WHEREAS, the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) is a collaborative effort of the provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, and the cities of Davao, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal;

WHEREAS, the program has achieved significant strides in integrating the development initiatives and plans of the local government units as well as the national government line agencies since its inception in 1994;

WHEREAS, through the DIDP Master Plan, LGUs have a more focused, efficient and effective approach to the management of sub-regional development under the Regional Development Council; and

WHEREAS, the DIDP Master Plan responds to and complements the National Government ™s 10-Point Agenda particularly in the attainment of food security and poverty alleviation in Mindanao.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of powers vested in me by law and the Constitution, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1. Establishment of the Davao Integrated Development Board. There is hereby established the Davao Integrated Development Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall serve as a special body to coordinate and promote the socio-economic growth and development of the Davao Gulf area. The board shall be attached to the Office of the President, through the Flagship Committee.

SECTION 2. Composition of the Board . The DIDP Board shall be composed of the following: Chairperson of the Regional Development Council for Region XI; Governors of the Provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and the Compostela Valley; the City Mayors of Davao, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal; Regional Director of NEDA and DA for Region XI; and, the Managing Director of the Project Management Office (PMO). The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson of the Board shall be elected from among its members.

SECTION 3. Powers and Functions of the Board . The Board shall exercise the following powers and functions:

a. Formulate policies and guidelines and establish development goals within the context of the Regional Development Plan and the Mindanao Development Framework;

b. Supervise, facilitate, orchestrate, and provide overall direction on the planning, timely implementation, and monitoring of all project components and development activities;

c. Pool existing resources and encourage the support and participation of government and non-government institutions by creating task forces or appropriate bodies to expedite implementation of major development projects;

d. Review and endorse for the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC), Region XI, the multi-year and annual plans and investment programs under the project;

e. Review and endorse to the DBM, through the RDC, the annual budget for the project as well as for the operations of the PMO;

f. Review and approve contracts entered into by the Project Director;

g. Review and approve the organization of the PMO;

h. Submit to the Office of the President, through the Flagship Committee, the RDC, the NEDA Board and Congress annual reports on the project and such other reports as may be required;

i. Formulate implementing rules and regulations pertaining to the internal operations of the PMO; and

j. Perform such other functions as may be required by the President.

SECTION 4. Project Management Office . The Project Management Office to be headed by a Managing Director is hereby established to serve as the technical and administrative secretariat of the Board. It shall perform, the following functions:

a. Provide technical support and assistance to the DIDP Board and coordinate with various City and Provincial Planning and Development Offices, regional offices of national government agencies, non-government organizations, the private sector and other concerned entities to facilitate the implementation of the Program;

b. Enter into contract, through its Managing Director, to facilitate the technical and administrative operations of the PMO, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

c. Undertake periodic review and evaluation of projects and make appropriate recommendations to the DIDP Board;

d. Ensure implementation of plans and programs of concerned government agencies and initiatives of non-government organizations and private sector groups for sustainable development of the growth area; and,

e. Perform other functions as may be assigned by the DIDP Board.

SECTION 5. Coordination and Integration Mechanism. To promote harmonious working relationship and maintain an effective coordination mechanism among the development players in the area, the DIDP Board, through the PMO, shall coordinate closely with concerned agencies and sectors plans and programs for the area to ensure integration and complementation of all development initiatives. Further, the DIDP Board, through the PMO, shall ensure that concerned agencies actively participate in meetings and consultations that the DIDP Board may initiate and hold.

SECTION 6. Funding . Funds necessary for the operation of the Board and PMO shall be sourced by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) from available resources, upon submission by the DIDP Board of its work and financial plan.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause . If any part or provision of this Executive Order is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected shall remain valid and effective.

SECTION 8. Effectivity . This Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 23rd day of August in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.

(SGD.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President of the Philippines

By the President:


(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary