Amending E.O. No. 377, s. 2004 by Providing for the Composition of the Boracay Island Eminent Persons Group

October 28, 2009

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 377-A

AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 377, S. 2004 BY PROVIDING FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE BORACAY ISLAND EMINENT PERSONS GROUP

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 377, s. 2004 provided for the existence of the Boracay Island Eminent Persons Group (EPG) which is tasked to ensure the sustainable development of Boracay Island as a priority tourism destination; DaTEIc

WHEREAS, the participation of the Boracay EPG in the forthcoming implementation of the Boracay Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) would be crucial, as it is entrusted to oversee and ensure the sustainable development of the Boracay Island and to advocate to and coordinate with concerned stakeholders regarding the policies towards such sustainable development;

WHEREAS, there is a need to issue guidelines regarding the composition of the EPG as well as the criteria for the effective selection of EPG members;

WHEREAS, there is likewise a need to include in the EPG composition other concerned sectors, such as local and indigenous residents/ancestral land owners;

WHEREAS, the President encourages the strong participation of the private sector in economic and social development;

WHEREAS, under Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law and the Constitution, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Amendments. — Section 3 of Executive Order No. 377, s. 2004 is hereby amended to read as follows: SAcCIH

"Sec. 3. Eminent Persons to Oversee Boracay Tourism Development. — To ensure the sustainable development of tourism in Boracay Island in behalf of the President of the Philippines and the Secretary of Tourism, the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) is hereby reconstituted and strengthened. The EPG shall be composed of representatives from the following sectors:

a. three (3) from duly recognized local business organizations;

b. two (2) from duly recognized environmental organizations;

c. three (3) from local residents and/or indigenous groups; and

d. A duly designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Region VI."

The Secretary of Tourism shall coordinate with the above sectoral groups/organizations for their nominated representatives to the EPG, and then recommend to the President these nominees for designation. The President shall assign the Chair of the EPG from the designated EPG members. The CORD for Region VI shall act as the Co-Chair of the EPG.

The President may likewise include in the EPG composition representatives from other sectors as may be necessary.

SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. — All executive issuances inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 3. Effectivity. — This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 28th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine. SHADcT