QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11644)
RA 11644 is titled “An Act Declaring the City of Carcar in the Province of Cebu a Heritage Zone.” Its short title is “Carcar City Heritage Zone Act.”
It cites the State’s constitutional duty to conserve, develop, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, and to protect all the country’s artistic and historic wealth as the cultural treasure of the nation.
To pursue the promotion and preservation of cultural and historical landmarks (including century-old architecturally significant and historic houses) in the development and management of Carcar City’s tourism industry, cultural heritage, and resources.
RA 11644 declares Carcar City a heritage zone as defined in Article II, Section 3(q) of RA 10066, the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.”
The law mentions coordination among the Department of Tourism (DOT), Provincial Government of Cebu, City Government of Carcar, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its affiliated cultural agencies, and other concerned government agencies.
Carcar City is accorded “priority development” by the Department of Tourism (DOT), subject to the rules and regulations governing conservation and preservation of heritage zones.
DOT, in coordination with the other named agencies and DENR, must immediately prepare a plan for the preservation, conservation, restoration, and maintenance of cultural and historical sites and structures to enhance and sustain tourism in Carcar City.
NCCA shall approve only methods and materials that strictly adhere to accepted international standards of conservation, as referenced in Section 15 of RA 10066.
The applicable provisions of RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992), as amended by RA 11038, shall be applied in the management of the protected area within Carcar City, in coordination with DENR.
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of RA 11644.
Fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
It is not purely declaratory; it imposes obligations, including coordination for priority development, immediate preparation of a development plan, NCCA approval standards for conservation materials, and promulgation of implementing rules within a specified period.
RA 11644 requires strict adherence to accepted international standards of conservation (approved through NCCA, tied to Section 15 of RA 10066).
Cultural and historical sites and structures in Carcar City, including century-old architecturally significant and historic houses highlighted by the landmarks unique to Carcar City.