Creating The Provinces Of North Cotabato, Maguindanao And Sultan Kudarat

MALACAÑANG
M a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 341

CREATING THE PROVINCES OF NORTH COTABATO, MAGUINDANAO AND SULTAN KUDARAT

WHEREAS, the province of Cotabato is one of the largest and richest provinces of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, the potentials of the province have not been fully developed due to the magnitude of the task of provincial development and to the troubles that have long plagued the area;

WHEREAS, the many conflicting political, social and economic interests that have limited the progress of the province must be resolved in order to promote the stability and accelerate the development of Cotabato; and

WHEREAS, there is need for dividing the present province into smaller units which can be more effectively administered and developed;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No. 1 dated September 22, 1972,...

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Summary of Presidential Decree No. 341

Division of Cotabato Province
- The province of Cotabato is divided into three new provinces: North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat. (Section 1)

North Cotabato Province
- Consists of the following municipalities from the former Cotabato province: Pigcawayan, Libungan, Alamada, Midsayap, Kabacan, Carmen, Matalam, M'lang, Tulunan, Makilala, President Roxas, Magpet, Kidapawan, and Pikit. (Section 2)
- The capital of North Cotabato is Kidapawan. (Section 5)

Maguindanao Province
- Consists of the following municipalities from the former Cotabato province: Buldon, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Tumbao, Upi, Dinaig, Datu Piang, Maganoy, Pagalungan, Buluan, Ampatuan, Sultan sa Barongis, and the new town of Datu Paglas. (Section 3)
- The capital of Maguindanao is Maganoy. (Section 5)

Sultan Kudarat Province
- Consists of the following municipalities from the former Cotabato province: Tacurong, Isulan, Lutayan, Bagumbayan, Kalamansing, Lebak, Columbio, Palimbang, and the new towns of President Quirino, Mariano Marcos, and Esperanza. (Section 4)
- The capital of Sultan Kudarat is Isulan. (Section 5)

Applicability of Laws
- Except as provided in the decree, all laws applicable to regular provinces shall apply to the new provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat. (Section 6)

Transition of Officials
- The current governor and other provincial officials of Cotabato will transfer to and assume administration of North Cotabato immediately. (Section 7)
- Until the President appoints officials for the other two new provinces, the current officials will continue administering all three provinces. (Section 7)

Transfer of Assets and Liabilities
- Upon the full effectivity of the decree, the proportionate share of the new provinces in the obligations, funds, assets, and other properties of the former Cotabato province shall be transferred by the President upon recommendation of the Auditor General. (Section 8)

Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately. (Section 9)