By virtue of the powers vested in me by law and with the aim in view of accelerating the economic progress of the Bicol provinces, I, DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL, President of the Philippines, do hereby create a Bicol Development Planning Board which shall conduct scientific and systematic surveys of the assets and potentialities of the Bicol region, plan its development, and pool the resources of the provinces and cities thereof for the implementation of programs to enhance the economic, social, industrial and commercial development and the general welfare of the region and its people.

The Board shall have the following powers and functions:

1. To act as the technical arm of the Bicol provincial and city executives on matters concerning regional planning;

2. To receive, screen and study such matters as may be submitted or referred by the various governmental agencies concerned with the development of the Bicol area;

3. To formulate such guidelines, policies, objectives, requirements or conditions for the effective exercise of the Board in regard to the various development programs, with the end in view of effecting an integrated and systematic coordination of plans and activities in furtherance of the regional socio-economic development program;

4. To make recommendations to the President through the Committee on Regional Planning on any matter concerning Bicol regional planning or affecting the plans and activities thereof;

5. To advise or assist the local planning boards within the region on phases of organization or operation or in any other matter referred to it by such boards;

6. To enlist and accept such technical assistance or financial support as it may deem essential to the proper discharge of its task;

7. To perform such other functions as may be directed by the President.

The Board, in the pursuit of its objectives, shall coordinate with the Committee on Regional Planning created under Administrative Order No. 123 dated May 6, 1965. All expenses necessary for the operations and projects of the Bicol Development Planning Board shall be for the account of the member provinces and cities unless otherwise provided for by law.

The Board shall be composed of the Governors of the Provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon and the Mayors of the Cities of Legaspi and Naga. They shall elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from among themselves.

All departments, offices, bureaus, agencies, and other government entities shall render assistance to and coordinate with the Bicol Development Planning Board on such matters affecting the development of the Bicol region.

Done in the City of Manila, this 27th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and sixty-five.

(Sgd.) DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(Sgd.) RAMON A. DIAZ
Executive Secretary