GMA transfers DAR, DA, DOTC head offices to provinces

President Arroyo has ordered the transfer of the central offices of the departments of agrarian reform, agriculture and transportation and communications from Metro Manila to the provinces to expedite regional development.

The President tasked Presidential Adviser for New Government Centers Rodolfo del Rosario to focus on the moving out of the three agencies from Metro Manila, and manage the social preparation of the respective agencies’ staff.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will be transferred to Davao while the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be moved to Clark, Pampanga and Baguio, respectively.

"The decentralization of government departments to regions where they are needed most is envisioned to promote regional development," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said.

Mrs. Arroyo said the introduction of the super regions has made it more appropriate to move the agricultural agencies, DA and DAR to North Luzon and Mindanao, respectively, while maintaining the plan to transfer the DOTC to Clark since ports were the priority in the Luzon Urban Beltway.

The President established the super regions to develop the provinces and generate jobs for the people in the countryside.

At the same time, Mrs. Arroyo designated Presidential Management Staff chief Cerge Remonde as oversight official for micro-small and medium enterprise programs of the country, one of the priority projects of the administration to generate jobs as well and speed up economic development.

The government committed to support three million entrepreneurs by providing them with credit to contribute to the generation of six to 10 million jobs until 2010. — Aurea Calica