Candon-santiago-san Esteban Coastal National Road (Ilocos Sur)

Senate Offier of the Reuctare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP -2 P4:48 SENATE RECEIVED BY S.B. No. 1336 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT CONVERTING THE CANDON-SANTIAGO-SAN ESTEBAN COASTAL ROAD, LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR INTO A NATIONAL ROAD, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 9, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that " The State

shall promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all." The Candon-Santiago-San Esteban Coastal Road is a vital local road, but its development and maintenance are currently the shared responsibility of three (3) Local Government Units (LGUs). This fragmented approach, combined with the LGUs' limited funding, has hindered the road's potential improvement and, by extension, the growth of local trade and tourism. The bill proposes to convert this road as a national asset, thereby transferring the responsibility for its maintenance, repair, and improvement to the national government. Such a change would relieve the LGUs of a significant financial burden, allowing them to redirect their limited funds toward other crucial socio-economic programs and local initiatives.

Furthermore, this conversion will unlock the full potential of the road as a key connector to major destinations. It provides access to well-known tourist spots, including Santiago Cove, the Candon City Ecotourism Zone, and the San Esteban Port. The road also links to national roads leading to major historical sites, such as the Sta. Maria Church, the Heritage City of Vigan, and the Shrine of Tirad Pass, and serves as a gateway to Mountain Province and Baguio. More importantly, a more reliable and well-maintained road will improve access to essential public services. In view thereof, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. ÍMEER. MARCOS I

Senate Office of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP -2 P4:48, SENATE S.B. No. 1336 RECEIVED BY Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT CONVERTING THE CANDON-SANTIAGO-SAN ESTEBAN COASTAL ROAD, LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR 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. Conversion to National Road. - The Candon-Santiago-San Esteban

2 Coastal Road in the Province of Ilocos Sur is hereby converted into a national road.

Sec. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Public Works

4 and Highways shall issue the necessary rules, order, and circulars to implement the s provisions of this Act within (60) days from its effectivity.

Sec. 3. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall

7 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 9 Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued improvement and maintenance of the national road shall also be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,