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property has been identified as national cultural treasures
andior national historical landmarks, sites or monuments; and
(d) In times of armed conflict, natural disasters and
other exceptional events that endanger the cultural heritage
of the country, all national cultural treasures or natlOnal
historical landmarks, sites or monuments shall be given
priority protection by the government.
All cultural properties declared as important cultural
property may also receive government funding for its
protection, conservation and restoration. An official heritage
marker shall likewise be placed on an immovable cultural
property to identify the same as important cultural property.
SEC. 8. Procedure for Declaration, or Delisting of
National Cultural Treasures or Important Cultural Property.
- The procedure in declaring as well as in delisting a national
cultural property or an important cultural property shall be
ail follows:
(a) A declaration or a delisting of a cultural property as
a national cultural treasure or an important cultural property
shall commence upon tbe fIling of a petition by the owner,
stakeholder or any interested person, with the Commission,
which shall refer the matter to the appropriate cultural
agency;
(b) Upon verification of the suitability of the property as
'a national cultural treasure or an important cultural property,
the cultural agency concerned shall send notice of hearing to
the owner and stakeholders. Stakeholders including, but not
limited to, local government units, local culture and arts
council, local tourjsm councils, nongovernment conservation
organizations, and schools, may be allowed to file their support
or opposition to the petition;
(c) The owner andlor other stakeholders shall file their
position paper within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the notice
of hearing, furnishing all the parties, including the appropriate
cultural agency, with such position paper. Extensions may be
allowed, but in no case shall it exceed, more than thirty (30)
days;