.{,, 
i *\ 
PI% 
*p.#:,\ 
?"Jr. . . 
~.. 
. 
, 
,
,
 
i ' ~ ? ,  
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE} 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
I 
Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the Bigbiga Spring Watershed Forest Reserve in 
Bigbiga Spring Watershed Forest Reserve which is located within Sitio 
Mata, Barangay Cadacad, Municipality of Narvacan in the Province of llocos Sur 
has a total area of 135.71 hectares of lands of public domain. The area is 
composed of 50% brushland consisting of mixed miscellaneous species of trees 
including bamboo, bikal, rattan and vines, with the other 50% identified as open 
grassland. Also found are 11 species of birds. 
Due to its biodiversity and ecological significance, the Bigbiga Spring 
Watershed Forest Reserve now known as the Bigbiga Protected Landscape was 
declared a protected area under the category of Protected Landscape, in 
23 April 2000 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 290. 
In line with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of 
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature, it is incumbent upon Congress to enact a law to provide 
for the area's management, protection, conservation and sustainable 
development. It shall be established within the framework of R.A. 7586 or the 
National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. 
Therefore, this bill seeks to declare the Bigbiga Spring Watershed Forest 
Reserve as a protected area in order to protect it from indiscriminate exploitation 
and to maintain and preserve its ecological balance. 
the Province of llocos Sur as a protected area. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought 
MA NYVLLAR 
Y 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE} 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
} 
Second Regular Session 
/ 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. __ 
890 
Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE BlGBlGA SPRING WATERSHED FOREST RESERVE 
SITUATED IN BARANGAY CADACAD, IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
NARVACAN, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR, AS A PROTECTED AREA, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Tifle. - This Act shall be known as the "Bigbiga Protected 
Landscape Act of 2008." 
SEC. 2. Land Classification. - All lands of public domain comprising the 
Bigbiga Spring Watershed Forest Reserve shall fall under the classification of 
National Park as provided for in the Constitution. 
SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Bigbiga Spring Watershed Forest 
Reserve which falls under the category of protected landscape as defined 
therein, shall cover lands of the public domain situated in Barangay Cadacad in 
the Municipality of Narvacan, Province of llocos Sur. It shall have the following 
boundaries: The Bigbiga Protected Landscape begins at corner "1" on the plan 
identical to S 82W, 1,490 m. from Barangay Cadacad, Narvacan, llocos Sur. 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
Thence 
S 2@ 33'58" W 
S 6@ 45'41" W 
S 42. 37'22" W 
S 6 3  44'29" W 
S 5 2  4025 W 
S 87 55'06" 
W 
S 22.26'35" 
W 
S I@ 34'01" W 
N 31° 25'12" E 
N 73 19'57" W 
S 4@ 35'30" W 
S 7!3 34'27" W 
S 62. 59'1 1" W 
S 510 40'05" 
W 
S 23 04'29" 
W 
S 4 7  03'38" 
W 
S 72 52'16" 
W 
N 12 53'24" 
W 
N I@ 01'25 W 
N 73 22'30" E 
438.880 m. 
258.227 m. 
408.141 m. 
258.286 m. 
169.047 m. 
178.586 m. 
170.329 m. 
269.300 m. 
60.187 m. 
12.550 m. 
17.910 m. 
16.081 m. 
18.479 m. 
16.608 m. 
16.715 m. 
11.691 m. 
21.345 m. 
79.649 m. 
41.509 rn. 
28.203 m. 
to corner 2; 
to corner 3; 
to corner 4; 
to corner 5; 
to corner 6; 
to corner 7; 
to corner 8; 
to corner 9; 
to corner 10; 
to corner 1 1  ; 
to corner 12; 
to corner 13; 
to corner 14; 
to corner 15; 
to corner 16; 
to corner 17; 
to corner 18; 
to corner 19; 
to corner 20; 
to corner 21 ; 
1 


Thence 
N 85O 22’05” E 
15.238 m. 
to corner 22; 
to corner 23; 
Thence 
N 8P 15’12” E 
14.311 m. 
Thence 
N 7 8  30’14” E 
15.465 m. 
to corner 24; 
Thence 
N 6 8  40’30” E 
20.542 m. 
to corner 25; 
Thence 
N 8 2  37’21” E 
26.905 m. 
to corner 26; 
Thence 
N 7 9  50’37” E 
26.701 m. 
to corner 27; 
Thence 
N 8@ 09’42” E 
15.218 m. 
to corner 28; 
Thence 
N 0 4  27’22” E 
509.719 m. 
to corner 29; 
Thence 
S 6 7  04’58” E 
179.514 m. 
to corner 30; 
Thence 
N 210 12’43” E 
671.986 m. 
to corner 31 ; 
Thence 
N 12 26’21” E 
545.736 m. 
to corner 32; 
Thence 
N 8 4  06’40” E 
241.857 m. 
to corner 33; 
Thence 
S O I o  32’45” W 
160.143 m. 
to corner 34; 
Thence 
S 1 lo 
25’50” E 
250.662 m. 
to corner 35; 
Thence 
S 22O 23’37” E 
331.332 m. 
to corner 36; 
Thence 
S 0 8  26’1 7” E 
210.473 m. 
to corner 37; 
Thence 
S O@ 26’32” E 
200.397 m. 
to corner 38; 
Thence 
S 710 05’06” E 
141.097 m. 
to corner 1; of the 
beginning containing an area of One Hundred Thirfy-Five and 7140/100 
(135.7140) hectares. 
The technical descriptions provided in this Act will be subject to ground 
survey and verification to be conducted by the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR). 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as 
changing ecological situations, new scientific or archeological findings, or 
discovery of traditional boundaries not previously taken into account shall be 
made through an act of Congress, after consultation with the affected public and 
concerned government agencies. 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following 
terms are defined as follows: 
a. “Biodiversity” refers to variety and variability among living organisms 
b. ”Biological resources” refers to genetic resources, organisms or parts 
thereof, population, or any other biotic component of ecosystems with actual or 
potential use or value for humanity. 
c. “Bioprospecting” means the research, collection and utilization of 
biological and genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived 
therefrom solely for commercial purposes. 
and the ecological complexes in which said organisms occur. 
d. ”Buffer Zone” refers to the identified area outside the boundaries of 
and immediately adjacent to the designated Bigbiga Protected Landscape that 
needs special development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the 
Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
e. “By-products or derivatives” refers to any part taken or substance 
extracted from wildlife, in raw or in processed form. This includes stuffed animals 
and herbarium specimens. 
f. “Collection or collecting” refers to the act of gathering or harvesting 
wildlife, its by-products or derivatives. 
2 


g. “Conservation” refers to the sustainable utilization of wildlife, and/or 
maintenance, restoration and enhancement of the habitat. 
h. “Ecosystem” refers to the dynamic complex of plant, animal and 
microorganism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a 
functional unit. 
i. “Endangered species” refers to species or subspecies of flora and 
fauna that is not critically endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if 
the causal factors continue operating. 
j. “Endemic species” refers to species or subspecies of flora and fauna 
which is naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country. 
k. “Exotic species” refers to species or subspecies of flora and fauna 
which do not naturally occur within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape at present 
or in historical time. 
I. “Habitat“ refers to a place or type of environment where a species or 
subspecies naturally occur or has naturally established its population. 
m. “Hunting” refers to collection of wild fauna for food and/or recreational 
purposes with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spear and the 
like. 
n. “Management plan” refers to the fundamental plan, strategy and/or 
scheme which shall guide all activities relating to the Bigbiga Protected 
Landscape in order to attain the objectives of this Act. 
0. “Mineral” refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, 
gas, liquid, or any intermediate state including energy materials such as coal, 
petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials, and geothermal energy. 
p. “Multiple-Use Zone” refers to the area where settlement, traditional 
and/or sustainable land use, including agriculture, agro-forestry, extraction 
activities and other income generating or livelihood activities, may be allowed to 
the extent prescribed in the management plan. 
q. “National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)” refers to the 
classification and administration of all designated protected areas to maintain 
essential ecological processes and life-support systems, to preserve genetic 
diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain 
their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible. 
r. “NIPAS Act” refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System 
Act (NIPAS) of 1992 or Republic Act No. 7586, and its Implementing Rules and 
Regulations. 
s. “Non-governmental organization (NGO)” refers to an agency, 
institution, foundation or a group of persons whose purpose is to assist peoples 
organizationslassociations in various ways including, but not limited to, 
organizing, education, training, research and/or resource accessing. 
t. “People’s Organization (PO)” refers to a group of organized migrant 
communities and or interested indigenous peoples which may be an association, 
cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established to undertake collective 
3 


action to address community concerns and needs, and mutually share the 
benefits of the endeavor. 
u. “Protected Area” refers to the identified portions of land and/or water 
set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed 
to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human 
exploitation. 
v. “Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)” refers to a multi- 
sectoral policy-making body for protected areas created in accordance with RA 
7586 or the NlPAS Act of 1992; 
w. “Protected landscape” refers to an area of national significance which 
is characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land while providing 
opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the 
normal lifestyle and economic activity of the area. 
x. “Protected species” refers to any individual species of plants and 
animals that is or shall be declared as protected under Philippine laws, rules and 
regulations issued by the DENR, species listed as protected against trade, 
hunting and harvest under international conventions to which the Philippines is or 
will become a signatory such as, but not limited to, the Convention on 
International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). These include species, 
which may be restricted for use under regulations issued by the Protected Area 
Management Board (PAMB) or the DENR, and those particularly mentioned in 
the management plan. 
y. “Quarrying” means the process of extracting, removing and disposing 
z. “Strict protection zone” refers to a natural area with high biodiversity 
value which shall be closed to all human activity except for scientific studies 
andlor 
ceremonial 
or 
religious 
use 
by 
the 
indigenous 
cultural 
communitieslindigenous peoples; may include habitats of threatened species, or 
degraded areas that have been designated for restoration and subsequent 
protection, even if these areas are still in various stages of regeneration. 
aa. “Sustainable use” refers to the use of components of biological 
diversity in a way and rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of 
biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to meet the needs and 
aspirations of present and future generations; and quarry resources found on or 
underneath the surface of private or public land. 
quarry resources found on or underneath the surface of private or public land; 
bb. “Tenured Migrants” refers to occupants who have actually and 
continuously occupied a portion of the protected area and is solely dependent 
therein for subsistence. A protected area occupant is understood to be “solely 
dependent for subsistence” when everything indispensable for survival for the 
household, including food, clothing, shelter and health, comes only from the 
utilization of resources from the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
cc. “Wildlife” means wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all 
developmental stages, including those which are in captivity or are being bred or 
propagated. 
“Wildlife sanctuary” means an area which assures the natural 
conditions necessary to protect nationally significant species, group of species, 
dd. 
4 


biotic communities or physical feature of the environment where these may 
require specific human manipulation for their perpetuation. 
SEC. 5. Management of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. - There is 
hereby created a PAMB which shall have jurisdiction, power and authority over 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape for all matters that may affect biodiversity 
conservation, protection and sustainable development. It shall be composed of: 
(1) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR Region I as 
chairperson; 
(2) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer (PPDO) of the 
Province: 
(3) The Mayor of the Municipality of Narvacan in the Province of llocos 
Sur, or his duly designated representative; 
(4) The Barangay Captain of Barangay Cadacad, Municipality of 
Narvacan, or his duly designated representative; 
(6) One representative from each department or national government 
agency directly involved in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape or has long 
term projects or permanent facility located therein; 
(7) At least three (3) representatives from accredited NGOs operating 
within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
(8) At least two (2) representatives from accredited POs operating within 
the within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; and 
(9) One representative from academic institutions directly involved in the 
conservation of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
Each member of the PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years and 
shall be considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote 
of such sector in all matters. In the case of members who are government 
officials, their appointment shall be co-terminus with their term of office. 
The members of the PAMB shall be appointed by the Secretary of the 
DENR in conformity with the provisions of the NIPAS Act. As a transitory 
provision, the initial members of the PAMB shall be nominated from the current 
members of the interim PAMBs of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. Their 
nominations shall be conducted in a joint meeting of the current members of the 
interim PAMBs duly called for the purpose: Provided, That at least one- third 
(1/3) of the members shall be women. 
In the selection of the representatives of POs and NGOs, preference shall 
be accorded to those organizations that are involved in the conservation, 
protection 
and 
development 
of 
the 
Bigbiga 
Protected 
Landscape. 
Representation shall be by institution and shall aim to achieve balance in 
representation by geographic location or areas. 
The representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and national 
agencies in the PAMB shall include among their duties to inform their respective 
constituents, office or sector, of PAMB approved or other relevant policies, rules, 
regulations, programs, and projects, and to ensure that the provisions of this Act 
are observed, complied with, and used as reference and framework in their 
5 


respective plans, policies, programs and projects. Failure to comply with the 
foregoing shall subject such representative to disciplinary action as the PAMB 
may provide. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be 
entitled to reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in 
their attendance in meetings of the Board or in connection with other official 
business authorized by a resolution of the Board, subject to existing rules and 
regulations. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB of the 
Bigbiga Protected Landscape shall have the following powers and functions in 
addition to those provided under RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 1992 and its 
Implementing Rules and Regulations: 
(1) Issue rules and regulations to prohibit acts that may be prejudicial to 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape and to the declaration of policy set forth 
under the NIPAS; 
(2) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through 
appropriate and effective means; 
(3) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, including the 
creation of committees to which its powers may be delegated; 
(4) Approve the management plan and oversee the office of the Protected 
Area Superintendent (PASu); 
(5) Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for activities 
regulated by this Act or the management plan; 
(6) Recommend the deputization of appropriate individuals for the 
enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the conduct or 
management of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
(7) Approve fees and charges in accordance with DAO 51, Series of 2000 
and raise funds for the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
(8) Manage the allocation of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund, and 
other funds for the Bigbiga Protected Landscape, ensure their proper 
administration and render accounting; 
(9) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other 
government authorities; and 
(IO) Perform such other functions as the PAMB may delegate. 
The DENR, through the Regional Executive Director of Region I, shall 
ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case 
of conflict between administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the 
NIPAS Act and the resolutions issued by the PAMB, such conflict shall be 
referred by PAMB to the Secretary of the DENR, who shall decide whether to 
apply the rule or withdraw its application in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
SEC. 7. 
Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Office. - There is 
hereby established a PASu Office in charge of the implementation of the 
projects, programs and policies for the management, protection and 
6 


administration of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. It will be headed by a 
Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) and shall be supported by the existing 
personnel of the DENR. The PASu shall be the chief operating officer of the 
Bigbiga Protected Landscape and shall be accountable to the RED of the DENR- 
Region I and the PAMB. 
The PASu shall have full responsibility for the protection of land, water, 
wildlife and other natural physical and biological resources within the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape. As such, the PASu shall have the following duties and 
responsibilities in addition to those provided under RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act of 
1992 and its implementing rules and regulations: 
(1) Establish, operate and maintain a database management system as 
decision support tool: 
(2) Prepare the management plan for the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
(3) Provide a secretariat for the PAMB and supply the PAMB with all the 
information 
necessary to 
make 
appropriate 
decisions for 
the 
implementation of this Act; 
(4) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape, institute and file legal action independently or in 
collaboration with other government agencies or organizations and assist 
in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of this Act: 
(5) Monitor all activities within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape to ensure 
its conformity with the management plan; 
(6) Recommend the issuance of permits based on terms, conditions and 
criteria established by the PAMB; 
(7) 
Ensure the integration of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape 
management policies, regulations, programs and projects at all the 
concerned national and LGU levels; and 
(8) Perform such other functions as the PAMB may assign. 
The PASu shall be supported by a sufficient number of personnel who 
shall be performing day to day management, protection and administration of the 
Bigbiga Protected Landscape. Upon the recommendations of the PAMB, the 
DENR RED shall deputize local community leaders and environment and natural 
resource officers. 
SEC. 8. Tenured Migrants and Other Bigbiga Protected Landscape 
Occupants. - Tenured migrants shall be eligible to become stewards of portions 
of lands within allowable zones. The PAMB shall identify, verify and review all 
tenurial instruments, land claims, and issuances of permits for resource use 
within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape and recommend the issuance of the 
appropriate tenurial instrument consistent with the zoning provided in the 
management plan and its successor plans. 
Should areas occupied by tenured migrants be designated as zones in 
which no occupation or other activities are allowed pursuant to the attainment of 
sustainable development, provision for the transfer of said tenured migrants to 
multiple use zones or buffer zones shall be accomplished through just and 
humane means. 


In the event of termination of a tenurial instrument for cause or by 
voluntary surrender of rights, the PASu shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate 
the area in order to return it to its natural state prior to the cultivation or other act 
by the tenured migrant. 
Other Bigbiga Protected Landscape occupants who do not qualify as 
tenured migrants shall be resettled outside the Bigbiga Protected Landscape as 
determined by the PAMB. The PAMB shall determine, plan and implement a 
definite schedule for resettling them outside of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape 
following the procedures set forth by existing law. 
SEC. 9. Existing Facilities Within Bigbiga Protected Landscape. - 
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, existing facilities such as 
roads, buildings, water systems, transmission lines, communication facilities, 
heavy equipment, and irrigation facilities existing within the boundaries of the 
Bigbiga Protected Landscape shall submit project description to the PAMB 
through the PASu. 
The PAMB, with the assistance of the DENR, shall determine whether the 
existence of such facility and its future plan and operations will be detrimental to 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape or whether conditions for its operation shall be 
imposed. If any such conditions are violated, the owner of the facility shall be 
liable to pay a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) for every violation. Upon 
reaching a total fine of Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00), the PAMB 
through the PASu and deputizing other government entities, shall cause the 
cessation and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owner. Existing facilities 
allowed to remain within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape may be charged a 
reasonable royalty by the PAMB. All income from such royalty shall accrue to 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund. 
SEC. I O .  Utilization of Resources. - Any exploitation of or utilization of 
non-renewable resources within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape shall not be 
allowed. 
Energy projects within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape shall be 
allowed only through an act of Congress except energy from wind, sun, and 
water sources of not more than one (1) megawatt capacity for mini-hydro power. 
Provided, That these renewable energy projects are outside the strict protection 
zone, adopt reduced impact technologies, and undergo the Environmental 
Impact Assessment (EIA) system as provided by law and: Provided, Furtber, that 
the PAMB has endorsed the project. 
SEC. 11. Specia/ Prosecutor and Retained Counsel. -Within thirty (30) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint 
a special prosecutor to whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations 
in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape shall be assigned. Such Special Prosecutor 
shall coordinate with the PAMB and the PASu in the performance of higher 
duties and assist in the training of wardens and rangers in arrest and criminal 
procedures. The PAMB may retain the services of a counsel to prosecute andlor 
assist in the prosecution of cases under the direct control and supervision of the 
regular or special prosecutor and to defend the members of the PAMB, the PASu 
and the staff, or any person assisting in the protection, conservation and 
sustainable development of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape, against any legal 
action related to their powers, functions and responsibilities as provided in this 
Act or as delegated or tasked by the PAMB. 
SEC. 12. Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund. - There is hereby 
established a trust fund to be known as the Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund 
8 


for purposes of financing its projects. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the income 
generated from the operation of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape and/or 
management of wild flora and fauna in the landscapelseascape shall accrue to 
the Fund. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall be deposited to the 
Integrated Protected Areas Fund (IPAF) as established in the NIPAS Act of 1992. 
Income shall be derived from visitor/tourist fees, fees from permitted sale 
and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the Bigbiga Protected 
Landscape, proceeds from registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including 
tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and contributions from industries and 
facilities directly benefiting from the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; and such 
other fees and income derived from the operation of the Bigbiga Protected 
Landscape. 
The Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund may be augmented by grants, 
donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes 
related to their functions: Provided, That disbursements therefrom shall be made 
solely for the protection, maintenance, administration and management of the 
system, and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with 
existing accounting and budgeting rules and regulations: Provided, Further, That 
the Fund shall not be used to cover personal services expenditures. 
The LGUs shall continue to impose and collect all other fees not 
enumerated herein which they have traditionally collected, such as business 
permits, property tax and rentals of LGUs’ facilities. Provided, That the LGUs 
shall not impose property tax and issue tax declaration for areas or properties 
located in timberland areas or areas previously classified as national parks. 
Furthermore, LGUs may charge add-ons to fees imposed by the PAMB: 
Provided, That such add-ons shall be determined based on the contribution of 
the LGUs in the maintenance and protection of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
SEC. 13. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. - The following shall be the 
prohibitions and penalties applicable to the Bigbiga Protected Landscape, in 
addition to the prohibited acts as provided in the NIPAS Act and its Implementing 
Rules and Regulations: 
(A) The penalties and qualifications prescribed in Articles 309 and 310 of 
the Revised Penal Code, depending on the value of the resources involved in 
connection with the prohibited act, shall be imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Takes, destroys, collects, disturbs or possesses any wild 
terrestrial or aquatic plants or animals, flora or fauna, sand, rocks or by- 
products derived therefrom, within particularly identified regulated or 
prohibited areas zones in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape including 
private lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption: 
Provided, That the hunting of animals shall be absolutely prohibited except 
for scientific research; 
(2) 
Cuts, gathers, removes or collects timber or any forest 
products, within particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas or 
zones in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape including private lands without 
the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; 
(3) 
Possesses or transports, within or outside the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape any timber, forest products, wild terrestrial or aquatic 
plants, animals, or by-product derived therefrom which is ascertained to 
have been taken from the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
9 


(4) Undertakes mineral exploration or extraction within the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape; 
(5) Engages in quarrying of sand, gravel, guano, limestone or any 
material; 
(6) Hunts, collects, removes or destroys any endangered or 
protected species, except when collection or removal is for scientific 
research and exempted from the prohibition by the PAMB; 
(7) Conducts bioprospecting within the 
Bigbiga Protected 
Landscape without the necessary permit; or 
(8) Establishes or introduces any exotic species within the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape, which are detrimental to endemic species and the 
ecosystem therein. 
(B) A fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) nor more 
than Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) and/or imprisonment from one 
(1) year but not more than six (6) years shall be imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Violates any rules and regulations in the management plan or 
by the PAMB or agreements reached before the PAMB in the exercise of 
adjudicative functions; 
(2) 
Erects any structure on land or on water for any purposes 
outside the management plan, duly allowed by the PAMB: Provided, That 
large-scale private infrastructure and other projects such as medium to 
high density residential subdivisions, medium to large commercial and 
industrial establishments, golf-courses, heavily mechanized commercial 
and non-traditional farming, and other activities that cause increased in- 
migration and resource degradation are absolutely prohibited; 
(3) Possesses a chainsaw, hacksaw and other mechanized 
equipment within the Bigbiga Protected Landscape without a permit; 
(4) Throws, dumps or causes to be dumped into the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape any non-biodegradable material or waste whether 
liquid, solid or gas; 
(5) Uses, dumps, places or causes to be placed into the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape toxic chemicals, including pesticides and other 
hazardous substances, unless the same is expressly allowed in the 
management plan; 
(6) Prospects, hunts or otherwise locates hidden treasures within 
(7) Informally occupies or dwells in any land within the Bigbiga 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
Protected Landscape without clearance from the PAMB; 
(8) Possesses or uses blasting caps or explosives anywhere within 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; 
10 


(9) Destroys, excavates, vandalizes or, in any manner, damages 
any natural formation on land, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts 
and other objects of natural or scenic value; 
(IO) Alters, removes or destroys boundary marks or signs; 
(11) Engages in kaingin, or, in any manner, causing forest fires 
(12) Purchases, or sells, mortgages or leases lands or other 
portions of the Bigbiga Protected Landscape which are covered by any 
tenurial instrument. 
inside the Bigbiga Protected Landscape; or 
Valuation of the damage for this Act shall take into account biodiversity 
and conservation considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value, 
Valuation assessed by the DENR or the concerned government agency shall be 
presumed correct unless otherwise proven by a preponderance of evidence. 
Any person who shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the 
illegal acts prohibited in this Act or suffer their workers to commit any of the same 
shall be liable in the same manner as the one actually performing the act. 
All conveyances, vessels, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, gears, 
tools and similar devices shall be subject to immediate and administrative 
confiscation, independent of the judicial proceedings by the PASu Office upon 
apprehension, subject however to due process and substantial evidence 
requirements. When legal action is however filed in the regular courts, the said 
conveyances, vessels, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools and 
similar devices, independent of the administrative proceedings, shall not be 
released until after judgment has been rendered. Proceeds of the sale of all 
objects administratively or judicially confiscated pursuant hereto shall accrue to 
the Bigbiga Protected Landscape Fund. Procedure for the sale thereof shall be 
promulgated by the PAMB. 
However, in no case shall any confiscated or 
rescued protected animal species be sold or in any manner disposed of but shall 
be immediately turned over to the PASu Office for release in its natural habitat, 
subject to existing regulations. 
The penalties specified in this Section will be in addition to the penalties 
contained in RA 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and 
Protection Act), RA 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), 
and other related laws. 
Conviction for any offense under this Act, of a public officer or officer of 
the law shall carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public 
office. 
SEC. 14. Reporting Responsibility. -The PASu, through the PAMB, 
shall submit an annual accomplishment report to the Secretary of the DENR on 
the activities undertaken in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
SEC. 15. Appropriations. -The Secretary of the DENR shall immediately 
include in the DENR’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of 
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 16. Construction and Suppletory Application of Existing Laws. 
- The provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving 
biodiversity conservation, protection and sustainable development. Provisions of 
11 


Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected 
Areas System Act of 1992 and existing forestry laws, and their corresponding 
rules and regulations not inconsistent hereto shall have the suppletory effect in 
the implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 17. Transitory Provision. - In order to ensure the recovery and 
restoration of biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood 
opportunities for tenured migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue 
concessions, licenses, permits, clearances, compliance documents or any other 
instrument that allows exploitation and utilization of resources within the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape until the management plan shall have been put into effect. 
All existing land use and resource use permits within the Bigbiga 
Protected Landscape shall be reviewed and shall not be renewed upon their 
expiration unless consistent with the management plan, as provided herein, and 
upon approval by the PAMB. 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, rules 
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 19. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or section of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, such other parts not affected 
thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 20. Effectivrfy Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its complete publication in the Official Gazefte or in a national newspaper of 
general circulation available in the Bigbiga Protected Landscape. 
Approved. 
12