Cagayan De Oro River Cultural Heritage Zone Act

Sruate Office of the the trip TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 DEC -3 A11 :24 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. B. No. 1567 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE CAGAYAN DE ORO RIVER AND ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS LOCATED IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL A CULTURAL HERITAGE ZONE EXPLANATORY NOTE Article XIV, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to "xxx conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations." The Cagayan de Oro River is one of Mindanao's most vital waterways. Beyond its ecological and economic importance, the river symbolizes local history, indigenous traditions, and cultural narratives that have shaped the city. However, rapid urbanization and increasing environmental pressures threaten the integrity of the river and its immediate environs. Without clear protection mechanisms and a coordinated framework for conservation, the river's cultural, ecological, and historical aspects face risks of degradation and irreversible loss. Hence, this bill seeks to formally declare the Cagayan de Oro River and its immediate environs as a Cultural Heritage Zone, ensuring that its protection, preservation, and sustainable development are treated as matters of national importance. Under this measure, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA), the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies, will be mandated to formulate a development plan to safeguard the area. By recognizing the Cagayan de Oro River as a Cultural Heritage Zone, this measure affirms the State's duty to uphold its cultural and environmental stewardship responsibilities while ensuring that future generations may continue to benefit from and draw inspiration from this invaluable natural and cultural asset. In view of the foregoing, the speedy passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Freé h. Marca IMEE R. MARCOS

Senato Office of the doortan TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 25 DEC -3 A11 :24 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED EY: S. B. No. 1567 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE CAGAYAN DE ORO RIVER AND ITS IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS LOCATED IN CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL A CULTURAL HERITAGE ZONE Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Cagayan de Oro River Cultural

Heritage Zone Act."

Sec. 2. It is the policy of the State to administer its heritage and natural

resources in a spirit of stewardship for the inspiration and benefit of the present and future generations. Towards this end, it shall be the duty of the State to conserve the natural diversity and integrity of the Cagayan de Oro River as well as its sites of historical and cultural importance.

Sec. 3. The Cagayan de Oro River and its immediate environs located in

Cagayan de Oro City, Province of Misamis Oriental is hereby declared a cultural heritage zone. As such, it shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the government, and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage zones. As used in this Act, cultural heritage zone refers to historical, anthropological, archaeological, artistic geographical areas and settings that are culturally significant to the country.

Sec. 4. Any activity that pollutes, destroys or adversely affects the

archaeological, historical, cultural, ecological, and economic values of the Cagayan de Oro River and its immediate environs is prohibited.

Sec. 5. Any person or entity which shall cause destruction to the archaeological,

historical, cultural, ecological, and economic values of the Cagayan de Oro River and 7 its premises shall suffer a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 8 (P100,000.00) but not more than Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) and an imprisonment of one (1) to five (5) years.

Sec. 6. The DOT, in coordination with the DENR, the NCCA, the Tourism

Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 25 Authority (TIEZA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the government, shall immediately prepare the development plan involving the conservation, preservation, and development of Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage Zone: Provided, That the development plan shall ensure the conservation and preservation of the Cagayan de Oro River and its environs and protect it from threats of pollution, industrialization, and other environmentally destructive human activities.

Sec. 7. The DENR shall conduct and execute a survey to determine the actual

metes and bounds of the Cagayan de Oro River Cultural Heritage Zone.

Sec. 8. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT, in

coordination with the DENR, the TIEZA, the NCCA, the NHCP, the NMP, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, and other concerned agencies of the government, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 9. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,