Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4001

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE CABRARAN - QUITINDAY — WHITE DEER — SAN ISIDRO —
SAN ROQUE ROAD TRAVERSING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOVELLAR IN THE
PROVINCE OF ALBAY INTO A NATIONAL ROAD AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert the Cabraran — Quitinday — White Deer — San Isidro ~ San
Roque Road in the Municipality of Jovellar, Province of Albay, into a national road under
the supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

‘The road covers 11.618 kilometers, with a right-of-way width of fifteen (15) meters,
and directly links several interior barangays of Jovellar. Presently, the maintenance of this vital
corridor is handled by the municipal and provincial governments, whose resources are limited
and often redirected to other pressing local infrastructure needs. Consequently, the road
remains underdeveloped and prone to deterioration, hampering connectivity and economic
activity.

Converting this into a national road will ensure sustained national government funding
for its improvement, repair, and maintenance, bringing significant benefits to the people of
Jovellar and its neighboring municipalities.

First, the road is a lifeline for agricultural producers. Jovellar and its upland
barangays are major contributors of rice, corn, coconut, abaca, and root crops to the 3rd District
of Albay. Farmers frequently face high post-harvest losses and low farm-gate prices due to poor
access to markets. By upgrading this road, transport costs will be lowered, travel time to town
centers will be reduced, and producers will have improved access to consolidation hubs,
processing facilities, and trading posts.

Second, the road has a strategic tourism and eco-development function. Jovellar is
the gateway to unique natural attractions, including caves, waterfalls, and eco-tourism sites


connected to the Quitinday Hills. Improved access will promote tourism, stimulate local
businesses, and create jobs for communities that currently face high poverty incidence.

Third, the road is critical to social services and disaster response. Jovellar is one of
the most hazard-prone municipalities in Albay, frequently exposed to floods, lahar flows, and
typhoons. The conversion of this road into a national highway ensures its reinforcement to
higher standards, guaranteeing year-round accessibility for emergency relief, evacuation, and
public safety operations. It will also provide schoolchildren, teachers, and health workers with
safer and faster passage to essential services.

Fourth, this road forms part of the broader Hangin Road corridor that links the
interior uplands of Jovellar to the coastal gateway at Pantao Port in Libon, and further
eastward to the Bicol International Airport in Daraga. Along this corridor are strategic
renewable energy investments amounting to more than 860 megawatts in combined wind,
solar, and hydro power capacity. Ensuring road reliability strengthens Albay’s positioning as
a renewable energy hub and facilitates logistics and construction activities that require
dependable transport access.

By converting the Cabraran ~ Quitinday ~ White Deer ~ San Isidro ~ San Roque Road
into a national road, the State will be directly investing in a backbone of inclusive growth for
the 3rd District of Albay — one that combines food security, tourism, renewable energy, and
climate resilience.

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



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4001

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE CABRARAN — QUITINDAY — WHITE DEER — SAN ISIDRO —
SAN ROQUE ROAD TRAVERSING THE MUNICIPALITY OF JOVELLAR IN THE
PROVINCE OF ALBAY 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. Conversion into a National Road, The Cabraran ~ Quitinday — White
Deer — San Isidro ~ San Roque Road in the Municipality of Jovellar, Province of Albay, with
a total length of eleven and 618/1000 (11.618) kilometers and a right-of-way width of fifteen
(15) meters, is hereby converted into a national road under the supervision of the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

SEC. 2. Inclusion in the DPWH Road Program. The Secretary of Public Works and
Highways shall include in the Department’s program the improvement, repair, and
maintenance of the said road. The funding for such shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules. The Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall issue
the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement this Act.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,