National Parks Act of 2025

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL -9 P2:53 SENATE REC S. No. 291 Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS, THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines, "one of the fastest urbanizing nations in Southeast Asia", faces a critical need for accessible public parks and green spaces. With its urban population having grown by over 50 million in the past five decades and projected to reach 120 million (65% of the total) by 2050 (World Bank)', the rapid urbanization presents significant environmental and social challenges. Asia's major cities, including the Philippines, lag globally in green space per capita, averaging only 39 square meters, far below other regions.? As mandated by Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, public parks are vital. They serve as crucial infrastructure for climate change adaptation and mitigation by filtering pollution, boosting water supply, enriching biodiversity, and cooling urban environments. Beyond ecological benefits, these spaces are essential for public health and well-being, reducing stress, promoting physical activity, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing the overall quality of life for urban dwellers, consistent with 1 World Bank. "Philippines Urbanization Review: Fostering Competitive, Sustainable and Inclusive Cities," Retrieved from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handie/10986/27667 2 Ibid.

the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for urban residents to have access to at least 0.5 hectares of green space within 300 meters of every home. 3 They also significantly contribute to local tourism and property values. Recognizing this urgent need, and in line with the government's vision for a "progressive, livable and sustainable communities," the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched its revamped Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)- Green Green Green Program in July 2024. This initiative aims to support local government units in developing vibrant, well-connected public open spaces and active mobility infrastructure to foster community wellness and resilience against climate change impacts.4 However, the Philippines currently lacks a clear national mandate for park development and a cohesive system for their management. This bills seeks to address this gap by establishing the Philippine National Public Parks System. It proposes to identify initial national parks, mandate local government units to establish urban parks and green spaces, and create a dedicated institute to advance park development, urban planning, and environmental protection. The immediate passage of this vital measure is earnestly sought to ensure that as the country urbanizes, green design principles are integrated to provide equitable access to vital public spaces for all Filipinos. FRANCIS N. RANGILINAN Senator 3 Prewozna, Inglot, et al., "Accessibility to urban green spaces: A critical review of WHO recommendations in the light of tree- covered assessment." Published September 2024. Available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/51470160X24010057#:v:text=The%20World%20Health%200rganization%2 0(WHO)% 20recommendation%20for%20Europe%20is%20that, the% 20quality%200f% 20those%20areas. Accessed on July 7, 2025. 4 Pangandaman, A., "Green Green Green Program: Developing more vibrant, well-connected and sustainable communities." Published on July 16, 2024. Available at https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/16/green-green-green-program-developing-more-vibrant= well-connected-and-sustainable-communities. Accessed on July 7,2025.

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JUL -9 P2.53 SENATE S. No. _ Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS, THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: Chapter I Introductory Sections

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the 'National Parks Act of

2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and maintain

4 the health and well-being of the Filipino people through the establishment and preservation of parks and open spaces. To this end, the State recognizes parks and open spaces as valuable assets, and as such: a) shall establish the Philippine National Public Parks System aimed to conserve the scenery, natural and historical objects, and to provide for their enjoyment in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. b) shall recognize that parks and open spaces contribute to human health and well-being, social cohesion/identity, tourism, biodiversity, air quality, carbon sequestration, water management, and cooling of the environment.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following words shall mean:

a) Administrator - refers to the Chief Executive Officer and Head of the National and Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) Secretariat as defined in Sec. 9 of this Act.

b) Board - refers to the NALPA Board as defined in Sec. 5 of this Act. c) National and Local Public Parks - refer to any land laid out as a public garden and/or used for public recreation. This does not refer to national shrines administered by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office. d) National and Local Public Parks System or the System - refers to the system of parks and open spaces as defined under Chapter 4 of this Act. e) NIPAS - refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System as defined in Republic Act No. 7586, as amended or the NIPAS Act. f) NPDC- refers to the National Parks Development Committee created by Executive Order 30, Series of 1963. g) NPF or NPFI - refers to the Nayong Filipino Foundation Inc., a government- owned and controlled corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 1969, as a non-stock, non-profit corporation. Presidential Decree No. 37 24 established the Nayong Pilipino Foundation on November 6,1972. h) Protected Areas - refers to the Protected Areas as defined under the NIPAS Act. i) Secretariat - refers to the NALPA Secretariat as defined under Sec. 28 of this Act. Chapter 11 Establishment of the National and Local Public Parks Authority

Sec. 4. Composition of the Authority. - The Authority shall be composed of the

Board and the Secretariat.

Sec. 5. Composition of the Board. - The NALPA Board shall be composed of the

25 representatives of the following: 1. Secretary of Tourism as Chairperson; 2. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Co-Chairperson (who shall be officially represented by the Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau); 3. Secretary of Public Works and Highways as Member; 4. Secretary of the Agriculture as Member; 5. Secretary of Interior and Local Government as Member; 6. Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education as Member;

7. Director-General of the TESDA Secretariat In addition, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the following members 3 from the private sector: 1. Two representatives, from a recognized professional architectural organization; and 2. Two representatives, from the academe, preferably in urban planning and 7 development. As soon as all the members of the private sector are appointed, they shall so organize themselves that the term of office of one-third (1/3) of their number shall expire every year. The member from the private sector appointed thereafter to fill 11 vacancies caused by the expiration of terms shall hold office for three (3) years. The President of the Philippines may, however, revise the membership of the 13 NALPA Board, whenever the President deems it necessary for the effective performance of the Board's functions through an administrative order. The NALPA Board shall meet at least twice a year, or as frequently as may be 16 deemed necessary by its Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson, a Co- 17 Chairperson shall preside. The internal rules of the NALPA Board shall be promulgated 18 during its first organizational meeting. The benefits, privileges, and emoluments of the Board shall be consistent with the existing laws and rules.

Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Authority shall primarily be

responsible for the National and Local Public Parks System including the establishment of policies, plans, and programs taking into consideration the following: a) the State policy declared herein of giving due consideration to the establishment and maintenance of national and urban parks, open and green spaces, and recreational facilities; b) the implementation of the above-mentioned policy requires the coordination and cooperation of policies, plans, and programs of different concerned sectors of Philippine society; and c) equal and active participation of the national government and its appropriate agencies, the LGUs, the academe, and the private sector shall be made the

rule in order to ensure that the National and Local Public Parks System shall be fully established and maintained. The Board, shall have the following powers: a) Establish minimum quotas for all LGUs for the designation of municipal and city lands for public parks, where applicable; b) manage the country's National and Local Public Parks System, and in doing so shall guide and assist other government agencies and entities, and the LGUs in the planning, establishment, and management of parks which will be included in the System; c) promulgate, after due consultation with concerned groups and entities, policies, plans, programs, and guidelines as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act and the establishment of the National and Local Public Parks System; d) establish and manage the National and Local Public Parks Institute, which shall serve as the national center for park administration, management, and maintenance training, research, and development; e) in coordination with the Biodiversity Management Bureau, shall make Protected Areas accessible to the public for recreational purposes; f) organize and constitute standing committees, subsidiary groups, or technical working groups for the efficient integration and coordination of local open spaces and urban parks; g) exact reasonable fees and charges for such services provided and training conducted and retain such earnings for its own use, subject to guidelines promulgated by the Authority; h) create, when deemed necessary, an Advisory Committee which shall provide expert and technical advice to the Board to be chosen from the academe and the private sector: Provided, That in case the Advisory Committee is created, the Board is hereby authorized to set aside a portion of its appropriation for its operation; and i) carry out any and all other functions characteristic of public institutions of similar mandate and national scope, in line with prevailing international principles and best practices.

Sec. 7. The NALPA Secretariat. - The NALPA Secretariat, an independent agency

2 of the executive department, shall have the primary mission of providing pro-active 3 leadership in the continuous development of systematic approaches as well as measures to maintain and manage the National and Local Public Parks System, and 5 shall have the following functions and responsibilities: a) to establish and maintain a planning process and formulate a national parks 7 development plan in which all concerned groups and entities at various levels participate; b) to provide analytical inputs to policy decision-making of the Authority on the allocation of resources and institutional roles and responsibilities as shall be embodied in the annual national parks plans; 12 C) to recommend measures, and implement the same upon approval by the 13 Authority, for the effective and efficient implementation of the national parks development plan; d) to propose to the Authority the specific allocation of resources for the programs and projects it shall undertake pursuant to the approved national parks development plan; e) to submit to the Authority periodic reports on the progress and accomplishment of work programs of implementation of plans and policies; and f) to perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Board.

Sec. 8. The Dissolution of NPDC and NPF and Transfer to NALPA Secretariat. -

22 The NPDC and NPF are hereby dissolved and all their powers, functions, responsibilities, all applicable funds and appropriations, records, assets, and properties are hereby transferred to the NALPA Secretariat.

Sec. 9. The NALPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer. - The NALPA

Secretariat shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall likewise be a member of the Board. The Administrator shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Undersecretary. As Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall exercise general supervision and control over its technical and administrative personnel. The Administrator shall have the power to recommend to the Authority the structural

1 organization and the personnel complement of the Secretariat. Furthermore, the 2 Administrator shall appoint such personnel necessary to carry out the objectives, 3 policies, and functions of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations. The Administrator may call upon other instrumentalities or entities of the 6 government, non-government, and civic organizations for assistance in terms of the 7 use of their facilities and resources for the management and administration of any 8 park in the System. This authority includes the power to call on the Philippine National Police to maintain peace and order in any park in the System. The performance of the functions of the Administrator under this Act shall, in no 11 case, result in the diminution of the powers of the LGUs to establish their own parks or develop their own open or green spaces.

Sec. 10. Deputy Administrators.-The Administrator shall be assisted by four (4)

Deputy Administrators for (i) Research and Development, (ii) National and Local Public Parks Operations, (iii) Local Public Parks Operations, and (iv) Park Architecture & Planning. The Deputy Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges, and emoluments 18 equivalent to the rank of Assistant Secretary.

Sec. 11. Regional Administrators. - The Regional Administrators shall be under

the direct control of the Administrator and shall oversee the operations of National and Local Public Parks at the regional level. The Regional Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges, and emoluments equivalent to the rank of a Regional Director, 23 and shall provide technical assistance, particularly to local government units for 24 effective supervision, coordination, and monitoring of national and local parks within their localities, and their integration to the National Public Park System.

Sec. 12. Organizational Divisions. - The Secretariat shall have the following

Divisions which shall be headed by Division Chiefs: a) Administrative Division; b) Finance Division; c) Programs and Public Affairs Division; d) Internal Audit Division; e) Security and Safety Division;

f) Information and Communications Technology Division; and 9) Cultural & Heritage Preservation Division The following Divisions shall be headed by the Deputies Administrators: a) National Public Park Operations & Management; b) Local Public Park Operations & Management; c) Research & Development; and d) Park Architecture & Planning

Sec. 13. Personnel Training, Development and Performance incentives. - The

Authority shall undertake training and development programs to upgrade the 10 capabilities of its personnel in its various functions. Personnel shall be allowed to train 11 or study outside the Institute, in the Philippines, or abroad, on official time, subject to 12 the needs of the service, upon approval of the Administrator. A system of monetary incentives shall be established to reward the superior performance and milestones of professional development on the part of management and administrative and technical personnel, subject to the approval of the Department 16 of Budget and Management and, where applicable, to the Civil Service Commission.

Sec. 14. Consultants and Technical Assistance, Publication, and Research.- In

pursuing its objectives, the Authority is hereby authorized to set aside a portion of its appropriation for the hiring of services of qualified consultants, and private organizations for research work and publication in the field of national and urban parks, and open and green spaces. It shall avail itself of the services of other agencies of the Government as may be required.

Sec. 15. Privileges of the Authority. - In line with the declared policy and the

avowed purposes of this Act, and to ensure its independence and autonomy, the NALPA Secretariat shall be attached solely for budgetary coordination and related purposes to the Office of the President. The Secretariat shall: a) be classified as a National Government Agency, primarily for administrative purposes, including receiving its annual budget from the general appropriations of the National Government to cover appropriately the entirety of its mandated operations and activities;

b) be considered as higher in level than a Bureau or Bureau-level agency but beneath that of a Department or Department-level agency, primarily for administrative purposes as to staffing pattern and compensation scales; and c) enjoy such privileges and special rules characteristic of both a Government- Owned or Controlled Corporation and a State University or College wherever possible and which, in any and all cases, promote the objectives of this Act; and that special rules as may be necessary to this effect be formulated and appropriately promulgated by the NALPA, the Department of Budget and Management, the Commission on Audit, and other concerned agencies. Chapter III The National Parks Institute

Sec. 16. The Creation of the National Parks Institute. - There is hereby created

13 the National Parks Institute of the Philippines which shall be under the supervision of the Board. The Institute shall serve as the training and development arm of the Authority. The Institute shall be headed by a Director. In coordination with CHED and state universities and colleges, and other private 17 universities and institutions, the Institute shall establish a unique training course aimed at supporting the purposes of this Act, and shall: a) Formulate and implement training programs for all personnel of NALPA and of LGUs, other agencies, and private entities and institutions who wish to train with the Institute; b) Formulate and implement select mandatory and specialized courses, and for that purpose shall be allowed to issue diplomas and technical certificates under such rules as will be coordinated with CHED and TESDA; c) Develop and implement research and development to support NALPA and for educational training programs; and d) Perform such other related functions as may be prescribed by NALPA and the Board. Chapter IV The National Parks System

Sec. 17. Study and Planning of National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and

2 Recreational-Area Facilities. - Within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, 3 the Authority shall make a comprehensive study of the National Parks, Urban Parks, 4 Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities programs of the national government 5 and the LGUs and of areas of land throughout the Philippines that are or may be 6 chiefly valuable as National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area 7 Facilities. The report shall be submitted to the Board who shall be empowered to declare 9 specifically identified areas as either National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, or Recreational-Area Facilities.

Sec. 18. Identification of National Parks. - Notwithstanding any law or

proclamation to the contrary, the following parks are hereby considered National Parks and shall be under the authority of the Authority: (1) Rizal Park, and (2) Paco Park. Their Administrator and Provincial Administrators are strictly mandated to investigate, study, and continually monitor areas whose over-all circumstances exhibit qualities of national significance and that may have the potential to become a NALPA Park.

Sec. 19. Acquisition of Land. - In the exercise of its power under this Act, the

Authority through the Administrator shall have the power to acquire land and interests in land within the boundary of any NALPA Park. In the same manner and for the establishment of an identified National Park, the power of eminent domain shall be exercised through the Administrator, or by any of its Deputies or Provincial Administrators.

Sec. 20. Creation of Urban Parks and Open Spaces in LGUs. — Within the period

provided by the Authority, LGUs shall be obliged to identify Urban Parks and Open Spaces within their jurisdictions. Identified areas may either become NALPA Administered Parks or maintain their nature as Local Parks at the discretion of the LGU. The Authority is hereby mandated to enter into cooperative agreements with colleges and universities, in partnership with LGUs and other agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated

1 information products on the resources in the NALPA Parks or the LGU of which the 2 NALPA Park is located for possible commercial production or utilization.

Sec. 21. Delineation of Authority and Coverage. - Subject to the IRR and

4 dependent on the categorization of the land or an area, a nature reserve or a declared 5 protected area under the NIPAS shall continue to be under the jurisdiction of the 6 DENR. All other parks established or may be established may be covered under this 7 Act.

Sec. 22. Administration, Management, and Funding of NALPA Parks. - Subject

9 to reasonable restrictions under the IRR, the general public is hereby to be granted 10 free admission to all NALPA Parks. However, the Authority may levy appropriate fees for special activities or programs.

Sec. 23. Retention of Income. - The Authority is hereby authorized to retain the

13 entirety of its income from all sources of its operations nationwide and to spend the same for any purpose.

Sec. 24. The NALPA Fund. - The NALPA Fund is hereby established, to be

managed/ administered by the Authority, the income from which shall be utilized 17 exclusively in awarding grants and providing assistance to park development programs, local government units for upgrading their capabilities, and to develop and implement training and training-related activities for park development. The contribution to the fund shall be the following: a) a one-time lump sum appropriation from the national government in the amount of P100,000,000.00; b) donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or gifts of which the Authority is hereby authorized to accept, and c) any other income generated by the Authority. The Authority shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such, shall formulate the necessary implementing guidelines for the management of the fund, subject to the following: a) unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of private contributions shall be used; and b) no part of the seed capital of the fund, including earnings, thereof, shall be used to underwrite expenses for administration.

The Board shali appoint a reputable government-accredited investment 2 institution as a fund manager, subject to guidelines promulgated by the Board. 3 Sec 25. Incentives Schemes.-The Authority shall develop and administer 4 appropriate incentives schemes to encourage the LGUs and private industries and 5 institutions to participate in the development of the National Parks System.

Sec. 26. Parks and Green Spaces Awards. - To promote park development in

7 the country and with the view of participating in international park development 8 competitions, the Authority, with the active participation of private industries, shall 9 organize and conduct an annual Parks and Green Spaces Awards. The Authority, 10 through the Secretariat, shall promulgate the necessary rules and guidelines for the 11 effective and efficient conduct of the Annual National Parks and Green Spaces 12 Competition among the LGUs and for the country's participation in international park 13 development competitions.

Sec 27. Exemption from Taxes/ Duties, Fees, and Charges. — The Authority shall

15 be exempt from the payment of taxes, fees, and charges imposed by the National 16 Government and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities regardless of 17 the nature of its activity. All donations in any form shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the same 19 shall be considered as an allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of 21 Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the National Internal Revenue Code of 22 1997, as amended. Furthermore, the importation of supplies and materials for the use of the 24 Authority shall be exempt from customs duties.

Sec 28. Commercial Operations of and inside of NALPA Parks. - The Authority

shall be authorized to undertake commercial operations, the proceeds of which shall be credited to the NALPA Fund: a) The rental of dedicated areas for external events, functions, and similar activities; b) The lease of dedicated areas for the erection and operation of commercial establishments inside NALPA Parks, which NALPA shail be allowed to award, through public bidding, and giving preference to nonprofit organizations

of a nature related to or supportive of its mandate, for a term of up to five (5) years per contract; c) The production and/or licensing of official merchandise; d) The award of concession contracts is when the Authority shall utilize concession contracts to authorize a person, corporation, or other entity to provide accommodations, facilities, and services to visitors or users of NALPA Parks.

Sec. 29. Contracted Services. - The Authority is authorized to contract out

services for Park Management and Safety and Security Services. Chapter V Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 30. NALPA Budget.-The amount necessary to finance the initial

13 implementation of this Act shall be charged against the existing appropriations of the NPDC and the NPF, and shall be supported by funds coming from the Office of the President. Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred eighty (180)

18 days from the effectivity of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Board the implementing rules and regulations of this Act upon prior consultation with all concerned groups and entities.

Sec. 32. Transitory Provisions. -

a) Within two (2) months after the approval of this Act, the President shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Tourism, appoint the private sector representatives of the Board. b) Within three (3) months after the appointment of the private sector representatives, the President shall, upon the recommendation of the Board, appoint the Administrator. c) Within four (4) months after the appointment of the Administrator, the Board shall convene to determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Authority.

d) Within one (1) year after the organization of the Authority, the Board shall convene to determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the Authority. e) Upon the effectivity of this Act, and prior to the appointment of the Board and the Administrator, the heads and personnel of both NPDC and the NPF shall continue to exercise their functions and duties, in a holdover capacity, and shall ensure the smooth transition to the Board and the Administrator. f) All personnel of the NPDC and NPF are hereby deemed retired from service. Retirement and separation benefits shall be paid under existing rules and regulations. g) The Authority may at its discretion retain any personnel of NPDC and NPF it deems necessary to carry out its purpose and function. h) The ownership and title to the properties now actually occupied by the NPF and NPDC are hereby transferred in fee simple to the Authority, subject to the following conditions: a. The titles to the land conveyed by this Act shall not be transferred by the Authority to another person or entity without previous authorization by the President of the Philippines. b. The Authority is hereby authorized to mortgage any properties referred to above for the purpose of carrying out its objectives and purposes only; and c. In case the Authority is dissolved or ceases, for any reason, to undertake its objectives, or ceases to need any of the lands for any reason, said land shall ipso facto revert to the National Government without compensation.

Sec. 33. Automatic Review. - Every five (5) years, after the effectivity of this

25 Act, an independent review panel composed of three (3) persons appointed by the 26 President shall review the performance of the Authority and shall make 27 recommendations, based on its findings to the President and to both Houses of 28 Congress.

Sec. 34. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive

30 orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent 31 with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 35. Separability Clause.- If any provision of this Act is declared

2 unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec 36. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

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