Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape (Mgpl) Act

sendie Oftice of the & wetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP -1 P1:20 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1314 S. No. - Introduced by SEN. CAMILLE A. VILLAR AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PRESIDENT MANUEL A. ROXAS, KATIPUNAN AND SERGIO OSMEÑA IN THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS) TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE MT. GUTOM PROTECTED LANDSCAPE (MGPL, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, it is a declared policy that the State "shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In line with safeguarding a healthful ecology, the Constitution likewise provides that Congress shall determine the national parks, which shall be conserved and may not be increased nor diminished, except by law. Pursuant to the said Constitutional provisions, the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) was established by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 7586, as amended by RA No. 11038, otherwise known as the "Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 2018". Cognizant of the exacting impact of diverse human activities on all components of the natural environment, the NIPAS Act declared it 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 establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the Constitution". The system shall encompass ecologically rich, unique and biologically important areas that are habitats of threatened species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial, wetland or marine, all of which shall be designated as protected areas. To date, as of August 2025, there are already 118 protected areas in the Philippines that have been so declared through legislation. And yet, based on the records and various suitability assessments by the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there are still numerous sites in the country that have to be given protected area status, by legislative action, in order to ensure its conservation. This bill aims to deciare Mt. Gutom, located in the Municipalities of President Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan, and Sergio Osmeña in the Province of Zamboanga Del Norte, as a protected landscape under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). Mt. Gutom is a vital natural forest that harbors a diverse range of flora and fauna. It serves as one of the most important watersheds in the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Norte Province. The landscape is dominated by dipterocarp forest, featuring both old and secondary growth trees, as well as a mossy and Pine Forest at its summit. Based on the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2017, a total of 384 species of flora were documented in the area. Among these, 9 species are critically endangered, 3 species are endangered, 14 species are threatened, and 16 species are vulnerable. Additionally, the area is home to notable wildlife species such as the Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), Philippine Deer (Rusa marianna), Philippine Warty Pigs (Sus philippensis), and Philippine Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis philippensis). Furthermore, the proposed protected area serves as a crucial water source for various municipalities.

Granting protected area status to Mt. Gutom is essential due to the significant threats posed to its rich and diverse biological resources. Anthropogenic activities, including illegal logging/timber poaching, conversion of forests into agricultural areas, continuous encroachment by upland dwellers, and wildlife poaching/hunting, have been observed, leading to deforestation and habitat degradation. It is widely recognized that forests provide a range of ecosystem services and serve as vital carbon sinks, making them crucial for biological conservation and environmental protection. Establishing a Protected Area (PA) under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS Act of 1992), as amended by Republic Act 11038, also known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, is one of the conservation strategies aimed at protecting, preserving, and conserving the remaining unexploited natural resources against depletion and overexploitation. In view of all the foregoing, I recommend the approval of this bill. Camilles wein CAMILLE A. VILLAR

902I8 Offee of the son riary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP -1 P1:20 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1314 Introduced by SEN. CAMILLE A. VILLAR AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PRESIDENT MANUEL A. ROXAS, KATIPUNAN AND SERGIO OSMEÑA IN THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS) TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE MT. GUTOM PROTECTED LANDSCAPE (MGPL), 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 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known and referred to as the "Mt. Gutom

2 Protected Landscape (MGPL) Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the profound impact of human

4 activities on all components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement, and recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological 7 and physical diversities of the environment notably on areas with biologically unique features to sustain human life and development, as well as plant and animal life, it is

1 hereby declared the policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of present and 2 future generations the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through 3 the establishment of protected areas within the classification of national park as 4 provided in the Constitution. To acknowledge the distinct, rich and diverse biological resources of both flora 6 and fauna that are endemic and unique to Mt. Gutom, as well as their aesthetic and 7 ecological importance, a parcel of land of the public domain located in the municipalities of President Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan and Sergio Osmeña in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte is hereby declared a protected area with the category of protected landscape, and shall hereinafter be referred to as Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape (MGPL). As such, the State shall ensure the preservation, conservation, protection and sustainable management of the area. It is likewise recognized that effective administration of this area is possible only through cooperation among national government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), concerned Non-Governmental 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. To this end, the State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act, the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms herein established, the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, culture and indigenous practices.

Sec. 3. Classification as a National Park. - The MGPL is composed of a parcel

of land of the public domain located in the Municipalities of President A. Roxas, Katipunan and Sergio Osmeña in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, the metes and bounds of which are described in Section 4 of this Act. All lands of the public domain within the coverage and scope of the MGPL shall fall under the classification of a national park in accordance with Article XII, Section 3 of the Constitution.

Sec. 4. Scope and Coverage. - The boundaries of MGPL are more particularly

2 described as the area beginning at a point marked "1" on the Map, being S 46°35'35" 3 W, 1,025.78 meters from PRS'92 Control Monument "ZGN-5852" with geographic 4 coordinates of 08° 22' 44.13038" Latitude and 123° 10' 10.02215" Longitude located in Barangay Panampalay, Municipality of Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, Province of 6 Zamboanga del Norte: thence S 22°43'53 " E meters to corner 651.73 ; thence S 68°13'51" W 790.92 meters to corner 3 ; thence S 63°24'08" E 1120.38 meters to corner ; thence N 01°40'00" W meters to corner 360.72 ; N 63°19'04" E thence 112.61 meters to corner thence S 49°18'32" E 139.41 meters to corner ; thence N 43°53'21" E 203.96 meters to corner ; thence S 83°58'25" E 592.97 meters to corner N 21°58'16" E meters to corner thence 684.61 thence N 31°07'45" E 476.16 meters to corner thence N 55°20'36" E 521.27 meters to corner ; thence S 86°54'12" E 175.84 meters to corner ; thence N 54°12'59" E meters to corner 638.93 thence N 35°09'26" W 372.30 meters to corner ; thence N 52°28'08" E 602.90 meters to corner ;

thence meters to corner S 13°26'25" W 383.08 ; thence S 15°37'56" W 258.98 meters to corner ; thence S 09°52'56" E 395.94 meters to corner thence S 58°36'19" W 624.75 meters to corner ; thence S 16°26'19" E meters to corner 336.67 ; thence S 68°16'01" E 309.43 meters to corner ; thence N 67°37'18" E 364.95 meters to corner ; thence S 70°27'42" E 217.66 meters to corner thence meters to corner S 60°38'26" E 121.47 ; thence S 29°22'52" E 640.48 meters to corner thence S 89°17'32" E 1353.99 meters to corner thence N 16°52'48" E 1306.47 meters to corner ; thence S 44°03'06" E meters to corner 773.09 thence S 16°16'15" E 866.82 meters to corner thence N 82°02'51" W 592.13 meters to corner ; thence S 61°48'11" W 1195.31 meters to corner ; thence S 06°47'59" E meters to corner 581.09 thence S 36°08'46" E 748.53 meters to corner ; thence S 49°22'08" E 575.69 meters to corner

thence S 81°22'08" E 393.42 meters to corner ; thence S 04°45'55" W 637.43 meters to corner ; thence N 66°42'29" W 314.19 meters to corner ; thence S 56°01'14" W 844.29 meters to corner ; thence S 20°49'06" W 516.34 meters to corner thence S 20°35'26" W 335.88 meters to corner thence S 24°20'42" W 1481.34 meters to corner ; thence S 62°00'32" W 797.72 meters to corner thence S 24°39'41" E 978.93 meters to corner thence S 73°18'18" W meters to corner 846.18 ; thence S 84°56'59" W 913.57 meters to corner ; thence N 43°10'44" W 1275.40 meters to corner ; thence N 53°24'38" W 663.54 meters to corner ; thence S 08°23'45" E meters to corner 374.48 thence N 68°50'40" W 256.36 meters to corner ; thence S 45°43'08" W 199.08 meters to corner thence N 57°55'05" W meters to corner 237.64 thence S 28°04'41" W meters to corner 462.96 ; thence N 87°35'38" W 688.82 meters to corner ;

thence N 20°57'53" W meters to corner 243.40 ; thence N 77°52'08" W 138.53 meters to corner ; thence N 35°38'38" W 187.02 meters to corner ; thence N 50°26'25" W 284.16 meters to corner ; thence N 60°31'27" W meters to corner 139.80 ; thence N 37°05'39" W 134.47 meters to corner ; thence S 25°58'46" W 187.23 meters to corner ; thence N 73°45'09" W 96.46 meters to corner thence N 02°35'16" W meters to corner ; 93.76 thence N 53°13'21" E 179.92 meters to corner ; thence N 49°26'16" W 83.84 meters to corner thence N 51°06'24" W 141.59 meters to corner ; thence N 44°32'20" W 286.32 meters to corner ; N 48°46'15" W thence 323.04 meters to corner thence N 55°36'34" W 150.14 meters to corner ; thence N 32°37'09" W 164.92 meters to corner ; thence N 15°02'16" E meters to corner ; 110.13 thence N 35°24'03" W meters to corner 270.39 ; thence N 66°58'52" W 465.37 meters to corner ;

meters to corner thence N 05°51'12" W 198.06 ; thence N 40°30'34" W 139.50 meters to corner ; thence S 62°28'48" W 153.18 meters to corner ; thence N 04°16'37" W 189.82 meters to corner ; thence N 64°21'57" W 146.27 meters to corner ; thence N 39°57'19" W 525.71 meters to corner ; thence N 08°03'22" E 201.08 meters to corner thence N 61°21'59" W 490.94 meters to corner thence N 55°42'56" E 170.49 meters to corner ; thence N 19°36'02" W 150.14 meters to corner ; thence N 49°16'02"' E 92.94 meters to corner thence N 35°26'55" W 173.61 meters to corner thence N 77°21'20" W 112.71 meters to corner ; N 72°45'08" W meters to corner thence 224.94 thence N 71°22'10" W 140.53 meters to corner ; thence N 03°22'16" W 86.03 meters to corner ; thence N 53°24'11" E meters to corner 144.12 N 00°15'53" W meters to corner thence 74.86 ; thence N 85°32'40" W 207.52 meters to corner ;

thence N 04°49'07" E 488.04 meters to corner ; thence N 13°54'00" W 531.15 meters to corner ; thence N 55°58'18" E 892.00 meters to corner ; thence S 86°16'26" E 1959.34 meters to corner ; thence N 27°27'21" E 532.57 meters to corner ; thence N 47°19'08" W 931.19 meters to corner ; thence N 04°00'45" E 572.31 meters to corner ; thence S 71°47'34" E 662.19 meters to corner 100 ; thence S 18°54'17" E 528.62 meters to corner 101 ; thence N 63°45'57" E 869.31 meters to corner 102 ; thence N 65°38'25" E 612.13 meters to corner the point of beginning, containing an area of FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT (5,468) HECTARES, more or less. Bearings and distances of lines were derived using the PRS 92 Philippines Zone IV coordinate system, subject to ground delineation and demarcation. The certification from the National Mapping and Resource Information 17 Authority (NAMRIA) containing the boundaries and technical descriptions of the MGPL is hereby adopted and made an integral part of this Act. In case of inconsistency, the boundaries and technical descriptions in the attached certification shall prevail. Any modification of the scope and coverage of the MGPL in this Act shall be made through an Act of Congress, after consultation with the government agencies 22 and stakeholders concerned.

Sec. 5. Establishment of Buffer Zones. - The Secretary of the Department of

2 Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon the recommendation of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) created under Section 6 of this Act, may designate areas surrounding the MGPL as buffer zones for the purpose of providing an extra layer of protection where restrictions may be applied: Provided, That in cases 6 where the designated buffer zone would cover private lands, the owners thereof shall 7 be required to design their development with due consideration to the protected area 8 management plan. ARTICLE 11 MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS

Sec. 6. Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). - Within ninety (90) days

from the effectivity of this Act, a PAMB shall be created which will serve as a body that will allocate budget, approve proposals for funding, decide matters related to planning, peripheral protection and general administration of MGPL in accordance with the general management strategy. The PAMB shall be composed of the following: a) DENR Regional Executive Director for Region IX as Chairperson; b) Governor of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte or a duly designated representative; c) Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered residents of Zamboanga del Norte, or their duly authorized representatives, unless these Senators decline the membership in the PAMB; d) District Representative of the Congressional District where the MGPL is located, or a duly designated representative, unless the District Representative declines the membership in the PAMB; e) Mayors of the Municipalities of President Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan, and Sergio Osmeña in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte or their duly designated representatives;

f) Chairpersons of all barangays with territorial jurisdiction over MGPL; 2 g) Regional Directors of the following government agencies, namely: Department of Agriculture (DA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of National Defense (DND), and the Department of Tourism (DOT); h) Three (3) representatives from either non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or people's organizations (POs) based in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, duly accredited both by the DENR and provincial government. The NGOs or POs represented should have been in existence for at least five (5) years and with a track record in or related to 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 Zamboanga del Norte, with a proven track record in or related to protected area management; and k) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant to protected area management. The term of office of the 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 (ENIPAS) Act of 2018".

Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have the following

powers and functions:

a) Oversee the management of the MGPL; b) Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other related documents for the management of the MGPL; c) Approve the management plan of the MGPL and ensure its harmonization with and integration into the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), land use plan and other development plans, public or private, and their implementation; 8 d) Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedure in the conduct of business and the creation of committees and 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 MGPL; f) Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management plan and manage the Protected Area-Retention Income Account (PA-RIA) 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 MGPL; 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 MGPL;

k) Recommend the designation or appointment of the PASu from a shortlist of qualified candidates; and I) Assess the effectiveness of the management of the MGPL: 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 it 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. 8. The Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). - There is hereby

established a Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a PASu who shall supervise the day-to-day management, protection, and administration of the MGPL. The PASu shall hold a permanent plantilla position and shall be appointed 20 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 MGPL. The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the management and operations of the MGPL. 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 plans, 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 MGPL; 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 MGPL; 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 permits 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 MGPL: 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 MGPL based on the management plan; and 1) 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. 9. The Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund

10 (MGPL-IPAF). - There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Mt. 11 Gutom Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (MGPL-1PAF) for purposes of financing projects of the MGPL and the NIPAS. All income generated from the operation and management of wild flora and fauna in the MGPL shall accrue to the MGPL-IPAF. The income shall be derived from fees from permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the MGPL, proceeds from lease of multiple-use areas, contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from 17 the MGPL, and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the MGPL. The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised 19 through the above means, which shall be deposited to the Protected Area- 20 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 MGPL and the implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a special account in the 25 general fund in the National Treasury for purposes of financing the programs and 26 projects of the NIPAS. The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowment from 28 various sources, domestic or foreign: Provided, That the fund shall be deposited in

1 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 3 NIPAS and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting and auditing, rules and regulations; Provided, further, That the 5 fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures. The LGU shall continue to impose taxes and collect all other fees not 7 enumerated herein which they have traditionally collected, such as fees for business permit applications, property taxes and result fees of LGUs facilities. ARTICLE IV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 10. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DENR shall immediately include

in the Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 13 shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Suppletory Application of the NIPAS Law. - The provisions of the

15 Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by the Republic Act No. 11038, shall have 16 suppletory application to this Act.

Sec. 12. 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 governments of the Municipalities of President Manuel A. Roxas, Sergio Osmeña 20 and Katipunan, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte and concerned national agencies, issue the corresponding rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held

unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall 25 continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

2 regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

5 complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,