ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially signed Republic Act (RA) 11994 into law, establishing a new district engineering office for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Zamboanga City. Announced on Saturday, the legislation was signed by Marcos on April 4, paving the way for the creation of the Zamboanga City First District Engineering Office. This new entity is slated to be located within the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone - Zamboanga Freeport Authority in Talisayan village.
According to Philippines News Agency, the establishment of the Zamboanga City First District Engineering Office aims to enhance infrastructure development and maintenance within the city. The existing district engineering office, situated in Barangay Divisoria, will henceforth be recognized as the Zamboanga City Second District Engineering Office, signifying a reorganization intended to improve public works and highway services in the region.
The newly created First District Engineering Office will be responsible for several villages, including Ayala, Baliwasan, and Baluno, among others, covering a wide area from Cabatangan to Zone 4. Meanwhile, the Second District Engineering Office will cater to areas ranging from Arena Blanco to Zambowood, ensuring comprehensive coverage and attention to infrastructure needs across Zamboanga City.
The law mandates the DPWH Secretary to integrate the operationalization of both the Zamboanga City First and Second District Engineering Offices into the department's program, with funding allocated through the annual General Appropriations Act. Passed by the House of Representatives on March 21, 2023, and the Senate on November 2, 2023, RA 11994 is set to take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, marking a significant step towards improving local infrastructure management and development in Zamboanga City.