GMA places SBMA, BCDA under DTI supervision

President Arroyo has designated Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila as the new overseer of the Subic-Clark Alliance Development (SCAD) program, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

At the same time, the Bataan Technology Park Inc. (BTPI) will also be placed under the SBMA.

The President has already signed an Executive Order placing the BCDA and its subsidiaries and attached agencies under the policy supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Two more separate EOs, Favila confirmed, would be issued by Malacañang for SCAD and the transfer of the BTPI to the SBMA.

Favila explained that the transfer of supervisory power to line departments is part of the ongoing devolution of government agencies and other instrumentalities presently attached to the Office of the President.

Placing the SCAD, SBMA and BCDA under the policy supervision of the DTI is also intended to give more focus to the government’s economic and investment promotion.

With his new responsibilities, Favila revealed that he is likely to appoint two additional undersecretaries.

There are currently five undersecretaries in the DTI, namely Senior Undersecretary for International Trade Thomas Aquino, BOI managing head and Undersecretary Elmer C. Hernandez, Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Maglaya, Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Carissa Cruz and Undersecretary for SMEs Zorayda Amelia Alonzo.

Favila explained that under the EO, he can recommend nominees for the position of chairman, president and members of the boards of BCDA and SBMA.

However, Favila assured that he would not institute changes at the moment since he wants to "get things done first." He has asked the BCDA and SBMA to brief him on their operations.