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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
TRANSFERRING AND TURNING OVER TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS 
THE ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL OF PARKS OF 
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One of the operative principles of the autonomy of local government units is 
for them to share with the national government the responsibility for the management 
and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction. 
The historic identity and value of parks of national significance and historic 
landmarks, such as but not limited to the Luneta National Park and Intramuros in the 
City of Manila, and the Quezon Memorial National Park in Quezon City, should not 
be forgotten. On the contrary, these national heritages should be properly maintained, 
preserved, and protected at all costs. Protecting, preserving, and maintaining these 
parks of national significance and historic landmarks, including their cleanliness and 
peace and order therein, to ensure the full enjoyment thereof, is of utmost importance. 
In fact, even the Lord recognized and made clear the value and importance of ancient 
landmarks (Deut. 19:14; Prov. 22:28). 
It is the humble view of the sponsor of this Bill that the administration, 
management, and control of these parks and historic landmarks should be transferred 
to the local government units where they are located in order to give them the actual, 
direct, and immediate responsibility of protecting, preserving, and maintaining them. 
With a feeling of responsibility, accountability, and identity, the maintenance, 
preservation, proper use, cleanliness, and enjoyment of these parks and historic 
landmarks would be better ensured. 
The passage of this Bill is, therefore, earnestly requested. 
BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
August 5, 2025
12:07 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
TRANSFERRING AND TURNING OVER TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS 
THE ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL OF PARKS OF 
NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
session assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — To protect our national heritage, it is 
hereby declared the Policy of the State to give full meaning to the autonomy of local 
government units even on the matter of the administration, management and control 
of parks of national significance and historic landmarks, and to secure for the Filipino 
people of present and future generations the perpetual existence and use of such areas. 
The State recognizes that local government units are in a better position to protect, 
manage, maintain, and preserve such areas within their respective territorial 
jurisdiction. 
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. — 
 Parks - refer to parks of national significance characterized by the harmonious 
interaction of man and providing opportunities for public enjoyment 
through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and 
economic activity of these areas, such as, but not limited to, the Luneta 
National Park in the City of Manila and the Quezon National 
Memorial Park and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in 
Quezon City. 
Historic landmarks - refer to areas, places, or structures of historic importance 
and significance to the life of the Country and its people, such as, but 
not limited to, Intramuros in the City of Manila. 
SEC. 3. Administration, Management and Control. The administration, 
management and control of all parks and historic landmarks as defined in this Act 
that are components of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and 
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under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
under R.A. 7856, otherwise known as “National Integrated Protected Areas System 
Act of 1992” and R.A. No. 11038, otherwise known as the “Expanded National 
Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018”, are hereby transferred and turned 
over to the local government units where such parks and historic landmarks are 
situated. 
SEC. 4. Transfer of Jurisdiction and Documents. The local government unit 
concerned shall coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources and the Protected Area Management Board for the smooth transfer of the 
administration, management and control of such parks and historic landmarks, 
including the transfer of records, documents and other papers pertinent thereto, 
which transfer shall be effected within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 5. Promulgation of Rules and Regulations. The local government unit 
concerned shall promulgate such ordinances, rules, and regulations not contrary to 
law, public policy, morals, and good customs for the protection and preservation of 
such parks and historic landmarks, and to ensure the proper, clean, and peaceful use 
and full enjoyment thereof. 
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or section of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the other parts or sections of this 
Act. 
SEC. 7 Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
rules, and regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act shall be deemed 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,