Declaration of State Policy
- The State supports Filipino cultural development through preservation, enrichment, and evolution of national culture.
- It emphasizes unity in diversity and free artistic and intellectual expression.
Renaming and Exclusive Use of Name
- The National Museum is renamed as the "National Museum of the Philippines" or "Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas".
- The shortened form "National Museum" is exclusively reserved for this agency.
Mandate, Duties and Functions
- Primary State institution managing museums and collections of national importance in arts, cultural heritage, and natural history.
- Purposes include:
- Protecting, preserving, studying, promoting national patrimony.
- Supporting education, social progress, and economic development through tourism and cultural services.
- Functions:
- Educational, cultural, and scientific operations documenting and exhibiting Filipino heritage.
- Coordination with National Historical Commission, National Library, and National Archives for historical collections.
- Establish and manage national and regional museums and promote universal access.
- Manage national collections in arts, heritage, and natural history.
- Conduct integrated research in biodiversity, archaeology, art history, cultural properties, etc.
- Disseminate museological skills and support museum development nationwide.
- Provide technical assistance for preservation and restoration of nationally significant cultural properties.
- Perform other related functions according to international best practices.
National Museum as a Government Trust
- Considered a government trust attached for budgetary coordination only to the Department of Education.
- Classified as National Government Agency for administrative purposes.
- Has a status above a Bureau but below a Department.
- Grants privileges akin to government corporations and state universities to promote objectives.
Permanent Site and National Museum Complex
- Permanent site: former Legislative Building, Department of Finance, and Department of Tourism Buildings at Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila.
- Includes National Planetarium building and lot.
- These premises are appropriated for the National Museum and their boundaries are legally recognized.
Preservation of Legislative Session Halls
- The former session halls of House and Senate are preserved as historical sites symbolizing democracy.
Dedication to Dr. Jose Rizal
- The National Museum Complex is dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal, integrating his legacy across multiple disciplines.
Master Plan Development
- Develop a comprehensive Master Plan based on the 1905 Burnham Plan for Manila.
- Includes public exhibition spaces, offices, museological facilities, commercial premises, parking, parks, and public spaces.
- Includes preservation of historical monuments like Gomburza Monument and Lapu-Lapu Monument.
- Master Plan to be approved by the Board and financed by the Endowment Fund.
- Any development affecting the complex requires Museum approval.
- Allows public-private partnerships for development.
Central Museums
- Existing central museums are Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History, and Planetarium.
- Plans to establish additional central museums for archaeology, maritime heritage, architectural arts, political/social history, institute for museology education, and conservation center.
Regional and Satellite Museums
- Maintain and establish regional, area, site museums, and satellite offices in all administrative regions outside NCR.
- Coordination with other cultural agencies to avoid duplication.
- Sites selection based on heritage significance, geography, population, and administrative efficiency.
Board of Trustees: Powers and Functions
- Governing body with 15 members (8 private sector, 7 government ex officio).
- Powers include:
- Mobilize private/public support.
- Appoint Head of Agency and management.
- Oversight of operations/performance.
- Approve strategies, projects, and policies.
- Administer Endowment, Donations, and Income Funds.
- Consider appeals over administrative decisions.
Board Composition
- 8 private sector members including distinguished artist, anthropologist/historian, and natural history scientist.
- 7 government ex officio members: Senate & House culture committee chairs, Secretaries of Education, Environment and Tourism, Chairperson of NCCA, Director-General of Museum.
Appointment and Tenure of Trustees
- Private sector members appointed by President for 4-year terms, eligible for reappointment.
- Chairperson designated by President from private sector members.
- Holdover provision applies until new appointment.
- Private members cannot designate proxies; ex officio members may designate representatives for meetings.
Board Organization
- Meetings require majority quorum; members serve without compensation but may receive honoraria and travel allowances.
- Executive Committee composed of 5 members including Chairperson and Director-General.
- Executive Committee actions subject to Board ratification.
- Power to create committees, advisory boards, and adopt official seals and bylaws.
- President of the Philippines is Honorary Chairperson.
Head of Agency and Management
- Director-General as Head of Agency with rank/emoluments of Undersecretary.
- Two Deputy Directors-General: Museums and Administration, rank of Assistant Secretary.
- Seven Directors oversee central/regional museums.
- Additional Assistant Directors as needed.
- Appointments based on merit, qualifications, and commitment.
- Administrative supervision delegated to NCCA Chairperson.
Appointment and Terms of Management
- Director-General, Deputies, Directors, Assistants appointed by Board for 4-year terms.
- Reappointment based on merit and performance.
- Acting appointments authorized for vacancies.
- Integration of existing organizational structure without adversely affecting employees.
Free Admission Policy
- Public granted free admission to all public museums, historical shrines, and landmarks.
- Fees allowed for special programs or temporary exhibits upon agency approval.
Retention and Use of Income and Donations
- National Museum retains all income nationwide and overseas.
- Income deposited in National Museum Income Fund; may accumulate.
- Revolving Fund abolished and balances transferred.
- Donations placed in National Museum Donations Fund and disbursed as authorized by Board.
- Anonymous donations accepted and credited to Donations Fund.
- Funds primarily used for capital asset acquisition.
- Disbursements subject to budgeting and auditing rules.
National Museum Endowment Fund
- Fund is sourced from annual earnings of PCSO and PAGCOR.
- Managed by the Board with professional fund managers.
- Donations/bequests added to principal; only interest may be spent.
- Rules mirror government financial institutions.
Tax and Duty Exemptions
- Museum exempt from national and local taxes, fees, and charges.
- Donations exempt from donor's tax and deductible for income tax.
- Importation of conservation-related materials exempt from customs duties.
Procurement of Collection Items
- Direct negotiation allowed for unique items, exempt from procurement laws.
- Procedures include written quotations, certification of significance and fair price, and Board approval for items exceeding P1 million.
- Payment made gross of taxes; owners responsible for their tax obligations.
- Transparency through public posting and reporting to oversight agencies.
Procurement Through Public Auction
- Auction purchases authorized upon Board approval.
- Board sets price ceilings and can exercise right of first refusal within seven days.
- Violations by auction management subject to fines and legal action.
National Government Movable Cultural Properties
- All movable cultural properties of national government under museum’s scope must be registered and inventoried.
- Considered held in trust for the Filipino people; no alienation without Museum approval.
- Museum can request transfer/loan for preservation, study, or exhibition.
- Government agencies encouraged to transfer such items to the Museum.
Commercial Operations
- Museum authorized to undertake commercial operations including:
- Rental of spaces for events and functions.
- Leasing areas for commercial establishments and parking.
- Production/licensing of official merchandise.
- Contracts up to five years awarded through public bidding.
- Outsourcing allowed for property management services.
Personnel Development and Incentives
- Training programs to enhance staff capabilities.
- Official time for training/study, local or abroad, subject to service needs.
- Monetary incentives for superior performance and professional milestones.
De-accessioning Policy
- Museum may formulate policy on de-accessioning collections, with Board approval required.
- Restrictions apply if prohibited by donation terms or laws.
Internal Audit
- Establishment of an internal audit unit to ensure compliance with audit standards.
Reorganization
- Board may propose changes to organizational structure and staffing, subject to approval by Budget Department and Civil Service Commission.
Transfer of Regulatory Functions
- All regulatory functions previously under the Museum are transferred to National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) within two years.
- Necessary positions and units to be established within NCCA.
- Museum provides technical assistance but focuses exclusively on museum development.
Appropriations
- Initial funding charged to current National Museum appropriations.
- Continued funding to be included in annual General Appropriations Act.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions shall not affect the remaining provisions in full force.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Republic Act No. 8492 and inconsistencies in other cited laws and issuances.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.