THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to enact an ordinance prescribing the guidelines for the determination and declaration of historical and cultural resources of the province.

The tasks listed under the proposed ordinance, which is authored by Board Members Von Mark Mendoza and Angel Baniqued, will be carried out by the Provincial Council for Culture and Arts as lead agency, assisted by a technical working group (TWG). Both the council and the TWG are headed by the governor.

“The TWG shall be primarily responsible for the continuing determination and preservation of public and private cultural resources, historical districts and sites that may be subsequently declared as such,” said Baniqued.

Under the proposed ordinance, properties declared as historic sites or cultural resources will be assessed at a fixed rate of 10% assessment level as incentive to the owners.

However, failure of owners to comply with the requirements and guidelines shall be subject to a fine of P5,000.