EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 897 - DECLARING AS A NATIONAL POLICY THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF THE PHILIPPINES AS A CENTER FOR WORLD CONGRESSES AND CONVENTIONS

WHEREAS, the Philippines has successfully played host to major world congresses and conventions both government and private;

WHEREAS, there is a need not only to consolidate the initial gains but also to accelerate national efforts in making the Philippines as a Center for World Congresses and Conventions, particularly taking into account the strong interest displayed by other Asian cities which are similarly developing their convention centers and related infrastructure; 

WHEREAS, it is necessary that a concerted drive to pool the resources, talents and efforts of the government, the private sector, and allied fields in tourism to achieve and attain the above-mentioned goals.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby:

1. Declare as a national policy the development and promotion of the key cities of Manila, Laoag, Baguio, Cebu and Zamboanga to make and sustain the Philippines as a center for World Congresses and Conventions;

2. Direct all government offices and agencies, the private sector and allied fields in tourism to coordinate and harmonize their efforts towards the realization of the goals and objectives of this national policy; and

3. Direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism through the Philippine Convention Bureau and the Philippine Tourism Authority to coordinate in the effective implementation of this Order, and in this connection they are hereby empowered to call on all government offices and agencies, the private sector and allied forces in tourism to cooperate and extend their full assistance and support to this vital undertaking.