Implementation of Constitutional Provisions on Education, Agriculture, Land Reform, etc.

January 24, 1973

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 53

TO : All Heads of Departments and Agencies.

WHEREAS, on January 17, 1973, the new Constitution became effective when it was ratified by the people as announced under Proclamation No. 1102 issued on the same date; and cdt

WHEREAS, the new Constitution contains provisions and policies regarding certain aspects of government which have to be implemented or otherwise carried into effect, like those on education, agriculture, land reform, health, housing, labor, social security, local governments, salary standardization and business;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No. 1 dated September 22, 1972, do hereby order and decree:

1. All heads of departments and agencies of the Government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, are hereby required to submit plans, studies, programs and recommendations for the immediate implementation of the various provisions of the new Constitution which pertain to their respective jurisdiction, responsibility or field of activity: Provided, That, in the study and consideration of the matters involved, utmost economy and practical measures shall be observed without prejudicing, but calculated to advance and achieve, the country's developmental goals.

2. Matters which do not call for top-policy decision and may be implemented on a department or agency level should be immediately attended to and taken care of, with the Office of the President being furnished copies of such action as may be taken in the premises.

3. All proposals and recommendations required for the implementation of the constitutional provisions and policies should be submitted to the Office of the President within a period of two (2) weeks, together with drafts of implementing decrees, orders or circulars, as the case may be.