cowgirl culture rooted in Masbate's strong ranching tradition. 
Masbate is known for its skilled rodeo practitioners due to the province's deep connection to 
cattle raising and horseback riding, which are central to their agricultural lifestyle. This led to 
Masbate being officially recognized as the "Rodeo Capital of the Philippines" in 2002 (Executive 
Order No. 20), acknowledging both its rodeo excellence and, more importantly, its thriving cattle 
industry. 
To further solidify this identity, this bill proposes establishing the Rodeo Center of Masbate 
at Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology 
(DEBESMSCAT) in Mandaon, Masbate. This center would serve three main purposes: 
1.
Rodeo Academy: The Rodeo Academy would offer various courses and programs for
future animal experts, cowboys/cowgirls, and ranchers.
2.
Research and Development Center: The Rodeo Masbateño Research Center would
conduct livestock research and develop new products like dairy milk.
3.
Rodeo Arena: The Rodeo Arena would host the annual festival and other events
promoting rodeo and the cattle industry.
July 21, 2025
12:15 pm
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DEBESMSCAT is the ideal location for the Rodeo Center because its existing functions align 
perfectly with the center's goals, and it has a long-standing partnership with the province in 
organizing the Rodeo Masbateño Festival. 
Therefore, the approval of this bill is requested. 
REP. ELISA T.  KHO, M.D., FPCCP
REP.  ANTONIO T. KHO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE RODEO CENTER OF MASBATE, PROVIDING FOR ITS 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Rodeo Center of Masbate Act of 
2025”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to foster the preservation, 
enrichment, and dynamic evolution of national and local culture. As such, the State shall support 
the establishment of cultural institutions to promote local heritage and identity. 
Agriculture is deeply embedded in our local culture, not only as a source of income but also as a 
way of life for most Filipinos. The State supports the agricultural sector through various means, 
including the establishment of agriculture support institutions with the capacity for agricultural 
training, research and development, and extension. 
SECTION 3. Objectives. – This Act aims to establish the Rodeo Center of Masbate (RCM), which 
shall serve as the primary institution in the Province of Masbate dedicated to promoting, 
preserving, and ensuring the sustainability of Rodeo culture and the local cattle industry. 
SECTION 4. The Rodeo Center of Masbate. – The Rodeo Center of Masbate shall be established 
within the premises of the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and 
Technology (DEBESMSCAT) in Mandaon, Masbate. DEBESMSCAT shall supervise and 
manage the daily operation of the RCM, thereby ensuring that its purpose is attained. 
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SECTION 5. Powers and Functions of the Rodeo Center. – The Rodeo Center of Masbate shall 
have the following powers and functions: 
a) Education and Training. – The Rodeo Academy shall be created under the RCM and 
shall offer micro-credential programs, technical-vocational trainings, capacity-building activities, 
and local and international conferences related to the cattle industry. The Rodeo Academy shall 
likewise serve as the training ground for the next generation of animal experts, cowboys/cowgirls, 
and ranchers who will keep the sport of rodeo and the industry and tradition of cattle raising alive. 
b) Research and Development. – The Rodeo Masbateño Research Center shall be created 
under the RCM to undertake livestock studies and develop innovative new products derived from 
cattle. 
c) Tourism Growth. – The Rodeo Arena shall be established under the RCM and shall be 
the new venue for the Rodeo Masbateño Festival and other activities aimed at promoting the sport 
of rodeo and the local and national cattle industry. 
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within three (3) months from the approval 
of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education shall create a Task Force that will formulate the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act. The Task Force shall be composed of the 
President of DEBESMSCAT as chairperson and the following as members: Secretary of the 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) or his/her authorized 
representative; Secretary of the Department of Tourism or his/her authorized representative; 
Governor of the Province of Masbate; President of the Rodeo Masbateno Inc. (RMI); and two (2) 
representatives from the local cattle industry. 
SECTION 7. Appropriations. – The appropriation for the establishment and subsequent operation 
of the RCM shall be included in the annual budget of DEBESMSCAT under the General 
Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, any provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force or 
effect. 
SECTION 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,