Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 104)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 104 is to create the Municipality of Sta. Maria in the Province of Davao, separating it from the Municipality of Malalag.
The Municipality of Sta. Maria was created pursuant to Section 68 of the Revised Administrative Code.
The new Municipality of Sta. Maria consists of the barrios and sitios of Basiawan, Kidalan, Pongpong, Cogon, Kimatay, Pugad Buaya, Kadaatan, Sta. Maria, Culibao, Camasi, Kibulan, Kulungan, Longag Bato, Gandang, Sulok, Ogpao, Mamacao, Dool, Kisulad, Cabalantian, Tagbilaran, Boca, Dita, Malalag Tubig, Lagaylay, Tambo, and Magapisa, all originally part of Malalag municipality.
The seat of government of the Municipality of Sta. Maria is located in the barrio of Basiawan.
The boundary starts at a point where Malalag Bay cuts deepest inland including all areas within barrio Bato, follows the ridge of Baculing Mountain Range crossing Malalag-Malita provincial road near Km. 342/000, goes to the highest point above barrio Cadaatan, then a straight line towards Mt. Tangali peak and beyond until intersecting the Malalag-Malita boundary line.
The Municipality of Sta. Maria shall begin to exist upon the appointment and qualification of the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and a majority of the councilors, and upon certification by the Secretary of Finance that it is financially capable of meeting statutory and essential service obligations, and that Malalag can still maintain its government and services after segregation.
The Secretary of Finance must certify that the Municipality of Sta. Maria is financially capable of providing for all statutory obligations and essential municipal services, and that the mother municipality Malalag can still meet its obligations and provide essential services after the separation.
The Municipality of Malalag will retain its present territory minus the areas that form the new Municipality of Sta. Maria.
The House of Representatives approved the creation of the Municipality of Sta. Maria as proposed in House Bill No. 89.
Executive Order No. 104 was signed by President Diosdado Macapagal, with the Acting Assistant Executive Secretary Juan S. Cancio.