EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 512 - PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE MINDANAO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the Government recognizes the urgent need to accelerate the growth and development of Mindanao through a wholistic and integrated manner;

WHEREAS, the need exists to promote and strengthen interregional linkages to ensure the increased viability of the programs and projects in the four (4) administrative regions in Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao;

WHEREAS, with the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991, more powers, functions and resources from the National Government have been devolved to the local government units as the frontline agencies to realize the development of specific geographical areas; and  

WHEREAS, Section 14, Article X of the 1987 Constitution states that: “The President shall provide for the regional development councils or other similar bodies composed of local government officials, regional heads of departments and other government officers, and representatives form non-governmental organizations within the regions for purposes of administrative decentralization to strengthen the autonomy of the units therein and to accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the units in the region;”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Creation of the Mindanao Economic Development Council. — There is hereby created a Mindanao Economic Development as the Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, which shall promote and coordinate the active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the socio-economic development of Mindanao. The Council shall primarily be an umbrella organization of the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) in the four administrative regions in Mindanao, namely: Western Mindanao (Region IX), Northern Mindanao (Region X), Southern Mindanao (Region XI) and Central Mindanao (Region XII); and the Regional Planning and Development Board (RPDB) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Sec. 2. Composition of the Council. — The Council shall be composed of the following:

a. The Chairmen and Co-Chairmen of the aforementioned Regional Development Councils and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the ARMM Regional Planning and Development Board;

b. Two private sector representatives from each region of Mindanao to be chosen by and from among the private sector representatives of the concerned Regional Development Councils and the Regional Planning and Development Board;

c. Two members of Congress from each region of Mindanao who shall be elected by and from among the members of Congress within the region;

d. The President of the Mindanao Confederation of Governors and Mayors; and

e. The Administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority.

Sec. 3. Functions of the Council. — The Council shall have the following functions:

a. Formulate development plans for the agricultural and industrial development of Mindanao as a single integrated economy;

b. Coordinate the integration of the Regional Development Plans of the regions involved into a Mindanao Development Plan;

c. Cause the preparation of feasibility studies and explore sources for financing of priority programs and projects, whether governmental or private, that will support and encourage Mindanao-wide economic and social development, such as a Mindanao Power Corporation, regional commercial banks, Mindanao railroad systems, petroleum refinery, skills and values promotion, and accelerated reforestation;

d. Integrated, prioritize and program interregional programs and projects and submit the same for approval by the Board of the National Economic and Development Authority, whenever the Council deems that such programs and projects would affect substantially the integrated development of Mindanao. The NEDA Board shall expeditiously act on such programs and projects submitted by the Council within a reasonable period;

e. Advocate to the constituents of Mindanao, their elected representatives in Congress, and the National Government, national policies that will foster the integrated and balanced development of Mindanao, in such policy areas as banking; investment and lending by the Government Service Insurance System and Social Security System and other government financing institutions; transport and telecommunications; infrastructure; export of agricultural products; reforestation; education and skills training;

f. Act as the implementing agency for the accomplishment of interregional projects, subject to such limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules and regulations;  

g. Promote investments in any field which would enhance the socio-economic development of Mindanao and uplift the living standards of the people and their socio-political activities;

h. Provide the machinery for extending the necessary planning, management and technical assistance to prospective and existing investors in Mindanao;

i. Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts in cash or in kind from foreign governments, international agencies, private entities, and other sources for purposes that would contribute to the development of Mindanao, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; and

j. Monitor, evaluate and formulate recommendations on the implementation of development plans and programs in Mindanao.