WHEREAS, the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project is a six-year project funded by a World Bank loan;

WHEREAS, Bicol River Basin Areas, being on the typhoon path, inundation and flooding are extensive and cause much damage to crops and properties in the area. It is aggravated by the tidal backwater effect and storm surges that travel up the river system. It has also caused saline water intrusion putting limitations on the use of water for irrigation;

WHEREAS, pollution of the lower basin from untreated sewage from urban areas and industrial wastes and high incidence of water-borne diseases are among the perennial problems facing the Bicol River Basin Areas;

WHEREAS, in order to closely monitor and oversee the efficient and effective implementation of the Bicol River Basin Water Management Project, there is a need to attach the same to the Office of the President of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, under Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the. Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Attachment - The Bicol River Basin Water Management Project is hereby attached to the Office of the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - All executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3. Effectivity. -This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 5th day of March in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary