June 2, 2022
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11806
AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE CITY OF MASBATE AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF MOBO, IN THE PROVINCE OF MASBATE, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF NATURAL BIOTIC AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM (NIPAS), TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE TUGBO NATURAL BIOTIC AREA, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
SECTION 1.Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Tugbo Natural Biotic Area Act."
SECTION 2.Declaration of Policy. — Cognizant of the profound impact of human activities on all components of the natural environment, 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 declaration of protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) within the classification of national park as provided for in the...
General Provisions
- The Act declares a parcel of land in Masbate City and Mobo Municipality as the Tugbo Natural Biotic Area (TNBA), a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). (Section 1)
- The policy aims to conserve native plants and animals through protected areas, recognizing the biological richness of the Tugbo Watershed Forest Reserve. (Section 2)
- Defines key terms like buffer zones, conservation, indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/indigenous peoples (IPs), national park, natural biotic area, protected area, and tenured migrants. (Section 3)
- Classifies the TNBA as a national park under the Constitution. (Section 4)
- Describes the specific boundaries and coverage of the TNBA, comprising 224 hectares. (Section 5)
- Allows the DENR Secretary to designate buffer zones around the TNBA for additional protection. (Section 6)
Management Mechanisms
- Establishes a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) within 90 days, composed of representatives from various government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, IPs, and the private sector, to oversee the management of the TNBA. (Section 7)
- Outlines the functions of the PAMB, including approving policies, plans, and programs; allocating financial resources; setting fees and charges; issuing rules and regulations; and monitoring compliance. (Section 8)
- Establishes a Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) headed by a Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) to manage the day-to-day operations of the TNBA, with specific duties and responsibilities outlined. (Section 9)
Proceeds and Fees
- Establishes the Tugbo Natural Biotic Area Integrated Protected Area Fund (TNBA-IPAF) to finance projects in the TNBA and NIPAS, funded by fees, proceeds, contributions, and other income generated from the TNBA. (Section 10)
- Allocates 75% of revenues to the Protected Area-Retained Income Account (PA-RIA) for the TNBA's management, and 25% to the National Treasury for NIPAS projects. (Section 10)
- Allows the fund to be augmented by grants, donations, and endowments, with disbursements following accounting, budgeting, and auditing rules. (Section 10)
Transitory and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Requires the DENR Secretary to include the implementation of the Act in the Department's program and funding in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 11)
- Provides for the suppletory application of the NIPAS Law (Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038). (Section 12)
- Requires the DENR Secretary to issue implementing rules and regulations within 90 days, in consultation with LGUs and concerned agencies. (Section 13)
- Includes a separability clause and repealing clause for inconsistent laws. (Sections 14-15)
- Specifies the effectivity date as 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (Section 16)