Declaration of Samar Island Natural Park

The State policy aims to secure the perpetual existence of native flora and fauna by establishing protected areas classified as national parks under the Constitution.
Extensive damage caused by flash floods and landslides in Samar prompted conservation actions.
Logging operations were suspended in 1989 due to public outcry over environmental concerns.
The exploitation of natural resources was identified as a primary cause of environmental disaster on the island.
The government aims to balance conservation with sustainable development to uplift the lives of local communities.

SINP covers approximately 333,300 hectares, with precise metes and bounds detailed extensively covering numerous coordinates and bearings from a central reference point at Canhagimit Bridge.
The buffer zone surrounding the SINP covers approximately 125,400 hectares, also described with technical metes and bounds.
Both protected area and buffer zone boundaries are subject to actual ground survey for final determination.

Existing contracts, permits, or licenses for natural resource extraction prior to this proclamation are respected, subject to national interest and laws.
Private rights over lands, especially those classified as Alienable and Disposable, are acknowledged.
Pre-existing NIPAS protected areas within the declared zones will be absorbed and integrated into the SINP.

The SINP and its buffer zone fall under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Management is conducted through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) pursuant to the NIPAS Act of 1992.
Sustainable natural resource utilization within the park, respecting laws and the management plan, will continue.
To accommodate administrative needs and local government roles under the Local Government Code (RA 7160), sub-PAMBs shall be formed for each Samar province.
Each sub-PAMB is chaired by DENR and co-chaired by the respective Provincial Governor.

The declaration reinforces the principle of sustainable development by balancing resource use and conservation.
The proclamation complies with constitutional mandates for environmental protection.
It balances national interest with recognition of existing private and commercial rights.
Provides for institutional collaboration between national and local governments to manage the protected area effectively.

Extensive technical description of boundaries includes reference coordinates in latitude and longitude with bearings and distances between points.
Specific points include natural landmarks such as bridges, rocky cliffs, and logging trails.
The vastness of the area underscores the complexity of managing a large, ecologically significant protected area.

The proclamation is signed and sealed by the President and the Executive Secretary of the Philippines on August 13, 2003, affirming its official and binding nature.
It serves as a legal instrument mandating the protection and management of Samar Island’s forests and biodiversity under the NIPAS framework.