QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11687)
RA 11687 is titled the “Tirad Pass Protected Landscape Act.” Its purpose is to declare the Tirad Pass area in certain municipalities of Ilocos Sur as a NIPAS protected area with the category of Protected Landscape (TPPL), provide for its management, and appropriate funds for its implementation.
It is designated as a “protected landscape.” A protected landscape is an area of national significance characterized by the harmonious interaction of human, land, and water while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities.
It declares the State policy to secure the perpetual existence of native plants and animals through protected areas under NIPAS, consistent with the Constitution and the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.
It states that all land of the public domain within the TPPL coverage shall fall under the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution (Articles XII, Section 3).
The municipalities are Gregorio del Pilar, Quirino, Sigay, Cervantes, and Suyo, all in the Province of Ilocos Sur.
Buffer zones are areas outside and immediately adjacent to the protected area boundaries that require special development control to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area.
The DENR Secretary may designate buffer zones upon the recommendation of the PAMB. If buffer zones cover private lands, owners must design development with due consideration to the protected area management plan.
It must be created within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of the Act. Its main function is to oversee the management of the TPPL.
The PAMB includes: DENR Regional Executive Director (Chair); Governor (or rep); Senators residing in Ilocos Sur (or rep) unless they decline; District Representatives (or rep) unless they decline; Mayors of the covered municipalities (or rep); all barangay chairpersons with jurisdiction over the TPPL; Regional Directors of DA, NEDA, DOST, PNP, DND, DOT, and NHCP; 3 NGO/PO representatives accredited by DENR and the provincial government; 1 to 3 ICC/IP representatives recognized by NCIP; 1 academic representative from a local institution; and 1 private sector representative.
They shall be in accordance with RA 7586 (NIPAS Act of 1992), as amended by RA 11038 (Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018).
DENR, through the Regional Director, must ensure that the PAMB acts within its scope. If there is conflict between PAMB resolutions and existing national administrative orders of general application, the latter prevail.
The PAMO is the office established for the day-to-day management, protection, and administration of the TPPL. It is headed by a Protected Area Superintendent (PASu).
The PASu has a permanent plantilla position and is appointed by the DENR Secretary. The PASu is primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for management and operations of the TPPL.
Examples include: (1) prepare the management plan and ensure its implementation; (2) ensure integration with relevant national and LGU plans; (3) provide secretariat services to the PAMB and committees and ensure timely information; (4) formulate and recommend policies/rules/programs; (5) establish a database management system; (6) enforce relevant laws and assist in prosecution of offenses; (7) monitor and report implementation; (8) issue permits/clearances for activities permitted under the management plan; (9) collect and receive fees and report them; (10) prepare annual work and financial plans for PAMB approval.
Permits for extraction activities, including collection for research purposes, continue to be issued by relevant authorities but require prior clearance from the PAMB through the PASu, following the specific acts covered.
It is a trust fund for financing TPPL and NIPAS projects. Income generated from operations involving wild flora and fauna in the TPPL accrues to the TPPL-IPAF. The PAMB retains 75% of revenues deposited to the Protected Area-Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) for protection/maintenance/admin/management of the TPPL and approved PAMB projects; 25% is deposited to a special account in the National Treasury for NIPAS programs and projects.
The fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.
The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.