OFFICIAL BUILDINGS OF THE HOUSE

THE PRESENT LEGISLATIVE BUILDING ⁵

The House of Representatives presently rests at the National Government Center, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, a sprawling 16-hectare land overlooking the scenic Marikina Valley.

The House of Representatives Building Complex (used to be known as Batasang Pambansa Complex) is a cluster of four imposing structures consisting of the Main Building, the South Wing, the North Wing, Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Building, and the newly constructed South Wing Annex Building.

The North and South Wing Buildings were completed in December 1977 while the Main Building, five months after. June 12,1978 marked the historic seating of regional representatives to the Batasang Pambansa with the formal convening of its First Session.

The Main Building, which houses the Session Hall, is designed to accommodate 200 or more Members of the House. The Main Session Hall is linked on two levels with the six-storey wings for the convenience of the House Members.

The Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Building, completed in March 2001, is named after the 16th Speaker of the House of Representatives and 1st Speaker of the newly restored Philippine democracy. The building houses the Legislative Library, the Committee offices, the Reference and Research Bureau, and the Conference Rooms.

The complex is open on both sides to allow fresh air to circulate through the corridors into the offices. These breezeways can also serve as overflow areas for the estimated 4,000 people who will be working and transacting business in the building complex. These also serve as good observation platforms for users to witness the panoramic view of the complex and its surroundings.

The different offices and conference rooms are linked with the Main Session Hall through its efficient communications system, basically consisting of telephones and intercoms. These are also readily accessible by foot.

The office spaces are designed to minimize unnecessary outside disturbance and to maximize efficient communication. The offices also follow the open area concept of space arrangements to allow maximum flexibility, variety and use of space and furniture.

The complex is accessible through a service road connecting the Don Mariano Marcos Avenue (Commonwealth Avenue), a major modern thoroughfare.

Source:
⁵ Batasang Pambansa Official Directory, 1979. Research and Planned Development Systems, Inc., Felipe M. Mendoza and Associates, and Comprehensive Technical Services of Asia, Inc., The Volume Report on the First Priority Building at the National Government Center - Constitution Hills, March 1978.