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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

His Excellency, President Ferdinand 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 reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment
to prioritize education as a national concern, he outlined significant investments in
educational infrastructure, including the construction of 18,000 classrooms by the
end of his term.

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.

‘A national high school in Malagutay, Zamboanga City, is needed to provide
accessible and quality secondary education to the growing population of the area.
Specifically, a national high school would offer free or more affordable education
compared to private institutions, potentially easing the financial burden on families. It
would also likely expand educational opportunities within the community, ensuring more
students have access to secondary education.

Recognizing that schools must remain the cornerstone 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 Malagutay in the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City in direct response
to a formal petition from the residents of Barangay Malagutay 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 the First Legislative District
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


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
MALAGUTAY, ZAMBOANGA CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE
MALAGUTAY 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 Malagutay,
Zamboanga City, a national high school to be known as the Malagutay 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 Malagutay National High


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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.

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

Approved,