Immaculate Conception Parish Church a Tourist Destination (Nueva Ecija)

T TE TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES A11 *02 ) FEB 12, First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1847 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH CHURCH, SANCTUARY OF THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS, IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NAMPICUAN, PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA, A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Article II, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution provides that "the State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development." This includes religious and cultural landmarks that contribute not only to faith formation but also to local tourism and economic activity. The Immaculate Conception Parish Church in the Municipality of Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, has become a place of deep religious devotion following the enshrinement of the Holy Face of Manoppello on September 15, 2014. The increasing number of pilgrims and visitors underscores its growing importance as a spiritual and cultural destination. However, improvements in infrastructure, accessibility, and site management are necessary to accommodate visitors safely while preserving the solemnity and heritage value of the area. This bill seeks to declare the immediate environs of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus, as a tourist destination. It mandates the Department of Tourism, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and other concerned agencies to implement a development plan that improves accessibility, facilities, and security while preserving the site's cultural significance. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Imcé h. Marca ¡MEER. MARCOS

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 26 FEB 12 First Regular Session A11:02 SENATE RECEIVED BY S.B. No. 1847 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONS OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH CHURCH, SANCTUARY OF THE HOLY FACE OF JESUS, IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NAMPICUAN, PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA, A TOURIST DESTINATION, PROVIDING FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. The immediate environs of the Immaculate Conception Parish

Church, Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus, in the Municipality of Nampicuan, Province of Nueva Ecija, is hereby declared a tourist destination. The development of the immediate environs of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus, shall be prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other concerned agencies, subject to the rules and regulations governing the development to tourist destinations.

SEC. 2. Within one (1) year after the approval of this Act, the DOT, in

coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned agencies of the government, shall prepare a tourism development plan that shall include the construction, installation and maintenance of such appropriate facilities and infrastructure that shall improve the overall features of the environs surrounding the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus, thereby ensuring its accessibility and the security of tourists: Provided, That said development plan shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the tourism significance of the area.

SEC. 3. The DOT and its concerned attached agencies shall take immediate steps

to implement the tourism development plan for the immediate environs of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church, Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus, and shall

incorporate the same in its tourism development program for the calendar year immediately succeeding the approval of this Act.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department's program the

implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, and shall augment such allocation with internally generated funds of the Department.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOT shall, in

consultation with the municipal government of Nampicuan, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, and other

issuances, or parts thereof, contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified, amended, or repealed accordingly.

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the

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