QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 489)
Proclamation No. 489 is issued pursuant to the powers of the President and based on Republic Act (RA) No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992). It declares a protected area under the category of “Resource Reserve,” specifically the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR).
A portion of the Philippine Rise situated within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippine Sea, north eastern coast of Luzon Island, is declared as the PRMRR.
The PRMRR is defined by specified boundary corner coordinates expressed under the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84), referring to Map No. PP-MPA-PR-01, subject to actual ground survey and delineation.
The PRMRR has an area of 352,390.00 hectares. The phrase means the exact boundaries and area may be adjusted or refined after actual surveying and delineation on the ground.
A “Strict Protection Zone” is established within the PRMRR. Its purpose is to provide the highest level of protection for marine ecosystems and resources within the designated coordinates.
The Strict Protection Zone covers 49,684.00 hectares. It is defined by boundary corner coordinates under WGS84, also subject to actual ground survey and delineation.
The remaining areas within the PRMRR are designated as a “Special Fisheries Management Area,” anchored on RA No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) as amended by RA No. 10654, for sustainable development and regulated utilization of resources.
The Strict Protection Zone is under the highest protection regime as defined by the IRR of RA 7586 (typically more restrictive, with prohibitions on disturbing ecosystems and wildlife). The Special Fisheries Management Area allows regulated utilization under the Philippine Fisheries Code framework.
The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) has administrative jurisdiction and control over the PRMRR under RA 7586 and its IRR.
DENR must conduct an assessment and develop the management plan, including its research framework, in consultation and coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, and other concerned agencies.
The destruction or disturbance of marine ecosystems—explicitly including mesophotic coral reefs, wildlife, or any other marine life—is prohibited within the PRMRR.
Violations are punishable according to the penalties prescribed under RA 7586, RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), RA 8550 (as amended), and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
It aims at sustainable development and regulated utilization of resources, while addressing social, equitable, and economic needs of Filipinos without causing adverse environmental impact.
It uses RA 7586’s protected-area framework for the Resource Reserve and Strict Protection Zone, while integrating the fisheries management framework through the Special Fisheries Management Area under RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654.
It formally identifies the protected area, enabling enforcement of the specific management zones, prohibitions, and penalties under the relevant statutes, and guiding administrative oversight by DENR with fisheries-related coordination.
It is signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, with Michael P. Ong as Acting Executive Secretary. This indicates the proclamation is an official act issued by the President under delegated constitutional statutory authority.