Objectives and coverage of visitors
- The purpose of the Circular is to protect and conserve the resources of the TRNMP by regulating entry, duration of stay, and activities of visitors inside the Park.
- The Circular provides the requirements for the approval of visitors and seacraft entry.
- The Circular governs the mode of fee collection and the regulations on use, period of time of sojourn, and conduct of activities inside the Park.
- The Circular covers all individuals and seacraft entering the marine park for visitation, enjoyment and research.
- The Circular prohibits activities including game fishing and other extractive activities inside the Park.
Visitor and seacraft permits required
- Any person—tourist, dive boat operator/owner, dive master, or tour guide—must register at the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) and secure an entrance permit before entering the Park.
- The maximum number of persons admitted at any one time—crew and visitors—is forty (40).
- Permit applications must be filed either with DENR-Region 4 Office, L and S Bldg., Roxas Blvd., Manila, or with the PENRO in Pto. Princesa, Palawan, whichever is convenient.
- All applications must be forwarded to the office of the Undersecretary for Environment and Research for approval.
What must be submitted to apply
- Visitor applications must include the visitor’s name(s) and nationality(ies), with a xerox copy of the diving license (Certification Cards), and an itinerary of travel in the area for evaluation and consideration.
- For group visitor permits, the applicant (i.e., tour operators) must indicate the number and the names of all visitors or companions to be covered by the permit.
- Boat/seacraft applications must include the name and number of crew, registration papers, and a certification from the PCSSD Philippine Coast Guard as to seaworthiness and appropriateness for SCUBA diving operations.
- For scientific researches, the proponent must submit research plans/activities including the names and number of researchers, itinerary of travel, and identity of the funding institution.
Permit timing, duration, and transferability
- Permit applications must be filed at least nine (9) working days before the actual date of visit/entry.
- The duration of stay in the Park is limited to a maximum of ninety-six (96) hours between arrival and departure.
- Entrance permits are non-transferable.
- Approved entrance permits must be obtained from the Office of the Undersecretary for Environment and Research, at DENR, Visayas Avenue, Diliman Quezon City.
- Approved permits must be presented to the PENR Office in Pto. Princesa, Palawan for acknowledgment, recording, and future reference.
Signature commitment and permit surrender
- Permits are issued only when the applicant has affixed a signature on the application form signifying knowledge and commitment to comply with all existing rules and regulations concerning the Park.
- If an issued entrance permit is not utilized for a valid reason (e.g., typhoons) within the prescribed validity period, the permit must be surrendered to the nearest DENR Office within ten (10) days after the expiration date for re-scheduling.
- Failure to surrender the unutilized permit within ten (10) days after expiration results in cancellation of the entrance permit.
- Entrance permit payments are non-refundable.
Fee amounts and who collects
- The Circular sets entrance fees as follows:
- Phil. National: PHP 50.00/person/visit
- Foreign National: US $10.00 or the current peso equivalent/person/visit
- Sea Crafts: PHP 500.00/boat/visit
- Special Collecting Officers are designated by the Regional Executive Director to collect fees in Manila and Palawan.
- Special Collecting Officers must meet qualifications set by the Commission on Audit (COA).
Fee collection process and reporting
- Entrance fees must be collected by the duly authorized Special Collecting Officer(s) prior to issuance of approved permits.
- Special Collecting Officers must issue Government Official Receipts as proof of payment.
- Fee payments must be made on cash basis only, payable to the DENR Region 4 Office, Manila or to the DENR Office in Pto. Princesa, Palawan.
- Special Collecting Officers must issue Government Official Receipts and collect payments generated for the use of the Park.
- Special Collecting Officers must prepare and submit to the Secretary, as approved by the RED, and copy furnish the PAWB Quarterly reports on revenues collected and remittances to the National Treasury.
Conduct limits and prohibited acts
- Tourists and visitors are not allowed to visit the 2 islets.
- Visitors are prohibited from disturbing any of the animals and plants inside the Park.
- The Circular strictly prohibits hunting, killing, and/or wounding of fish and wildlife, and the gathering/collecting of eggs, corals and shells, or any resources of the Park.
- For scientific research, collection of specimens is allowed only when covered by a gratuitous permit issued by the Secretary or his duly authorized representative.
- Vandalism is strictly prohibited, including cutting, injuring, destroying plants; molesting and scaring birds in the islet; breaking and handling eggs; defacing and detaching boundary markers; and defacing and detaching park signs.
- Disposal of waste materials to the sea (including plastics and bilged water) in any form and quantity is strictly prohibited.
- Any violation of the stated terms and conditions is sufficient ground for cancellation of the permit, and the permittee is liable to the penalties provided for under existing rules and regulations of the DENR.
Effectivity after publication
- The Circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.