NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
Senate
SENATE 
S.B. No.
ss 
of tljf gi)?rrrt«rp
*22 OCT 12 A9 52
RKEiVEQ BY:
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
DECLARING SAN PABLO CHURCH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN 
PABLO, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AND ITS ADJACENT ENVIRONS, A TOURISM 
DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The San Pablo Church, the oldest church in the Province of Isabela, was built 
in 1624 during the Spanish Regime. Despite being heavily damaged during World War 
II, San Pablo Church boasts of its famous six (6)-level bell tower with its circular apex 
being built with adobe.
Pilgrims, tourists and even natives flock the Church not only to celebrate the 
Holy Mass but also to experience its beauty and architectural brilliance. Indeed, the 
people of Isabela benefit in the profits that tourism provides in the Municipality and its 
neighbouring towns.
This bill seeks to declare San Pablo Church, located in the Municipality of San 
Pablo, Isabela, and its adjacent environs, a tourism destination. This will assist the 
Municipality in its needed appropriation and support to further boost its local tourism.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMOl^ONG REVILLA, JR. 
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 1376
pi
Senate
oBffitf o( tlje feecretaff
*22 OCT 12 A9 52
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
DECLARING SAN PABLO CHURCH, LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN 
PABLO, PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AND ITS ADJACENT ENVIRONS, A TOURISM 
DESTINATION, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress 
assembled:
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Section 1. The San Pablo Church, located in the Municipality of San Pablo,
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Province of Isabela, and its adjacent environs, are hereby declared tourism
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destination. As such, the development of the Church and its adjacent environs shall
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be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the municipal
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government of San Pablo and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and
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regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.
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Sec. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
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coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the National
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Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the municipal government of San
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Pablo and other concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism
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development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of
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such facilities and infrastructure to improve the overall features of the Church and its
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adjacent environs, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists:
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Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation
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of the historical significance of the area.
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Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to 
implement the appropriate tourism development plan for the Church and its adjacent 
environs and shall incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the 
calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this Act.
Sec. 4. The Secretaries of the DOT and the DPWH shall include in their 
respective Departments’ program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, and shall augment such 
allocation with the internally generated funds of the DOT.
Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in 
consultation with the municipal government of San Pablo, promulgate the necessary 
rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.
Sec. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved.