Adopt-a-Wildlife Species Program Guidelines

Applies to all terrestrial and wetland areas in the Philippines.
Covers wildlife species under DENR jurisdiction listed in the Programs List of Priority Threatened Species (Annex A).
List is based on IUCN Red List, CITES, and National Lists.
Program's species list is subject to updates as needed.

Perpetuate and protect threatened wildlife species and their habitats.
Facilitate stakeholder participation in conservation to prevent extinction.
Provide opportunities for private entities and individuals to assist in Wildlife Act enforcement.
Raise public awareness and encourage environmental protection actions.

AAWS Program: Partnership program for in-situ wildlife conservation with tax incentives under Section 34 of RA 9147.
Adopting Entity/Individual: Private sectors supporting or implementing conservation projects.
Certificate of Adoption: Document issued upon MOA approval specifying species, habitat, project cost, and duration.
Implementer: Local agency or organization tasked with executing conservation activities.
NWMC and RWMC: Committees providing technical and scientific advice at national and regional levels respectively.

Wildlife adoption requires a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among DENR, Adopting Entity, and Implementer.
Adoption options include direct implementation, funding an Implementer, or contributing to existing/new conservation programs.
Conservation projects must comply with the Framework for the Conservation of Philippine Threatened Species (Annex B).
Projects can be new or part of existing species plans involving research, education, habitat restoration, enforcement, etc.
Priority for species in Annex A, non-threatened species may be adopted with DENR approval.

DENR (PAWB and Regional Offices): Supervise, promote, monitor, report AAWS projects, and support education campaigns.
Adopting Entity/Individual: Identify Implementers (if any), provide resources, and ensure project implementation per MOA.
Implementer: Execute projects per approved plan, submit reports, document expenditures, and verify funds received.

Regional Executive Directors (REDs): Authorized for projects within their jurisdiction; must report MOA and project status to Secretary and PAWB.
DENR Secretary: Signs MOA for projects covering multiple regions or national scope; coordinates with Regional Offices and PAWB.

Submission of letter of intent, project proposal, support letters, and organizational CV/profile.
Review by NWMC or RWMC; approval leads to MOA execution.
Unfavorable recommendations require applicant to address concerns and resubmit.

Issued by PAWB Director or RED upon MOA approval.
Specifies species, habitat, cost, duration.
Non-compliance or violation of MOA can lead to certificate cancellation after due process.

Financial contributions are transferred via Deed of Donation.
Implementers must acknowledge receipt, maintain accounts accessible for verification, and submit monthly utilization reports.
DENR verifies fund use and issues an annual Certificate of Actual Financial Contribution.
Documents required for tax exemption application with BIR include Deed of Donation and Certificate of Financial Contribution.

PMET established for each project by PAWB and Regional Offices.
PMET includes LGU, local NGO/PO, and academe representatives.
Conducts periodic monitoring and submits evaluation reports and recommendations.
Evaluation influences eligibility for tax exemptions and additional incentives.

Adopting entities/individuals receive tax deductions and donor's tax exemptions on donations per Section 34 of RA 9147 and RA 8424.

DENR may provide further recognition and incentives to outstanding program participants.
Development of awards system is coordinated among DENR-Human Resources Development Service and PAWB.

Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation.