Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9802 
Introduced by Representative PAUL R. DAZA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines, with its 7,641 islands, significantly requires an effective and efficient 
transportation system. Because of the country’s archipelagic nature, developing a robust 
transportation system is challenging. For the system to respond to the needs of its people and 
economy, it requires foresight in the design, construction, and maintenance of its road, water, air, 
and rail network systems.  
While efforts are continuously being undertaken to improve the transportation system, it is 
imperative to double or even triple the efforts if we are to achieve our sustainable development 
goals. Climate related challenges need to be factored in as well. It had been estimated that damage 
from natural disasters for 2021 alone was at PhP 60 billion.1 Furthermore, it was estimated that 
about 64% of damages in infrastructure are related to roads. Clearly, a robust and resilient multi-
modal transportation system is necessary with the unique features and challenges of the 
Philippines. Nevertheless, an effective and efficient road system is still at the ‘bedrock’ of the 
whole system. 
As of October 2022, the Philippines’ road system measures 34,352.4 km (excluding 
barangay roads) with only 1.03% of it still unpaved. However, it is noteworthy that only 36.9% is 
considered in “good” condition.2 In Northern Samar, the percentage of roads in “good” condition 
is lower at 33% (DPWH, 2022). Moreover, based on the study by Adarne and Henry (2023), 
Regions VII and VIII experienced the highest cost of damage in terms of road infrastructure, at 
37.17% and 19.20%, respectively. 
It is clear that Northern Samar—as an important link between Luzon and the Visayas—
requires a more coherent and long-term infrastructure development, which should be anchored on 
a strong appreciation of its promises and challenges. It has a significant potential for growth 
particularly in its agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors. On the other hand, it faces multiple 
1  Adarne, M.J. & Henry, M. (2023). Cost Implications of Natural Disasters on Road and Bridges 
Infrastructure 
in 
the 
Philippines. 
Available 
at 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374371553_COST_IMPLICATIONS_OF_NATURAL_DISAST
ERS_ON_ROAD_AND_BRIDGES_INFRASTRUCTURE_IN_THE_PHILIPPINES 
2 Department of Public Works and Highways. (2022). Philippines Road Data (Atlas 2022). Available at 
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/DPWH_ATLAS/Road%20Data%202016/index.htm 
January 22, 2024
11:37 am


and higher risks in terms of both man-made and natural disasters. At the crux of these potential 
and challenges is the necessity for a more resilient infrastructure including its road system. 
The proposed construction of a national highway that will traverse the municipalities of 
San Isidro, Lope de Vega, and Silvino Lobos will significantly benefit the people and economy of 
Northern Samar. With more extensive road networks, the province will be able to improve the 
lives of its people including its farmers and fisherfolks, who greatly rely on their ability to reach 
their source of livelihood and markets in the most efficient manner. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
          PAUL R. DAZA 
Representative, 1st District of Northern Samar 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Nineteenth Congress 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 9802 
Introduced by Representative PAUL R. DAZA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAVERSING 
THE MUNICIPALITIES OF SAN ISIDRO, LOPE DE VEGA, AND SILVINO LOBOS, 
ALL LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF NORTHERN SAMAR, TO BE KNOWN AS SAN 
ISIDRO-LOPE DE VEGA-SILVINO LOBOS ROAD, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. – The Department of Public Works and Highways is hereby mandated to construct 
a national highway in the Province of Northern Samar, to be known as San Isidro-Lope De Vega-
Silvino Lobos Road. This highway shall traverse the municipalities of San Isidro, Lope De Vega, 
and Silvino Lobos. 
SEC. 2. The amount necessary to defray the cost of undertaking and completing the 
feasibility study and detailed engineering design for the San Isidro-Lope De Vega-Silvino Lobos 
Road and other activities related thereto shall be included in the General Appropriations Act 
(GAA). Thereafter, the Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall include the Department’s 
program the construction of said road, the funding of which shall be included in the GAA. 
SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15 days) after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation 
Approved,