President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) creating an advisory board and a management center tasked to ensure the efficient management of Malacañang Heritage Mansions.

Marcos issued EO 26 on Friday, in line with efforts to promote and conserve Philippine historical and cultural heritage sites.

The Malacañang Heritage Mansions shall include the Kalayaan Museum and other properties that may be identified by the Advisory Board, according to the new order.

The EO transfers the supervision of the Kalayaan Museum from the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration to the Social Secretary’s Office (SoSec).

Under EO 26, the Advisory Board will consist of three representatives of the Office of the President (OP) who will serve in ex officio capacity and three representatives of the private sector who will be appointed by the Chief Executive.

The Advisory Board is mandated to formulate policies, projects, and programs for the efficient management of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions, subject to existing laws and regulations.

The EO also establishes the Malacañang Heritage Mansions Management Center (MHMMC), which will provide technical and administrative support to the Advisory Board.

The MHMMC, headed by an executive director, is tasked to supervise the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the subject properties, and ensure these are being managed “effectively, efficiently, and economically.”

With the SoSec exercising administrative supervision, the center will oversee the operational activities, including the performance of all employees and personnel of their respective functions.

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.

EO 26 also directs the SoSec to submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the proposed operational structure and staffing pattern of the MHMMC, subject to compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Based on the EO, the Malacañang Heritage Mansions may be opened to the public as a “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 that will be set up by the ODESFA, in coordination with the DBM and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) and in compliance with the 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,” EO 26 read.

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 10086 also makes it a national policy to strengthen the people’s nationalism, love of country, respect for its heroes, and pride for the 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. (PNA)