Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth (18") Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, __ 5300

Introduced by Representative Rudy S. Caoagdan
2"! District, North Cotabato

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert the 27.4-kilometer Arakan-Puntian-Bukidnon
Road in the Municipality of Arakan, Province of Cotabato, into a national road.

The Municipality of Arakan was created on August 30, 1991 by virtue of
Republic Act No. 7152, entitled “An Act Creating the Municipality of Arakan in
the Province of Cotabato.” The word “arakan” is derived from the Manobo
term “ara,” which means abundance of natural resources in the valley, and
“kan,” which means heroism, bravery and valor of the early Manobo leaders
and settlers of the area. Through the ages, the word “arakan” became
synonymous to the brave people of the lush valley.

True to its name, the town of Arakan is richly endowed with a diverse
and endemic species of flora and fauna which are nestled within the town’s
nooks and crannies — the Epol River, the church-like Gaem Cave, the Yellow
Gate zipline, and the Lake Luningning. Arakan is also proud of its underground
springs and the Datu Ladayon Rice Terraces. Its Forest Wildlife Park is home
to Philippine eagles and hornbills which are listed as critically endangered by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The continuous development of these unexplored tourist destinations is
aimed at boosting the tourism industry in the Municipality of Arakan and its
neighboring towns. However, to accelerate the level of development and
sustain the positive contribution of the tourism activities in the area, the


improvement and maintenance of the roads in the town of Arakan must come to
the fore.

A good and reliable road network is a vital and indispensable
development factor that plays an important stimulant in pursuing the optimum
level of economic growth. It provides better connectivity between rural and
urban areas. Further, improved road networks reduce the distance between
people, markets, services and information, thereby saving time, fuel and money.

Hence, approval if this bill is earnestly sought.

RUDY £\CAOAGDAN


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth (18") Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. LD]

CeVausune

10

18

Introduced by Representative Rudy S. Caoagdan
2"! District, North Cotabato

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE ARAKAN-PUNTIAN-BUKIDNON ROAD IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ARAKAN, PROVINCE OF COTABATO, INTO A
NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Arakan-Puntian-Bukidnon Road in the Municipality of
Arakan, Province of Cotabato is hereby converted into a national road under the
supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall include in
the Department’s program the improvement, maintenance and repair of the said
toad, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

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,