The collection and compilation of historical data regarding barrios, towns, cities and provinces was part of post-World War 2 recovery effort of the country. Executive Order 486, (read an official copy as published in Official Gazette Vol. 47 No. 12, dated December 1951) was issued by President Elpidio Quirino on December 7, 1951 containing detailed instructions in the collection, compilation and submission.

This historical data effort was actually the third. The first was gathered through Executive Order 2 (read an official copy as published in Gaceta Oficial Vol. 9 No. 7, dated February 15, 1911) was issued by Governor-General William Cameron Forbes on January 26, 1911.

The second was gathered through Executive Order 138 (read an official copy as published in Gaceta Oficial Vol. 26 No. 10, dated January 22, 1938) was issued by President Manuel Luis Quezon on January 3, 1938. Note that EO 138, 1938 was cited in EO 486, 1951 as EO 136.