Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 371)
The ZOPAD is a designated area in the Southern Philippines comprising specific provinces and cities where intensive peace and development efforts are to be focused for three years, aiming to spur economic activities and uplift living conditions.
The ZOPAD includes the provinces of Basilan, Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Palawan, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, South Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur; and the cities of Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog, General Santos, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga.
Development efforts include provision of basic services (water, electricity, education, housing, health), infrastructure facilities, promotion of investments and trade, entrepreneurial and livelihood support, credit facilities, and capability-building assistance for local communities, especially vulnerable sectors.
These include the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD), the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) system, area-specific development task forces, regional development councils, and the Southern Philippines Development Authority, among others.
The SPCPD is a special and transitory body established within the Office of the President to coordinate and promote economic and social growth and development in the ZOPAD, operating under the President's control and supervision.
The SPCPD consists of one chairperson (designated by the President among the governors in the ZOPAD, including the ARMM Governor), one Vice-Chairperson, and three Deputies, alongside other members designated from heads of departments, government offices, and NGOs within the ZOPAD.
Its functions include promoting peace and order, focusing on peace and development efforts, supporting local governments, implementing mandates delegated by the President, aiding electoral preparations as deputized by COMELEC, and creating necessary offices or instrumentalities.
The SPCPD monitors peace and order measures, holds consultative meetings, conducts advocacy, coordinates with military and police forces, and submits reports and recommendations on peace and order matters to the President.
The Consultative Assembly serves as an advisory body to the SPCPD, providing consultation, conducting public hearings, recommending policies, and adopting rules and regulations for effective administration of the ZOPAD.
Both entities are to exist for a period of three years from the effectivity of Executive Order No. 371 unless extended by the President.