Formulation of a Master Development Plan for the Acquisition, Development and Disposition of PNR Property in Lipa City

September 8, 2004

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 147

DIRECTING THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL (HUDCC) TO FORMULATE A MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE ACQUISITION, DEVELOPMENT AND DISPOSITION OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS (PNR) PROPERTY IN LIPA CITY, IDENTIFIED AS OUTSIDE OF PNR RIGHT-OF-WAY RETENTION AREA AND RESERVED AS HOUSING SITE FOR INFORMAL SETTLERS PRESENTLY RESIDING THEREIN

WHEREAS, it is estimated that around 2,300 families are presently occupying the PNR Right-of-Way in Lipa City;

WHEREAS, there is a need to address the security of land tenure of the affected families who are under constant threat of eviction;

WHEREAS, PNR has posed no objection to the proposed 17-meter Right-of-Way Retention recommended by the City Government of Lipa, and has authorized said City Government to proceed with the formulation of the Development Plan, as required under Executive Order No. 48, series of 2001, for PNR properties beyond said Right-of-Way Retention Area;

WHEREAS, it is necessary that the existing problem in the area be immediately attended to, and that all development efforts be geared to achieve complementing land uses in the area;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby direct the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), in coordination with the City Government of Lipa, to formulate the Master Development Plan for the acquisition, development and disposition of PNR Right-of-Way Retention Area and reserved as housing site for the informal settlers presently residing therein. CHDTIS

SECTION 1. The HUDCC shall be principally in charge of formulating the Master Development Plan which shall incorporate an Integrated Housing Plan for affected families, as well as provide for the implementing guidelines pursuant to the provisions of E.O. No. 48, series of 2001.

SECTION 2. The following agencies are hereby directed to closely coordination and assist HUDCC and the City Government of Lipa in this project, and provide necessary assistant in the implementation of this Order:

A. Philippine National Railways (PNR)

B. Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP)

C. National Housing Authority (NHA)

D. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

E. Department of Health (DOH)

F. Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)

In addition, PNR is directed to furnish the City Government of Lipa a copy of the title to the aforesaid property, and closely assist the City Government of Lipa in conducting a survey of the subject property to determine the exact area to be acquired by Lipa City and developed as housing sites.

SECTION 3. A Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC), with HUDCC as Chair and City Government of Lipa as Co-Chair, shall oversee the implementation and disposition of said PNR unutilized property to the bonafide occupant-beneficiaries.

SECTION 4. The HUDCC shall submit periodic reports to the Office of the President, thru the Office of the Executive Secretary, on the status of its activities in the implementation of the Master Development Plan.

SECTION 5. All previous issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Memorandum Order are hereby revoked or amended accordingly.

SECTION 6. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately. DTSIEc

DONE in the City of Manila, this 8th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Four.