REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11933, July 30, 2022

AN ACT DECLARING TWO (2) PARCELS OF LAND SITUATED WITHIN SICOGON ISLAND, MUNICIPALITY OF CARLES, IN THE PROVINCE OF ILOILO, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF WILDLIFE SANCTUARY UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE SICOGON ISLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.�Title. � This Act shall be known as the "Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary Act."

SECTION 2.�Declaration of Policy. � Cognizant of the profound impact of human activities on all components of the natural environment, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of present and future generations, the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the declaration of protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) within the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution.

In recognition of the richness of the biological resources, both flora and fauna, that are native and distinct to Sicogon Ilsand, as well as their aesthetic and ecological importance, two (2) parcels of land situated in Sicogon Island, Municipality of Carles, in the Province of Iloilo, are hereby declared a protected area with category of wildlife sanctuary, and shall hereinafter be referred to as the Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary (SIWS). As such, the State shall ensure the conservation, protection, management and rehabilitation of the area. It is likewise recognized that effective administration of this area is possible only through cooperation among national government, local government units (LGUs), concerned nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), private entities and local communities. The use and enjoyment of this area must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.

Towards this end, the State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act, the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms herein established, and the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, culture and indigenous practices.

SECTION 3.�Definitions of Terms. � As used in this Act

(a)�Buffer zones refer to identified areas outside the boundaries of and immediately adjacent to designated protected areas that need special development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area;

(b)�Conservation refers to any act or acts of preservation and sustainable utilization of wildlife or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of habitats;

(c)�Indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/Indigenous peoples (IPs) refer to groups of people sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, since time immemorial occupied, possessed and utilized a territory;

(d)�National park refers to land of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution which includes all areas under the NIPAS, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity;

(e)�Protected area refers to an identified portion of land and water set aside by reason of its unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation;

(f)�Tenured migrants refer to protected area occupants who have been actually, continuously and presently occupying a portion of the protected area for five (5) years before the proclamation or law establishing the same as a protected area, and are solely dependent therein for subsistence; and

(g)�Wildlife sanctuary refers to an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical features of the environment which may require specific human manipulations for their perpetuation.

SECTION 4.�Classification as a National Park. � The SIWS is comprised of two (2) parcels of land of the public domain situated within Sicogon Island, Municipality of Carles, Province of Iloilo. All lands of the public domain within the coverage and scope of the SIWS shall fall under the classification of national park as provided for in Article XII, Section 3 of the Constitution.

SECTION 5.�Scope and Coverage. � The boundaries of the SIWS are more particularly described as follows:

(a)�Parcel I pertains to the area beginning at a point marked "1" on the map, which is N 87 57' 08" E, 277.937 meters from PRS Control Monument "Sicogon with coordinates 1266121.06 N and 527709.24 E located at Barangay Buaya, Sicogon Island, Municipality of Carles, Province of Iloilo,
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and comprises two hundred fifty-one (251) hectares, more or less.

(b) Parcel II pertains to the area beginning at a point marked "1" on the map, which is S23 53' 15" E, 2283.684 meters from PRS Control Monument "Sicogon" with coordinates 1266121.06 N and 527709.24 E located at Barangay Buaya, Sicogon Island, Municipality of Carles, Province of Iloilo,
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and comprises thirty-two (32) hectares, more or less.chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

SEC. 6. Establishment of Buffer Zones. - The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) created under Section 7 of this Act, may designate areas surrounding the SIWS as buffer zones for the purpose of providing an extra layer of protection where restrictions may be applied: Provided, That, in cases where the designated buffer zone would cover private lands, the owners thereof shall be required to design their development with due consideration to the protected area management plan.

ARTICLE II

MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS

SEC. 7. Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) shall be created to oversee the management of the SIWS. The PAMB shall be composed of the following:

(a) DENR Regional Executive Director for Region VI, as Chairperson;

(b) Governor of the Province of Iloilo or his/her duly authorized representative;

(c) Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered residents of Iloilo, or their duly designated representatives, unless the Senators decline the membership in the PAMB;

(d) District Representative of the Congressional District where the SIWS is located, or his/her duly designated representative, unless the District Representative declines the membership in the PAMB;

(e) Mayor of the Municipality of Carles, in the Province of Iloilo, or his/her duly authorized representative;

(f) Chairperson of all the barangays with territorial jurisdiction over the SIWS;

(g) Regional Directors of the following government agencies, namely: the Department of Agriculture (DA), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Tourism (DOT);

(h) Three (3) representatives from NGOs or people's organizations (POs) based in the Province of Iloilo, duly authorized both by the DENR and the provincial govenrment. The NGOs or POs represented should have been in existence for at least five (5) years and must have a record of accomplishments in the field of protected area management;

(i) At least one (1) but not more than three (3) representatives from all the ICCs/IPs present in the area and recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);

(j) One (1) representative from an academic institution, preferably from a university or college in the Province of Iloilo, with a record of accomplishments in or related to protected area management; and

(k) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of the Province of Iloilo, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant to the protected area management.

The terms of office of members of the PAMB, as well as the grounds for their removal shall be in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992", as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, otherwise known as the "Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018".

SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Oversee the management of the protected area;

(b) Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other related documents for the management of the protected areas;

(c) Approve the management plan of the protected area and ensure its harmonization with and integration into the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan, land use plan and other development plans, public or private, and their implementation;

(d) Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures in the conduct of business, and the creation of committees and their respective terms of reference;

(e) Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the management of the protected area;

(f) Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management plan and manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and other funds in accordance with government accounting, budgeting and auditing rules and regulations;

(g) Set fees and charges in accordance with existing guidelines;

(h) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through appropriate and effective means;

(i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other government authorities with respect to the management of the SIWS;

(j) Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and other protected area personnel and compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any undertaking, contract or agreement relative to any project or activity within the SIWS;

(k) Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the designation or appointment of the PASu; and

(l) Assess the effectiveness of the management of the protected area: Provided, That the members of the PAMB representing the LGUs and national agencies shall inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of PAMB-approved or other relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects and shall ensure that the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations issued to implement are complied with and used as reference and framework in their respective plans, policies, programs, and projects. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary action against such member according to administrative rules and regulations and such penalties as the PAMB may provide: Provided, further, That the DENR, through the Regional Director, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between the resolutions issued by the PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national application, the latter shall prevail.

SEC. 9. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - There is hereby established a Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) who shall supervise the day to day management, protection, and administration of the SIWS. The PASu shall hold a permanent plantilla position and shall be appointed by the DENR Secretary. A sufficient number of support staff with permanent plantilla positions shall likewise be appointed by the DENR Secretary to assist the PASu in the management of the protected area.

The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the management and operations of the SIWS. Pursuant thereto, the PASu shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Prepare the management plan, in consultation with the stakeholders, including the annual work and financial plan and ensure its implementation;

(b) Ensure the integration of the protected area management plan, programs, projects, and policies with relevant national and LGUs' plans and programs;

(c) Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and ensure the availability of relevant and timely information for decision-making;

(d) Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules, regulations, and programs;

(e) Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system which shall be an important basis for decision-making;

(f) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the protected area, commence and institute administrative and legal actions in collaboration with other government agencies or organizations, and assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of the provisions of this Act;

(g) Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management activities of the protected area;

(h) Request for and receive any technical assistance, support or advice from any agency or instrumentality of the government as well as academic institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, as may be necessary for the effective management, protection and administration of the protected area;

(i) Issue permits and clearances for activities that implement the management plan and other permitted activities in accordance with terms, conditions, and criteria established by the PAMB: Provided, That all permit for extraction of natural resources, including collection of wildlife, and its by-products or derivatives for research purposes, shall continue to be issued by relevant authorities, subject to prior clearance from the PAMB, through the PASu, in accordance with the specific acts to be covered;

(j) Collect and receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other income for the protected area: Provided, That such fees, charges, donations, and other income collected and received shall be reported regularly to the PAMB and the DENR in accordance with existing guidelines;

(k) Prepare and recommend to the PAMB, approval of the annual work and financial plans of the protected area based on the management plan; and

(l) Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.

The PAMO may be augmented by the Deputized local environment and natural resources officers upon the recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR.

ARTICLE III

PROCEEDS AND FEES

SEC. 10. The Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary Integrated Protected Area Fund. - There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Sicogon Island Wildlife Sanctuary Integrated Protected Area Fund (SIWS-IPAF) for purposes of financing projects of the SIWS and the NIPAS. All income generated from the operation and management of wild flora and fauna in the SIWS shall accrue to the SIWS-IPAF. The income shall be derived from fees from permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the SIWS, proceeds from lease of multiple-use areas, contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the SIWS, and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the SIWS.

The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised through the above means, which shall be deposited to the Protected Area-Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within the locality: Provided, That disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely for the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the protected area and implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB. The remaining twenty-five (25%) of revenue shall be deposited as a special account in the general fund in the National Treasury for purposes of financing the programs and projects of the NIPAS.

The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign: Provided, That the fund shall be deposited in full as a special account in the National Treasury and disbursements therefrom shall be made solely for the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the NIPAS and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting, and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, further, That the fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures.

The LGUs shall continue to impose taxes and collect all other fees not enumerated herein which they have traditionally collected, such as fees for business permit applications, property taxes and rental fees of LGUs' facilities.

ARTICLE IV

TRANSITORY AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 11. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DENR shall immediately include in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 12. Suppletory Application of the NIPAS Law. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, shall have suppletory application to this Act.

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DENR shall, in consultation with the local government of the Municipality of Carles, the provincial government of Iloilo, and concerned national government agencies, issue the corresponding rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections or provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 15 Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instruction, executive orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.ChanRoblesVirtualawlibrary

Approved,
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This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on May 26, 2021, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on May 23, 2022, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on May 30, 2022.

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Approved: Lapsed into law on JUL 30 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
��� President of the Philippines