President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 26 creating an advisory board and management center to efficiently manage Malacañang Heritage Mansions, citing the need to maintain, preserve, and utilize the properties in recognition of its potential to promote the country's history and culture.

Housed in the historic Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace, the Presidential Museum and Library has afforded its visitors a glimpse of the history and heritage of the Philippine presidency, as well as the president's official residence. (Malacañang Museum Facebook)

EO 26, "Promoting Filipino History and Culture Through the Efficient Management of Malacañang Heritage Mansions, and Creating an Advisory Board and Management Center for the Purpose," was issued by President Marcos Friday.

Based on the EO, the management efforts will be headed by the "Advisory Board for the efficient management of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions," which comprises three representatives from the Office of the President (OP) and three from the private sector whom Marcos will appoint.

The EO particularly cited the Kalayaan Museum and other government assets under the management and maintenance of the OP, saying "they have witnessed the rich and invaluable history of the Philippine Government."

The supervision of the Kalayaan Museum would now be under the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration to the Social Secretary's Office (SoSec).

Management Center

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

The MHMMC will be headed by an Executive Director who will ensure the daily operations and maintenance of the subject properties and make sure they effectively, efficiently, and economically managed.

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It shall oversee the operational activities, including the performance by all employees and personnel of their respective functions, with the SoSec exercising administrative supervision over the center.

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.

According to the President's order, the Malacañang Heritage Mansions may be opened to the public as a venue for special events, programs, and temporary exhibitions. Fees could be collected subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

The proceeds of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions operation will go to a Revolving Fund set up by ODESFA, in coordination with the DBM and the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), 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," the EO stated.

The 1987 Constitution mandates the state to conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage, resources, and artistic creations.

Republic Act No. 10086 also makes it a national policy to strengthen people's nationalism, love of the country, respect for its heroes, and pride for 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.