Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO, 3291

Introduced by
HON. NELSON R. DAYANGHIRANG, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Cateel Diversion Road, located in the Municipality of Cateel, Province of Davao Oriental,
plays a vital role in linking the town proper to several remote barangays and serves as an alternate
route to the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road. It has proven essential for emergency response,
evacuation, and the delivery of critical services during natural calamities such as typhoons and
landslides, which frequently affect the area.

Cateel is home to the Aliwagwag Falls, the highest waterfall in the Philippines, located within the
Aliwagwag Protected Landscape—a declared ecotourism and conservation site. The municipality
has significant potential for eco-tourism and agricultural development. but this is hindered by
limited access roads and infrastructure gaps.

‘The Cateel Diversion Road contributes significantly to the faster mobility of goods and people.
resulting in savings in travel time and vehicle operating costs. In addition, it helps decongest the
town proper during peak hours, easing the flow of traffic and improving public access.

Despite its economic and strategic importance, the road remains under local jurisdiction, limiting
the availability of resources for its regular maintenance and long-term improvement. Converting
it into a national road would allow the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to
assume responsibility for its development, ensuring proper funding, upgrading, and climate-
resilient infrastructure—particularly in landslide-prone areas near Aliwagwag Falls,

This legislative measure aligns with the national goals of strengthening regional connectivity,
enhancing local economic growth, and improving access to essential services in geographically
isolated and disadvantaged communities.

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

NELSON'R)\DAYANGHIRANG, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3291

Introduced by
HON. NELSON R. DAYANGHIRANG, JR.

AN ACT DECLARING THE CATEEL DIVERSION ROAD IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
CATEEL, PROVINCE OF DAVAO ORIENTAL AS A NATIONAL ROAD AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ITS CONVERSION, MAINTENANCE, AND DEVELOPMENT

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

SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the "Cateel National Road Act.”

SEC. 2. Establishment — The Cateel Diversion Road in the Municipality of Cateel, Province of
Davao Oriental is hereby converted into a national road under the supervision of the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

SEC. 3. Appropriations — 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. 4. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the
other provisions not affected thereby shall continue in operation and remain in full force and effect,

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause - All laws, executive orders, administrative orders, rules, regulations,
decrees, and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby revoked, repealed, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. - 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,