Designation of Regional Centers
- EO 429 designated Region IX’s administrative and commercial centers.
- Pagadian City was designated the regional center.
- Zamboanga City was designated the commercial and industrial center.
Previous Directive for Transfer of Regional Offices
- Memorandum Circular No. 75, series of 2004, ordered transfer of regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City.
- Exceptions included the Departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, and Tourism.
- These exceptions were to remain in Zamboanga but establish presence in Pagadian.
Status of Transfer as of 2010
- Out of 121 regional offices, 32 fully transferred to Pagadian City.
- 12 agencies partially transferred.
- 6 agencies only established satellite offices.
- Indicates slow and partial compliance with the transfer directive.
Social and Economic Impact on Employees
- Employees faced high economic and social costs due to dual residence maintenance.
- Difficulties experienced in fully relocating to Pagadian City.
Suspension of Transfer Directive
- All government agencies in Region IX are ordered to suspend transfers from Zamboanga to Pagadian.
- Suspension is pending a study and consultations with stakeholders.
- Relevant bodies involved: Presidential Management Staff, DILG, CSC, NEDA, and DBM.
- Regional offices already in Pagadian City may continue operation there.
Requirement for Study and Reporting
- The agencies conducting the study must submit a comprehensive report.
- Report must include findings and recommendations.
- Deadline for submission is 30 working days from the issuance of the Memorandum Circular.
Immediate Effectivity
- The Memorandum Circular takes effect immediately upon issuance.
- Signed by the Executive Secretary on behalf of the President.
This Memorandum Circular highlights the procedural pause in the relocation of regional offices in Region IX to address concerns and ensure comprehensive evaluation, impacting administrative planning and regional governance.