Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar, born on April 2, 1788 in Panginay, Bigaa (now known 
as Balagtas), Bulacan. 1, is a hero and an important figure in Philippine literature and poetry.  
With the gift for words and the ability to evoke deep sentiments, Gat. Francisco 
Balagtas Baltazar produced several written pieces that shaped Philippine literature. This is 
made significant by the fact that he wrote in Tagalog, instead of Spanish as a form of resistance 
to the Spaniards. One of the said pieces is the famous Florante at Laura which he wrote while 
he was imprisoned. 2 
Even hundreds of years after his death, Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar is still a 
celebrated hero and icon of literature and poetry in the country.  
In his home province Bulacan, one of the greatest reminders of the lasting influence of 
Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar is his home. Located in Panginay, Balagtas, it is a testament 
to the life he lived as a hero and a writer.  
Considering the importance of Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar in our history, this bill 
seeks to declare the residence of Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar as a historical and tourism 
site. Through this measure, the contribution and significance of Gat. Francisco Balagtas 
Baltazar to our country will be preserved and made known not only to the people of Bulacan, 
but to the rest of the country and the world.  
With the Department of Tourism (DOT) at the helm, in coordination with other 
government agencies, this bill intends to create a tourism development plan that will promote 
the residence of Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar as a site of historical significance while 
concurrently preserving its structural integrity.  
1 https://biography.yourdictionary.com/articles/francisco-baltazar-biography.html 
2 Ibid.  
August 30, 2022
1:58 pm
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This proposed measure is in line with Article 14, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine 
Constitution which states: “The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic 
evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate 
of free artistic and intellectual expression.” Meanwhile, Section 15 is also enlightening: “Arts 
and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and 
popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic 
creations.” 
As such, the immediate approval of this proposed measure is earnestly sought. 
     AMBROSIO “BOY” C. CRUZ, JR. 
Representative, Fifth District of Bulacan 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________ 
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr. 
AN ACT DECLARING THE RESIDENCE OF GAT. FRANCISCO BALAGTAS 
BALTAZAR IN PANGINAY, BALAGTAS, BULACAN AS A HISTORICAL AND 
TOURISM SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “The Residence of Gat. 
Francisco Balagtas Baltazar Historical and Tourism Site Act.” 
Section 2. Scope and Coverage. –  The residence of Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar, 
located in Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan is hereby declared a historical and tourist site. In view 
thereof, the development of the residence of Gat. Francisco Balagtas Baltazar, located in 
Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in 
coordination with the Municipality of Balagtas, Bulacan and other related agencies, subject to 
the rules and regulations governing the development of historical and tourist sites.   
Section 3. Tourism Development Plan. – The DOT in coordination with the Tourism 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other government agencies, 
including the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, shall prepare a tourism 
development plan. The said tourism development plan shall consist, among others, the 
development and maintenance, including improvement and restoration of the site: Provided, 
that said tourism development plan shall ensure the preservation of the residence of Gat. 
Francisco Balagtas Baltazar.  
Section 4 Implementation. – The DOT, in coordination with TIEZA and other 
concerned agencies including the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.   
Section 5. Appropriations and funding. – The Secretary of the DOT in the 
Department’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.  
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Section 6. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions 
of this Act.  
Section 7. Repealing clause. - All provisions of laws, presidential decrees, letters of 
instruction and other presidential issuances which are incompatible or inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended or repealed.  
Section 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect within fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation.  
Approved,