WHEREAS, the Port of Salomague in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur was declared as a port of entry with a provisional status on 11 June 1996 pursuant to Section 702 of the Tariff and Customs Code (Book II);

WHEREAS, the needed infrastructure support and service facilities for efficient port operation have been put in place in the Salomague Port and. thus, eligible to operate with a permanent status as a port of entry;

WHEREAS, the Secretary of Finance and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, cognizant of the economic viability of the Salomague Port and its important role in the promotion of trade and commerce to enhance the development of the area, have recommended the upgrading of the Port's status from provisional to permanent, port of, entry;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare the Port of Salomague in' Cabugao, Ilocos Sur as a permanent "port of entry" pursuant, to the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

This Order, shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 14 June 1997

By the President

(SGD.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary