AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS THE

TABACO CITY BIBLE WEEK

Main Proponent: Councilor Sheina Marie Onrubia

Co-proponents: Councilor Raul Roi Borejon

Councilor Oscar Rocha

Councilor Allan Earvin Burce

WHEREAS, being identified as a predominant Christian nation and the largest Christian nation in
the Asia-Pacific, the Philippines should render the highest value on the foundation of Christian
faith, which is the Holy Bible, recognizing its significance as a primer of our social, more and spir-
itual existence.

WHEREAS, the Holy Bible is the most alive and active book that contains timeless principles and
messages that, when applied, can bring affirmative transformation on the lives of the people
thereby beneficial for our country in general and our beloved city in particular;

WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution calls on the government to support efforts to strengthen the
ethical and spiritual values and to develop the moral character of the Filipino People;

WHEREAS, Presidential Proclamation Nos. 44 s. 1986 and 1067 s. 1997 recognize the importance
of reading and studying the Bible in molding the spiritual, moral and social fiber of our citizenry;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) encourages various local government units (LGUs)
through pastoral and ministerial groups in working for the adoption and passage of City and Mu-
nicipal Ordinances and Resolutions proclaiming the observation of the last week of January of
every year as the Bible Week, in view of making the Bible a part of the people’s daily lives;

WHEREAS, the city government of Quezon, Pasay, Marikina, San Juan, and Davao, among others,
have also passed ordinances/resolutions supporting the Bible Week celebration in their respec-
tive areas.

WHEREAS, while maintaining neutrality in its treatment of all religious communities, the govern-
ment is not barred from pursuing valid objectives secular in character even if it would have an
incidental result affecting a particular region or sect;

BE IT ORDAINED, therefore, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Tabaco that:

SECTION 1 – Title - This Ordinance shall be known as “Tabaco City Bible Week Ordinance”
 SECTION 2 –Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State enunciated in the Constitu-
tion that the government shall aid and encourage development of the moral character and spir-
itual foundation of the Filipino people.

SECTION 3 – This Ordinance hereby officially declares the last week of January of every
year as the Tabaco City Bible Week.

SECTION 4 – In view of Section 3 of this Ordinance, the local government of Tabaco and
various stakeholders, including but not limited to Barangays, Schools, religious organizations,
Youth organizations, and NGOs, are encouraged to celebrate the Tabaco City Bible Week through
various Bible-related activities, among others, but not limited to school caravans, motorcades,
Bible Festivals, and Bible reading during flag-raising ceremonies.

SECTION 5 - The City Government of Tabaco shall provide assistance and engage all reli-
gious organizations, government organizations, as well as non-government organizations that
believe and recognize the importance of God’s Word, in multi-sectoral and city-wide celebration
of Tabaco City Bible Week.

SECTION 6 - Copies of this Ordinance shall be disseminated to all barangays, Christian

public and private schools, and religious organizations and non-government organizations.

SECTION 7 – Separability Clause – If any part, section, or provision of this ordinance is

held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 8 – Repealing Clause – All other ordinances, resolutions, or local executive or-
ders or rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9 – Effectivity – This ordinance shall take effect upon approval.