Department of Tourism as Lead Agency in Implementing the Surfing Tourism Integrated Program

October 5, 2005

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 191

DESIGNATING THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AS THE LEAD AGENCY IN CHARGE OF IMPLEMENTING THE SURFING TOURISM INTEGRATED PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the government recognizes the tourism industry's enormous potential to contribute to the country's growth; cDCaTH

WHEREAS, one of the areas which the Philippines can strongly capitalize on to boost the tourism industry is the growing interest of tourists in surfing in Siargao Island, Eastern Samar and the Bicol Region;

WHEREAS, in order to develop the transport infrastructure in Siargao Island, Eastern Samar and the Bicol Region, with the end in view of ensuring their competitiveness and marketability as premier and world class surfing destinations, Memorandum Order No. 168 (s. 2005) was issued establishing the Surfing Tourism Integrated Program (STIP) of the government;

WHEREAS, coordinated leadership and focused execution will ensure the effective and aggressive implementation and marketing of the STIP for the growth and sustainability of the country's tourism industry;

WHEREAS, sustaining partnerships with the local travel trade stakeholders, private companies, non-government organizations and local government units, will promote and sustain the projects of the STIP;

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

SECTION 1. The supervisory functions over the Surfing Tourism Integrated Program (STIP) and its projects shall be exercised by the Secretary of the Department of Tourism.

SECTION 2. All executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Memorandum Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 3. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 5th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Five.