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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
Introduced by Representative Rudys Caesar G. Fariñas I 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill aims to promote and develop the Sinking Bell Tower located in the City 
of Laoag, Province of Ilocos   Norte as a tourism destination to attract local and 
foreign tourists to visit and appreciate the beauty of the bell tower and its 
environs. In addition, the law seeks to enhance the economic and social growth 
of the area by promoting tourism, increasing job opportunities, and improving 
the living standards of the residents of Laoag City. 
The declaration also aims to establish a sustainable and responsible tourism 
industry that contributes to the preservation of the local community's cultural 
heritage and traditions. 
Overall, the declaration of the Sinking Bell Tower located in the City of Laoag, 
Province of Ilocos Norte as a tourism destination is a significant step towards the 
promotion and development of sustainable and responsible tourism in the City 
of Laoag, Province of Ilocos Norte, and will bring positive economic and social 
benefits to the area and its residents. 
Hence, this representation seeks the passage of this measure.      
RUDYS CAESAR G. FARIÑAS I 
March 6, 2023
5:22 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
Introduced by Representative Rudys Caesar G. Fariñas I 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE SINKING BELL TOWER LOCATED IN THE CITY OF 
LAOAG, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE, A TOURISM DESTINATION, 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 located in the City of Laoag, Province 
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of Ilocos   Norte, is hereby declared a tourism destination. As such, the protection 
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and preservation of the Sinking Bell Tower, as well as the development of the 
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area surrounding it, shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism, subject 
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to the rules and regulations governing the development of tourism destinations. 
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SEC. 2.  Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT shall, 
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in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the National 
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Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the  city  government of Laoag, 
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and  concerned  agencies of  the  government and stakeholders, prepare a 
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tourism development plan that shall include the construction, installation and 
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maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure to enhance 
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tourism in the area: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the 
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preservation  of  the historical and cultural significance of the Sinking Bell Tower: 
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Provided, further, That any intervention work, activity and development to be 
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carried out in the area shall conform with the provisions of Republic Act No. 
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10066, otherwise known as the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”.    
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SEC. 3.  The DOT shall take immediate steps to implement the tourism 
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development plan and shall incorporate the same in its overall tourism program 
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for the calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this Act.  It shall 
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also include the Sinking Bell Tower in all its national, regional and local 
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promotion programs. 
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SEC. 4.  The Secretary of DOT and Chairman of the NHCP shall include in 
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their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
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shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, and shall augment 
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such allocation with internally generated funds of DOT.  
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SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT 
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shall, in consultation with the NHCP, the city government of Laoag, and 
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concerned government agencies and stakeholders, promulgate the necessary 
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rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act. 
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SEC. 6.   All laws, rules, regulations, presidential decrees and other 
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issuances inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed 
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repealed or amended accordingly. 
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SEC. 7.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
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the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.    
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Approved,