NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s.No. 2130
of tl)o
23 may-4 P6 32
RHCESVtDBV;
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING CAGAYAN DE ORO RIVER AND ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS 
LOCATED IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL
A CULTURAL HERITAGE ZONE
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Cagayan De Oro River is one of the longest and most important rivers in the 
Phihppmes, situated in the Northern Mindanao region. The river plays a crucial role in the 
city's history, serving as a source of hvehhood, transportation, and a symbol of the city's 
identity. The river and its immediate environs are home to several historical and cultural 
landmarks, including the Macahambus HiU Cave and Gorge, the St. Augustine Cathedral, the 
Gaston Park, and the Qty Museum. These landmarks and sites have been witness to the city's 
past and have played a significant role in shaping its culture and identity.
The declaration of Cagayan De Oro River and its immediate environs as a cultural 
heritage zone wiU contribute to the preservation and promotion of the area's rich cultural 
heritage and history. It will provide an opportunity for future generations to learn and 
appreciate the city's history, culture, and identity. By preserving and promoting the cultural 
heritage of the area, the proposed measure will contribute to the sustainable development of 
the city's tourism industry and the overall economic growth of the region.
This measure is aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage and history of the river 
and its surrounding areas, promoting cultural tourism, and providing an opportunity for 
future generations to appreciate and learn from the city's history.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2130
of the V eton»
23 HftY-4 P6 32
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING CAGAYAN DE ORO RIVER AND ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS 
LOCATED IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PROVINCE OF MIS AMIS ORIENTAL A
CULTURAL HERITAGE ZONE
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage
2 
Zone Act."
3 
Sec. 2. It is the policy of the State to administer its heritage and natural resources
4 
in a spirit of stewardship for the inspiration and benefit of the present and future
5 
generations. Towards this end, it shall be the duty of the State to conserve the natural
6 
diversity and integrity of the Cagayan de Oro River as weU as its sites of historical and
7 
cultural importance.
8 
Sec. 3. The Cagayan de Oro River and its immediate environs located in Cagayan
9 
de Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental is hereby declared a cultural heritage zone.
10 
As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT),
11 
in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
12 
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the City Government of
13 
Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the govenunent, and shall be subject
14 
to the rules and regulations governing the conservation and presei'vation of cultural
15 
heritage zones.


1 
As used in this Act, cultural heritage zone refers to historical, anthropological,
2 
archeological, artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the
3 
country.
4 
Sec. 4. Any activity that pollutes, destroys, or adversely affects the archeological,
5 
historical, cultural, ecological, and economic values of the Cagayan de Oro River and its
6 
environs is prohibited.
7 
Sec. 5. Any person or entity which shall cause destruction to the archeological,
8 
historical, cultural, ecological, and economic values of the Cagayan de Oro River and its
9 
premises shall suffer a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00)
10 
but not more than Five Million Pesos (P5,000,000.00) and an imprisonment of one (1) to
11 
five (5) years.
12 
Sec. 6. The DOT in coordination with the DENR, the NCCA, the Tourism
13 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Historical
14 
Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP),
15 
the Ciy Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the
16 
government, shall immediately prepare the development plan involving the
17 
conservation, preservation, and development of Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage
18 
Zone: Provided, that the development plan shall ensure the conservation and
19 
preservation of the Cagayan de Oro River and its environs and protect it from threats of
20 
pollution, industrialization, and other environmentally destructive human activities.
21 
Sec. 7. The DENR shall conduct and execute a survey to determine the actual metes
22 
and bounds of the Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage Zone.
23 
Sec. 8. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in
24 
coordination with the DENR, the TIEZA, the NCCA, the NHCP, the NMP, the City
25 
Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the government shall
26 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this
27 
Act.


1 
Sec. 9. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a
2 
court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall
3 
continue to be in full force and effect.
4 
Sec. 10. Any law, presidential decree, issuance, executive order, letter of
5 
instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the
6 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
7 
Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
8 
in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,