Creating an Inter-agency Body to Facilitate the Comprehensive Study and Planning of an Integrated Development Project in Pampanga Bay

June 11, 2010

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 288

CREATING AN INTER-AGENCY BODY TO FACILITATE THE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY AND PLANNING OF AN INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN PAMPANGA BAY

WHEREAS, the Pampanga Bay can be potential site for a reclamation project considering the relatively shallow seabed over a large portion with an approximate area of 2,500 hectares which is almost double the size of the reclamation along Manila Bay; SacDIE

WHEREAS, there is a need for the government to construct river dikes along two (2) major river systems to define the boundaries of river banks and create land strips with an average width of not less than one hundred (100) meters and extending from the towns proper of Lubao and Sasmuan up to the Pampanga Bay. Such and strips will provide areas for road right of way and for human settlements of mixed land uses following a linear type of development;

WHEREAS, the linear development will provide access through Sasmuan and Lubao with the construction of viaduct or causeway to link the bigger reclamation project within Pampanga Bay;

WHEREAS, development along river dikes can adopt maximum retention of existing land uses, e.g., residential, fishpond and mangrove areas. Possible ecotourism and other activities can be considered to generate investments and employment opportunities for the local residents.

NOW THEREFORE I, GLORIA M. ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. There is hereby created an inter-agency body to facilitate the conduct of a comprehensive study and planning of an integrated development project to include dike construction, reclamation and port project in Pampanga Bay and the Lubao-Sasmuan areas.

SECTION 2. The following government agencies shall be part of said inter-agency body: The Philippine Reclamation Authority as the lead unit; the Provincial Government of Pampanga and the municipal governments concerned; as support agencies, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Health, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Tourism, and, on the port component, the Philippine Ports Authority.

SECTION 3. This Order shall take effect immediately.

Manila, June 11, 2010. cAEDTa