Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary Act

The State aims to secure the perpetual existence of native plants and animals through protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
Sicogon Island has two parcels declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary under NIPAS to conserve its native flora and fauna.
Emphasis on cooperation among national, local government units (LGUs), NGOs, private entities, and local communities for effective management.
Use and enjoyment of the area to align with biodiversity and sustainable development principles.
The State shall provide full implementation, resource mobilization, and scientific support.

Buffer zones: Areas adjacent to protected areas with special development control.
Conservation: Preservation and sustainable use of wildlife and habitats.
Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/Indigenous Peoples (IPs): Groups sharing distinct cultural traits with ancestral territory.
National park: Public land classified for native plant and animal conservation under the Constitution and NIPAS.
Protected area: Land and water set aside for biological diversity and protection against exploitation.
Tenured migrants: Occupants present for five years before protected area declaration, dependent on it for subsistence.
Wildlife sanctuary: Area assuring natural conditions for protection of significant species and habitats.

Both parcels of land in Sicogon Island fall under the classification of national park.

The DENR Secretary may designate buffer zones around the sanctuary on PAMB recommendation.
Private landowners within buffer zones must consider protected area management plans.

Created within 90 days from effectivity to oversee SIWS management.
Composed of various government officials from DENR, LGUs, national agencies, NGOs, ICC/IP representatives, academic institutions, and private sector.
Terms and removals governed by existing NIPAS laws.

Management oversight and policy approval for the sanctuary.
Approval and harmonization of management plans with other development plans.
Adoption of operational rules and delegation of enforcement powers.
Financial resource allocation and management.
Conflict resolution and policy recommendations.
Monitoring and assessment of personnel and compliance.
Appointment recommendation of Protected Area Superintendent (PASu).
LGU and national agency members must ensure compliance and dissemination of PAMB policies.
DENR ensures PAMB acts within its powers, and national administrative orders prevail in conflicts.

Established and headed by a PASu appointed by the DENR Secretary with permanent plantilla position.
PASu supervises day-to-day management and is accountable to PAMB and DENR.
Duties include management plan preparation, policy formulation, law enforcement, monitoring, data management, permitting, fee collection, and reporting.
PAMO may be augmented by deputized local environment and natural resources officers.

Trust fund established to finance SIWS projects and NIPAS.
Income sources include fees from sale/export, lease, contributions, and other income.
75% of revenues retained by PAMB deposited in Protected Area-Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) for sanctuary use.
25% remitted to National Treasury for NIPAS programs.
Fund augmented by grants/donations; must be used only for management and projects (not personal services).
LGUs retain rights to impose and collect traditional taxes and fees.

DENR Secretary to include act implementation funding in Department’s program and annual General Appropriations Act.

Must be issued by DENR Secretary within 90 days of effectivity after consultation with LGUs and national agencies.

If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, remaining provisions continue to be in force.

All inconsistent laws, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Act takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.