WHEREAS, socialized housing, intended to address the housing needs of homeless, disadvantaged groups, is a priority program of government;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of government to promote the active participation of, and pursue partnerships with all stakeholders in housing development to include landowners, the private sector, NGO and other sectors for the purpose of sharing resources and expertise, thereby optimizing opportunities for implementation of socialized housing project;

WHEREAS, one of the basic issues in socialized housing is the increasing cost of urban land vis-a-vis the affordability level for socialized housing market;

WHEREAS, there is a need to develop mechanisms that would ensure the release of an adequate supply of land for housing;

WHEREAS, there is a need to pursue a campaign and advocacy program to encourage landowners to donate their land resources for purposes of the government's socialized housing program; and

WHEREAS, the campaign requires the coordinated efforts of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and members of media to ensure effective and efficient planning and implementation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and by law, do hereby order and direct:

SECTION 1. Lead Government Agency for the Program. – The HUDCC is hereby designated as the lead government agency that shall formulate a land donation program, including its implementing guidelines and media plan, in support of the government's socialized housing program. It shall coordinate with the DILG, DAR, DENR and the NHA.

The HUDCC shall invite eminent members of the media to help formulate and implement the media plan for the program.

Timeframe for completion of the work is sixty (60) days from issuance of this Order. A copy of its report shall be submitted to the Office of the President, through the Presidential Management Staff.

SEC. 2. Powers and Functions - The HUDCC, in coordination with the DILG, DAR, DENR, NHA and eminent media practitioners, shall:

1. Develop a campaign and advocacy program to encourage participation of landowners who can donate their real properties to the government for its socialized housing program;
2. Formulate the parameters and procedures for land donation and acceptance and the appropriate incentives to landowners within sixty (60) days from the issuance of this Order; and
3. Call upon any concerned government agency, including government-owned or controlled corporations, to render assistance in pursuing the objectives of this Order.

SEC. 3. Responsibilities of Government Agencies. In support of the program and as part of their regular functions, the following government agencies shall undertake the following:

1. Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council through the National Housing Authority:

1. Evaluate properties for donation;
2. Recommend the appropriate housing development scheme for the properties and ensure the implementation by the concerned agency or local government units;
3. Identify and mobilize resources needed for the development of donated properties and their disposition to intended beneficiaries;
4. Provide technical and other assistance to local government units for the development of donated properties; and
5. Devise a nationwide monitoring system on land donations and implementation of projects utilizing these properties.

2. Department of Interior and Local Government

1. Coordinate with local government units on the utilization and development of donated properties; and
2. Provide local government units appropriate assistance and monitor LGU action on donated properties.

3. Department of Agrarian Reform

4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

1. Determine if untitled lands are classified as alienable and disposable prior to application for land conversion;
2. Determine if the donee has rightful claim over the land subject of conversion; and
3. Approve or issue clearances pertaining to Deeds of Donation involving lands covered by free and homestead patents pursuant to Sections 118 and 121 of C.A. 141 otherwise known as the Public Land Act.

SEC. 4. Funding. - Funding for the above activities shall be charged from the agencies' respective budgets.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.
 
Done in Manila this 31st day of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Three.

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary