Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1766)
The purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1766 is to convey certain parcels of land of the public domain to the National Development Company (NDC) for priority projects, establish a special procedure for making lands available for such projects, and facilitate economic development through these priority projects.
The National Development Company is empowered to hold all kinds of land, even in excess of areas permitted private corporations, engage or invest in commercial, industrial, agricultural, mining and other enterprises, and undertake priority projects considered important to national economic development and public interest.
Parcels of land of the public domain covered by Proclamation No. 1939, Proclamation No. 2041, and other lands under lease agreements between the government and the NDC are classified as alienable and disposable lands and are conveyed in full ownership to the NDC for priority projects.
The fair market value is determined by a professional firm of appraisers designated by the Minister of Industry, and this value is recorded in the books of the NDC as part of the National Government's contribution to the NDC's equity capital.
If a survey of metes and bounds is necessary for registration purposes, the Bureau of Lands shall undertake the survey immediately. They also confirm surveys done by persons or entities authorized by the Minister of Industry.
The President may issue an executive proclamation to declare and set aside any other tract of public domain lands as Government Reservation for the use of the NDC for priority projects, subject to private rights if any.
Priority projects include plantation agriculture, industrial tree plantations, industrial reservations, and other projects authorized by the NDC's Revised Charter or special law.
Yes, the NDC may enter into contracts such as lease contracts, operating agreements, or growers' agreements with any entity deemed competent for developing or using all or part of the lands.
All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, instructions, rules, or regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this decree are repealed and/or modified accordingly.
The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on January 11, 1981.