Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 559)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 559 is to create the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) to formulate, coordinate, and monitor programs, projects, and activities for accelerating the economic growth and development of Iloilo City, several municipalities of Iloilo Province, and the entire Province of Guimaras in support of the Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy of the National Government.
The Council is composed of: the Mayor of Iloilo City as Chairperson; the Provincial Governor of Guimaras as Co-Chairperson; the Mayors of the Municipalities of Pavia, San Miguel, Oton, Leganes, and Santa Barbara all in Iloilo Province; and the President of the League of Municipalities, Province of Guimaras.
Section 14, Article X of the Philippine Constitution mandates that the President shall establish regional development councils or similar bodies composed of local government officials and other representatives for purposes of administrative decentralization to strengthen autonomy and accelerate economic and social growth.
Section 33, Article 3, Chapter 3 of the Local Government Code allows local government units to group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them.
The MIDC focuses on six areas of collaboration: Basic Services Delivery, Environmental Management, Public Safety and Security, Land Use Management, Infrastructure Development, and Economic Promotion and Development.
The Guimaras-Iloilo City alliance focuses on mutually beneficial economic development with special emphasis on tourism and infrastructure development, particularly improvement in road and port systems.
All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and financial institutions, are directed to extend full assistance to the Council in support of its programs, projects, and activities.
Section 3 mandates the Council to ensure appropriate coordination with the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI and other relevant local development councils to align efforts effectively.
All executive orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on August 28, 2006.