Creation of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat

The decree is premised on the need to fully develop the potentials of the former Province of Cotabato.
The decree is driven by the objective to resolve conflicting political, social, and economic interests limiting progress.
The decree establishes that dividing the present province into smaller units will allow more effective administration and development.
The decree states that long-standing troubles that have plagued the area have limited provincial development.

Section 1 creates three provinces to be known as North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
The division is effected by taking territorial portions from the present Province of Cotabato.

Section 2 defines North Cotabato as comprising the municipalities of Pigcawayan, Libungan, Alamada, Midsayap, Kabacan, Carmen, Malalam, M'lang, Tulunan, Makilala, President Roxas, Magpet, Kidapawan and Pikit.
Section 3 defines Maguindanao as comprising the municipalities of Buldon, Parang Sultan Kudarat, Tumbao, Upi, Dinaig, Datu Piang, Maganoy, Pagalungan, Buluan, Ampatuan Sultan sa Barongis and the new town of Datu Paglas.
Section 4 defines Sultan Kudarat as comprising the municipalities of Tacurong, Isulan Lutayan Bagumbayan, Kalamansing, Lebak, Columbio, Palimbang and the new towns of President Quirino, Mariano Marcos and Esperanza.

Section 6 provides that all provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to regular provinces apply to North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, except as otherwise provided in the decree.

Section 7 directs that the present governor and other provincial officials of the existing Province of Cotabato must transfer and assume administration of North Cotabato immediately.
Section 7 provides that until the President appoints the officials of the two other newly created provinces, the present officials continue in the administration of all three provinces.

Section 8 provides that upon the full effectivity of the decree, the proportionate share of the new provinces in the obligations, funds, assets and other propertied of the present Province of Cotabato is transferred by the President.
Section 8 requires that the transfer is made upon recommendation of the Auditor General.

Following enactment of Presidential Decree No. 341, the Bureau of Lands issued Lands Administrative Order No. 1-10 (e) 3, dated January 14, 1974, redefining the territorial jurisdiction of the District Land Officer stationed at Cotabato.