QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 481)
The Letter states that the President acts by virtue of the powers vested in him by the Constitution.
The policy rationale is to develop communities in major urban cities along the human settlements approach and to preserve the lifestyle of Muslim brothers while conforming to that approach in community development.
The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) is directed to pursue the development of the Sahaya Housing Project.
It requires SPDA to develop: (1) water, electrical and sewerage systems; (2) construction of 200 dwelling units, barangay community facilities, and other social infrastructures; and (3) widening and upgrading of the access road.
It directs undertaking improvement and rehabilitation of resettlement projects in Mindanao, including Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Marawi City, and various areas in Cotabato.
The Budget Commission must release P9 Million from previously appropriated funds of the Rehabilitation and Development of Mindanao Program (RAD-Mindanao).
Sahaya Housing Project: P7.5 Million; Various Resettlement Projects: P1.5 Million; Total: P9.0 Million.
The Department of Public Highways and the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications must assist in the development and must include funds for the same in their 1977 budget.
It indicates the funds were already appropriated by law; the Letter of Instructions directs their release/allocation but does not create new appropriations.
It reflects an instruction for agencies to reflect the required funding in the next budget cycle, aligning with executive planning and legislative appropriations processes (i.e., requests for inclusion do not substitute for enacted appropriations).
It treats housing development as integrated with essential infrastructure (water, power, sewerage), social/community facilities, and access roads—showing a holistic community development strategy.
It frames the project’s social legitimacy and design considerations as aligned with cultural and community needs of Muslim residents, not merely physical construction.
The key directives include: SPDA 'shall pursue the development' (water/electrical/sewerage systems; 200 dwelling units; barangay community facilities; other social infrastructures; road widening/upgrading) and shall undertake improvement/rehabilitation of resettlement projects; the Budget Commission 'shall release' funds; and DPWH/DPWTC 'assist' and 'include in their 1977 budget funds.'
It limits and identifies the targeted project areas for the directives and funding release, aiding program implementation, monitoring, and audit/oversight by specifying where the mandated works and rehabilitations should occur.