Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

Quezon City, Metro Manila

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Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3893

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua - Tai

EXPLANATORY NOTE

His Excellency, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., in his fourth
State of the Nation Address delivered on July 28, 2025, before Congress,
emphasized the urgent challenges facing Filipino youth, including learning gaps,
high dropout rates, and persistent child labor. In response, he reaffirmed his
administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing education a national
concern.

The President outlined significant investments in educational infrastructure,
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 Learning (ARAL) Program and renewed support for Early Childhood
Care and Development, which are especially important for indigent families in far-
flung areas, such as the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City.

It is the national policy to protect and promote the right of all citizens to
quality basic education, which includes free and compulsory education at the
elementary level and free education at the secondary level. 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 education quality 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 technological integration. Despite the creativity and
dedication of teachers and school administrators, these efforts 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 deemed ready for the 2025 Brigada Eskwela,
while enrollment reached 133,000 students for the School Year 2025-2026. This
discrepancy has forced many schools to use makeshift learning spaces such as
shaded areas under trees, unused canteens, covered courts, or even dilapidated small
staff offices. These environments are never conducive to learning and expose
students to discomfort and risks, especially during inclement weather.

Recognizing that schools must remain the comerstone of our formal education
system, and that no student should be deprived of a quality learning environment
due to a lack of infrastructure, this proposed measure aims to establish a national
high school in Barangay Patalon in the First District of Zamboanga City.

This school will directly address the severe classroom shortage in the district
based on the Department of Education's standard criteria. 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 being filed in direct response to a formal petition from the residents
of Barangay Patalon reflecting their collective aspiration for accessible and inclusive
education.

It is not only timely and relevant, but also a critical step toward building a
brighter future for our youth and ensuring the sustained development of Zamboanga
City and the nation as a whole.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

KATRINA 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. 3898

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua - Tai

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY
PATALON, ZAMBOANGA CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE PATALON
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 Patalon, Zamboanga
City, a national high school to be known as the Patalon 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 Patalon National High School,
the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity 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 (RA) No. 9155 or the “Governance
of Basic Education Act of 2001,” RA 10533 or the “Enhanced Basic Education Act

of 2013,” and other basic education-related laws.


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

3 Approved,