WHEREAS , the super region called Central Philippines, which includes the province of Leyte, has the competitive edge in tourism in the natural wonders of the super region and the natural warmth of its people;

WHEREAS , the role of the National Government is to provide the roads to those wonders and the means to take the tourists there rather than to manage resorts;

WHEREAS , the Philippine Tourism Authority operates and manages the MacArthur Park Beach Resort (the Resort) located in Palo, Leyte;

WHEREAS , the land where the resort stands is fully owned by the province of Leyte;

WHEREAS , the province of Leyte has been investing much in improving its economic and social condition;

WHEREAS , the Provincial Government of Leyte believes that it can do more, given the opportunity, particularly in the area, of tourism generation and development;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO , President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, hereby order:

SECTION 1. Transfer of Operation, Control, Management, Maintenance and Development - The operation, control, management, maintenance and further development of the MacArthur Park Beach Resort, including all facilities and improvements thereon, are hereby transferred from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to the Provincial Government of Leyte.

SECTION 2. PTA Employees - The PTA Employees at the MacArthur Park Beach Resort shall be transferred to the Provincial Government of Leyte, which may rationalize the personnel complement of the Resort in accordance with Civil Service rules and regulations.

SECTION 3. Control and Supervision - The Provincial Government of Leyte shall have full control of the operation, management, maintenance and further development of the Resort.

SECTION 4. Prohibited Acts - The Provincial Government of Leyte shall not encumber, mortgage or alienate any structure of the Resort unless approved by the Secretary of Tourism.

SECTION 5. Revenues - All revenues and collections generated from the Resort shall accrue to the treasury of the Provincial Government of Leyte and shall first be used for the operation, management and maintenance of the Resort. Any net profit not needed for management, operation and maintenance of the Resort shall be shared equally by the province and the PTA.

SECTION 6. Promotions and Technical Assistance - The Department of Tourism shall provide the same promotional support and technical assistance for the Resort as privately-run resorts.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause - All other executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity - This Executive order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 2nd day of October in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary