Amending PD 742: Region IX Reorganization

Presidential Decree No. 773 is enacted by the President by virtue of powers vested under the Constitution.
Presidential Decree No. 773 amends Presidential Decree No. 742, which restructures the regional organization of Mindanao.
The amendment focuses on restructuring Region IX and dividing it into two sub-regions.

Presidential Decree No. 773 declares that measures are being taken to improve the administrative structure of the country.
It states that the creation of regions is meant to coordinate government operations and make them more effective.
It states that regional creation is expected to bring government closer to the people and encourage people’s participation in regional development.
It provides that review of present conditions requires refinements in groupings and structure.

Region IX consists of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Region IX includes the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga.
Jolo is the Regional Center of Region IX.

Within Region IX, Sub-Region IX-A is established.
Sub-Region IX-A is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Sub-Region IX-A is organized to function as a sub-regional administrative unit under Region IX.

Within Region IX, Sub-Region IX-B is established.
Sub-Region IX-B is composed of the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.
Sub-Region IX-B includes the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, and Zamboanga.
Zamboanga City is the Center of Sub-Region IX-B.

Assistant Regional Commissioners must be appointed for each of Sub-Region IX-A and Sub-Region IX-B to assist the Regional Commissioner of Region IX.
Assistant Regional Directors must be appointed by all government agencies whose responsibilities extend throughout Region IX.
The Assistant Regional Directors must be appointed for each of the sub-regions to assist in performing functions assigned to those agencies.

Presidential Decree No. 773 amends Presidential Decree No. 742 by changing the composition of Region IX and establishing Sub-Region IX-A and Sub-Region IX-B.
The decree’s reorganization takes effect immediately upon issuance.