Formal turn-over of Palawan to WV set next month

By Maricar M. Calubiran
Correspondent

The ceremonial turn-over of the province of Palawan and Puerto Pricesa City as part of Western Visayas is set on August 18, 2005 in Mambukal Mountain Resort, Negros Occidental.

Among those who have already confirmed their attendance to the turn-over rites are Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Evelyn Trompeta will also be around to supervise the transfer of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City from Region IV to Region VI.

Palawan and Puerto Princesa became a part Region 6 after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive No. 429 last May 23, 2005. EO 429 states that based on the constitutional authority of the President of the Philippines to exercise general supervision over local government, there is an urgent need for the administrative reorganization of Region VI to include the Province of Palawan and the City of Puerto Princesa to guarantee the effective delivery of field and public services of government agencies and accelerate social and economic development.

Prior to the transfer, Palawan was part of the Southern Tagalog region or Region IV. Later, Region IV-B was formed. It was comprised of the island provinces namely Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. It was collectively known as MIMAROPA.

Palawan particularly the northwestern section or the Calamianes group of islands which includes Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay and Cagayancillo have long-established historical and cultural ties with Western Visayas.