Policy Declaration
- State policy to promote and develop tourism as a major national activity.
- Encourage private sector investment, effort, and initiative in tourism.
- Aim to accelerate socio-economic development, earn foreign exchange, and foster national pride.
Mandate of the Ministry
- Primary government agency responsible for encouraging, promoting, and developing tourism.
- Generate foreign currency and employment.
- Spread tourism benefits to a wider population.
- Assure safe, convenient, and enjoyable travel and stay for tourists.
Powers and Functions
- Advise the President on tourism-related laws and policies.
- Formulate development plans and marketing programs for domestic and international tourism.
- Coordinate with government agencies for law enforcement and policy implementation.
- Set and monitor standards for tourism establishments and travel agencies.
- Promote the Philippines internationally, including as a location for film production.
- Represent the government in tourism-related international commitments.
- Provide technical assistance for privatization of tourism facilities.
- Compile and analyze tourism statistics.
- Coordinate infrastructure and social services supporting tourist zones.
- Deputize Tourist Assistance Unit personnel for law enforcement in tourist protection.
Ministry Organizational Structure
- Headed by a Minister appointed by the President.
- Assisted by four Deputy Ministers overseeing Planning and Coordination, Tourism Services and Regional Offices, Tourism Promotions, and Internal Services.
- Comprises the Ministry Proper, Services, Bureaus, Offices, Regional Offices, and Foreign Field Offices.
Key Organizational Units and Their Functions
- Financial and Management Service: Budgetary and financial advice.
- Administrative Service: Personnel, communications, supplies, and security.
- Legal Service: Legal advice and related functions.
- Bureau of Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information: Domestic tourism promotion, public relations, and coordination with tourist councils.
- Bureau of International Tourism Promotions: International promotional activities, market research, and foreign field office supervision.
- Office of Tourism Information: Public information and media relations.
- Office of Tourism Standards: Approval and regulation of tourism facilities, licensing travel agencies, coordination of enforcement, and support for Filipino entertainers abroad.
- Office of Tourism Development Planning: National and regional tourism plans, monitoring implementation, research, statistics, and zone administration.
- Office of Product Development: Development and testing of new tourism products, joint private sector programs.
- Office of Tourism Coordination: Coordination of government and private sector tourism projects and policies.
Regional and Foreign Field Offices
- Regional Offices in administrative regions tasked with policy implementation, coordination with local governments and other agencies.
- Foreign Field Offices to promote the Philippines internationally and oversee marketing programs.
Agency Abolitions and Transfers
- Bureau of Tourism Services abolished; functions transferred to Office of Tourism Standards and Regional Offices.
- Bureau of Tourism Promotions abolished; functions transferred to Domestic and International Tourism Promotion Bureaus.
- Civil Aeronautics Board transferred to Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
- Intramuros Administration and National Parks Development Committee transferred to Ministry of Tourism.
Attached Agencies
- Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Convention Bureau, Intramuros Administration, National Parks Development Committee attached to Ministry.
Transitory Provisions
- Transfer of appropriations, assets, personnel, and liabilities aligned with abolished and transferred agencies.
- Holdover capacity for incumbents until reappointment or separation.
- Coordination with Fiscal Incentive Review Board for competitive tourism incentives.
- Review of Ministry's structure and mandate after two years, with possible reorganization.
Staffing and Position Structure
- Holdover capacity for officers and employees, subject to separation rules.
- Minister to prescribe new position structure within 120 days.
- Separation benefits provided to those not included or reappointed.
- Prohibition on judicial or administrative injunctions against separations under this order.
Limitations and Implementation
- No changes to the reorganization without Presidential approval.
- Notice or consent required if rights of third parties may be prejudiced.
- Minister empowered to issue implementing rules and regulations.
- Funds for implementation sourced from the Ministry's allocations.
Nomenclature and Constitutional Contingency
- Provision for renaming Ministry to Department should a presidential form of government be adopted, with corresponding changes in titles.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause to preserve valid portions if parts declared unconstitutional.
- Repealing clause to invalidate inconsistent laws or rules.
- Immediate effectivity upon approval.