Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4760

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Historical sites serve as our reminder of how everything has once been. They
may serve as remnants of our colonial past, but they may also serve as a reminder of
our resilience despite hardship and difficulty.

The Santo Nino de Tondo Parish in Tondo, Manila is one witness to our nation’s
history, having been established by Augustinian Missionaries back in the 16 century.
Its historical marker declared it as a “center for catholic activities” in Tondo, Manila.

Being a witness to the ongoing story of Tondo, protecting and conserving the
parish is akin to protecting and conserving the history of Tondo itself. As it stood the
test of time, it is a testament to the undying hope and devotion of Filipinos given that
to date, it is still one of the most visited churches in the Philippines.

Given its importance to Tondo, it was elevated to an “archdiocesan shrine” due
to the petition made by its parish priest Fr. Estelito Villegas, and the community.

In view of the foregoing, it is only fitting that the Santo Nino de Tondo Parish
be acknowledged as a national landmark and shrine for history. The passage of this

bill is highly sought.

INESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.
Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Congressman
First Congressional District of Manila

+ https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/tondo-church-gets-archdiocesan-shrine-status/


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 4760

Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE SANTO NINO DE TONDO PARISH IN TONDO, MANILA A
NATIONAL HISTORICAL SITE FOR HISTORY, PROVIDING FOR ITS
PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFORE

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to preserve historical sites, monuments, and other relics that represent the
Filipino heritage and culture and should therefore be under the protection of the State.
Likewise, the State must provide the necessary support to conserve, promote, and
popularize these national treasures as part of our nation’s history.

SECTION 2. Designation as Historical Site. - The Santo Nino de Tondo
Parish of Tondo, Manila, an edifice that was finished in 1695, is hereby declared a
National Historical Site for History.

SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National Historical
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall exercise supervision over the
preservation of the aforesaid site and shall, within sixty (60) days, issue the necessary
rules and regulations to implement the provision of this Act.

SECTION 4. Appropriation. — The amount necessary to carry out the provision
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. Authorization to Accept Donations. — The NHCP shall be
authorized to receive and solicit donations from private sources for the improvement


and maintenance of the Santo Nino de Tondo Parish. There is hereby created a
special fund for this purpose, which shall be managed by the Department of Finance.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,