Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2638
HOUSE BILL NO. _"”

Introduced by Representative Juan Fidel Nograles

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 4, Article X of 1987 Constitution provides that the President of the Philippines
shall exercise general supervision over local government units. As such, the
administrative regions were established to further accelerate the social and economic
development of the provinces and cities. Thus, former President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 103, which has divided Region IV into Region IV-A
and Region IV-B to further promote efficiency in the Government, accelerate social and
economic development and improve public services. Region IV-A, the CALABARZON
Region, comprises the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
Region IV-B is now renamed to MIMAROPA by virtue of Republic Act No. 10879, or
otherwise known as “MIMAROPA Act.”

CALABARZON Region is envisaged to promote efficiency, economy, and the greater
impact in the delivery of government services. Moreover, it will strengthen and pave the
way for the region to continue its economic growth thrust. CALABARZON is one of the
leaders in economic growth amongst the administrative regions in the country. As
testament to that, as of 2018, CALABARZON has been published by the Philippine
Statistics Authority to have the second highest share in the Gross Domestic Product
Growth at 17.0 percent.



This bill seeks to establish a Southern Tagalog Region to be known as CALABARZON
Region.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

suad am


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _7638

Introduced by Representative Juan Fidel Nograles

AN ACT

ESTABLISHING THE SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION TO BE KNOWN
AS THE CALABARZON REGION

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. - This Act shall be known as the “CALABARZON
Act.”

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote efficiency in the government to enable it to pursue programs
consistent with national goals for accelerated social and economic development.
Further, it will also enhance inter-governmental relations for efficient and effective
delivery of services.

Pursuant to this policy, the State shall promote administrative decentralization to
strengthen the autonomy of the local government units and accelerate the economic
and social growth and development of the region.


SECTION 3. The Southern Tagalog Region is hereby established to be known as
CALABARZON Region, which shall be composed of the following provinces and cities:

(a) Provinces:
1. Cavite;
2. Laguna;
3. Batangas;
4. Rizal; and
5. Quezon.
(b) Cities:
1. Antipolo City;
. Bacoor City;
. Batangas City;
|. Bifian City;
. Cabuyao City;
}. Calamba City;
. Cavite City;
. Dasmarifias City;
|. General Trias City;
10. Imus City;
11. Lipa City;
12. Lucena City;
13.San Pablo City;
14.San Pedro City;
15. Santa Rosa City;
16. Tagaytay City;
17. Tanuan City;
18. Tayabas City; and
19. Trece Martires City.

©OMNAARYWDN

SECTION 4. The same privileges under the rules and regulations covering the
regions shall remain in force.


SECTION 5. APPROPRIATION - The amount needed for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the agency or
department, specific to the Regional Government Office (RGO) of CALABARZON and
the Regional Government Center, as established. Provided, that the creation of a RGO
is subject to those agencies/departments that do not have a separate regional office for
CALABARZON. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. — Within sixty (60)
days after the effectivity of this Act, the National Economic and Development Authority,
in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, shall
formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the establishment of
the regional center. The implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this
section shall take effect after thirty (30) days after its publication in at least two (2)
national newspapers of general circulation.

SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any section or
provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions
hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 10. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen
(15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of
general circulation.

Approved,