While confirming change of management
TACLOBAN CITY– Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla clarified that The Oriental Leyte remains under the ownership of the provincial government, dispelling any confusion about the status of the region’s largest accommodation facility.
“The lessor of Oriental Hotel sold their company to another entity. They did not close; they simply transferred ownership to the new management,” the governor explained.
However, Petilla refrained from disclosing the identities of the new management, citing that he has not yet had the opportunity to meet with any officials from the company.
To recall, last April 6, the hotel management announced of its closure without providing any reason.
Situated adjacent to the McArthur Landing Memorial National Park, Oriental Leyte stands as Eastern Visayas’ sole four-star hotel, as recognized by the Department of Tourism.
Originally leased from the province by the LKY Group of Companies for 30 years starting in 2012, the hotel boasts 129 rooms, nine suites, 13 function rooms, videoke facilities, a fitness center, a spa, and three swimming pools.
“Per our contract terms, we must be informed if there is a change in ownership. Recently, they notified us of the change. However, we still need to convene with them to discuss their future plans,” Petilla said.
Expressing concern over the lack of communication from the new management, the governor stressed, “I am demanding a clear plan from them as I am unaware of their intentions.”
“If the hotel ceases operations, the contract will terminate, and it will be offered to another party. They must resume operations by October 20; otherwise, we will reconsider the contract and seek other alternatives,” he said.
Gov.Petilla emphasized the hotel’s significance not only for Leyte but for the entire Region 8, underscoring its status as a top-tier establishment.
“We need flagship hotels like Oriental Leyte to cater to the needs of both locals and tourists,” he said.
Originally known as MacArthur Park Beach Resort and constructed in 1983 at the behest of former first lady Imelda Marcos, the property was seized in 1986 following the People Power Revolution. Ownership was subsequently transferred to the Leyte provincial government in 2009.
Following the transfer, the property was leased to the LKY Group of Companies for three decades.
Unfortunately, the hotel, facing Leyte Gulf, suffered significant damage from Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013 but resumed operations in 2016 after a three-year hiatus.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
