Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape (Mgpl) Act

) TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) AUG -4 P1:44 SENATE RECEIED BI. S. No. 830 Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PRESIDENT MANUEL A. ROXAS, KATIPUNAN AND SERGIO OSMENA 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 The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.' It also classifies national parks as lands of the public domain and mandates that once established, these parks shall be conserved and may not be increased or diminished except by law.? These constitutional provisions underpin the development of the country's environmental and conservation policies and laws, especially the creation of protected areas. To implement these provisions, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 7586, known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.3 This landmark law institutionalized a legal framework for managing ecologically important areas, ensuring the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the 1 Philippine Government. (1987). The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article II,

Section 16. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/

2 Ibid., Art. XII, Sec. 3 and 4. 3 Republic of the Philippines. (1992). Republic Act No. 7586: An Act providing for the establishment and management of National Integrated Protected Areas System, defining its scope and coverage, and for other purposes. Retrieved from https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/3508

establishment of a comprehensive system of protected areas. The Act was later amended by Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018, which declared additional sites as legislated protected areas and enhanced the mechanisms for their governance and protection. 4 As of June 2025, the Philippines has a total of 117 legislated protected areas covering 4,436,519.94 hectares. In addition, 13 areas have been proclaimed as protected by the President, encompassing 1,105,465.98 hectares. There are also 121 areas categorized as remaining initial components under the NIPAS, covering 2,258,174.27 hectares.5 Ecological and Geographical Importance of Mt. Gutom Mt. Gutom is situated within the municipalities of President Manuel A. Roxas, Katipunan, and Siayan, in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, covering approximately 5,464 hectares. It spans several barangays, including Panampalay and Tantingon in President Manuel A. Roxas, Malasay and Fimagas in Katipunan, and Dumogok in Siayan.6 The area features a diverse landscape characterized by lowland dipterocarp forests, secondary growth areas, and mossy-pine forests near its summit, indicating a range of microclimates and elevations that support high biodiversity. Mt. Gutom also plays a crucial hydrological role, serving as one of the most important watersheds in Zamboanga del Norte. It supplies water to surrounding communities for agriculture, domestic use, and ecological sustenance. Biodiversity and Protected Area Suitability In 2017, the DENR conducted a Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) for Mt. Gutom. The assessment documented 384 species of flora, of which 9 species 4 Republic of the Philippines. (2018). Republic Act No. 11038: Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018. Retrieved from https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/84999 5 Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau. (n.d.). List of protected areas. https://www.bmb.gov.ph/index.php/pa-mainmenu/list-of-protected-areas, Philippine News Agency. (2024, April 22). PBBM declares sites in Guimaras, Quezon, Albay as protected areas. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1254527 6 Lama, J. M. N., Caballero, E. B., & Mondejar, E. P. (2023). Bat diversity and its distribution in Mount Gutom Protected Landscape, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Biodiversitas, 24(10), 5495-5502. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d241031

are critically endangered, 3 endangered, 14 threatened, and 16 vulnerable, based on DENR and IUCN classifications.? Notable endemic and vulnerable fauna in the area include: • The Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta) • The Philippine deer (Rusa marianna) • The Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis) • The Philippine long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis)® These species highlight Mt. Gutom's role as a refuge for endemic wildlife threatened by habitat loss elsewhere. Further studies have reinforced this biological richness: • A 2022 odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) study recorded 27 species, with over 59% endemicity and several species classified as "Near Threatened. "9 • A bat diversity assessment from the same year recorded 8 species, of which 62.5% were endemic. The vulnerable Eonycteris robusta was detected in the secondary forest, indicating habitat quality sufficient for sensitive species. 10 Threats and Urgency of Legal Protection Despite its ecological importance, Mt. Gutom is under pressure from human activities, including: 11 • Timber poaching and illegal logging • Kaingin (slash-and-burn farming) • Forest conversion to agricultural land • Encroachment by upland dwellers • Hunting and poaching of wildlife These activities result in habitat degradation, biodiversity loss, and long-term impacts on water availability and climate resilience. Declaring Mt. Gutom as a ' Dicol, J.P., Mondejar, E.P., & Villanueva, R.J. T. (2024). Species diversity of Odonata in Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Biodiversitas, 25(11), 4479-4486. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d251146 8 Ibid ° Ibid 10 Same source as Note 5 11 Same source as Note 5

protected landscape will provide a legal framework for conservation and allow the formulation of a Protected Area Management Plan (PAMP), allocation of funds, and deputization of enforcement officers. Mt. Gutom's ecological integrity, biodiversity value, and watershed function qualify it for immediate designation as a protected landscape under NIPAS. This legislative action will not only conserve its natural wealth but also contribute to the Philippines' commitments under international conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -4 P1:44 SENATE RECEIVED BY S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF PRESIDENT MANUEL A. ROXAS, KATIPUNAN AND SERGIO OSMENA 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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS

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

5 Protected Landscape (MGPL) Act".

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

7 activities on all components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement, and 9 recognizing the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural biological 10 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 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 establishment of protected areas within the classification of national park as 15 provided in the Constitution.

To acknowledge the distinct, rich and diverse biological resources of both flora 2 and fauna that are endemic and unique to Mt. Gutom, as well as their aesthetic and 3 ecological importance, a parcel of land of the public domain located in the 4 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 6 category of protected landscape, and shall hereinafter be referred to as Mt. Gutom 7 Protected Landscape (MGPL). As such, the State shall ensure the preservation, conservation, protection and sustainable management of the area. It is likewise 9 recognized that effective administration of this area is possible only through 10 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 16 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 20 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 23 park in accordance with Article XII, Section 3 of the Constitution.

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

described as the area beginning at a point marked "1" on the Map, being S 46°35'35" W, 1,025.78 meters from PRS'92 Control Monument "ZGN-5852" with geographic 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 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 thence S 63°24'08" E 1120.38 meters to corner

thence N 01°40'00" W 360.72 meters to corner ; thence N 63°19'04" E 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 ; thence N 21°58'16" E 684.61 meters to corner ; 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 638.93 meters to corner ; N 35°09'26" W meters to corner thence 372.30 thence N 52°28'08" E 602.90 meters to corner thence S 13°26'25" W 383.08 meters to corner ; 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 336.67 meters to corner ; 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 S 60°38'26" E meters to corner 121.47 thence S 29°22'52" E 640.48 meters to corner ; S 89°17'32" E meters to corner ; thence 1353.99 thence N 16°52'48" E 1306.47 meters to corner ; thence S 44°03'06" E 773.09 meters to corner ; thence S 16°16'15" E 866.82 meters to corner ; thence N 82°02'51" W 592.13 meters to corner ; S 61°48'11" W meters to corner ; thence 1195.31 thence S 06°47'59" E 581.09 meters to corner ; meters to corner thence S 36°08'46" E 748.53 ; 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 § 56°01'14" W 844.29 meters to corner ; thence S 20°49'06" W meters to corner ; 516.34 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 ; N 43°10'44" W thence 1275.40 meters to corner ; thence N 53°24'38" W 663.54 meters to corner ; thence S 08°23'45" E 374.48 meters to corner ; 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 462.96 meters to corner ; thence N 87°35'38" W 688.82 meters to corner ; thence N 20°57'53" W 243.40 meters to corner ; thence N 77°52'08" W 138.53 meters to corner ; thence N 35°38'38" W meters to corner ; 187.02 thence N 50°26'25" W 284.16 meters to corner thence N 60°31'27" W 139.80 meters to corner 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 meters to corner ; 96.46 thence N 02°35'16" W 93.76 meters to corner ; 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 ; thence N 48°46'15" W 323.04 meters to corner ;

meters to corner thence N 55°36'34" W 150.14 ; thence N 32°37'09" W 164.92 meters to corner thence N 15°02'16" E 110.13 meters to corner ; thence N 35°24'03" W 270.39 meters to corner ; thence N 66°58'52" W 465.37 meters to corner ; thence N 05°51'12" W 198.06 meters to corner ; 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 meters to corner 525.71 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 meters to corner ; 92.94 thence N 35°26'55" W 173.61 meters to corner ; N 77°21'20" W thence 112.71 meters to corner ; thence N 72°45'08" W 224.94 meters to corner ; thence N 71°22'10" W 140.53 meters to corner ; thence N 03°22'16" W meters to corner ; 86.03 thence N 53°24'11" E 144.12 meters to corner ; 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 S 86°16'26" E meters to corner thence 1959.34 ; 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

thence S 18°54'17" E 528.62 meters to corner ; thence N 63°45'57" E 869.31 meters to corner ; thence N 65°38'25" E 612.13 meters to corner the point of beginning, containing an area of FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (5,468) HECTARES, more or less. Bearings and distances of lines were 6 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 Authority 9 (NAMRIA) containing the boundaries and technical descriptions of the MGPL is hereby 10 adopted and made an integral part of this Act. In case of inconsistency, the boundaries 11 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 and stakeholders concerned.

Sec. 5. 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 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 where the designated buffer zone would cover private lands, the owners thereof shall 21 be required to design their development with due consideration to the protected area management plan. ARTICLE II 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; 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 7 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

10 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; 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; ]) 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 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 2 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; 9) 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

(MGPL-IPAF). - There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Mt. Gutom Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (MGPL-IPAF) 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 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 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 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 general fund

in the National Treasury for purposes of financing the programs and projects of the 2 NIPAS. The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowment from 4 various sources, domestic or foreign: Provided, That the fund shall be deposited in full 5 as a special account in the National Treasury and disbursements therefrom shall be 6 made solely for the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the 7 NIPAS and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with existing 8 accounting, budgeting and auditing, rules and regulations; Provided, further, That the 9 fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures. The LGU 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 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 shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

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

Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by the Republic Act No. 11038, shall have 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 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 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,