Pre-existing Collaborative Frameworks
- The Metropolitan Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) was established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) dated February 9, 2001.
- MIDC focuses on six key collaboration areas: Basic Services Delivery, Environmental Management, Public Safety and Security, Land Use Management, Infrastructure Development, and Economic Promotion.
- The Guimaras-Iloilo City alliance (GICA) was formed via MOA on May 22, 2005, emphasizing economic development, particularly tourism and infrastructure like roads and ports.
- The Municipality of Santa Barbara, hosting the new Iloilo International Airport, also recognizes the importance of inter-modal transport and tourism for economic growth.
Rationale for Forming the Council
- LGUs acknowledged the need for collaboration to expedite economic and tourism development.
- The National Government’s Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy, introduced in the 6th State of the Nation Address, allocates funds through the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).
- Western Visayas, including Central Philippines, prioritizes tourism as a competitive and investment area.
- Success of the national strategy is dependent on effective inter-local cooperation already in place.
- Combining MIDC and GICA aims to create economies of scale and enhance developmental efforts.
Creation and Mandate of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC)
- The MIGEDC is officially created by Executive Order, tasked with formulating, coordinating, and monitoring economic growth programs.
- Its jurisdiction covers Iloilo City, the Municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes, and Sta. Barbara in Iloilo Province, and the entire Province of Guimaras.
- The Council’s efforts support the national Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy.
Composition of the Council
- Chairperson: Mayor of Iloilo City.
- Co-Chairperson: Provincial Governor of Guimaras.
- Members: Mayors of Pavia, San Miguel, Oton, Leganes, and Sta. Barbara (all municipalities in Iloilo).
- Member: President, League of Municipalities, Province of Guimaras.
Coordination and Support
- The Council must ensure coordination with Regional Development Council (RDC) VI and other local development councils.
- All national government departments, agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, and financial institutions are directed to fully support the Council’s initiatives.
Repeal and Implementation
- Any executive orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
- The Executive Order taking effect immediately upon issuance.
Signature and Effectivity
- Signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita on August 28, 2006, in Manila.
- This marks the formal and legal establishment of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council to foster regional economic development.