WHEREAS, there is a need to plan for, integrate, implement, and fast-track development efforts and programs in the growth corridor from the National Capital Region to the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Aurora and Quezon to decongest Metro Manila and provide a growth link between Metro Manila and the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Aurora and Quezon;

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 197, series of 1994, created the Presidential Commission on MARILAQUE Growth Area to fast-track the implementation of programs and projects to facilitate the development of the area from the National Capital Region to the provinces of Rizal, Laguna and Quezon;

WHEREAS, on the basis of the MARILAQUE FRAMEWORK PLAN, nine flagship projects have been identified, adopted and planned for implementation by the Commission; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to rename and rationalize the existing organizational structure, and redefine the territorial coverage and functions of the Commission in order to provide the proper perspective, minimize confusion and overlapping of programs among different development agencies, and provide greater focus and impetus to the programs and objectives of the Commission.

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

SECTION 1. Section 1 of Executive Order No. 197 is hereby amended to read as follows:

œSEC. 1. Name and Territorial Coverage. The Presidential Commission to plan for and develop a Growth Corridor shall be known as Presidential Commission on RIZLAQUE Growth Area, embracing the provinces of Rizal, Laguna, Aurora and Quezon .

SEC. 2. Section 2 of Executive Order No. 197 is hereby amended to read as follows:

œSEC. 2. Composition. The Commission shall be chaired by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Flagship Programs and Projects, with the Chairman of the Public Estate Authority (PEA) as Co-Chairman, and the following as members: Chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Deputy Director General, National Economic and Development Authority; Undersecretaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government; Head of the Presidential Management Staff; and Governors of Rizal, Laguna, Aurora and Quezon provinces .

SEC. 3 . In addition to the functions and responsibilities of the Commission as provided in Executive Order No. 197, the Commission shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

œj. Provide overall direction, coordination, and supervision in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of its projects under the MARILAQUE FRAMEWORK and MASTER PLAN;

k. Enter into any kind of arrangement or agreement with public and private entities in pursuance of its objectives and in furtherance of its mandate;

l. Act as coordinating body with respect to all plans, programs, and projects proposed by the local government units and national agencies, for implementation within the growth area;

m. Ensure that all projects and programs proposed to be undertaken by private entities within the Growth Area are in consonant with the Commission ™s developmental frameworks. 

SEC. 4. Section 4 of Executive Ordr No. 197 is hereby amended to read as follows:

œSEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the Executive Director. The Executive Director, appointed by the President of the Philippines, shall sit as ex-officio member of the Commission, and shall be its Chief Executive responsible for the execution and administration of its approved policies and measures. He shall also perform the following functions:

a. Submit for consideration of the Commission the policies and measures necessary to carry out the mandate of the Commission;

b. Execute and administer the policies, plans, programs and projects approved by the Commission;

c.  Direct and supervise the operation and internal administration of the Commission;

d. Represent the Commission in all dealings with agencies and instrumentalities of the government, and with all other private entities, domestic or foreign; and

e. Exercise such other duties as may be vested by the Commission and authorized by law. 

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. The provisions of Executive Order No. 197 dated August 29, 1994, and Executive Order No. 232 dated March 29, 1995, to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Executive Order, are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 25th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and ninety eight.

(SGD.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary