Republic of the Philippines ox

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House of Representatives /3 Receiveo
Quezon City, Metro Manila = pave _20 auc 2025

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3897

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua — Tai

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a national high school in Barangay Maasin,
Zamboanga City, to be known as the Maasin National High School.

Section 1, Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture
and Sports) of the Constitution provides that “The State shall protect and promote
the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate
steps to make such education accessible to all.”

His Excellency, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., in his fourth
State of the Nation Address, emphasized the urgent challenges of the Filipino
youth, including learning gaps, high dropout rates, and persistent child labor. He
reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritize education as
a national concern. The President outlined significant investments in educational
infrastructure, including the construction of 18,000 classrooms by the end of his
term. He also announced the nationwide implementation of the Academic
Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program and renewed support for
Early Childhood Care and Development, which are especially important for
indigent families in the far-flung areas, such as the First Legislative District of
Zamboanga City.

A significant gap persists between learners and educational institutions
characterized by shortage of classrooms, inadequate learning materials, and limited
technological integration. Despite the creativity and dedication of teachers and
school administrators, these efforts are often hindered by insufficient resources.

In the First Legislative District of Zamboanga City, these problems are
particularly noticeable. The Department of Education's Division of Zamboanga
City reported that enrollment reached 133,000 students but only 78 schools were
deemed ready for the Brigada Eskwela for the School Year 2025-2026.


This discrepancy has forced many schools to use makeshift learning spaces
such as shaded areas under trees, unused canteens, covered courts, or even
dilapidated small staff offices. These environments are not conducive to learning,
and expose students to discomfort and risks, especially during inclement weather.

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 Maasin in the First Legislative District of Zamboanga
City.

The school will directly address the severe classroom shortage in the district
based on the Department of Education's standard criteria. It will eliminate travel-
related and incidental school expenses, improve accessibility for learners, and
serve as a beacon of educational progress in the community. Most importantly, it
will unite students, parents, educators, and residents in a shared mission to foster
academic excellence within a safe and supportive environment.

This bill is proposed in direct response to a formal petition from the residents
of Barangay Maasin reflecting their collective aspiration for accessible and
inclusive education. It is 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


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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3897

Introduced by Representative Katrina Reiko Chua — Tai

ANACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN BARANGAY
MAASIN, ZAMBOANGA CITY, TO BE KNOWN AS THE MAASIN
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 Maasin,
Zamboanga City, a national high school to be known as the Maasin 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 Maasin National High
School, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General

Appropriations Act.


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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,