Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HouseBi||No.8674
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ROMEO S. MOMO, SR.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS AND HIGHWAYS REGIONAL OFFICE -BANGSAIVIOR0
AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (BARMM) AND THE FIVE (5)
NEW DISTRICT ENGINEERING OFFICES (DEOs), APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
The creation of a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office
in  the  Bangsamoro  Autonomous  Region  in  Muslim  Mindanao  (BARMM)  and  the
establishment  of  five  (5)   new  District  Engineering   Offices   (DEOs)   are  of  great
importance and benefit to the region.
Looking deep into the decentralization efforts of the government and its many attempts
to empower local government  units,  now Secretary Arsenio  M.  Balisacan  of NEDA
mentions  that  investments  in  key  public  goods,  physical  infrastructure,  and  human
capital are major drivers of both the national growlh  rate and  regional development
patterns (Balisacan et. al. 2006).
Easing    up    infrastructure    processes   will    balance   the    existing    gap    between
internationally oriented  infrastructure such as ports,  harbors and associated facilities
and   the  domestic  transport  networks  and   corridors.   The  focus  on   international
connectivity  inhibited  a denser set of domestic connections from forming  (Balisacan
et.  al.  2006).  The  team  further  suggest  that,  no  major  changes  have  occurred  in
Philippine economic geography over at least the past two decades and  probably for


longer.  The  ranking  of regions  by socio-economic indicators  has changed  relatively
little:   the   regions  with   above-average   indicators   continue  to   be   Manila   and   its
surrounds, while the relatively poorer regions remain so. Most of the traditionally poor
regions of western Mindanao have slipped further behind owing to the prolonged state
of conflict and  local  mismanagement.  This  lack of improvement  highlights  both  the
slow rate of national economic growth (rankings would be more likely to change with
faster growth) and the absence of any major change in national policy settings, aside
from the decentralization (Balisacan et. al. 2006).
The house bill is therefore specifically designed to address this crack in the system.
Moving  on,  in  the  provinces  of  Mindanao,  the  Department  of  Public  Works  and
Highways (DPWH) performs a crucial role in the Philippines.  The six (6) DEOs shall
consist  of five  (5)  new  District  Engineering  Offices  to  be  created,  namely:  (i)  Sulu
District  Engineering  Office  (DEO);  (ii)  Tawi-Tawi  DEO;  (iii)  Maguindanao  del  Norte
DEO; (iv) Maguindanao del Sur DEO; and (v) Lanao del Sur DEO.
The   DPWH   RO-BARMM   proposes   to   absorb   the   existing   lsabela   City   District
Engineering Office in the Province of Basilan. This proposed unit in the Bangsamoro
region   will   be   accountable   for   the   planning,    construction,    maintenance,   and
development of public infrastructure initiatives in the region.  It is anticipated that the
DPWH RO-BARMM will ease the process and bring about positive consequences in
terms of the following dimensions;
First, the establishment of a DPWH Regional Office and new DEOs in BARMM gives
the chance to improve infrastructure growth and road construction. With a dedicated
regional agency and its associated district engineering offices, residents can anticipate
more extensive road networks that address the requirements of both urban and rural
areas, resulting in greater accessibility and immediate action.
Second, the establishment of a DPWH Regional Office and new DEOs in BARMM can
create  employment  opportunities  for  both  skilled  and  unskilled  employees.  With
infrastructure   investments,   construction   projects,   and   maintenance   in   BARMM's
provincial  areas,  DPWH's  presence  could  generate  income  opportunities,  promote
economic  development,  and  aid  in  alleviating  regional  poverty.  This,  in  turn,  can


generate  a  multiplier  effect,   resulting   in   increased  economic  activity  and  further
stimulating the regional development.
In addition, the formation of the DPWH Regional Office in BARMM and the creation of
the DEOs will  help resolve the region's infrastructure deficiencies,  especially in  rural
areas.
The   establishment   of  five   (5)   new   DEOs   in   BARMM   can   result   in   improved
coordination of infrastructure projects, even in the most remote areas under BARMM's
jurisdiction,  without  the  need  to  travel  great  distances  to  coordinate  with  regional
offices.  The  DEOs  of the  Department of Public Works and  Highways  (DPWH)  can
assist in  providing the residents of BARMM with an  in-depth analysis of the region's
infrastructure requirements, which are distinct from those of other Mindanao regions.
With  a  DEO  in  each  province,  the  agency can  provide efficient planning  and timely
project  completion  through  targeted  planning  and  assignment.   By  prioritizing  the
construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, the Department of Public Works
and Highways promotes inclusion and decreases disparities between urban and rural
areas. This creates opportunities for agricultural growih, tourism, and other industries,
thereby contributing to the region's overall economic development.
The significance of the creation of the DPWH  Regional Office and  DEOs in  BARMM
rests in its contribution to the region's economic and social development. By enhancing
road  infrastructure,  the  Department  of  Public  Works  and  Highways  facilitates  the
movement  of  people,  products,  and  services,  thereby  increasing  opportunities  for
trade,  investment and tourism.  It also improves access to essential services such as
healthcare  and  education,  thereby enhancing  the quality of life  in  the  Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao area.
The  establishment  of  a  DPWH   Regional  Office  and  DEOs  in  BARMM  will  bring
numerous  benefits,   including   a  vastly  enhanced   infrastructure  network  for  local
residents.    In    addition    to    facilitating    greater    economic    opportunities    through
infrastructure development, local employment, and convenience of access to essential
services  for  socioeconomic  development  in  the  region,  the  general  population  will
experience additional benefits.


ln  conclusion,  the formation  of a  DPWH  Regional  Office  in  BARMM,  as well as the
installation   of  five   (5)   new   DEOs,   will   play   an   important   role   in   infrastructure
development,   economic  and  social  advancement,   and  cultural   integration   in  the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESHNTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSEBILLNo.8674
Introduced by District Representative of Surigao del Sun, ]St District
HON. ROMEO S. MOMO, SR.
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION 0F A DEPARTMENT 0F PUBLIC
WORKS AND HIGHWAYS REGIONAL OFFICE - BANGSAMOR0
AUTONOMOus REGION IN MusLIM MINDANAO q3ARMro AND TIIE FIVE (5)
NEw DlsTRICT ENGINEERING OFFlcEs a]EOs>, AppROpRIATING FUNDs
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section  I.  Crc¢ft.o„.  The  Regional  Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous  Region in Muslim
Mindanao,  hereinafter referred  to  as  "DPWII  RO-BARMM"  is  hereby  created  and  shall
become the 17th Regional Office under the Department of Public Works and Highways. The
seat  of office  shall  be  in  Zamboanga  City,  taking  into  consideration  of its  advantageous
logistical  location  and  being  in  the  center  of  the  concerned  provinces  comprising  the
Bangsanoro Region.
The DPWII RO-BARMM shall be under the control and supervision of the Department of
Public Works and Highways.
Section 2. Coiiqposl.fro#.   The DPWII RO-BARMM shall be composed of a Regional Office
and six (6) District Engineering Offices (DEO) to be classified as 2nd Class DEOs under its
jurisdiction,
The six (6) DEOs  shall consist of five (5) new District Engineering Offices to be created,
namely: (i) Sulu District Engineering Office (DEO); (ii) Tawi-Tawi DEO; (iii) Maguindanao
del Norte DEO; (iv) Maguindanao del Sun DEO; and (v) Lanao del Sun DEO. The DPWII RO-
BARMM shall absorb the existing Isabela City District Engineering Office in the Province of
Basilan.
Section 3. 4zaproprz.a/I.o»s. The anount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the savings or current year's appropriations of the DPWH. Thereafter,
such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included
in the annual General Appropriations Act.


Section 4. F##cfi.o#  a/ Irfee jRegr.o#¢J Ojyice.   The DPWII RO-BARMM shall provide the
overall   supervision   and   administration   of  technical,   financial,   human   resource   and
administrative  functions  of  the  Region  and  all  District  Engineering  Offices  under  its
jurisdiction, including but not limited to the following:
a.  Plan,   design,   fund,   implement,   supervise,   and  oversee   the   construction  and
maintenance of national roads, bridges, flood control systems, water supply and
other  national   public   works   and   infrastructure  projects   in  the   Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region.
b.   Through the representation of the Regional Director and/or any authorized official,
participate in the convening of the Intergoverrmental Infrastructure Development
Board (IIDB),  created by virtue of Article VI  Section 6  of RA No.  11054,  and
coordinate  with  the  Ministry  of Public  Works  (MPW)  under  the  Bangsamoro
Government, in order to identify the national infrastructure programs needed by the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
c.   Perform  other  technical,  operational,  administrative  and  financial  functions  in
accordance with the existing functions of other Regional Offices of the Department
of Public  Works  and Highways,  but only  limited to those  relevant  to  national
infrastructure programs and proj ects in the Bangsamoro Region.
Sechon S. Functions Of the District Engineering O!f i lees. The f}Ive (i) riowly area:ted Dishict
Engineering Offices shall provide the overall supervision and administration of the technical,
financial,  human resource  and  administrative  activities  of the  District Engineering  Office,
including but not limited to:
a.   Plan, design, fund, and implement the construction and maintenance of national
roads, bridges, flood control systems, water supply and other national public works
and infrastructure proj ects in the engineering district under its jurisdiction.
b.   Perform  other  technical,  operational,  administrative  and  financial  functions  in
accordance with the existing functions of other District Engineering Offices of the
Department of Public Works and Highways, but only limited to those relevant to
national infrastructure in the Bangsanoro Region
Section  6.  J#ap/c#ce#fl.mg Rw/es  ¢#d jRcg#/¢/I.o#s.  The  DPWI.I  shall  issue  the  necessary
implementing rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Act within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity hereof.
Section 7. Jssw¢"ce a/4ge#ey Code. Pursuant to the existing accounting and auditing rules,
regulations, and policy of the National Government, the DBM shall issue the corresponding
agency codes for the DPWII RO-BARMM and the five (5) new District Engineering Offices,
to  allow them to  prograni  and procure  goods,  services,  and  civil  works  necessary  for the
operation of the said offices.


Section 8. Rcpco4 All laws, executive orders, administrative orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations,  issuances,  or any part thereof inconsistent with the provisions  of this Act  are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 9. Sep¢rodl./!.ty. Should any part or provision of this Order be held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force or
effect.
Section  10. EJ7rcct.ttrty.  This  shall take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.