Data as of July 4, 2026 · Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails. · Read the official text ↗
WHEREAS, self-reliant communities are a most in line with
the intensified governmental development projects geared toward the hastening up
of the pace of economic development throughout the country;
WHEREAS, the effective implementation of the declared
programs of the government on development hinges primarily on the administrative
efficiency of each and every local government unit;
WHEREAS, it has been the clamor of the residents of
barangays comprising the Maragusan Valley with the conformity of the local
officials, to create the proposed municipality, so as to achieve a closer
supervision of the execution of the developmental programs of the locality;
WHEREAS, the physical distance of the said Maragusan Valley
from Barangay Cuambog, which is the seat of the municipal government, olus the
lack of adequate means of transportation and communication, are factors not
conducive to the attainment of the desired development of said region;
WHEREAS, the creation thereof will not only redound and
contribute greatly to the maintenance of peace and order but will also enhance
the pacification drive to restore normalcy in the area;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby
decree and order as part of the law of the land, the following:
SECTION 1. Barangays Maragusan, Mapawa, Bagong Silang, New
Albay and Tupaz, all in the Municipality of Mabini, Province of Davao, are
hereby detached and separated therefrom to form and constitute into a distinct
and independent municipality which is hereby created to be known as the
Municipality of San Mariano without affecting in any manner the legal existence
of the Municipality of Mabini. The seat of government of the newly created
municipality shall be in Barangay Maragusan.
SEC. 2. Except as hereinafter provided, all provisions of
law, now or hereafter applicable to regular municipalities shall be applicable
to the new Municipality of San Mariano.
SEC. 3. The present elective municipal officials of the
Municipality of Mabini shall continue to perform their duties as such officials
in the newly created Municipality of San Mariano until the municipal officials
of said municipality shall have been appointed by the President. Such officials
so appointed shall hold office until their successors shall have been elected in
the regular elections for municipal officials following the issuance of this
Decree and shall have qualified unless sooner removed at the pleasure of the
President. Such appointive officers and employees as may be necessary to
organize or to complete the government personnel of the municipality of San
Mariano shall be appointed as provided for under existing laws.
SEC. 4. Upon the effectivity of this Decree, the
proportionate share of the new Municipality of San Mariano in the obligations,
funds, assets and other property of the Municipality of Mabini shall be
transferred by the President to. the newly created municipality upon the
recommendation of the Commission on Audit.
SEC. 6. This Decree shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 25th day of November, in the year of Our
Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-seven.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
