CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH
An Act Institutionalizing the Schools of Living Traditions (SLT), Amending Republic Act No. 10066, or the “National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.”, As Amended and Appropriating Funds Therefor
Senate Bill No. 1507 under Committee Report No. 11
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
November 12, 2025
Mr. President, the traditions and knowledge of our indigenous communities keep our nation’s history, artistry, and identity alive. Their songs, crafts, and rituals tell the story of who we are as a people. Yet many of these traditions are at risk of fading as younger generations move away from their roots.
Senate Bill No. 1507, sponsored by the hardworking and passionate Chairperson Senator Loren Legarda, amends the National Cultural Heritage Act to institutionalize the School of Living Traditions, ensuring continuity and government support for the preservation and transmission of our living heritage. It establishes community-based learning centers where cultural masters and elders can teach their skills, stories, and values directly to the youth in the context of their own communities.
This measure safeguards not only our tangible heritage but also the wisdom and way of life that define us as Filipinos. It strengthens the link between our past and our future by treating our living traditions as a vital part of national education and development. With the permission of the good sponsor, I am honored to co-sponsor this important measure that upholds the dignity of our cultural bearers and protects the soul of our nation for generations to come.