National Museum of Filipino Women Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 17 P3:59 SENATE S. No. 704 RECEI Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FILIPINO WOMEN AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE As much as we highly regard men as our national heroes, such as but not limited to Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, there is need to underscore the role that the women played in shaping our nation. To name some of the women who have significantly contributed to our history and are globally recognized and acknowledged: Gabriella Silang, Melchora Aquino, and Josefa Llanes Escoda. However, no platform is dedicated to showcasing the heroism and martyrdom of Filipino women. Although currently, the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 and the National Museum Act of 1998 intended to support the cultural development of people through the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of Filipino culture, there has been no emphasis on the role of women as well as on their contributions to society. The proposed bill aims to establish a National Museum of Women that will serve as a repository of the contributions, achievements, and struggles of notable women in Philippine history. It is vital to recognize and acknowledge the crucial role of women in shaping the country's cultural, social, and economic landscape. However, their achievements have often been overlooked or undervalued, and their stories have been left untold. The National Museum of Women will fill this gap by creating a platform that showcases and honors the women who have made significant contributions to Philippine history. By chronicling the lives and achievements of these women, the museum will inspire and empower future generations of Filipinas to take on leadership roles in various fields.

Moreover, the National Museum of Women will highlight the significant role of women in the country's struggle for independence, social justice, and gender equality. By acknowledging their contributions, the museum will create a sense of pride and identity for Filipino women, further fueling their drive for empowerment and equality. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, visitors to the museum will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role of women in Philippine history. The museum will also serve as a venue for educational programs and activities that promote gender equality, women's rights, and women's leadership. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL 17 P3:59 SENATE RECEI S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FILIPINO WOMEN 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 "National Museum of Filipino

5 Women Act".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared to be the policy of the

7 State to: a. Acknowledge the role and the remarkable contributions of women to economic progress and nation building as well as the preservation and promotion of the Filipino way of life; b. Celebrate women whose various individual and collective actions significantly advanced the national effort to conquer inequality, partiality, discrimination, deprivation, and all kinds of social injustices; C. Raise awareness and build an appreciation of history and the role that women have played in its making; d. Honor the heroism of women who played a significant role in the national struggle against colonialism and foreign invasion; e. Commemorate modern-day heroines and women martyrs who struggled against injustice, oppression, exploitation, and all kinds of abuses;

f. Acknowledge the suffering borne by women who were coerced into sexual slavery during World War II and support their call for reparation and justice; and g. Honor individual women, including women and girls with disabilities, whose specific achievements have caused a positive impact on and enriched all aspects of Filipino life.

SECTION 3. Creation. - To carry out the above policy, the National Museum of Filipino

7 Women is hereby created and established under the administration and supervision of the Philippine Commission on Women.

SECTION 4. Organization, Operation, and Administration. - The Philippine

10 Commission on Women shall, in coordination with the Department of Budget and 11 Management, determine the organizational structure and operational requirements of the 12 National Museum of Filipino Women, and ensure that consultative mechanisms are integrated 13 into its institutional planning and development.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations, - Within ninety (90) days after the

15 approval of this Act, the Philippine Commission on Women shall, in consultation with the 16 National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Museum of the Philippines, National 17 Historical Commission of the Philippines, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Higher 18 Education, Department of Education, and at least three (3) women's and civil society 19 organizations, formulate rules and regulations as may be necessary for its proper 20 implementation.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the immediate

22 implementation of this Act shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - In the event that any part, section or provision of

this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining provisions thereby shall remain valid and in full force and effect as if the sections or provisions so annulled or voided had never been incorporated herein.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules

and regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified and/or superseded as case may be by this Act accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes eartier. Approved,