Formation of Super Regions in PH

The Executive Order directs national restructuring efforts toward building “super” regions to bolster the natural advantages of five distinct subeconomies regions.
The Executive Order states that “super” regions must be built up to create opportunity across the country.
The Executive Order links infrastructure and investment initiatives to the Medium Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP) and to government economic reforms.

Section 1 grounds the following geographical units into five “super” regions.
The Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle consists of Regions I, II, CAR, and:
- the northern part of the provinces of Aurora (north of Baler), Tarlac (north of Tarlac City), Nueva Ecija (north of Cabanatuan City), and Zambales (north of Subic).
The Luzon Urban Beltway consists of NCR, Region IV-A, and the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the southern parts of:
- Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija.
The Central Philippines consists of Regions V, VI, VII, and VIII, and the provinces of Romblon, Palawan, and Camiguin, and the Island of Siargao.
The Agribusiness Mindanao consists of Regions IX, X except Camiguin, XI, XII, Caraga except Siargao, and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
The Cyber Corridor traverses the “super” regions from Baguio to Cebu to Davao.
Section 1 provides that the groupings neither supersede current political boundaries nor alter the regional development councils established by existing laws and issuances.

Section 2 establishes primary development themes for each “super” region, through not exclusive development themes.
The Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle has the primary theme Agribusiness.
The Luzon Urban Beltway has the primary theme Globally competitive industrial and service center.
The Central Philippines has the primary theme Tourism.
The Agribusiness Mindanao has the primary theme Agribusiness.
The Cyber Corridor has the primary theme Information and communication technology and knowledge economy.

Section 3 requires each “super” region to have a designated Development Champion.
Development Champions must serve as catalyst for development and prime advocate of the strategic development theme in their area.
Development Champions must ensure the implementation of priority programs and projects identified in the 2006 State of the Nation Address and the undated MTPIP.
Development Champions must do so in close collaboration with:
- concerned local government units, national agencies, and other partners in development.
Development Champions must undertake necessary interventions to help ensure completion of priority programs and projects:
- on time and at the lowest cost to government.
Development Champions must work out operational policies and remedial actions to ensure completion on schedule and at the lowest cost to government.
Development Champions must submit a monthly report to the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) on:
- overall accomplishment of project implementation,
- issues and problems identified, and
- recommended solutions pursuant to the mandate on remedial actions.

Section 4 authorizes Development Management Champions to call on NEDA, the Department of Budget and Management, the PMS, and the Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force for assistance in performing their mandate.
The assistance may include any information or data requirement.
Development Champions may also call on any other government agency, including:
- government-owned or controlled corporations, and
- government financial institutions,
  for assistance needed to ensure timely and cost-effective implementation of priority projects.
All Regional Development Councils must assist Development Champions in performing their duties and responsibilities.
The Office of the Press Secretary, the Philippine Information Agency, and Government mass media must provide necessary assistance in communicating the development endeavors in the “super” regions to:
- key constituencies and
- the international community.

Section 5 identifies the following Development Champions:
- Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle — PMS Director-General Arthur Yap.
- Luzon Urban Beltway — Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Chairman Edgardo Pamintuan.
- Central Philippines — Secretary of Tourism Joseph Ace Durano; Secretary Cerge Remonde as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development of region VII.
- Agribusiness Mindanao — Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza.
- Cyber Corridor — Commission on Information and Communication Technology Chairman Ramon Sales.

Section 6 provides that the operational requirements of the Development Champions are supported by the budget of the agencies that they head.

The Executive Order provides no penalties, fines, or sanctions for non-compliance.

The Executive Order provides for immediate effectivity and contains no repealing, separability, or sunset provisions.