NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE
S. No. 1588
/C' v;J ^GUarC
of ti)p £■; ncttU'p
*22 DEC-5 PI :30
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Open and green spaces, especially those located within or near urban areas, 
contribute greatly to public health, beautify our surroundings, and offer potentials for 
sustainable economic growth to our communities.
These public open spaces are crucial in reducing stress and mental disorders 
among residents of urban areas. Public parks also diminish health inequalities and 
increase perception of life quality and self-reported general health. They also provide 
arenas and opportunities for physical activity, increased social interactions and 
different modes of recreation. The example of developed countries has also shown 
that cities and towns become more attractive when they have numerous public 
parks as part of their tourism plan.
For this reason, developed countries around the world have incorporated 
public parks in the habitats of their citizens while the United Nations has identified 
these spaces as integral to the attainment of Sustainable Development 
Goal # 11 which is the creation and maintenance of Sustainable Cities and 
Communities.
The Philippines, however, lags behind these developed countries. First and 
foremost, the concept of a park is not clearly defined and the allocation of public 
spaces in urban areas for such purpose, unmandated on a national level.
Bearing in mind that 54% of the 7.2 billion world population in 2014 reside in 
urban areas, with a higher concentration in less developed regions of the world, 
developing public parks and green spaces is an urgent matter. The situation is no 
different in the Philippines where the urban population increased to more than 50 
million in the past five decades. This figure will balloon to 102 million by year 2050, 
or more than 65% of the Philippines' total population, according to the 
Philippines Urbanization Review by the World Bank Group.


In response to this urgent need, and as a component of the government's 
"Build Build Build" drive, a "Green Green Green" Program has been launched by the 
Department of Budget and Management in 2018. The program is a unique assistance 
program that aims to make cities more livable and sustainable through the 
development of public open spaces.
Aiming to support this program, this National and Local Public Parks Bill is filed. 
This Bill seeks to establish the National and Local Public Parks System in the 
Philippines by identifying the initial 2 National and Local Public Parks to be under the 
system: the historical Rizal Park and the Paco Park both located in the City of Manila. 
The Bill also mandates identification and establishment of urban parks, open and 
green spaces, and recreational areas that shall constitute the National and Local 
Public Parks System by local government units nationwide.
Lastly, the establishment of the National and Local Public Parks Institute 
under the supervision of the National Public Parks Board shall also pave way for the 
training and education of future generations on park development, urban planning, 
sustainable tourism and environmental protection.
Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
N. TOLENTINO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1588
of llif &; r; rt(ir;i
*22 DEC-5 PI :30
RtCEiVtOBV.
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
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AN ACT
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 1 - Introductory Sections
Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "National Parks Act 
of2022'.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and 
maintain the health and well-being of the Filipino people, through the establishment 
and preservation of parks and open spaces. Towards this end, the State recognizes 
parks and open spaces as valuable assets, and as such mandates:
a) the establishment of the Philippine National Public Parks System aimed to 
conserve the scenery, natural and historic 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) the recognition that parks and open spaces contribute to human health and 
wellbeing, social cohesion / identity, tourism, biodiversity, air quality and 
carbon sequestration, water management, and cooling the environment.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.
mean:
As used in this Act, the following words shall
a) Administrator- refers to the Chief Executive Officer and Head of the National 
and Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) Secretariat as defined in Sec. of this 
Act.
b) Board- refers to the NALPA Board as defined in Sec. 5 of this Act.
National and Local Public Parks refer to any land laid out as a public garden and/or 
used for the purpose of public recreation. This does not refer to national shrines 
administered by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.


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c) 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.
d) NIPAS- refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System as defined 
in Republic Act No. 7586, as amended, or the NIPAS Act.
e) NPDC - refers to the National Parks Development Committee created by 
Executive Order 30 series of 1963.
f) NPFov NPFI- refers to the Nayong Pilipino 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 established the Nayong Pilipino Foundation on 
November 6, 1972.
g) Protected Areas - refers to the Protected Areas as defined under the NIPAS 
Act.
h) Secretariat - refers to the NALPA Secretariat as defined under Sec. 7 of this 
Act.
Chapter 2 -
Establishment of the National and Local Public Parks Authority
Sec. 4. Creation of the National and Local Public Parks Authority. —
There is hereby created the National and Local Parks Authority hereinafter referred 
to as the "Authority". 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.
Sec. 5. Governing Board of the National and Local Parks Authority. -
In the exercise of its powers and functions, the Authority shall be governed by a Board 
to be composed of the following:
Secretary of Tourism
Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources 
shall be officially represented by the Director of the Biodiversity Management 
Bureau)
Chairperson 
Co-Chairperson (who
Secretary of Public Works and Flighways
Secretary of the Agriculture
Secretary of Interior and Local Government
Member
Member
Member


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Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education 
Director-General of the TESDA Secretariat
Member
Member
In addition, the President of the Phiiippines shali appoint the foilowing 
members from the private sector:
Two representatives, from a recognized professional architectural 
organization; and
Two representatives, from the academe, preferably in urban planning 
and 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 vacancies caused by expiration of terms shall hold office for 
three (3) years.
The President of the Philippines may, however, revise the membership 
of the NALPA Board, whenever the President deems it necessary for the 
effective performance of the Board's functions through an administrative 
order.
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The NALPA Board shall meet at least twice a year, or as frequently as 
may be deemed necessary by its Chairperson. In the absence of the 
Chairperson, a Co-Chairperson shall preside. The internal rules of the NALPA 
Board shall be promulgated during its first organizational meeting.
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In the exercise of its functions, the NALPA Board shall be assisted by the 
NALPA Secretariat as provided for in Section 7 of this Act.
The benefits, privileges and emoluments of the Board shall be consistent 
with existing laws and rules.
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board.
following powers:
The Board, shall have the
a) Establish minimum quotas for all LCDs 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 LCDs in 
the planning, establishment, and management of parks that 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;


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d) establish and manage the National and Local Public Parks Institute which shall
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serve as the national center for park administration, management, and
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maintenance training, research and development;
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e) in coordination with the Biodiversity Management Bureau, shall make Protected
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Areas accessible to the public for recreational purposes;
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f) organize and constitute standing committees, subsidiary groups, or technical
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working groups for the efficient integration and coordination of local open
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spaces and urban 
parks;
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g) exact reasonable fees and charges for such services provided and trainings
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conducted and retain such earnings for its own use, subject to guidelines
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promulgated by the Authority;
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h) create, when deemed necessary, an Advisory Committee which shall provide
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expert and technical advice to the Board to be chosen from the academe and
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the private sector: Provided, that in case the Advisory Committee is created,
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the Board is hereby authorized to set aside a portion of its appropriation for its
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operation; and
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i) carry out any and all other functions characteristic of public institutions of
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similar mandate and national scope, in line with prevailing international
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principles and best practices.
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Sec. 7. The NALPA Secretariat — The NALPA Secretariat, an independent
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agency of the executive department, shall have the primary mission of providing pro-
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active leadership in the continuous development of systematic approaches as well as
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measures to maintain and manage the National and Local Public Parks System, and
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shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
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a) to establish and maintain a planning process and formulate a national parks
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development plan in which all concerned groups and entities at various levels
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participate;
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b) to provide analytical inputs to policy decision-making of the Authority on
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allocation of resources and institutional roles and responsibilities as shall be
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embodied in the annual national parks plans;
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c) to recommend measures, and implement the same upon approval by the
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Authority, for the effective and efficient implementation of the national parks
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development plan;
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d) to propose to the Authority the specific allocation of resources for the programs
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and projects it shall undertake pursuant to approved national parks
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development plan;
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e) to submit to the Authority periodic reports on the progress and accomplishment
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of work programs of implementation of plans and policies; and
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f) to perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Board.
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Sec. 8. The NALPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer. — The
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NALPA Secretariat shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall likewise be a
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member of the Board. The Administrator shall be appointed by the President of the
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Philippines and shall enjoy the benefits, privileges ad emoluments equivalent to the
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rank of Undersecretary.


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As Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall exercise
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general supervision and control over its technical and administrative personnel. The
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Administrator shall have the power to recommend to the Authority the structural
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organization and the personnel complement of the Secretariat. Furthermore,
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Administrator shall appoint such personnel necessary to carry out the objectives,
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policies and functions of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules and
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regulations.
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The Administrator may call upon other instrumentalities or entities of the
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government and nongovernment and civic organizations for assistance in terms of the
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use of their facilities and resources for the management and administration of any
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park in the System. This authority includes the power to call on the Philippine National
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Police to maintain peace and order in any park in the System.
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The performance of the functions of the Administrator under this Act shall, in
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no case, result in the diminution of the powers of the LCDs to establish their own
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parks or develop their own open or green spaces.
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Sec. 9. Deputy Administrators. — The Administrator shall be assisted by
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four (4) Deputy Administrators for: (i) Research and Development, (ii) National and
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Local Public Parks Operations, (iii) Local Public Parks Operations, and
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Park Architecture & Planning.
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The Deputy Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and emoluments
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equivalent to the rank of Assistant Secretary.
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Sec. 10. Regional Administrators. — The Regional Administrators shall be
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under the direct control of the Administrator and shall oversee the operations of
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National and Local Public Parks at the regional level.
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The Regional Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and
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emoluments equivalent to the rank of a Regional Director, and shall provide technical
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assistance particularly to local government units for effective supervision,
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coordination, and monitoring of national and local parks within their localities, and
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their integration to the National Public Park System.
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Sec. 11. Organizational Divisions. — The Secretariat shall have the
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following Divisions which shall be headed by Division Chiefs:
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Administrative Division
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a) Finance Division
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b) Programs and Public Affairs Division
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c) Internal Audit Division
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d) Security and Safety Division
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e) Information and Communications Technology Division
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f) Culturai & Heritage Preservation Division
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The foliowing Divisions shall be headed by the Deputies Administrators:


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a) National Public Park Operations & Management
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b) Local Public Park Operations & Management
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c) Research & Development
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d) Park Architecture & Planning
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Sec. 12. Personnel Training^ Development and Performance
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Incentives. — The Authority shall undertake training and development programs to
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upgrade the capabilities of its personnel in its various functions. Personnel shall be
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allowed to train or study outside the Institute, in the Philippines or abroad, on official
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time, subject to the needs of the service, upon approval of the Administrator.
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A system of monetary incentives shall be established to reward the superior
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performance and milestones of professional development on the part of management
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and administrative and technical personnel, subject to approval of the Department
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of Budget and Management and, where applicable, to the Civil Service
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Commission.
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Sec. 13. Consultants and Technical Assistance, Publication and
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Research. — In pursuing its objectives, the Authority is hereby authorized to set
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aside a portion of its appropriation for the hiring of services of qualified consultants,
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and private organizations for research work and publication in the field of national and
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urban parks, and open and green spaces. It shall avail itself of the services of other
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agencies of the Government as may be required.
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Sec. 14. Privileges of the Authority. — In line with the declared policy
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and the avowed purposes of this Act, and to ensure its independence and autonomy,
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the NALPA Secretariat shall be attached solely for budgetary coordination and related
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purposes to the Office of the President. The Secretariat shall:
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a) be classified as a National Government Agency, primarily for administrative
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purposes, including receiving its annual budget from the general appropriations
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of the National Government to cover appropriately the entirety of its mandated
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operations and activities;
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b) be considered as higher in level than a Bureau or Bureau-level agency but
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beneath that of a Department or Department-level agency, primarily for
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administrative purposes as to staffing pattern and compensation scales; and
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c) enjoy such privileges and special rules characteristic of both a Government-
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Owned or -Controlled Corporation and a State University or College wherever
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possible and which, in any and all cases, promote the objectives of this Act;
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and that special rule as may be necessary to this effect be formulated and
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appropriately promulgated by the NALPA, the Department of Budget and
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Management, the Commission on Audit, and other concerned agencies.
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Sec. 15- The Dissolution of NPDC and NFC and Transfer to NALPA
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Secretariat. — The NPDC and NFC are hereby dissolved and all their powers,
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functions, responsibilities, all applicable funds and appropriations, records, assets, and
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properties are hereby transferred to the NALPA Secretariat.


Chapter 3 - The National Parks Institute
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Sec. 16. The Creation of the National Parks Institute. — There is hereby 
created 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 Authority. The Institute shall be headed by a Director.
In coordination with CHED and state universities and colleges, and other private 
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 
LCDs, and 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 4 — The National Parks System
Sec. 17. Study and Planning of National Parks/ Urban Parks, Open 
Spaces, and Recreationai-Area Facilities. — Within 3 years from the effectivity 
of this Act, the Authority shall make a comprehensive study of the National Parks, 
Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities programs of the national 
government and the LGUs and of areas of land throughout the Philippines that are or 
may be chiefly valuable as National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and 
Recreational-Area Facilities.
The report shall be submitted to the Board who shall be empowered to declare 
specifically identified areas as either National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, or 
Recreational-Area Facilities.
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Sec. 18. Identification of National Parks. — Notwithstanding any law or
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proclamation to the contrary, the following parks are hereby considered National Parks
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and shall be under the jurisdiction of the Authority: (1) the Rizal Park, and (2) the
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Paco Park.
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The Administrator, and its Provincial Administrators, are strictly mandated to
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investigate, study, and continually monitor areas whose over-all circumstances exhibit
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qualities of national significance and that may have potential to become a NALPA Park.
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Sec. 19. Acquisition of Land. - In the exercise of its power under this Act,
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the Authority through the Administrator shall have the power to acquire land and
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interests in land within the boundary of any NALPA Park. In the same manner and for


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the establishment of an identified National Park, the power of eminent domain shall
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be exercised through the Administrator, or by any of its Deputies or Provincial
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Administrators.
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Sec. 20. Creation of Urban Parks and Open Spaces in LGUs. — Within
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the period provided by the Authority, LGUs shall be obliged to identify Urban Parks
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and Open Spaces within their jurisdictions.
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Identified areas may either become NALPA Administered Parks or maintain their
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nature as Local Parks at the discretion of the LGU.
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The Authority is hereby mandated to enter into cooperative agreements with
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colleges and universities, in partnership with LGUs and other agencies, to establish
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cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated
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information products on the resources in the NALPA Parks, or the LGU of which the
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NALPA Park is located for possible commercial production or utilization.
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Sec. 21. Delineation of Authority and Coverage. - Subject to the IRR and
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dependent on the categorization of the land or an area, a nature reserve or a declared
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protected area under the NIPAS shall continue to be under the jurisdiction of the
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DENR. All other parks established or may be established may be covered under this
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Act.
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Sec. 22. Administration^ Managementr and Funding of NALPA Parks.
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— Subject to reasonable restrictions under the IRR, the general public are hereby to
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be granted free admission to all NALPA Parks. However, the Authority may levy
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appropriate fees to special activities or programs.
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Sec. 23. Retention of Income. -The Authority is hereby authorized to retain
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the entirety of its income from all sources of its operations nationwide, and to spend
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the same for any purpose.
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Sec. 24. The NALPA Fund. —The NALPA Fund is hereby established, to be
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managed/administered by the Authority, the income from which shall be utilized
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exclusively in awarding of grants and providing assistance to park development
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programs, local government units for upgrading their capabilities, and to develop and
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implement training and training-related activities for park development. The
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contribution to the fund shall be the following:
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a) a one-time lump sum appropriation from the National Government in the
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amount of P100,000,000.0;
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b) donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or gifts of which the
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Authority is hereby authorized to accept, and
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c) any other income generated by the Authority.
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The Authority shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such, shall
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formulate the necessary implementing guidelines for the management of the fund,
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subject to the following: a) unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only


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earnings of private contributions shall be used; and b) no part of the seed capital of
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the fund, including earnings, thereof, shall be used to underwrite expenses for
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administration.
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The Board shall appoint a reputable government-accredited investment
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institution as fund manager, subject to guidelines promulgated by the Board.
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Sec. 25. Incentives Schemes. — The Authority shall develop and administer
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appropriate incentives schemes to encourage the LGUs and private industries and
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institutions to participate in the development of the National Parks System.
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Sec. 26. Parks and Green Spaces Awards. — To promote parks
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development in the country and with the view of participating in international park
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development competitions, the Authority, with the active participation of private
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industries, shall organize and conduct annual Parks and Green Spaces Awards. The
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Authority, through the Secretariat, shall promulgate the necessary rules and guidelines
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for the effective and efficient conduct of Annual National Parks and Green Spaces
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Competition among the LGUs and for the country's participation in international park
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development competitions.
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Sec. 27. Exemption from Taxes, Duties, Fees and Charges. - The
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Authority shall be exempt from the payment of taxes, fees and charges imposed by
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the National Government and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities
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regardless of the nature of its activity.
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All donations in any form shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the same
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shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income in the computation
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of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No.
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8424, otherwise known as the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
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Furthermore, importation of supplies and materials for the use of the Authority
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shall be exempt from customs duties.
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Sec. 28. Commercial Operations of and inside of NALP A Parks. - The
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Authority shall be authorized to undertake commercial operations, the proceeds of
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which shall be credited to the NALPA Fund:
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a) The rental of dedicated areas for external events, functions and similar
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activities;
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b) The lease of dedicated areas for the erection and operation of commercial
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establishments inside NALPA Parks, which NALPA shall be allowed to award,
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through public bidding, and giving preference to nonprofit organizations of a
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nature related to or supportive of its mandate, for a term of up to five (5) years
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per contract;
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c) The production and/or licensing of official merchandise;
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d) The award of concession contracts when the Authority shall utilize concession
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contracts to authorize a person, corporation, or other entity to provide
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accommodations, facilities, and services to visitors or users of NALPA Parks.


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Sec. 29. Contracted Services. - Then Authority is authorized to contract out
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services for Park Management and Safety and Security Services.
Chapter 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions
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Sec. 30. NALPA Budget - The amount necessary to finance the initial
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implementation of this Act shall be charged against the existing appropriations of
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the NPDC and the NPF, and shall be supported by funds coming from the Office of the
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President. Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued
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implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within 180 days from
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the effectivity of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Board the implementing
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rules and regulations of this Act upon prior consultation with all concerned groups and
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entities.
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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 
commission an expert group on funding schemes for the NALPA Fund, as 
provided in Section 24, the results of which shall be used as the basis for 
appropriate action by the Board.
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 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 on 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:
1) 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.
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2) The Authority is hereby authorized to mortgage any properties referred 
to above for the purpose of carrying out its objectives and purposes only; 
and
3) 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 Act, an independent review panel composed of three (3) persons appointed by 
the President shall review the performance of the Authority and shall make 
recommendations, based on its findings to the President and to both Houses of 
Congress.
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Sec. 34. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, 
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulation 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.
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Sec. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
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remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 36. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
11