EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 167 March 25, 1994

CREATING THE IWAHIG PENAL COLONY INTER-AGENCY STUDY COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, the current thrust of the national government as set forth in "Philippines 2000" requires the coordinated participation of all sectors in the economy;

WHEREAS, considering the vast resources of Puerto Princesa City and the Palawan Province as a whole, these areas can provide substantial contributions to the attainment of NIC 2000;

WHEREAS, one of the dormant resources of the province is the sprawling 34,200 hectares Iwahig Penal Colony reservation, which can be harnessed into a dynamic and productive growth center;

WHEREAS, in order to attain the maximum level of the economic potential of Iwahig Colony, it is necessary to undertake a thorough study and evaluation of the area at the inter-agency level;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order

Sec. 1. Organization. There is hereby created the Iwahig Penal Colony Inter-Agency Study Committee (hereinafter called the "Committee") under the Office of the President.

Sec. 2. Composition. The Committee shall be composed of the Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority as Chairman and the following as members: the Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, the Secretary of Agrarian Reform, the Head of the Presidential Management Staff, the Governor of Palawan, and the Mayor of Puerto Princesa City. The Chairman and Members may designate alternates to represent them in meetings of the Committee.

Sec. 3. Powers and Functions. The Committee shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Conduct a comprehensive study and evaluation of the potentials of the area covered by the Iwahig Penal Colony to include its forest and lowland areas, inland waters and the coastal area.

b. Examine all possible ways of utilizing these potentials and come up with viable socio-economic enterprises, including the feasibility of tapping the resources of the area for power generation, provided that environmental concerns are properly addressed.

c. Determine the participation of concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) in the various stages of the area's development in line with the move towards involving them in all development efforts.

d. Prepare a development plan for the area in coordination with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

e. Submit to the President within one (1) year from the date of this Executive Order its recommendations for the disposition and development of the Iwahig Penal Colony, including the recommended timetable for its implementation and the implementing agency/entities that will be involved.

f. Perform such other functions as may be necessary in the pursuit of its objectives.

Sec. 4. Technical and Administrative Staff. The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) shall provide secretariat, administrative and technical services to the Committee.

Sec. 5. Funding. The Committee shall, upon the recommendation of the Chairman, be provided with an initial budget to be determined and approved by the President.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately on March 25, 1994.