Republic of the Philipines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
187 CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 9034

Introduced by Representative EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 10.70 -kilometer Barcelona - Casiguran Diversion Road (Barcelona Section),
is a locally maintained road which starts from Brgy. Poblacion Sur, Barcelona, Sorsogon
and ends at St. Lourdes, Barcelona, Sorsogon. It is the other part of the Provincial Road
network that connects the Municipality of Barcelona to the Municipality of Casiguran.
This road network is of vital importance because it provides the shortest access to either
municipalities, the eastern and western side, respectively, of this part of the Province.
This stretch of road benefits the business, farmers, and residents of the two municipalities
as it facilitates the easy transport of goods to-and-fro them and the various municipalities
of the Province of Sorsogon.

Ithas been long recognized that the economic development of a region is greatly
facilitated by its road network. The quality of roads influences regional productivity
through the facilitation of efficient movement of goods and labor. Not only does this
facilitate economic development, but also people’s access to social, health and education
services of the government. Thus, a well-kept road network, safe and reliable, is crucial
in improving the quality of life of the constituents of the province.

As the 10.70 -kilometer road network is categorized as a local road, itis maintained
and rehabilitated by the Province of Sorsogon. The limited resources of the provincial
government hinders it from sufficiently allocating annually what this important road
network actually needs for its upkeep.

Therefore, this Bill seeks to convert the locally maintained 10.70-kilometer
Barcelona - Casiguran Diversion Road (Barcelona Section), into a National Road to
ensure that it will be properly and efficiently maintained by the Department of Public
Works and Highways with the adequate funding from the national government. This
conversion will certainly create a great impact in improving the life, not only of the

MAR 2 2 2024


residents of the Municipalities of Barcelona and Casiguran, but also of the Province of
Sorsogon.

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

whl G. ESCUDERO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
18 CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__9034

Introduced by Representative EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE ROAD STRETCHING FROM BARANGAY
POBLACION SUR TO BARANGAY ST. LOURDES, MUNICIPALITY OF
BARCELONA, PROVINCE OF SORSOGON 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 10.70-kilometer road stretching from Barangay Poblacion Sur to
Barangay St. Lourdes, Municipality of Barcelona, otherwise known as the Barcelona -
Casiguran Diversion Road (Barcelona Section), Province of Sorsogon is hereby converted
into a national road.

Sec. 2. 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 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 at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,