Republic Act No. 12073

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title

This Act shall be known as "The Bacoor Assembly of 1898 Act".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy

The State recognizes the vital role of history in fostering unity, national identity, nationalism, and nation-building. It shall ensure that historical dates and events are preserved, promoted, popularized, and made accessible to the public as part of the country's heritage.

Section 3. Special Working Holiday

August 1 of every year is hereby declared a special working holiday to be known as the "Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas", in commemoration of the promulgation of the declaration of Philippine Independent during the Bacoor Assembly in Bacoor, Cavite, on August1, 1898, which was subsequently ratified by the Malolos Congress as Acta Agosto Uno.

Section 4. Role of Cultural Agencies and the Department of Education

Cultural agencies led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are hereby mandated to promote the historical significance of August 1 and the events surrounding the Bacoor Assembly of 1898. The Department of Education shall develop and implement lesson plans that highlight the importance of this day, ensuring that students are educated about its relevance and importance.

Section 5. Separability Clause

If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 6. Effectivity

This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ Speaker of the House of Representatives	(Sgd.) FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO President of the Senate

This Act was passed by the Senate of the Philippines as Senate Bill No. 2690 on August 7, 2024 and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House BIll No. 7986 on September 9, 2024.

(Sgd.) REGINALD S. VELASCO Secretary General House of Representatives	(Sgd.) RENATO N. BANTUG, JR. Secretary of the Senate

Approved: NOV 07 2024

(Sgd.) FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR. President of the Philippines