Legal basis and governing laws
- Proclamation No. 489 is issued pursuant to the President’s powers under law and upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
- Republic Act No. 7586 (the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992) provides the category Resource Reserve and governs protected-area administration, management, and related rules.
- Republic Act No. 8550 (the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) as amended by Republic Act No. 10654 governs the Special Fisheries Management Area designation within the PRMRR.
- Prohibited acts and enforcement for destruction or disturbance of marine ecosystems are to be punished under Republic Act No. 7586, Republic Act No. 9147, Republic Act No. 8550 (as amended), and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Policy and purpose for the reserve
- The PRMRR is established for the sustainable development and regulated utilization of resources within its designated areas.
- The PRMRR is designed to support the social, equitable, and economic needs of the Filipino people.
- The PRMRR is intended to prevent adverse impact on the environment.
Protected areas within PRMRR
- The proclamation sets aside and declares a portion of the Philippine Rise within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippine Sea, north eastern coast of Luzon Island, as a protected area.
- The declared protected area is the PRMRR, covering THREE HUNDRED FIFTY TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY (352,390.00) hectares,** subject to actual ground survey and delineation.
- The PRMRR consists of two area designations: a Strict Protection Zone and a Special Fisheries Management Area.
- The Strict Protection Zone is established within the PRMRR according to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 7586.
- The remaining portions of the PRMRR are designated as a Special Fisheries Management Area under Republic Act No. 8550 as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.
Geographical scope and boundaries (PRMRR)
- The PRMRR is more specifically described in Map No. PP-MPA-PR-01.
- The PRMRR lies within the following boundary coordinates in WGS84, subject to actual ground survey and delineation:
- Corner 01: 15 32' 12" N, 123 58' 56" E
- Corner 02: 15 32' 12" N, 124 33' 03" E
- Corner 03: 16 02' 47" N, 124 33' 03" E
- Corner 04: 16 02' 47" N, 123 58' 56" E
Strict Protection Zone coordinates
- The PRMRR establishes a Strict Protection Zone with an area of FORTY NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR (49,684.00) hectares, subject to actual ground survey and delineation.
- The Strict Protection Zone is defined under WGS84 using the following coordinates:
- Corner 01: 15 42' 07" N, 124 09' 10 " E
- Corner 02: 15 42' 07" N, 124 22' 49 " E
- Corner 03: 15 52' 47" N, 124 22' 49 " E
- Corner 04: 15 52' 47" N, 124 09' 10 " E
Special Fisheries Management Area designation
- The remaining areas within the PRMRR are collectively designated as a Special Fisheries Management Area under Republic Act No. 8550 as amended by Republic Act No. 10654.
- The Special Fisheries Management Area is intended for sustainable development and regulated utilization of resources thereat.
- The regulated utilization in the Special Fisheries Management Area is pursued in accordance with relevant laws, rules and regulations.
- The designation addresses the social, equitable, and economic needs of the Filipino people while avoiding adverse impact on the environment.
Administrative jurisdiction, management planning, and consultation
- The PRMRR is under the administrative jurisdiction and control of DENR under Republic Act No. 7586 and its IRR.
- DENR must conduct an assessment of the area.
- DENR must develop the PRMRR management plan, including its research framework.
- DENR must develop the management plan through 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.
Prohibited acts and penalties
- The proclamation prohibits the destruction or disturbance of the marine ecosystems within the PRMRR.
- The prohibited destruction or disturbance expressly includes, among others, mesophotic coral reefs, wildlife, or any other marine life.
- Violations are punished in accordance with the penalties prescribed under Republic Act No. 7586, Republic Act No. 9147, Republic Act No. 8550 (as amended), and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Signatory and formal execution
- Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines, signs Proclamation No. 489.
- The proclamation is signed on May 15, 2018 in the Municipality of Casiguran, Aurora.
- The proclamation is countersigned by Michael P. Ong, Acting Executive Secretary.