QuestionsQuestions (Act No. 841)
Act No. 841 amends Act No. 253. It changes the bureau’s name: the “Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes” is renamed and designated as the “Ethnological Survey for the Philippine Islands.”
In addition to existing investigation and duties, it must conduct systematic scientific researches in anthropology and ethnology among all inhabitants of the Philippine Islands.
The head of any Department of the Insular Government may call upon the Ethnological Survey through the Secretary of the Interior to make the investigation and report.
Matters referring to the inhabitants of the Philippines upon which information is required.
No. Act No. 841 expands its mandate to conduct anthropology and ethnology research “among all the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands,” not only non-Christian tribes.
It indicates that the act was enacted under authority of the United States by the Philippine Commission during the American colonial period.
It states that the public good requiring speedy enactment is recognized, and passage is expedited in accordance with the procedure in the cited act on the order of procedure by the Commission.
It references “An Act prescribing the order of procedure by the Commission in the enactment of laws,” passed September 26, 1900. It generally provides the order/procedure that the Philippine Commission follows in enacting laws.
It takes effect on its passage.
It states that, in addition to the investigation and duties it was already charged with by Act No. 253, the bureau’s responsibilities are expanded—showing it had pre-existing investigative duties under the amended law.
It modifies the existing bureau created by Act No. 253 by changing its name and designation to “Ethnological Survey for the Philippine Islands,” while also expanding its duties.
Department heads cannot directly call upon the Survey; they must do so through the Secretary of the Interior.
Anthropology and ethnology.
It covers all the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands.