Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 561)
Five "super" regions were created: (a) Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, (b) Luzon Urban Beltway, (c) Central Philippines, (d) Agribusiness Mindanao, and (e) Cyber Corridor.
No, the creation of the "super" regions does not supersede current political boundaries nor alter the existing Regional Development Councils as established by law.
The development themes are: Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle - Agribusiness; Luzon Urban Beltway - Globally competitive industrial and service center; Central Philippines - Tourism; Agribusiness Mindanao - Agribusiness; Cyber Corridor - Information and communication technology and knowledge economy.
The Development Champions are: Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle - PMS Director-General Arthur Yap; Luzon Urban Beltway - Subic-Clark Alliance Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan; Central Philippines - Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano and Secretary Cerge Remonde as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development of Region VII; Agribusiness Mindanao - Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza; Cyber Corridor - Commission on ICT Chairman Ramon Sales. Their mandate is to serve as catalysts for development, ensure implementation of priority programs and projects, work out operational policies for timely and cost-effective completion, and submit monthly accomplishment reports.
Development Champions can call on the National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, Presidential Management Staff, Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force, and any government agencies or entities for assistance, including obtaining information and data to ensure timely and cost-effective project implementation.
Their operational requirements are supported by the budget of the agencies they head.
All Regional Development Councils are required to assist the Development Champions in performing their duties and responsibilities.
The Office of the Press Secretary, Philippine Information Agency, and government mass media are tasked to provide assistance in communicating the development endeavors of the "super" regions to key constituencies and the international community.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on August 19, 2006.