Creation of Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Council

Section 14, Article X of the 1987 Philippine Constitution authorizes the President to provide for regional development councils (or similar bodies) composed of government officials and NGO representatives to strengthen regional autonomy and accelerate regional growth.
Section 33, Article 3, Chapter 3 of the Local Government Code recognizes that local government units may group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate efforts, services, and resources for commonly beneficial purposes.
The order is anchored on the constitutional and local-government framework for inter-local and regional development coordination.

The order recognizes the existing collaborative arrangements in the Iloilo–Guimaras area, including the Metropolitan Iloilo Development Council (MIDC) and the Guimaras-Iloilo City alliance (GICA).
The order seeks to merge and expand existing regional work alliances to support the Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy.
The order links regional development to inter-local government cooperation and to national investment initiatives, including funds made available through the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).
The order prioritizes economic growth and tourism development for Central Philippines, consistent with the identified competitive edge for investments.

Section 1 creates the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras economic development Council (MIGEDC).
The Council must formulate, coordinate, and monitor programs, projects, and activities to accelerate economic growth and development.
The Council’s coverage includes the City of Iloilo, the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia, Leganes, and Sta. Barbara, all of the Province of Iloilo, and the entire Province of Guimaras.
The Council operates in support of the Mega-Region Economic Development Strategy of the National Government.

Section 2 fixes the Council’s membership as follows:
- Mayor, Iloilo City as Chairperson.
- Provincial Governor, Province of Guimaras as Co-Chairperson.
- Mayor, Municipality of Pavia, Iloilo.
- Mayor, Municipality of San Miguel, Iloilo.
- Mayor, Municipality of Oton, Iloilo.
- Mayor, Municipality of Leganes, Iloilo.
- Mayor, Municipality of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
- President, League of Municipalities, Province of Guimaras.

Section 3 requires the Council to ensure appropriate coordination with Regional Development Council (RDC) VI and other relevant local development councils.
The Council’s coordination function is directed to strengthen execution of programs, projects, and activities aligned with the national strategy.
The Council’s overall function is to accelerate economic growth and development across its covered area through planning, coordination, and monitoring.

Section 4 directs all national government departments, bureaus, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities—including government-owned or controlled corporations and government financial institutions—to extend full assistance to the Council.
The assistance obligation is specifically for support of the Council’s programs, projects, and activities.

Section 5 repeals or modifies Executive Orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances (or parts thereof) that are inconsistent with Executive Order No. 559.
Section 6 provides that Executive Order No. 559 takes effect immediately.