Section 14Sec./Art. 14

Tubbataha Management Office (TMO). - There shall be a TMO to be headed by the TRNP PASu who shall serve as the chief operating officer of the entire TRNP. The TPAMB will determine the staffing pattern, qualification standards and hiring procedures for the TMO. The PASu and his/her staff shall hold office in a place to be designated by the TPAMB: Provided, That the TPAMB may authorize the establishment of sub-offices for purposes of convenience, safety, accessibility, economy and such other justifiable reasons: Provided, further, That at least a sub-office shall be established within the TRNP.

The PASu shall have full responsibility for the protection of resources within the TRNP. As such, he/she shall have the following duties and responsibilities in addition to those provided under existing laws and regulations:

(a)Prepare the management plan and its successor plans as herein provided;

(b)Serve as Secretary to the TPAMB with the duty to provide the TPAMB with all the information necessary to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of this Act;

(c)Hire non-management personnel of the TRNP, and recommend management personnel to the TPAMB;

(d)Supervise the TRNP personnel in the performance of their duties and functions;

(e)Coordinate and implement with national and local agencies, local government units, local communities, the academe, nongovernmental organizations, and such other institutions to ensure the conservation and management of the TRNP;

(f)Develop and implement park information, interpretation, education and other visitor programs;

(g)Enforce the laws, rules and regulations and the TPAMB resolutions relevant to the TRNP, file complaints and assist in the prosecution of offenses;

(h)Monitor all activities within the TRNP in conformity with the management plan;

(i)Ensure that consultative and participatory mechanisms are maximized in decision-making; and

(j)Perform such other functions as the TPAMB may assign.