HOUSE UF XEMRESENT ATES
RECEIVED
Dare:__ 26 JUL 2075

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
1856

House Bill No.

STMITON UNIT
‘Nui X SERVICE

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks to establish Mt. Agad-Agad in Iligan City as a Protected Area
under the category of a Natural Park, to be known as Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park.

The proposed Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park and its buffer zones are situated in
Barangay Pugaan, Iligan City. Its highest point is about 1700 feet above sea level
facing Barangay Pugaan proper and affords a full view of Iligan City. It embraces the
following areas: Pugaan, Langilanon, Lumbatin and Pindugangan. At least 70% of the
mountain is still intact with secondary and primary growth dipterocarp forest. There are
cultivated lands, man-made plantations of mahogany, mangium, narra, gmelina, giant
bamboo including fruit trees like durian and mango, grasslands and some built-up area.

The mountain forest is still high in floral and faunal species diversity. Several
species of birds can also be found in the mountain like the white-eared brown dove
(alimukon, Phapitreron leucotis), yellow-breasted fruit dove (punay, Ptilinopus
occipitalis), emerald dove (manatad, Chalcophaps indica), Philippine Bulbul and some
other bird species. Sightings of serpent eagles, braminikites, large bats, civet cats,
monkeys and tarsiers were also reported. Several species of snakes like python
(python reticulatus), the Philippine cobra and green vipers were also observed to reside
in the mountain. The floral composition is diverse and widely distributed in different
types of ecosystems.

The small waterfalls and lagoon that is located along the way to the top of the
mountain is the main source of water for domestic use by the people residing in the
mountain.

Approval of this Bill will provide Mt. Agad-Agad, among other things, adequate
protection and conservation measures, coordinated management schemes among
stakeholders and interest groups, as well as the necessary funding mechanism for
sustainability in its operations. Approval of this Bill is a penultimate step required under
the NIPAS process for the actual ground survey and delineation of the boundaries of
the proposed protected area and the identified management zones.

In view of the above, approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.

FREDERICK W. SIAO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
1896

House Bill No.’

Introduced by Honorable FREDERICK W. SIAO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING MT. AGAD-AGAD LOCATED IN ILIGAN CITY AS A
PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE CATEGORY OF A NATURAL PARK AND ITS
PERIPHERAL AREAS AS BUFFER ZONES, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural
Park Act of 2016.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - Considering the importance of
Mt. Agad-Agad’s unique biological resources and its aesthetics, socio-cultural, economic
and ecological importance, it is hereby declared the policy of the state to secure its
protection and conservation including those people and communities residing therein as
well as their way of life. For this reason, the State shall: (a) ensure the protection and
conservation of biodiversity; (b) advance, respect, and protect the customs and
interests of its legitimate inhabitants; and (c) foster partnerships among government,

non-government organizations, and people’s organizations.

Section 3. Definition of Terms For purposes of this Act, the following terms
are defined as follows:

(a) “Biodiversity or biological diversity” refers to the variability among
living organisms, including genetic and structural differences,
between individuals and within and between species.

v


©

(d)

(e)

(9)

(hy

“Buffer Zone” refers to identified areas outside the boundaries of
and immediately adjacent to designated protected areas pursuant
to Section 8 of R.A. 7586 (the NIPAS Act) that need special
development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the
protected area.

“Conservation” refers to the optimum utilization and management
of natural resources in order to meet the needs and aspirations of
the present and the future.

“Environmental Impact” refers to the Environment Impact
Assessment System established under Presidential Decree No. 1586
or supervening legislation.

“Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF)” is a trust fund established
for purposes of financing projects of the System.

Management Plan” refers to the fundamental plan, strategy and/or
scheme which shall guide all activities relating to Mt. Agad-Agad
Natural Park in order to attain the objectives of this Act as stated in
Section 2 hereof.

“Multiple Use Zone” refers to areas 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. Land tenure may be granted to tenured
residents, whether indigenous or community member migrants.

“National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS)” is 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.

“Natural Park” is a relatively large area not materially altered by
human activity where extractive resource uses are not allowed, and


0)
(k)

maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of
national or international significance for scientific, educational and
recreational use.

“PAMB” refers to the Protected Area Management Board.

“Protected Area” refers to identified portions of land and water set
aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance
managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against
destructive human exploitation.

(1) “Protected Area Superintendent (PASu)" is the Chief Operating Officer

(m)

(n)

of the Protected Area.

“Recreation Zone” is an area of high recreational, tourism,
educational or environmental awareness values where eco-tourism,
recreational conservation, education or public awareness activities
may be allowed.

“Restoration Zone” is an area of degraded habitat or where the
long-term goal will be to restore the natural habitat with its
associated biodiversity and to rezone the area to a more strict
protection level. Exotic species shall not be used in the restoration

process.

“Stakeholders” refers to individuals, communities, organizations or
aggrupation of specific interests or sectors which have particular
interest in the achievement of the objective of this Act or
dependence, access, or utilization of resources within the protected
area such as but not limited to the local government units, people's
organizations, non-government organizations, indigenous cultural
communities, the DENR, and other concerned government
agencies.

“Strict Protection Zone” is an area with high biodiversity value
which shall be closed to all human activity except for scientific
studies and/or ceremonial or religious use by indigenous
communities.


(q) “Trust Fund” is an account maintained in any government
depository bank for a specific purpose.

SECTION 4. Scope — The Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park, including its buffer
zones, as well as its technical description shall be subject to actual ground survey and
demarcation; and shall be fully and finally determined by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before this Bill becomes a law or prior to
the approval of this Act.

CHAPTER II
PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT

SECTION 5. Management and Institutional Mechanism — The
Management and administration of the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park shall be
consultative and participatory. The sole policy-making body is vested with the Protected
Area Management Board (PAMB), chaired by the DENR Regional Executive Director of
Region X. Within the PAMB, there will be an Executive Committee (EXECOM) to which
the PAMB may delegate some of its powers and functions. The PAMB may also create
other committees. The Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) is the DENR chief
operating officer of the entire park and its buffer zones.

SECTION 6. The Protected Area Management Board — The Protected Area
Management Board (PAMB) shall be composed of the following:

a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR, Region X, ex
officio, who shall sit as PAMB Chairman, as provided for under
Section 11 (d) of the NIPAS Act;

b) The Mayor of Iligan City or his/her duly designated representative;

c) The Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iligan
City;

d) The General Manager of the Iligan City Water System (ICWS) or
his/her duly designated representative;

e) The Planning and Development Officer of Iligan City;

5


h)

The Barangay Chairman and Purok Leaders of Iligan City whose
areas of jurisdiction are within the protected area;

Three (3) representatives from Iligan City-based non-government
organizations (NGOs) and community organizations, including
People’s Organizations (POs), church or civic organizations, with
interests within the protected area;

Three (3) representatives from national government agencies with
Offices in Iligan City, involved in protected area management or
which can contribute to the protection and conservation of the
park;

Three (3) representatives from stakeholders who can assist and
contribute in the protection and conservation of the park.

In the selection of representatives from POs and NGOs, the following criteria shall

be primarily considered:

a)

b)

°

d)

Active involvement in the ecological conservation, preservation,
rehabilitation and protection of the park;

Good potential in community organizing and other development
works;

Favorable track record in community work; and

Duly accredited by the city government of Iligan and the DENR.

SECTION 7. Term of Office of the PAMB Members — Except for
government officials who shall serve ex-officio, every member of the PAMB shall be
appointed by the DENR Secretary and shall serve for a term of five (5) years without
compensation, provided that he/she remains connected with the organization he/she

represents. Whenever a vacancy occurs during the term of a non-government PAMB

member, a new member shall be chosen in the same manner as the original selection

process, provided, that he/she shall only serve for the remaining term.

The PAMB members shall be entitled to reimbursement of actual and necessary

traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in attending meetings of the PAMB or any

6


of its committees, subject to government accounting, auditing, and budgeting rules and
regulations, and subject further to the availability of funds as reflected in the Work and
Financial Plan (WFP) as required in the accessing of funds in the Integrated Protected

Area Fund (IPAF).

SECTION 8. Duties and Functions of PAMB, — The PAMB is the highest
policy-making body of the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park, and shall have the following

powers and functions:

(a)

(b)

(©)

(d)

(e)

Approve or decide on all matters related to or based on the
approved management plan, proposals, work and action plans,
resource protection, delineation and demarcation of protected area
boundaries, buffer zones, ancestral domains, recognition of rights
and privileges, and guidelines and policies for the management and
conservation of the park;

Review and adopt the park’s Management Plan and development
program and their implementing rules and regulations, and ensure
strict compliance therewith;

Control and regulate the construction and maintenance of roads,
trails, waterworks, sewerage, fire protection and sanitation systems

and other utilities within the protected area;

Control and supervise the office of the PASu and monitor and
evaluate the performance of the protected area personnel, NGOs,

and communities involved in conservation and development;

Issue all necessary permits within the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park,
including its buffer zones, and collect reasonable fees therefor, in
accordance with the management plan and consistent with the
conservation and protection of the park. The PAMB may delegate
this authority to the PASu under proper guidelines;

Deputize, through the EXECOM, individuals for the enforcement of
all laws, rules, and regulations governing conduct within the
protected area and its buffer zones, and prescribe the qualifications
therefor;


(g) | Accept donations and grants and approve proposals for funding
and budget allocation and exercise accountability over all funds
that may accrue;

(h) Coordinate with the appropriate agencies of the government, local
or national, on all matters related to the protection and
conservation of the protected area and its buffer zones, and
request for their assistance, of whatsoever nature, for the purpose;

(i) Retain a legal counsel, either on permanent, temporary, or part-
time basis, to defend cases against the PAMB, the PASu office and
staff, and deputized individuals whenever they are sued in
connection with the performance of their duties under this Act, and
to assist the PAMB on all legal matters;

(ij) Adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of business, including
the creation of committees, to which certain powers of the PAMB
may be delegated.

The DENR, through the Regional Executive Director of Region X, shall ensure
that the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) acts within the scope of its powers
and functions. In case of conflict between administrative orders issued by the DENR
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586 and the rules and regulations or resolutions issued
by the PAMB, the DENR Secretary shall decide whether or not to allow such rule,
regulation, or resolution.

Section 9. The Executive Committee (EXECOM) of the PAMB. — There
shall be an Executive Committee to be created by the PAMB, to which the PAMB may
delegate specific duties and functions. It shall be composed of the DENR Regional
Technical Director of Region X as Chairman, and six (6) members of the PAMB, to be
designated by the PAMB, as follows: (1) The Mayor of Iligan City or his representative;
(2) The General Manager of the ICWS or his/her representative; (3) One (1) Barangay
chairman; (4) Three (3) Purok Leaders; (5) One representative each from the NGO's
and stakeholders.


The PAMB en banc shall hold regular meetings at least once every quarter of the

year. The EXECOM shall meet on a regular basis as may be necessary or proper.

SECTION 10. The Office of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu)—
There shall be a Protected Area Office (PAO) in the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park headed
by the Protected Area Superintendent (PAS) who shall serve as the DENR chief
operating officer at the site and head secretariat of the PAMB. The PASu shall be
directly responsible to the PAMB and the DENR Regional Executive Director (RED) of
Region X, and shall have the following powers and functions:

(a)

(b)

()

(d)

(e)

(9)

(h)

Prepare the management plan and its successor plans as herein
provided;

Serve as secretariat to the PAMB with the duty to provide the PAMB
with all the information necessary to make appropriate decisions for
the implementation of this Act;

Supervise the necessary personnel to support operations as the
budget may allow;

Establish a productive partnership with local communities, including
groups supporting the achievement of the goals and objectives of
this Act;

Develop and implement park information, education and visitor
programs;

Enforce the laws, rules and regulations and PAMB resolutions
relevant to the protected area and its buffer zones, and assist in
the prosecution of offenses;

Monitor all activities within the protected area and its buffer zones
in conformity with the management plan; and

Perform such other functions as the PAMB may assign.

The PASu, who shall come from the regional office of the DENR of Region X,

shall perform day-to-day management and protection activities within the protected


area. He shall be supported by the following staff members designated and detailed by
the DENR Regional Director of Region X:

a)
b)
°)
d)
e)
f)
9)

Two (2) Registered Foresters;

Ten (10) Forest Guards;

One (1) Utility Worker;

Two (2) Ecosystems Management Specialists;
One (1) Community Development Officer;
One (1) Administrative Officer; and

One (1) Records Officer

SECTION 11. Management Plan — Within one (1) year from the effectivity of
this Act, the Protected Area Superintendent shall prepare a sufficiently flexible
Management Plan in accordance with the General Management Planning Strategy
(GMPS) in coordination with the appropriate offices of the DENR, local communities, the

city government of Iligan, NGOs, other government agencies, and available experts with

socio-environmental, economics, and ecological experience in the area. The plan shall

contain, among others, the following:

a)

b)

°)

d)

e)

The preferred period applicability, at least for ten (10) years,
subject to periodic review as determined necessary by the Board;

The analysis of key management issues and problems considered
as threats to conservation, management and maintenance,
including the impact on the important features of the area;

Broad, long-term vision which takes the form of goals, and a “vision
statement”; including guiding policies for management, sets of
objectives, and specific statements on what management can
achieve within the timeframe of the plan;

Site management strategies;

Zoning plan to illustrate the boundaries, classification and
management and other activities allowed or prohibited for each

zone;

Management programs to include enforcement of laws, habitat and
wildlife management, eco-tourism, sustainable use of resources,

10


infrastructure development and maintenance, fire prevention and
pest control;

g) Mechanisms for protection of tenured migrants in the exercise of
their rights;

h) Sustainable and non-destructive livelihood activities.

i) Regulations in furtherance of the preservation and conservation
objectives, such as the scheme in the issuance of permits and rules
on the restrictions of resource-use.

The management plan shall be reviewed and adopted by the Protected Area
Management Board and certified by the DENR Secretary that it conforms to all laws,
rules and regulations issued by the DENR. In no case shall the management plan be
revised or modified without prior approval of the PAMB and in accordance with the
procedures herein set forth.

One (1) year before the expiration of the management plan, the office of the
PASu shall prepare a successor management plan in the same manner as the procedure
and principles herein set forth and in accordance with the General Management
Planning Strategy (GMPS). In the same period, the PASu shall cause the publication of
notices for comments and suggestions on the successor plan in a newspaper of local
circulation and the posting of such notices in the city and barangay or purok halls of the
barangay or purok units comprising the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park, and in three (3)
other conspicuous places frequented by the public within the Mt. Agad-Agad Natural
Park. At least two public hearings shall be conducted on the successor plan.

The management plan shall be in English and in Cebuano, plainly written and
available for public perusal at the office of the PAS.

SECTION 12. Management Zoning — Zones shall be established in the Mt.
Agad-Agad Natural Park to provide protection for critical or representative habitats
within which similar management emphasis is applied and comparable level of use
permitted while different uses segregated. It shall be demarcated on the ground and
indicated on maps after undertaking such steps as community, land and resource-use
mapping and dialogue with the participation of communities, the city government of
Iligan, and other stakeholders. Within each zone, management prescriptions shall be

i


reasonably uniform but may differ in type or intensity from those in other zones in order
to accommodate multiple objectives.

Section 13. Existing Rights. - All prior property and private rights within the
protected area and its buffer zones and ancestral domains already existing and/or
vested upon prior to the effectivity of this Act shall be protected and respected in
accordance with existing laws.

CHAPTER IV
PROHIBITED ACTS AND PENALTIES

SECTION 14. Special Prosecutor — 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 protected area shall be
assigned. Such special prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAMB and the Protected
Area Superintendent in the performance of his/her duties and assist in the training of
park personnel in arrest and criminal procedures. The PAMB shall periodically submit an
evaluation of the performance of the special prosecutor of the DOJ.

SECTION 15. Prohibited Acts - Except as may be allowed by the nature of
their categories and pursuant to rules and regulations governing the same, the
following acts are prohibited within the protected area:

1) Hunting, destroying, disturbing or mere possession of any plants or
animals and its products derived therefrom without a permit from
the Protected Area Management Board;

2) Dumping of any waste products or any form of activity detrimental
to the protected area, or to the plants and animals or inhabitants
therein;

3) Use of any vehicles or equipment within prohibited areas without a
permit from the PAMB;

4) Mutilating, defacing or destroying of objects of natural beauty, or
objects of interests to cultural communities;


5) Damaging and leaving roads and trails in a damaged condition;

6) ‘Squatting, mineral exploration, or otherwise occupying any portion
of land;

7) Constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or
enclosures, or conducting any business enterprise without prior
permit from the PAMB;

8) Altering, removing, or destroying or defacing boundary marks or

signs.

SECTION 16. Penalties — Any person found guilty of any offense enumerated
above shall be fined in an amount of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P 5,000.00)
nor more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 500,000.00), exclusive of the value of
the thing damaged, and/or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more
than six (6) years, as determined by the court. Provided, that if the area requires
rehabilitation or restoration, as determined by the court, the offender shall also be
required to restore or compensate for the restoration of the damage; Provided
further, that the court shall order the eviction of the offender from the land and the
forfeiture in favor of the government of all mineral, timber or any species collected or
removed including all equipment, devices and firearms used in connection therewith,
and any construction or improvement made thereon by the offender. If the offender is
an association or corporation, the president or manager shall be directly responsible for
the act of his employees and laborers. Provided finally that, for such offenses the
DENR may conduct separate administrative proceedings against the offender and
impose the corresponding fines and penalties in accordance with law.

CHAPTER V
PROTECTED AREA FUND
SECTION 17. Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF)— There is hereby
established a trust fund known as the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) to ensure
sustained financing of the protected area operations. The funds for the IPAF will come
from, among other things, donations, contribution from industries and facilities directly
benefiting from the protected area, and collections from user fees such as proceeds
from lease of multiple use areas and fees from the permitting system. Likewise, the

13


PAMB shall develop a user fee policy that will specify sharing of the proceeds between
the city government of Iligan and the PAMB.

The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowment from various
sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes related to their functions. Provided, that the
fund shall be deposited as a special account in the national treasury and disbursement
therefrom shall be made solely for the protection, maintenance, administration, and
management of the system, and duly approved projects endorsed by PAMB in
accordance with existing accounting and budgeting rules and regulations.

CHAPTER VI
EXISTING FACILITIES, UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES,
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, AND PARTNERSHIP WITH
OTHER AGENCIES

SECTION 18. Existing Facilities within the Protected Area — Existing
facilities, if any, within the protected area shall be inventoried and assessed by the
PAMB in accordance with the objectives of this Act. Within thirty (30) days from the
effectivity of this Act, unless extended by PAMB, all commercial facilities existing within
the boundaries of the protected area with a total capitalization of not less than One
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) shall submit to the PAMB, through the PASu, a
sworn statement containing the following information:

a) Environmental Impact Assessment and/or Environmental
Management Plan;

b) Environmental Compliance Certificate; and

c) Development Plan

Failure to submit the required information shall constitute a violation of this Act.
Based on these submissions, the PAMB, with the assistance of the DENR, shall
determine whether the existence of such facilities and their future plans and operations
are detrimental to the protected area.

The PAMB may prescribe conditions for the operation of the facilities to ensure
that they do not conflict with the management objectives. If any such conditions are
violated, a fine shall be imposed as prescribed by the PAMB. The PAMB, through the
PASu or other deputized government entities, is authorized to cause the immediate
cessation and demolition of any facility within the protected area whose continued

14


operation is deemed detrimental to said area, with the cost to be borne by their

owners/operators.

The removal of existing facilities which provide basic services and amenities to
the public shall require the concurrence of the city government of Iligan consistent with
the responsibility of the local government to its constituents.

Existing facilities remaining within the protected area may be charged reasonable
fees by the PAMB, subject to DENR approval, pursuant to Section 10(f) of the NIPAS
Act based on the extent of their impact on the environment and biodiversity. All
incomes derived from such fees shall accrue to the IPAF.

SECTION 19. Utilization of non-renewable resources — Any exploration,
exploitation or utilization of non-renewable resources within the protected area shall not
be allowed.

SECTION 20. Environmental Impact Assessment System. Existing laws,
rules and regulations relating to Environmental Impact Assessment shall be applicable
to projects and activities intended in the protected area. The issuance of the
Environmental Compliance Certificate or its exemptions shall be coordinated with the
PAMB.

SECTION 21. Partnership among Government, Non- Government
Organizations and People’s Organizations. — For the purpose of attaining the
objectives of this Act, all Government, Non- Government Organizations and People’s
Organizations and their personnel shall continuously foster and develop a strong and
true partnership.

All Non- Government Organizations, People’s Organizations and private entities
implementing any park conservation, protection and development programs must be
accredited by the city government of Iligan and the DENR.

SECTION 22. Roles of the Local Government Unit and National Agencies
in the Protected Area. - The city government of Iligan and relevant national agencies
represented in the PAMB shall have the following roles:


a)

°)

qd)

e)

9)

h)

Apprise their respective constituents, office or sector on activities
and programs for the protected area;

Ensure consistency in the implementation of all activities in the
protected area;

In the exercise of its ordinance-making power over the protected
area, the city council of Iligan shall consider the Management Plan
and the rules and regulations adopted by the PAMB in the
legislative agenda relating to biodiversity, conservation, protection
and sustainable development;

In the formulation of its development plan, the city government of
Iligan shall consider the Protected Area Management Plan for the
Mt. Agad-Agad Natural Park;

Assist the PAMB in the implementation of the overall park
programs, including but not limited to the imposition, collection and
utilization of park fees, enforcement of policies, rules and
regulations and other similar activities;

Accredit people’s organizations, non-government organizations and
other entities and groups involved in the activities within the
protected area;

Provide the PAMB with relevant information and data for the
effective management of the protected area; and

The city government of Iligan may, subject to availability of funds,
provide an annual financial assistance for the protection and
enhancement of the protected area.

SECTION 23. Public Service Utilities, Projects. — All existing and future
development projects of public service utilities involving water services, communication

facilities, power and energy generation, public security, health and education services

and others which will promote public welfare shall be implemented within areas
designated/approved by the PAMB.


CHAPTER VIL
TRANSITORY AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 24. Appropriations - The Secretary of the DENR shall immediately
include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 25. Construction — The provisions of this Act shall be construed
liberally in favor of any tenured migrants and with due consideration of the prior
property rights of the stakeholders to sustainable development, and the conservation
and protection of biodiversity. Existing forestry laws and their corresponding rules and
regulations not inconsistent herewith shall have suppletory effect in the implementation
of this Act.

SECTION 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Ninety (90) days
after the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), in consultation with the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources, and the PAMB, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 27. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is declared as
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the other parts or sections hereof.

SECTION 28. Repealing Clause — All existing laws, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 29. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall be translated in Cebuano. It
shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation which is readily available
in and around the protected area. It shall be posted for a continuous period of thirty
(30) days at the City Hall of Iligan and the barangay and purok halls of the affected
areas. This Act shall take effect thirty (30) days from such publication and posting.

APPROVED.