EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S. B. No. 1158
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NOV 11 
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Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
TO REORGANIZE THE NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO 
THE PUBLIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to reorganize the National Parks Development Committee or 
the NPDC, and rename it as the Public Parks Development Authority. The bill further 
defines the 
NPDC's mandate and jurisdiction, ensuring 
a coordinated 
and 
standardized approach to planning, development, operation, maintenance and 
promotion of public parks throughout the country.
The Executive Committee for the development of Quezon Memorial Circle, 
Luneta and other national parks was created in 1963 through Executive Order No. 
30. Subsequently, with Executive Order No. 69, the committee was renamed to 
"National Parks Development Committee," and was later on, in 1987, attached to the 
then Ministry of Tourism by virtue of Executive Order No. 120-A.
In 1999, through Executive Order No. 160, NPDC was reorganized, and as 
mandated by Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, it remained an 
attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Currently, the NPDC is in 
charge of Rizal Park and Paco Park in the City of Manila.
In reorganizing the NPDC into the Public Parks Development Authority, this 
bill aims to ensure the continuous and proper maintenance of public parks and open 
spaces—which improve public health, act as areas for sports and recreation, and 
provide respite from an increasingly urbanized lifestyle. This measure also aims to 
provide a boost to our local economy, as the proper maintenance of parks with


historical, cultural or scientific significance will most likely result in tourism 
opportunities.
As our nation develops and areas urbanize, it is increasingly important to 
ensure that green and open spaces remain for the benefit of the public, and that 
parks with historical, cultural or scientific significance are preserved, as public parks 
will continue to shape the quality of life of Filipino communities for generations to 
come. Hence, it is envisioned that there be a single, dedicated agency to plan, 
develop, maintain and operate public parks throughout the country.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S E N A T 1 ^ ^ «  
B. No. lloo
^n u ti-c
'3£‘itp c( !tjr &i''rftarp
•19 
NOV 11 
P 5 -2 2
RECtl'v -D Bv ____
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
TO REORGANIZE THE NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO 
THE PUBLIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. 
Change o f Name. -  The National Parks Development Committee
2 
(NPDC) is hereby renamed the Public Parks Development Authority, hereinafter
3 
referred to as Authority.
4 
Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. -
5 
a) The State upholds the fundamental right of the people to a balanced and
6 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
7 
b) The State recognizes and affirms the significant role of parks in the holistic
8 
and balanced development of the nation and of its people and shall promote its care
9 
and development.
10 
c) The State shall maintain and preserve its public parks in order to provide for a
11 
common place for individual and community enjoyment, health and relaxation, as
12 
well as to have a venue for national and local gatherings and celebrations.
13 
d) The State shall develop, maintain, and allocate funds for its public parks for
14 
the creation 
and 
promotion 
of tourism 
programs and 
initiatives, 
and 
for
15 
environmental awareness, preservation and conservation.
16 
e) The State affirms that parks are beyond the commerce of men, except parks
17 
or areas declared as Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) and Parks under the
18 
management of the Authority; Provided that. Any commerce to be introduced shall
1


1 
in no way be detrimental to the history, heritage, arts and culture, and natural
2 
environment of these parks;
3 
f) The State affirms that the value gained in maintaining public parks may be
4 
assessed through the collective satisfaction of the people that comes from having
5 
well-maintained, safe and beautiful parks.
6 
g) The State recognizes the involvement of local communities and of the
7 
different sectors of society as essential for the successful maintenance and
8 
development of public parks.
9 
h) To achieve these objectives, the State shall vest in a single government
10 
agency the primary function of planning, developing, operating and maintain public
11 
parks in the country.
12 
Sec. 3. Jurisdiction. -  The Authority shall be the primary government agency
13 
vested with the responsibility to plan, develop, supervise, operate and maintain all
14 
public parks, as defined herein, throughout the country, as well as to construct the
15 
necessary facilities in the said public parks, in consultation and coordination with
16 
concerned local government units and other appropriate national agencies and
17 
offices. The Authority shall also have responsibility over other public parks that may
18 
be assigned by the President or the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines,
19 
either by law or a presidential proclamation or executive order.
20 
Sec. 4. Public Parks. -  For purposes of this Act, a Public Park is defined as a
21 
parcel of land or body of water, or a combination thereof, as identified by the
22 
Authority and proclaimed as such, in accordance with this Act and the criteria
23 
provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be adopted by the Authority,
24 
set aside for the recreation or relaxation of people and the promotion of public
25 
awareness of some historical, artistic, cultural or scientific matter; Provided that,
26 
parks which are under the care and jurisdiction of other government agencies, are
27 
excluded in this definition, unless otherwise proclaimed, either by law or a
28 
presidential proclamation or executive order.
29 
Such Public Parks include, but are not limited to, Rizal Park, Paco Park and
30 
those parks which are of historical significance to the country, parks of cultural
31 
heritage, or parks with national monuments.


1 
Sec. 5. 
Powers and Functions. -  Subject to existing laws, rules and
2 
regulations, the Authority shall have the following powers and functions:
3 
(a) To formulate and enforce policies, plans, programs, and projects to carry out
4 
the mandate of the Authority;
5 
(b) To acquire, construct, lease, own, or possess personal and real property
6 
necessary in carrying out its mandate, powers, and functions under this Act;
7 
(c) 
To regulate the use of the areas of the Public Parks, and charge and collect
8 
reasonable fees to defray the cost of maintenance, repairs, and operation of
9 
the Public Parks;
10 
(d) To exercise the power of eminent domain relative to the establishment of new
11 
public park sites;
12 
(e) To lease, mortgage, sell, alienate, or otherwise encumber or dispose its
13 
properties, when necessary in the performance of its duties and functions,
14 
provided that properties, which form part of the Public Parks, may not be
15 
mortgaged, sold alienated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of unless
16 
authorized by a law specifically allowing the same;
17 
(f) 
To ensure the safety and security of park-goers and the maintenance of
18 
peace and order within the Public Parks;
19 
(g) To engage the services of personnel to maintain peace and order in the Public
20 
Parks, as well as in the infrastructure, office premises, and properties of the
21 
Authority;
22 
(h) To enlist and secure the aid and assistance of other relevant government
23 
agencies, offices or officials, as well as the concerned local government units,
24 
in promoting and developing the Public Parks as mandated in this Act;
25 
(i) 
To develop and implement recreational, socio-cultural, and educational
26 
programs and activities within the Public Parks that will contribute to the
27 
enrichment of national identity and heritage;
28 
(j) 
To solicit, negotiate with, and receive legacies, gifts, donations, grants,
29 
endowments, contributions, or other transfers of ownership or possession of
30 
properties in favor of the Authority, in accordance with pertinent accounting
31 
and auditing laws, rules and regulations;


1 
(k) To contract loans, credits and other indebtedness, or issue bonds, when
2 
necessary for the proper accomplishment of the purposes of this Act;
3 
(I) 
To establish, promote, and sponsor training programs for its professional and
4 
technical personnel;
5 
(m) To operate Tourism Enterprise Zones, when appropriate, over areas under the
6 
Authority's jurisdiction in accordance with Republic Act No. 9593, Provided
7 
that. Any commerce and enterprise to be introduced shall in no way be
8 
detrimental to the history, heritage, arts and culture and natural environment
9 
of these parks; and
10 
(n) To perform all other acts necessary, convenient, and expedient to carry out
11 
the mandate, powers, and functions of the Authority provided herein.
12 
Sec. 6. Board o f Trustees. -T h e  Authority shall be governed by the Board of
13 
Trustees composed of the following:
14 
a. 
Chairperson- 
Secretary of Tourism;
15 
ii. 
Vice-Chairperson -  Executive Director of Public Parks Development Authority;
16 
ii. 
Members -  
Secretary of Public Works and Highways;
17 
Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority;
18 
Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure and
19 
Enterprise Zone Authority; and
20 
Administrator of Intramuros Administration.
21 
The 
Board 
may 
create 
committees 
and 
subcommittees 
for 
the
22 
accomplishment of particular tasks or projects. It may allocate and appropriate funds
23 
to the committees and sub-committees necessary for the accomplishment of the
24 
tasks or projects assigned.
25 
Sec. 7. Meetings o f the Board. -  The Board shall meet as often as necessary
26 
which shall not be less than once a month.
27 
The Secretary of Tourism, as chairperson, shall preside in all the meetings of
28 
the Board.
29 
The Board shall appoint a corporate Secretary who shall be responsible for
30 
the efficient planning and organization of the meetings of the Board.


1 
Sec. 8. Powers and Duties o f the Executive Director. -  The Executive Director
2 
of the Authority shall have the following powers and duties:
3 
(a) To execute and administer the policies, rules and regulations and measures
4 
adopted by the Board of Trustees;
5 
(b) To recommend to the Board policies and standards for the efficient, effective,
6 
and economical operation of the Authority;
7 
(c) 
To act as Chief Executive Officer and directly manage and supervise the day
8 
to day operations and internal administration of the Public Parks Development
9 
Authority, and sign all agreements and contracts entered into for and in its
10 
behalf;
11 
(d) To prepare the agenda for the meetings of, and to submit for the
12 
consideration of the Board of Trustees all policies and measures which the
13 
Executive Director believes to be necessary to carry out its purpose;
14 
(e) To prepare and submit an annual budget and necessary supplemental
15 
budgets for the consideration of the Board of Trustees;
16 
(f) 
To appoint, discipline and remove, and define the duties of the Authority's
17 
personnel, subject to existing Civil Service Rules and Regulations;
18 
(g) To exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be vested in
19 
the Executive Director or assigned by the Board of Trustees.
20 
Sec. 9. Transfer o f Administration o f Rizai Park, Paco Park and Other Public
21 
Parks. -  The administration of the affairs of Rizai Park, Paco Park and other public
22 
parks under the NPDC organized under Executive Order Nos. 30, series of 1963; No.
23 
69, series of 1964; No. 120-A, series of 1987, and No. 160, series of 1999, shall now
24 
be under the administration of the Authority.
25 
Sec. 10. Transfer o f Rights and Liabilities. -  The Authority shall, by virtue of
26 
this Act, be subrogated to all rights and assume all liabilities of the NPDC, in
27 
accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
28 
Sec. 11. 
Funding and Budget Allocation. -  Funds needed to carry out the
29 
provisions of this Act shall be taken from a) the available funds of the National Parks
30 
Development Committee b) Additional Budget Allocation in the amount of 150 million
31 
pesos for initial funding, and every year thereafter.


1 
Sec. 12. Separability Clause. -  If any portion or provision of this Act is
2 
subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
3 
not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
4 
Sec. 13. Repealing Clause. -  All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
5 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or
6 
parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
7 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
8 
Sec. 14. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
9 
publication in the Official Gazette ox in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,