REPUBLIC ACT NO.

7586
National Integrated Protected Areas S ste! Act AN ACT PRO"I#IN$ %OR T&E ESTABLIS&'ENT AN# 'ANA$E'ENT O% NATIONAL INTE$RATE# PROTECTE# AREAS S(STE') #E%ININ$ ITS SCOPE AN# CO"ERA$E) AN# %OR OT&ER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION *. Title. --- This act shall be kno n and referred to as the !"ational #ntegrated Protected $reas System $ct of %&&'(! SEC. +. #eclaration o, Polic --- Cogni)ant of the profound impact of man*s activities on all components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population+ resource e,ploitation and industrial advancement and recogni)ing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological and physical of diversities of the environment notably on areas ith biologically uni-ue features to sustain human life and development+ as ell as plant and animal life+ it is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure for the .ilipino people of present and future generations the perpetual e,istence of all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas ithin the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution( #t is hereby recogni)ed that these areas+ although distinct in features+ possess common ecological values that may incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural heritage/ that effective administration of these areas is possible only through cooperation among national government+ local government and concerned private organi)ations/ that the use and en0oyment of these protected areas must be consistent ith the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development( To this end+ there is hereby established a "ational #ntegrated $reas System 1"#P$S2+ hich shall encompass outstandingly remarkable areas and biologically important public loans that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals+ biogeographic )ones and related ecosystems+ hether terrestrial+ etlands or marine+ all of hich shall be designated as !protected areas!( SEC. -. Categories ---The follo ing categories of protected areas are hereby established: a( Strict nature reserve/ "atural park/ "atural monument/ 3ildlife sanctuary/ Protected landscapes and seascapes/ Resource reserve/ "atural biotic areas/ and

b( c( d( e( f( g(

h( 4ther categories established by la + convention or international agreements hich the Philippines 5overnment is a signatory( SEC. .. #e,inition o, ter!s ---.or purposes of this $ct the follo ing terms shall be defined as follo s: a( !"#P$S! is the classification and administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological processes and life-support systems+ to preserve genetic diversity+ to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein+ and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest e,tent possible/ b( !Protected area! refers to identified portions of land and ater set aside by reasons of their uni-ue physical and biological significance+ managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human e,ploitation/ c( !Buffer )ones! are identified areas outside the boundaries of an immediately ad0acent to designated protected areas pursuant to Section 6 that need special development control in order to avoid or minimi)e harm to the protected area/ d( !#ndigenous cultural community ! refers to a group of people sharing common bonds of language+ customs traditions+ and other distinctive cultural traits+ and ho have + since time to immemorial+ occupied+ possessed and utili)ed a territory/ e( !"ational park! refers to a forest reservation essentially of natural ilderness character hich has been ithdra n from settlement+ occupancy or any form of e,ploitation e,cept in conformity ith approved management plan and set aside as such e,clusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery+ the natural and historical ob0ects+ ild animals and plants therein to provide en0oyment of these features in such areas/ f( !"atural monument! is a relatively small area focused on protection of small features to protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special interest or uni-ue characteristics/ g( !"atural biotic area! is an area set aside to allo the ay of life societies living in harmony ith the environment to adopt to modern technology at their pace/ h( !"atural park! is relatively large area not materially altered by human activity here e,tractive resource use are not allo ed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific+ education and recreational use/ i( !Protected landscapes7seascapes! are areas of national significance hich are characteri)ed by the harmonious interaction of man and land hile providing opportunities for public en0oyment through recreation and tourism ithin the normal lifestyle and economic activity of these areas/ 0( !Resource reserve! is an e,tensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited normally ith difficult access designated as such to protect natural resources of the area for future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resource pending the establishment of ob0ectives hich are based upon appropriate kno ledge and planning/ k( !Strict nature reserve! is an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem+ features and 7 or species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance maintained to protect nature and maintain processes in an undisturbed state in order to have ecologically representatives e,amples of the natural environment available for scientific study+ environmental monitoring+

education+ and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state/ l( !Tenured migrant communities! are communities ithin protected areas hich have actually and continuously occupied such areas for five 182 years before the designation of the same as protected areas in accordance ith this $ct and are solely dependent therein for subsistence/ and m( !3ildlife sanctuary! comprises an area hich assures the natural conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species+ groups of species+ biotic communities or physical features of the environment here these may re-uire specific human manipulation for their perpetuation( SEC. 5. Esta/lis0ed and E1tent o, t0e S ste!---The establishment and operationali)ation of the System shall involve the follo ing: a( $reas or islands in the Philippines proclaimed+ designated or set aside+ pursuant to a la + presidential decree+ presidential proclamation or e,ecutive order as national park+ game refuge+ bird and ildlife sanctuary+ ilderness area+ strict nature reserve+ fish sanctuary+ natural and historical landmark+ protected and managed landscape7seascape as ell as identified virgin forests before the effectivity of this $ct are hereby designated as initial components of the System( The initial components of the System shall be governed by e,isting la s+ rules and regulations+ not inconsistent ith this $ct/ b( 3ithin one 1%2 year from the effectivity of this $ct+ the 9:"R shall submit to the Senate and the House of Representatives a map and legal description or natural boundaries of each protected area initially compromising the System( Such maps and legal descriptions shall+ by virtue of this $ct+ constitute the official documentary representation of the entire System+ sub0ect to such changes as Congress deems necessary/ c( $ll 9:"R records pertaining to said protected areas+ including maps and legal descriptions or natural boundaries+ copies of rules and regulations governing them+ copies of public notices of+ and reports submitted to Congress regarding pending additions+ eliminations+ or modifications shall be made available to the public( These legal documents pertaining to protected areas shall also available to the public in the respective 9:"R Regional 4ffices+ Provincial :nvironment and "atural Resources 4ffices 1P:"R4s2 and Community :nvironment and "atural Resources 4ffices 1C:"R4s2 here the "#P$S areas are located/ d( 3ithin three 1;2 years from the effectivity of this $ct+ the 9:"R shall study and revie each area tentatively composing the System as to its suitability or non-suitability for preservation as protected area and inclusion in the System according to the categories established in Section ; hereof and report its findings to the President as soon as each study is completed( The study must include in each area: %( $ forest occupants survey/ '( $n ethnographic study/ ;( $ protected area resource profile/ <( =and use plans done in coordination ith the respective Regional 9evelopment Councils/ 8( and >( Such other background studies as ill be sufficient bases for selection( The 9:"R shall:

i( "otify the public of the proposed action through publication in a ne spaper of general circulation+ and such other means as the System deems necessary in the area or areas in the vicinity of the affected land thirty 1;?2 days prior to the public hearing/ ii( Conduct public hearings at the locations nearest to the area affected/ iii( $t least thirty 1;?2 days prior to the date of hearing+ advice all local government units 1=5@s2 in the affected areas+ national agencies concerned+ peoples organi)ations and non-government organi)ations and invite such officials to submit their vie s on the proposed action at the hearing not later than thirty 1;?2 days the follo ing the date of the hearing/ and iv( 5ive due consideration to the recommendations at the public hearing/ and provide sufficient e,planation for his recommendations contrary to the general sentiments e,pressed in the public hearing/ b( @pon receipt of the recommendations of the 9:"R+ the President shall issue a president proclamation designating the recommended areas as protected areas and providing for measures for their protection until such time hen Congress shall have enacted a la finally declaring such recommended areas as part of the integrated area systems/ and c( Thereafter+ the President shall send to the Senate and the House of Representatives his recommendations ith respect to the designations as protected areas or reclassification of each area on hich revie has been completed+ together ith maps and legal descriptions of boundaries( The President+ in his recommendation+ may propose the alteration of e,isting boundaries of any or all proclaimed protected areas+ addition of any contiguous area of public land of predominant physical and biological value( "othing contained herein shall limit the President to propose+ as part of his recommendation to Congress+ additional areas hich have been not designated+ proclaimed or set aside by la + presidential decree or e,ecutive order as protected area7s(

SEC. 6. Additional Areas to /e Integrated to t0e S ste! ---"ot ithstanding the establishment of the initial component of the System+ the Secretary shall propose the inclusion in the System of additional areas ith outstanding physical features+ anthropological significance and biological diversity in accordance ith the provisions of Section 8 1d2( SEC. 7. #isesta/lis0!ent as Protected Area--- 3hen in the opinion of the 9:"R a certain protected area should be ithdra n or disestablished+ or its boundaries modified as arranted by a study and sanctioned by the ma0ority of the members of the respective boards for the protected area as herein established in Section %%+ it shall+ in turn+ advise Congress( 9isestablishment of a protected area under the System or modification of its boundary shall take effect pursuant to an act of Congress( Thereafter+ ho ever+ That after disestablishment by Congress+ the Secretary may recommend the transfer of such established area of other government agencies to serve their priority programs of national interest( SEC. 8. B2,,er 3ones--- .or each protected area+ there shall be established peripheral buffer )ones hen necessary+ in the same manner from activities that ill directly harm it( Such buffer )ones shall be included in the individual protected area management plan that shall be prepared for each protected area( The 9:"R shall e,ercise its authority over protected areas as provided in this $ct on such area

designated as buffer )ones( SEC. 4. 'anage!ent Plans--- There shall be a general management planning strategy to serve as guide in formulating individual plans for each protected area( The management planning strategy shall+ at the minimum+ promote the adoption and implementation of innovative management techni-ues including+ if necessary+ the concept of )oning+ buffer )one management for multiple use and protection+ habitat conservation and rehabilitation+ diversity management+ community organi)ing+ socioeconomic and scientific researchers+ site-specific policy development+ pest management+ and fire control( The management planning strategy shall also provide guidelines for the protection of indigenous cultural communities+ other tenured migrant communities and sites and for close coordination bet een and among local agencies of the 5overnment as ell as the private sector( :ach component area of the System shall be planned and administered to further protect and enhance the permanent preservation of its natural conditions( a management manual shall be formulated and developed hich must contain the follo ing: an individual management plan prepared by three 1;2 e,perts+ basic background information+ field inventory of the resources ithin the area+ an assessment of assets and limitations+ regional interrelationships+ particular ob0ectives for the managing the area+ appropriate division of the area into management )ones+ a revie of the boundaries of the area+ and a design of the management programs( ( SEC. *5. Ad!inistration and 'anage!ent o, t0e S ste!--- The "ational #ntegrated Protected $reas System is hereby placed under the control and administration of the 9epartment of :nvironment and "atural Resources( .or this purpose+ there is hereby created a division in the regional offices of the 9epartment to be called the Protected $reas and 3ildlife 9ivision in regions here protected areas have been established+ hich shall be under the supervision of a Regional Technical 9irector+ and shall include subordinate officers+ clerks and employees as may be proposed by the Secretary+ duly approved by the 9epartment of Budget and Aanagement+ and appropriated for by Congress( The Service thus established shall manage protected areas and promote the permanent preservation+ to the greatest e,tent possible of their natural conditions( To carry out the mandate of this $ct+ the Secretary of the 9:"R is empo ered to perform any and all of the follo ing acts: a( To conduct studies in various characteristics features and conditions of the different protected areas+ using comonalities in their characteristics+ classify and define them into categories and prescribe permissible or prohibited human activities in each category in the System/ b( To adopt and enforce a land-use scheme and )oning plan in ad0oining areas for the preservation and control of activities that may be threaten the ecological balance in the protected areas/ c( To cause the preparation of and e,ercise the po er to revie all plans and proposals for the management of protected areas/ d( To promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this $ct/ e( To deputi)e field officers and delegate any of his po ers under this $ct and other la s to e,pedite its implementation and enforcement/

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k( l( m( n( o( p(

To fi, and prescribe reasonable "#P$S fees to be collected from government agencies or any person+ firm or corporation deriving benefits from the protected areas/ To e,tract administrative fees and fines as authori)ed in Section '% for violations of guidelines+ rules and regulations of this $ct as ould endanger the viability of protected areas/ To enter into contracts and 7 or agreements ith private entities or public agencies as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this $ct/ To accept in the name of the Philippine 5overnment and in behalf of "#P$S funds+ gifts or be-uests of money for immediate disbursements or other property in the interest of the "#P$S+ its activities+ or its services/ To call on any agency or instrumentality of the 5overnment as ell as academic institutions+ non-government organi)ations and the private sector as may be necessary to accomplish the ob0ectives and activities of the System/ To submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines and to Congress on the status of protected areas in the country/ To establish a uniform matter for the System+ including an appropriate and distinctive symbol for each category in the System+ in consultation ith appropriate government agencies and public and private organi)ations/ To determine the specification of the class+ type and style of buildings and other structures to be constructed in protected areas and the materials to be used/ Control the construction+ operation and maintenance of roads+ trails+ ater orks+ se erage fire protection and sanitation systems and other public utilities ith the protected areas/ Control occupancy of suitable portions of the protected areas and resettle outside of said area forest occupants therein+ ith the e,traction of the members of the indigenous communities area/ and To perform such other functions as may be directed by the President of the Philippines+ and to do such acts as may be necessary or incidental to the accomplishment of the purpose and ob0ectives of the System(

SEC. **. Protected Area 'anage!ent Board---$ Protected $rea Aanagement Board for each of the established protected area shall be created and shall be composed of the follo ing: the Regional :,ecutive 9irector under hose 0urisdiction the protected area is located / one 1%2 representative from the autonomous regional government+ if applicable/ the Provincial 9evelopment 4fficer/ one 1%2 representative from the municipal government/ one 1%2 representative from each barangay covering the protected area/ one 1%2 representative from each tribal community+ if applicable/ and at least three 1;2 representatives from non-government organi)ations 7 local community organi)ations+ and if necessary+ one 1%2 representative from other departments or national government agencies involved in protected area management( The Board shall+ by ma0ority vote+ decide the allocations for budget+ approve proposals for funding+ decide matters relating to planning+ peripheral protection and general administration of the area in accordance ith the general management strategy( The members of the Board shall serve for a term of five 182 years ithout compensation+ e,cept for actual and necessary traveling and subsistence e,penses incurred in the performance of their duties( They shall be appointed by the Secretary of the 9:"R as follo s:

a( $ member ho shall be appointed to represent each local government do n to barangay level hose territory or portion in included in the protected area( :ach appointee shall be the person designated by the head of such =5@+ e,cept for the Provincial 9evelopment 4fficer ho shall serve e, officio/ b( $ member from non-government organi)ations ho shall be endorsed by heads of organi)ations hich are preferably based in the area or hich have established and recogni)ed interest in protected areas/ c( The R:97s in the region7s here such protected area lies shall sit as e, officio member of the Board and shall serve as adviser7s in matters related to the technical aspect of management of the area/ and d( The R:9 shall act as chairman of the Board( 3hen there are t o 1'2 or more than R:9s in the Board+ the secretary shall designate one 1%2 of them to be the Chairman( Bacancies shall be filed in the same manner as the original appointment( SEC. *+. En6iron!ental I!7act Assess!ent --- Proposals for activities hich are outside the scope of the management plan for protected areas shall be sub0ect to an environmental impact assessment as re-uired by la before they are adopted+ and the results thereof shall be taken into consideration in the decision-making process( "o actual implementation of such activities shall be allo ed ithout the re-uired :nvironmental Compliance Certificate 1:CC2 under the Philippine #mpact $ssessment 1:#$2 system( #n instances here such activities are allo ed to be undertaken+ the proponent shall plan and carry them out in such manners as ill minimi)e any adverse effects and take preventive and remedial action hen appropriate( The proponent shall be liable for any damage due to lack of caution or indiscretion( SEC. *-. Ancestral lands and Rig0ts O6er T0e!--- $ncestral lands and customary rights and interest arising shall be accorded due recognition( The 9:"R shall prescribe rules and regulations to govern ancestral lands ithin protected areas: Provided+ ho ever+ That all rules and regulations+ hether adversely affecting said communities or not+ shall be sub0ected to notice and hearing to be participated in by members of concerned indigenous community( SEC. *.. S2r6e ,or Energ Reso2rces--- Consistent ith the policies declared in Section ' hereof+ protected areas+ e,cept strict nature reserves and natural parks+ may be sub0ected to e,ploration only for the purpose of gathering information on energy resources and only if such activity is carried out ith the least damage to surrounding areas( Surveys shall be conducted only in accordance ith a program approved by the 9:"R+ and the result of such surveys shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President for recommendation to Congress( $ny e,ploitation and utili)ation of energy resources found ithin "#P$S areas shall be allo ed only through a la passed by Congress( SEC. *5. Areas Under t0e 'anage!ent o, Ot0er #e7art!ents and $o6ern!ent Instr2!entalities---Should there be protected areas+ or portions thereof+ under the 0urisdiction of government instrumentalities other than the 9:"R+ such 0urisdiction shall+ prior to the passage of this $ct+ remain in the said department or government instrumentality: Provided+ That the department or government instrumentality e,ercising administrative 0urisdiction over said protected area or a portion thereof shall coordinate ith the 9:"R in the preparation of its management plans+ upon the effectivity of this $ct( SEC. *6. Integrated Protected Areas %2nd --- There is hereby established a trust

fund to be kno n as #ntegrated Protected $reas 1#P$S2 .und for purposes of financing pro0ects of the System( The #P$S may be solicit and receive donations+ endo ments+ and grants in the form of contributions+ and such endo ments shall be e,empted from income or gift ta,es and all other ta,es+ charges of fees imposed by the 5overnment or any political subdivision or instrumentality thereof( $ll incomes generated from the operation of the System or management of ild flora and fauna shall accrue to the .und and may be utili)ed directly by the 9:"R for the above purpose( These incomes shall be derived from: a( Ta,es from the permitted sale and e,port of flora and fauna and other resources from protected areas/ b( Proceeds from lease of multiple- use areas/ c( Contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the protected area/ and d( Such other fees and incomes derived from the operation of the protected area( 9isbursements from the .und shall be made solely for the protection+ maintenance+ administration+ and management of the System+ and duly approved pro0ects endorsed by the P$ABs + in the amounts authori)ed by the 9:"R( SEC. *7. Ann2al Re7ort to Congress--- $t the opening of each session of Congress+ on the status of the System+ regulation in force and other pertinent information+ together ith recommendations( SEC. *8. %ield O,,icers--- $ll officials+ technical personnel and forest guards employed in the integrated protected area service or all persons deputi)ed by the 9:"R+ upon recommendation to the Aanagement Board shall be considered as field and make arrests in accordance ith the rules on criminal procedure for the violation of la s and regulations relating to protected areas( Persons arrested shall be brought to the nearest police precinct for investigation( "othing herein mentioned shall be construed as preventing regular la enforcers and police officers from arresting any person in the act of violating said la s and regulations in protected areas( SEC. *4. S7ecial Prosec2tors---The 9epartment of Custice shall designate special prosecutors to prosecute violation of la s+ rules and regulations in protected areas( SEC. +5. Pro0i/ited Acts---:,cept as may be allo ed by the nature of their categories and pursuant to rules and regulations governing the same+ the follo ing acts are prohibited ithin protected areas: a( Hunting+ destroying+ disturbing+ or mere possession of any plants or animals or products derived therefrom ithout a permit from the Aanagement Board/ b( @se of any motori)ed e-uipment ithout as permit from the Aanagement Board/ c( Autilating+ defacing or destroying ob0ects of natural beauty+ or ob0ects of interest to cultural communities 1 of scenic value 2/ d( 9amaging and leaving roads and trails in a dam condition/ e( S-uatting+ mineral locating+ or other ise occupying any land/

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Constructing and maintaining any kind of structure+ fence or enclosures+ conducting any business e,posed or unsanitary conditions refuse or debris+ or depositing in ground or in bodies of ater/ and g( $ltering+ removing+ destroying or defacing boundary mark or signs( SEC. +*. Penalties--- 3hoever violates this $ct or any rules and regulations issued by the 9epartment pursuant to this $ct or hoever is found guilty by a competent court of 0ustice of any of the offenses in the preceding section shall be fined in the amount of not less than .ive thousand pesos 1 P8+??? 2 not more than .ive hundred thousand pesos 1 P8??+??? 2+ e,clusive of the value of the thing damaged or imprisonment for not less than one 1%2 year but not more than si, 1>2 years+ or both+ as determined by the court/ Provided+ That+ if the area re-uires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by the court+ the offender shall also be re-uired to restore or compensate for the restoration to the damage: Provided+ further+ That the court shall order the eviction of the offender from the land and the forfeiture in the favor of the 5overnment of all minerals+ timber or any species collected or removed including all e-uipment+ devices and firearms used in connection there ith+ and any construction or improvement made thereon by the offender( #f the offender is an association or corporation+ the president or manager shall be directly responsible for the act of his employees and laborers: Provided+ finally+ That the 9:"R may impose administrative fines and penalties consistent ith this $ct( SEC. ++. Se7ara/ilit Cla2se--- #f any part of section of this $ct is declared unconstitutional+ such declaration shall not affect the other parts of sections of this $ct( SEC. +-. Re7ealing Cla2se--- $ll la s+ presidential decrees+ e,ecutive orders+ rules and regulations inconsistent ith any provisions of this $ct shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly( SEC. +.. E,,ecti6it Cla2se--- This $ct shall take effect fifteen 1%8 2 days after its complete publication in t o 1 ' 2 ne spaper of general circulation( $pproved+

NEPTALI A. $ON3ALES President of the Senate

RA'ON ". 'ITRA Speaker of the House of Representatives This $ct hich is a consolidation of House Bill "o( ;<>&> and Senate Bill "o( %&%< as finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on .ebruary >+ %&&'( $pproved: C@": ?%+ %&&' CORA3ON C. A8UINO President of the Philippines

Source: http://www.tanggol.org/environmental_laws/ra7586.html#sec5