Declaring All Barrios In The Philippines As Barangays, And For Other Purposes

MALACAÑANGM a n i l a PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 557 September 21, 1974 DECLARING ALL BARRIOS IN THE PHILIPPINES AS BARANGAYS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES WHEREAS, the Barangay was the basic political unit existing in the Philippines before the arrival of the Spaniards; WHEREAS, it was through the Barangays that our forebears consulted on matters of community interests; WHEREAS, the revival of the Barangays under Presidential Decree No. 86 has contributed considerably in awakening the interest of our people and broadening their participation in government affairs, the conduct of their officials, and other matters of public interest; WHEREAS, the term "barrio" is of foreign origin and consequently there have been various representations from the Barangays all over the country to declare all barrios as Barangays: NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following: Section 1. Any provision of existing laws to the contrary notwithstanding, all existing barrios or barrios that may hereafter be created are...