On 24 August 2023, a bill was signed into law, amending a landmark heritage law and expanding its scope.

Cultural workers, heritage advocates and artists gladly welcomed the passage of Republic Act 11961, also known as "An Act Strengthening the Conservation and Protection of Philippine Cultural Heritage through Cultural Mapping and an Enhanced Cultural Heritage Education Program, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act 10066, otherwise known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009."

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, which participated in the crafting of the law, thanked legislators who supported the enactment — Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and Senator Maria Lourdes "Nancy" Binay, who are all members of the NCCA Board of Commissioners, as well as Senator Aquilino Martin "Koko" Pimentel, Pangasinan Rep. Christopher "Toff" de Venecia, Sorsogon Rep. Marie Bernadette "Dette" G. Escudero and teachers' group Congresswoman France L. Castro — and agencies and organizations, who helped in the crafting, including the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, UNESCO-Philippine National Commission and the Heritage Conservation Society.

New provisions

RA 11961 has new provisions that have not been included in National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which was principally authored by the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara and was signed on 26 March 2010. The 2009 law primarily identifies and offers protection to heritage and cultural properties.

Heritage advocates and cultural workers welcomed the new provisions.