Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6577

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Sinking Bell Tower in the City of Laoag, Ilocos
Norte, as a tourist destination.

In 1612, the Augustinians built the sinking bell tower in the City of Laoag,
which makes it one of the legacies during the Spanish colonization. The bell
acquired the sinking name from how it was built. The tower was believed to be
built with bricks on a sandy foundation and because of this, the tower sinks
gradually by one inch every year. Formerly, a man on a horse can pass through
its gate effortlessly but nowadays, a man can barely stand erect through it.
However, the local government unit no longer allows passing through the gate to
preserve the tower.

The 45-meter bell tower is considered as the tallest historic building in Laoag
City and the tallest bell tower in the Philippines. It has also earned its inclusion in
the ‘Earthquake Baroques’ style of Architecture’ from surviving numerous
earthquakes.

The bell tower is fragile and requires funding for its continuous preservation.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this proposed measure is earnestly
sought for.

RIA CHRISTINA G. FARINAS RI |AR G. FARINAS |


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6577
House BillNo.

Introduced by Representatives Ria Christina G. Farifias
and Rudys Caesar G. Farifias |

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SINKING BELL TOWER IN THE CITY OF LAOAG, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS.
NORTE, AS A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The Sinking Bell Tower in the City of Laoag, Province of Ilocos
Norte is hereby declared a tourist destination. As such, its development shall be
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules
and regulations governing the development of tourist destinations.

Sec. 2. Within one (1) year from the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, in
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and
other concerned agencies of the government, prepare a tourism development
plan involving the construction, installation, and maintenance of such
appropriate facilities and infrastructures that enhance tourism in the area:
Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the preservation and
conservation of the natural beauty and resources of the area: Provided, further,
That any activities and developments to be carried out in the area must conform

with the concept of ecotourism as provided in the national ecotourism strategy


jointly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the
DOT.

Sec. 3. The DOT and its attached agencies shall take immediate steps to
implement the tourism development plan tailored to the needs of the Sinking Bell
Tower in the City of Laoag and shalll incorporate the same in its tourism program
for the ensuing calendar year. It shall also include the Sinking Bell Tower in alll its
national, regional, and local promotion programs.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of Tourism shall include in the DOT's program the
implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act and from internally generated funds of the DOT.

Sec. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Tourism shall, in consultation with the City of Laoag, promulgate the necessary

rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, executive orders, or parts
thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended accordingly.

Sec. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,