Section 15. Office of Tourism Standards. — The Office of Tourism Standards shall have the following functions:

  1. Approve the construction standards of tourism-oriented establishments including hotels, resorts, inns, motels, and other related facilities and services, prescribe information reporting on purchase, sale or lease of accredited tourism-oriented facilities and ensure a harmonious, positive and constructive development of the tourism industry;

  2. Formulate operating standards for tourism-oriented establishments including hotels and resorts, restaurants, inns, motels, and other related facilities and services, that will prescribe minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency in order to ensure that facilities, personnel and services are maintained in accordance with acceptable local and international norms in the operations of tourism-oriented establishments;

  3. Regulate and issue licenses to qualified travel agencies in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary;

  4. Encourage formation of industry associations for accreditations by the Department;

  5. Assist in auditioning Filipino entertainers in order to project properly and enhance the Filipino image in the entertainment field and thereby gain better international respect and reputation; and

  6. Coordinate with all agencies concerned on the enforcement of rules and regulations promulgated by the Department.