Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8941

Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM FOR DISPLACED PERSONS
RESIDING IN DANGER ZONES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In recent years, the Province of Davao Del Sur, and the rest of the Mindanao Region, has
suffered inconsiderably due to the onslaught of natural calamities. Heavy rains, flash floods
and high magnitude earthquakes has wreaked havoc in Davao Del Sur resulting to severe
damages to buildings and homes, displaced families, increased health risks, and caused fear
and trauma to the residents.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) the
Davao Region (Region XI) in southern Mindanao is one of the seismically active regions in
the country because of the presence of several active faults that include the Tangbulan Fault,
Central Digos Fault and Cotabato Fault System (CFS): Makilala-Malungon, Makilala, M’lang,
North Columbio, South Columbio, Balabag. There are other nearby local faults, some of which
may be covered by recent deposits, that could be sources of small to strong magnitude
earthquakes.

On December 15, 2019, a strong Magnitude (M) 6.9 earthquake, with the epicenter located 9
kilometers northwest of Matanao, shook the province of Davao del Sur and has left more than
378,000 people devastated. This follows recent earthquake events ranging from a magnitude
of 5.9 to 6.5 in the Richter scale in 2019, and several others in 2020.

Tropical cyclones including Typhoon “Chedeng” took an unusual path in March 2019 affecting
the entire Davao Region. Considered as a rare tropical cyclone track, Typhoon Chedeng
battered the Province with heavy rains which caused floods and severe damages to homes and
livelihood.


These calamities can cause landslides and rock falls on mountainous or hilly areas; soil
liquefaction in low-lying, water-saturated and sandy areas near river banks and shore lines; and
flashfloods near riverbanks and in low lying areas. The lives of families and communities
residing in these danger zones are always at risk, thus the need for a comprehensive
resettlement program that will ensure not only the safety of these families but also provide
suitable living and livelihood conditions.

It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Osc. CAGAS

MERCEDES “1


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8941
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM FOR DISPLACED PERSONS
RESIDING IN DANGER ZONES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. —It is hereby declared the policy of the State to uphold
the people's constitutional rights to life and property by providing an equitable resettlement
program to displaced persons residing in danger zones in the Province of Davao Del Sur, and
ensuring decent housing, basic services and facilities, access to employment opportunities and
livelihood support.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act:

(a) Danger Zones — refers to areas which, when occupied for residential purposes, actually
poses a danger to the life, safety and property of either the residents or of the general
community, including roads, esteros, railroad tracks, riverbanks, shorelines, waterways,
flood-prone areas, and fault lines.

(b) Displaced Persons — refers to persons who, due to the risk occupying residence in areas
identified as a danger zone, were relocated to resettlement areas.

(©) Resettlement ~ refers to all measures taken to mitigate any and all adverse impacts on
the property and/or livelihood including compensation, relocation and rehabilitation of
displaced persons.

(@ Resettlement Areas — refers to areas identified by the local government unit which shall
be used for the relocation of displaced persons.

SEC. 3. Danger Zones. — The local government units, in coordination with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the
Department of Science and Technology, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council, shall identify the danger zones in the Province of Davao Del Sur and the
suitable relocation site for resettlement.

SEC. 4. Resettlement.—The local government units, in coordination with the National Housing
Authority, shall implement the relocation and resettlement of displaced persons and project


affected persons. The local government unit, in coordination with the National Housing
Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development shall provide resettlement
areas with basic services and facilities and access to employment opportunities and livelihood
support sufficient to meet the basic needs of the affected families.

SEC. 5. Prohibition Against New Illegal Structures. ~ It shall be unlawful for any person to
construct any structure in danger zones and government infrastructure project sites.

After the effectivity of this Act, the barangay, municipal or city government units shall
prevent the construction of any kind of illegal dwelling units or structures within their
respective localities. The head of any local government unit concerned who allows, abets or
otherwise tolerates the construction of any structure in violation of this section shall be liable
to administrative sanctions under existing laws.

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be
included in the annual budget of implementing agencies in the General Appropriations Act of
the year following its enactment into law and every year thereafter.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. —If any provision of this shall be held unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,