WHEREAS, it is important to strengthen ties with the People ™s Republic of China;

WHEREAS, it is important to demonstrate how China ™s Official Development Assistance uplifts the poor and develops the countryside;

WHEREAS, most pipes and other materials for water systems are made in China;

WHEREAS, in the ten-point program of the Arroyo Administration, water shall be regularly provided to all municipalities.

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

SECTION 1. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall put together a nationwide water services program for more than 150 remaining waterless municipalities, plus general upgrade in access to water, especially in Mindanao.

SECTION 2. The NEDA shall then propose the program for funding from the People ™s Republic of China.

SECTION 3. This order takes effect immediately.

DONE in Manila on this 5th of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary