PB to Tourism Secretary Teo: Address issues

CONFUSED by the presence of two office heads, the Provincial Board (PB) passed a resolution asking the Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary to appoint a DOT 7 director immediately.

The PB said the appointment of an officerin-charge (OIC) and the continued stay of DOT 7 Regional Director Rowena Montecillo caused confusion among stakeholders.

On mass motion, the PB asked DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo to appoint a regional director “as soon as possible.”

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said they would appreciate the appointment of someone who is familiar with the tourism mechanics in the region.

“At present the DOT Central Visayas is headed by an OIC yet the former regional director is still allegedly reporting to the office as such, thereby creating confusion among the DOT employees as well as the tourism stakeholders,” she said in her resolution.

The DOT 7 OIC is Judy Gabato, who was appointed last Sept. 1.

Magpale said the stakeholders—the tour operators association, tour guide association and hotel and restaurant association, among others—are complaining because they are confused as to who they should approach for their concerns.

When sought for com- ment, Montecillo said her stay did not cause confusion. Rather, it was the appointment of an OIC that led to the complaints of the stakeholders.

She said she is just following the process as stated in the memorandum circular, but she will vacate her post as soon as there is an order from Malacañang.

Montecillo cited Memorandum Circular No. 4 entitled “Courtesy Resignation of Presidential Appointees” issued by the Office of the President last Aug 22, 2016.

The circular states that only the President, or the Executive Secretary by authority of the President, may act on courtesy resignation, taking into consideration the recommendation of the department head and in accordance with the law.

It also states that “until any action on the courtesy resignation is taken by the President, appointive officials shall continue to report for work and perform their normal duties and responsibilities.”

Montecillo already wrote a courtesy resignation to the President last August but up to now, the President or the executive secretary has not responded.

“The designation of OIC started the confusion… We are not hanging on to our position, we are just following the process in the memorandum circular,” said Montecillo.