WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure that the benefits from the economic activities of Clark Special Economic Zone, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Mariveles Export Processing Zone, and other special economic zones, are enjoyed by the nearby areas;

WHEREAS, there is a need to fast-track the implementation of programs and projects to facilitate the development of Central Luzon especially the areas affected by lahar in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales; and

WHEREAS, toward the integrated and harmonized development of the Central Luzon area, there is a need to rationalize existing activities in these areas as well as to involve other government and non-government entities in the development efforts to achieve complementation of activities for these areas and maximization of government ™s limited resources.

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 order the following;

Section 1. Creation of the Presidential Commission To Plan For and Develop the Central Luzon Growth Corridor. There is hereby created a Presidential Commission for Central Luzon Growth Corridor within the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, hereinafter referred to as the œCommission , which shall be responsible for the orchestration and the coordination of development efforts for the Central Luzon growth area.

Sec. 2. Composition. The Commission shall be chaired by the Secretary of Trade and Industry (also CORD for Region III) with the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority and the Chairman of the Regional Development Council for Region III as Vice-Chairmen. Its members shall be composed of the following:

a. Chairman, Mt. Pinatubo Commission

b. Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture

c. Undersecretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

d. Undersecretary, Department of Public Works and Highways

e. Undersecretary, Department of Transportation and Communication

f. Undersecretary, Department of Tourism

g. Chairman, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority

h. President, Clark Development Corporation

i. Director-General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority

j. Governors of the Provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales

k. Three (3) representatives from the private sector/non-government organization to be recommended by the Commission and appointed by the President

The government representatives in the Commission shall serve in an ex-officio capacity.

Sec. 3. Functions and Responsibilities. The Presidential Commission shall:

a. Prepare an inventory of all existing and approved land use plans, programs and projects in Central Luzon;

b. Review existing development plans, including, but not limited to, the proposed Master Plan on the Central Luzon Development Program;

c. Based on the inventory and review, cause the preparation and/or finalization of an Integrated Development Plan for the Central Luzon Growth Area that would ensure that Region III would benefit from the development and economic activities at the Clark Special Economic Zone, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Mariveles Export Processing Zone and other special economic zones and growth centers in the region.

The development plan should consider and include the development of Central Luzon ™s infrastructure, agri-industry, housing, tourism, environment, natural resources and other investment activities, among others, for implementation by concerned government agencies or by the private sector, on a build-operate-transfer or other innovative schemes as may be recommended by the Commission to the President.

In the preparation of the Plan, the Commission shall coordinate with the Regional Development Council of Region 3 and utilize existing studies and recommendations of government and non-government agencies which have been involved in the planning and development of Central Luzon and the rehabilitation efforts in the lahar-ravaged areas therein.

d. Adopt a process of maximum consultation with the local government units concerned and all interest groups in the localities to ensure that their needs, concerns and ideas are considered in the formulation and implementation of plans and development programs and projects;

e. Ensure a fast-tracked implementation of the Integrated Development Plan for the growth area;

f. Identify sources of funds, both local and foreign, which may be used for the implementation of development programs and projects for the growth area;

g. Act as the central coordinating body on matters pertaining to the Central Luzon Growth Corridor and as the issue-resolution body on any problems and issues which may arise in the formulation of the integrated development plan or its implementation;

h. Recommend to the appropriate Sanggunians such ordinances and measures as may be necessary to attain the objectives of the Plan, as approved by the President;

i. Submit status report every quarter to the Office of the President; and

j. Undertake such other functions as the President may direct.

Sec. 4. Secretariat Support. The Department of Trade and Industry shall provide technical and secretariat support to the Commission.

Sec. 5. Funding. Funding for the Commission ™s operations for the initial year of operations shall be sourced from the President ™s Contingent Fund, the amount for which shall be recommended by the Commission. Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be incorporated in the annual appropriations of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Sec. 6. Departments, Agencies and Local Government Units. The Commission is hereby authorized to call upon any department, bureau, office, agency, instrumentality or subdivision of the Government, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may need in discharging its functions. The Commission may likewise organize sectoral œTask-Forces , as it may deem necessary, in the performance of its functions and responsibilities.

Sec. 7. Saving Clause. All Existing Presidential Issuances and Directives covering the Central Luzon Area shall remain in effect, except for portions thereof which are inconsistent with this Order.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 9th day of April, in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Sixty.

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary