WHEREAS, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8047, otherwise know as the "Book Publishing Industry Development Act", the National Book Development Board (NBDB) was created to formulate, adopt and implement a National Book Policy which will serve as the basis for fostering the viability and progressive growth of the book publishing industry;

WHEREAS, under Section 7 of the same Act, the NBDB was placed under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President;

WHEREAS, this administration recognizes the vital importance of textbooks and other educational materials to the school population, particularly those in the primary and secondary levels;

WHEREAS, the said levels are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education (DepEd), and is therefore necessary that the NBDB be transferred to the DepEd;

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 Office of the President, including transferring any agency from the Office of the President to any other department.

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

SECTION 1. Transfer of the National Book Development Board. - The National Book Development Board is hereby transferred from the Office of the President to the Department of Education.

SECTION 2. - Repealing Clause. - All executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby revoked or modified accordingly.

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

Done in the City of Manila, this 31st day of March in the year of Our Lord two thousand and three.


By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary