President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 26 to promote and conserve Philippine historical and cultural heritage sites through the efficient management of Malacañang Heritage Mansions and the creation of advisory and management bodies.
EO No. 26, “Promoting Filipino History and Culture Through the Efficient Management of Malacañang Heritage Mansions, and Creating an Advisory Board and Management Center for the Purpose,” was issued by President Marcos Friday.
“An Advisory Board for the efficient management of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions (Advisory Board) is hereby created,” the President stated.
In the EO, the Advisory Board will be composed of three representatives from the Office of the President (OP), who will serve in ex officio capacity, and three representatives from the private sector to be appointed by the chief executive.
The President tasked the Advisory Board to formulate policies, projects and programs for the efficient management of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions subject to existing laws and regulations.
“For this purpose, the Malacañang Heritage Mansions shall include the Kalayaan Museum, and such other properties as may be identified by the Advisory Board,” the EO stated.
“The supervision of the Kalayaan Museum is hereby transferred from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration to the Social Secretary’s Office (SoSec).”
The EO also establishes the Malacañang Heritage Mansions Management Center (MHMMC), which will provide technical and administrative support to the Advisory Board.
The MHMMC will be headed by an Executive Director who will ensure the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the subject properties and see to it that those properties are being managed effectively, efficiently and economically.
The center will also oversee the operational activities including the performance by all employees and personnel of their respective functions, with the SoSec exercising administrative supervision over the center.
The SoSec, in coordination with the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration (ODESFA), will determine the appropriate staffing pattern and qualification standards for all positions necessary for the administration of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions.
It was also tasked to submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the proposed operational structure and staffing pattern of the MHMMC, pursuant to the EO and subject to compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
According to the President’s order, the Malacañang Heritage Mansions may be opened to the public as venue for special events, programs and temporary exhibitions, and could collect fees subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
The proceeds of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions operation will go to a Revolving Fund to be set up by ODESFA, in coordination with the DBM and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), in compliance with government’s budgeting, accounting and auditing rules.
“Such Revolving Fund shall be used for the maintenance, operation, preservation, restoration, and beautification of properties covered by this Order,” the EO stated.
The 1987 Constitution mandates the state to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as its artistic creations.
Republic Act No. 10086 also makes it a national policy to strengthen people’s nationalism, love of country, respect for its heroes and pride for people’s accomplishments by highlighting Philippine national and local history through the protection, preservation, and conservation of historical relics and memorabilia, monuments, sites, and other historical resources. (PND)
