QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 377)
The policy is to ensure the sustainable development of Boracay as a priority tourism destination by planning, undertaking, and implementing support programs and projects to preserve Boracay and adjoining areas.
Boracay Island is proclaimed as a “Special Tourism Zone.”
A Boracay Eminent Persons Group is designated by the President of the Philippines.
It oversees in behalf of the President of the Philippines and the Secretary of Tourism.
It covers Boracay Island (three barangays: Yapak, Balabag, Manok-Manok), all islets around it, and Barangay Caticlan in the Municipality of Malay in mainland Panay Island.
Its principal area of activity is Boracay Island.
Examples include: (1) formulating plans for sustainable tourism development; (2) recommending rules and regulations to the Philippine Tourism Authority; (3) advocating policies to residents and different government levels; (4) prioritizing major projects consistent with sustainable development; (5) coordinating enterprises necessary for sustainable development; (6) causing proper land use projects and practices; (7) ensuring preservation of natural and cultural heritage.
Yes. Section 6(b) authorizes it to recommend to the Philippine Tourism Authority such rules and regulations necessary to ensure compliance with Boracay’s sustainable development requirements.
So long as they do not require government funding for their activities, they retain their private sector character.
If they request and receive government funding for their activities, they shall acquire the nature of government officials.
The Eminent Persons Group is serviced by a Group Secretary who is a government official appointed by the President.
They are appropriated out of the funds of the Philippine Tourism Authority.
If any portion is declared unconstitutional, it does not nullify the entire EO; the remaining portions still subsist and are given effect if they can stand on their own.
All inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, and issuances (or parts thereof) are revoked, amended, or modified accordingly.
It takes effect immediately.
The EO creates an eminent persons oversight mechanism to help ensure effective implementation of sustainable development policies, including planning, advocacy, project prioritization, coordination, and land-use/natural-cultural heritage preservation, while still involving recommendations to the Philippine Tourism Authority.