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

Nineteenth (19) Congress
First Regular Session

ane oy
HOUSE BILL No, 4888

Introduced by HON. EDWARD S. HAGEDORN:

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This is a refiling of the bill that originated from 17" Congress, sharing the same vision that
the Napsan-Bagong Bayan-Simpucan to Bacungan road conversion from city road to a national
road category is necessary. It is beneficial to the City of Puerto Princesa, its inhabitants, investors
and tourists. as well as its neighboring municipalities serving as an alternative highway of Souther
Palawan to Northern Palawan via West Coast of Puerto Princesa and vice versa.

Puerto Princesa, as the capital city of the Province of Palawan, is the center of trade and
commerce and government service. The abovementioned roads do not just offer a scenic view of
the “last ecological frontier”, but it also makes travel economical, faster and safer as it serves as
an alternative route going to and around other municipalities such as Aborlan, Quezon and Rizal.

Since the start of civilization up to present, well-paved and well-maintained roads have
played a very important function in the establishment of society, and is essential for every place to
flourish and develop. It fundamentally contributes to economic development and growth, provides
access to employment, health, education and social services, and encourages more investments
and businesses in the area, among others. Further, it has crucial effects to tourism for a world-
renowned, tourist flocked (local and foreign) paradise like Puerto Princesa.

Due to time and use, these abovementioned roads are already dilapidated and is in dire
need of regular maintenance, renewal or modernization. Once converted as a national road, it will
be under the direct supervision of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as to
its administration, maintenance, improvement, reconstruction and construction expenditures. The


effect of this conversion will be felt far and wide, not just by the people of Puerto Princesa, but by
everyone who gets to see the majestic beauty of the city.

With this, the City Government of Palawan will be able to fully concentrate in the
environmental protection, beautification and maintenance of the city, as well as the delivery of
services to the Palawefios, while the National Government will help us maintain our roads that will
lead the residents and tourists to the greatest and most impressive destinations they will ever see.

In the light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly recommended.



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

Nineteenth (19) Congress
First Regular Session

Ty wo, 2888

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. EDWARD S. HAGEDORN:

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE NAPSAN ~ BAGONG BAYAN - SIMPUCAN - BACUNGAN
ROAD ROAD IN THE CITY OF PUERTO PRINCESA INTO A NATIONAL ROAD
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF.

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

SECTION 1. The Napsan-Bagong Bayan-Simpucan to Bacungan Road in the City of
Puerto Princesa is hereby converted into a national road. The ownership, maintenance and
supervision of the same belongs to the national government;

Sec. 2. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall prescribe the
implementing rules and regulations necessary for the evaluation, approval and implementation
of this Act;

Sec. 3. The Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall include in the Department's
program and improvement, repair, maintenance of the said road, the funding of which shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days after completion of its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,