Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2090 
Introduced by Representative Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the Saint Matthias Parish Church in the 
Municipality of Tumauini, Province of Isabela as a tourism destination, and 
promote its sustainable development while preserving its historical and 
cultural integrity. 
The construction of the Saint Matthias Parish Church began in 1783 
and was completed in 1805. The Church is admired for its district baroque-
style architecture and its rare cylindrical bell tower, often compared to a 
wedding cake due to its layered, circular form. Its façade features ornate 
brickwork and clay embellishments, including floral and cherubic motifs. In 
July 31, 2001, it was declared by the National Museum as a National 
Cultural Treasure. 
In order to conserve and preserve the architectural and cultural 
significance of the church, the government, in coordination with the DOT 
should provide assistance to develop it as tourist destination.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ANTONIO “TONYPET” T. ALBANO 
July 17, 2025
4:00 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2090 
Introduced by Representative Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE SAINT MATTHIAS 
PARISH CHURCH LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TUMAUINI, 
PROVINCE OF ISABELA, AS A TOURISM DESTINATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The immediate environs of the Saint Matthias 
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Parish Church located in the Municipality of Tumauini, Province of 
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Isabela, are hereby declared as a tourism destination. Pursuant 
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thereto, the development of the immediate environs of the Saint 
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Matthias Parish Church shall be prioritized and supported by the 
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Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations 
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governing the development of tourism destinations. 
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SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the 
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municipal government of Tumauini shall, in coordination with the 
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DOT, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Historical 
10 
Commission of the Philippines and concerned agencies of the 
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government, prepare a tourism development plan that shall include 
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2 
 
the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate 
1 
infrastructure and facilities to improve the overall features of the 
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immediate environs surrounding the Saint Matthias Parish Church, 
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thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists: 
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Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation 
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and conservation of the historical significance of the church: 
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Provided, 
further, 
That 
the 
implementation 
of 
the 
tourism 
7 
development plan shall be included in the budget  of the municipal 
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government of Tumauini. 
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SEC. 3. The DOT shall assist the municipal government of 
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Tumauini in the implementation of the tourism development plan by 
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providing technical assistance in tourism capacity building. It shall 
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also include the immediate environs of the Saint Matthias Parish 
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Church in its national and regional promotion programs. 
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SEC. 4. The funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
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included in the annual budget of the municipal government of 
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Tumauini. The DOT may augment such allocation with internally-
17 
generated funds. 
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, 
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the municipal government of Tumauini shall, in consultation with the 
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DOT and concerned agencies of the government, promulgate rules 
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and regulations to implement this Act. 
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3 
 
 
SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
1 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
2 
circulation. 
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Approved,