Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

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Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. _3896

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua-Tai

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a national high school in Barangay Campo Islam,
in the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City, to be known as the Campo Islam
National High School.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address
delivered on July 28, 2025, emphasized the urgent challenges facing the Filipino
youth, which include learning gaps, high dropout rates, and persistent child labor.
To address these challenges, he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering
commitment to prioritizing education as a national concern.

President Marcos, Jr. cited significant investments, including the construction
of 18,000 classrooms by the end of his term. He also announced the nationwide
implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Leaming (ARAL)
Program and renewed support for Early Childhood Care and Development, which
are especially important for indigent families in the far-flung areas, such as Barangay
Campo Islam in the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City.

Under Article XTV, Section | of the 1987 Constitution, “The State shall protect
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” The primary goal of
basic education is to equip every Filipino child with the necessary skills, knowledge,
and values to become self-reliant, productive, and patriotic citizens. The government
also supports local initiatives that aim to improve the quality of education and
encourage community participation in programs for children, out-of-school youth,
and adult learners.



However, a significant gap persists between learners and educational
institutions. This gap is characterized by a shortage of classrooms, inadequate
learning materials, and limited facilities to be at par with technological advancement.
Further, the creativity and dedication of teachers and school administrators are often
hindered by insufficient resources.

In the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City, these problems are
particularly severe. The Department of Education’s Division of Zamboanga City
reported that only 78 schools were ready for the 2025 Brigada Eskwela, while
enrollment reached 133,000 students for the School Year 2025-2026. The inadequate
number of classrooms left many schools using makeshift learning spaces such as
shaded areas under trees, unused canteens, covered courts, or even dilapidated small
staff offices. This environment is never conducive to learning and expose students
to discomfort and health risks, especially during inclement weather.

Based on the Department of Education's standard criteria, the establishment
of the Campo Islam National High School will definitely address the severe
classroom shortage in the district. It will eliminate travel-related and incidental
school expenses, improve accessibility for learners, and serve as a beacon of
educational progress in the community. Most importantly, it will unite students,
parents, educators, and residents in a shared mission to foster academic excellence
within a safe and supportive environment.

This bill is proposed in direct response to a formal petition from the residents
of Barangay Campo Islam reflecting their collective aspiration for accessible and
inclusive education.

Recognizing that schools must remain the cornerstone of our formal education
system, and that no student should be deprived of a quality learning environment
due to a lack of infrastructure, it is an essential and crucial initiative to establish a
national high school in Barangay Campo Islam in the First Legislative District of
Zamboanga City.

As a critical step toward building a brighter future for our youth and ensuring

the sustained development of the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City,
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

KARINA REIKO CHUA-TAI


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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.3896

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua-Tai

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY CAMPO
ISLAM, ZAMBOANGA CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CAMPO ISLAM
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. There is hereby established in Barangay Campo Islam,
Zamboanga City, a national high school to be known as the Campo Islam National
High School.

The school shall be administered and supervised by the Department of
Education for policy and program formulation and implementation, and technical
assistance.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Education shall immediately include in the
Department's program the operationalization of the Campo Islam National High
School, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 3. Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the Secretary
of Education shall formulate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions
of this Act. Such implementing rules and regulations shall provide for the school’s

organization, administration, operations, and management, in accordance with


Republic Act No. 9155 or the “Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001”,
Republic Act No. 10533 or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”, and other
basic education-related laws.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,