Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives /> ReceIveo

Quezon City, Metro Manila (= oats 20 AUG 2025
s, TIME

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 3895

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua — Tai

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert Dr. Varela Street, a city road in Zamboanga City,
connecting the junction of the Zamboanga City Labuan-Limpapa National
Highway in the San Jose Section to the junction of the R.T. Lim Boulevard, into a
national road.

Dr. Varela Street, which is located in the First Legislative District of
Zamboanga City, plays a crucial role in the local economy and transportation
network. This key roadway links the junction of Zamboanga City-Labuan to the
Limpapa National Highway, and extends directly to the junction of R.T. Lim
Boulevard, providing access to the Zamboanga City Seaport. Owing to its
accessibility provided by Dr. Varela Street and other roads, the seaport has evolved
into a commercial hub, supporting numerous local microbusinesses, vendors, and
small store owners who rely on this corridor for trade and daily operations.

Due to its strategic location, Dr. Varela Street serves as a vital alternative
route to the city’s primary national roads, alleviates urban traffic congestion, and
offers an efficient flow of traffic throughout the city. However, the road’s current
condition is grossly inadequate to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles.
Therefore, there is a need for an immediate and sustained intervention in order to
prevent its deterioration.

The proposed conversion of Dr. Varela Street into a national highway,
placing it under the jurisdiction and stewardship of the national government, will
not only ensure its rehabilitation, expansion, and proper maintenance but will also
secure funding to support its long-term development. Most importantly, it will
guarantee a safer and more accessible route for motorists, promote economic
activity, and enhance the overall transportation experience for the residents and
visitors of Zamboanga City.

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

KATRYNA REIKO CHUA - TAI


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

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 3895

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua — Tai

AN ACT

CONVERTING THE DR. VARELA STREET, A CITY ROAD IN
ZAMBOANGA CITY, CONNECTING THE JUNCTION OF THE
ZAMBOANGA CITY LABUAN-LIMPAPA NATIONAL HIGHWAY IN THE
SAN JOSE SECTION TO THE JUNCTION OF THE R.T. LIM
BOULEVARD, INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Dr. Varela Street, a city road in Zamboanga City,
connecting the junction of the Zamboanga City Labuan-Limpapa National
Highway in the San Jose Section to the junction of the R.T. Lim Boulevard, is
converted into a national road.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall include in the
Department’s program the repair, maintenance and improvement of the said road,
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,