Law Summary
Key Definitions
- Buffer zones: areas adjacent to protected areas with development controls.
- Conservation: preservation and sustainable use of wildlife and habitats.
- Indigenous cultural communities/Indigenous peoples: groups with distinct cultural traits occupying territories since time immemorial.
- Protected area: land and water managed for biological diversity and protection from exploitation.
- Protected landscape/seascape: areas of national significance characterized by harmonious human and environmental interaction.
- Tenured migrants: occupants of protected areas before proclamation dependent on it for subsistence.
Classification and Scope
- Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape (MAPL) is declared a protected landscape and classified as a national park.
- The Act covers two lots with specified boundaries encompassing approximately 3,726.5 hectares.
Buffer Zones
- DENR Secretary may designate buffer zones upon PAMB recommendation.
- Buffer zones provide extra protection and may include private lands subject to special development considerations.
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
- Created within 90 days of effectivity to oversee MAPL management.
- Composed of DENR Regional Executive Director, local government executives, national representatives, barangay leaders, relevant agency directors, NGOs/POs, indigenous community representatives, academic, and private sector representatives.
- Terms, removal, and operations governed by NIPAS Act provisions.
Powers and Functions of PAMB
- Oversee MAPL management and approve policies, plans, and projects.
- Ensure harmonization with ancestral domain and local plans.
- Adopt operational manuals and recommend law enforcement deputation.
- Allocate financial resources and set fees.
- Resolve conflicts, recommend policy changes, monitor performance, and designate Protected Area Superintendent (PASu).
- Members from LGUs and agencies required to inform their constituencies and ensure compliance.
Protected Area Management Office (PAMO)
- Headed by PASu with permanent plantilla positions.
- PASu prepares and ensures implementation of management plans.
- Coordinates integration with local and national programs.
- Provides secretariat support to PAMB and enforces relevant laws.
- Manages database and issues permits/clearances under PAMB guidance.
- Collects fees and submits reports.
- Supported by deputized local officers as needed.
Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (MAPL-IPAF)
- Trust fund to finance MAPL and NIPAS projects.
- Income sources include fees from permitted sales, leases, contributions from industries, and other income.
- 75% of revenues retained by PAMB for MAPL projects; 25% remitted to national Treasury for NIPAS.
- Fund augmented by grants and donations.
- Fund use restricted to protection and management activities; excludes personal services.
- Local governments retain fees they traditionally collect.
Appropriations and Implementing Rules
- DENR Secretary to include Act funding in annual budget.
- NIPAS Act provisions apply suppletorily.
- Rules and regulations to be issued within 90 days of effectivity.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures remaining provisions stand if parts declared invalid.
- Repealing clause removes inconsistent laws and issuances.
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.