EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 354, August 30, 2004

ABOLISHING THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TRANSFERRING ITS FUNCTIONS, PERSONNEL, BUDGET AND ASSETS TO THE OFFICE FOR CONSTITUENCY AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

WHEREAS, socio-economic development involves coordinating political support for the national government’s development agenda among local government units, various basic sectors of society and other constituencies;

WHEREAS, Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, authorizes the President to reorganize the administration 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, do hereby order:

Section 1. Abolition – The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Regional Development (OPARD) created under Executive Order No. 44, series of 2001 is hereby abolished.

Section 2. Transfer of Functions, Personnel, Budget and Assets. – Except for the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao which is merged with the Mindanao Economic Development Council, the functions, personnel, budget and assets of OPARD are hereby transferred to the Office for Constituency Affairs under the Office of the President.

Section 3. Repealing Clause. – All issuances, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 4. Effectivity – This Executive Order shall take effect immediately. City of Manila, AUG 30 2004

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Acting Executive Secretary