Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape Act

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape Act

Declarations and Definitions
- Declares the policy of the State to secure the perpetual existence of native plants and animals through protected areas under NIPAS. (Section 2)
- Defines terms such as buffer zones, conservation, indigenous cultural communities, protected area, protected landscape, and tenured migrants. (Section 3)

Classification and Coverage
- Declares Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape (MAPL) as a protected area with the category of protected landscape under NIPAS. (Section 4)
- Specifies the boundaries and geographic coordinates of MAPL, covering an area of 3,711.34 hectares and 15.16 hectares. (Section 5)
- Allows the establishment of buffer zones around MAPL for additional protection. (Section 6)

Management Mechanisms
- Establishes the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) within 90 days, with specified composition and terms of office. (Section 7)
- Outlines the powers and functions of the PAMB, including overseeing management, approving plans and policies, allocating funds, and recommending the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). (Section 8)
- Establishes the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) headed by the PASu, with specified duties and responsibilities for day-to-day management. (Section 9)

Proceeds and Fees
- Establishes the Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (MAPL-IPAF) for financing projects, with 75% of revenues retained for MAPL and 25% for NIPAS. (Section 10)
- Allows for grants, donations, and endowments to augment the fund, with disbursements solely for NIPAS and MAPL projects. (Section 10)

Transitory and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Requires the DENR Secretary to include the implementation of this Act in the Department's program and funding in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 11)
- Provides for suppletory application of the NIPAS Law. (Section 12)
- Requires the DENR Secretary to issue implementing rules and regulations within 90 days, in consultation with local governments and agencies. (Section 13)
- Includes separability and repealing clauses. (Sections 14 and 15)
- Specifies the effectivity date as 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (Section 16)