NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
72 JUL^I p3‘‘47
SENATE
238
RUCEIVIEOBY;
S. No,
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE
AND LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
LIBERTAD, PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI, AND TIBIAO IN THE 
PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE 
THE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE 
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES 
FOUND THEREIN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to declare the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape located in the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and 
Tibiao in the province of Antique as a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone 
with the goals of developing and promoting the areas into a community-based 
ecological tourist destination, generating investments, creating livelihood 
opportunities, and protecting the natural resources within the areas including 
mangroves, other aquatic plants, and migratory birds and local birds.
The vast seascapes and landscapes found in the municipalities mentioned 
above serve as hosts to a rich marine life, as well as to the diverse species of flora and 
fauna, some of which are endemic to the province.
Moreover, the Mag-aba Wetland, located in an estuary in the municipality of 
Pandan, connects to the Pandan Bay, and to the Bugang River, which has been


recognized as one of the cleanest rivers in the Philippines. The area is rich in 
mangroves that serve as a natural flood control mechanism and is host to biologically- 
rich ecological habitats. It is home to several endemic mangrove species, beach forest 
trees, and fauna, most notably of which is the Philippine duck (Anas luzonica) which 
has been recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and 
Natural Resources (lUCN) as a //vulnerable species^'. Hence, the need to protect, 
preserve and conserve these natural resources with the help primarily of the host local 
communities.
In anticipation of the influx of local and foreign tourists, this bill, when enacted 
into law, will help secure adequate national support for the local government units 
(LGUs) to realize its vast potential as an eco-tourism zone that is ecologically 
sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and 
ethically and socially equitable for the local community.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
GARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
cf tl)p £':cv''tarp
*22 JULll P3 *47
SENATE
238
S. No.
RFCEIVfcD BY;
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
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AN ACT
DECLARING THE NORTHERN ANTIQUE PROTECTED SEASCAPE 
AND LANDSCAPE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
LIBERTAD, PANDAN, SEBASTE, CULASI, AND TIBIAO IN THE 
PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE AS AN ECOTOURISM ZONE TO ENCOURAGE 
THE RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE USE AS WELL AS FOR THE 
PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES 
FOUND THEREIN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Northern Antique 
Protected Seascape and Landscape Act of2022".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State is mandated to promote a tourism 
industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, 
culturally sensitive, economically viable, and equitable for the local community. 
Towards this end, the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape 
(NAPSL) is hereby declared a special eco-tourism zone, where the responsible 
and sustainable use of the natural resources therein is encouraged and will be 
strictly implemented.
Sec. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the above declaration of policy, the State shall 
endeavor to accomplish the following:
(a) Develop and promote responsible, community-based ecological tourism 
as the core management strategy in the development of the NAPSL;


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(b) Ensure the conservation of the biodiversity and the preservation of the 
said ecotourism site;
(c) Develop ecotourism products and programs that will generate employment 
and livelihood for the local residents concerned, consistent with the 
preservation and maintenance of the natural resources;
(d) Guarantee that the financial and economic benefits of the tourism industry 
are equitably shared by, and distributed among the local residents 
concerned by giving preference and support to community and home-based 
tourism enterprises, such as, but not limited to, resorts and homestays, 
micro and small businesses including restaurants, food and fruit stands, and 
other similar tourism-oriented industries and businesses;
(e) Ensure that the quality of local ecotourism programs and activities are 
educational and enriching for tourists and visitors through the provision of 
orientation, educational, and tour programs by local tour operators, non­
government organizations (NGOs), the concerned Local Government Units 
(LGUs), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
and the Department of Tourism (DOT); and,
(f) 
Guarantee that in the development and promotion of the local tourism 
industry, the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) shall ensure that 
the needs of the local residents for adequate water supply, food, energy, 
transportation, and local construction materials are first secured and met.
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
(a) Buffer Zone refers to an identified area outside the boundaries of and 
immediately adjacent to the NAPSL that needs special development 
control in order to avoid or minimize any threat or harm to the NAPSL;
(b) Cowmnnity-Based Ecotonrism refers to a form of tourism where the local 
community and its residents have substantial control and involvement in 
the development and management of the local tourism industry and a 
greater portion of the economic gains remain within the community;


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(c) Ecotourism refers to a form of sustainable tourism within a natural area 
where community participation, protection and management of natural 
resources, cultural and indigenous knowledge and practices, 
environmental education, and ethics, as well as economic benefits are 
fostered and pursued for the enrichment of host communities and the 
satisfaction of the visitors;
(d) Responsible Ecotourisni refers to a form of sustainable tourism in which both 
the tourism sector and the tourists take responsibility for the protection, 
respect, and conservation of the natural environment and the local culture 
and ways of life, and where community participation, as well as benefits, 
are fostered and pursued for the well-being of the local people and visitors.
Sec. 5. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape. — The Northern 
Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape (NAPSL) located in the 
municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao in the Province 
of Antique is hereby declared a responsible, community-based ecotourism zone. It 
shall be accorded priority development by the DOT, DENR, Department of Public 
Works and Highways (DPWH), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
Authority (TIEZA) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing the 
development of ecotourism zones provided in the national ecotourism strategy jointly 
issued by the DENR and DOT.
Sec. 6. Scope and Coverage. - The NAPSL, which shall cover an area of 
364,453.5395 hectares, shall be composed of the following:
a) The wetland area located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan, Antique composed of 
mangrove forest and estuarine river ecosystem with an area of 21,095 
hectares, located in Brgy. Mag-aba, Pandan Antique;
b) The seas, islet, and sandbar ecosystem covering the municipalities of 
Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao with an area of 213,556.26 
hectares; and,
c) Pandan Bay with an area of 150,876.25 hectares.
The corresponding boundaries shall be as follows:
A. The wetland area


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Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21' W, 27,787.09 i
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reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Sc
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Landscape;
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thence
S 75° 30' E
3,242.00
meters to corner 2;
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thence
N 81 ° 34' E
3,723.95
meters to corner 3
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thence
S 88° 11' E
4,292.00
meters to corner 4
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thence
S 70° 26' E
7,759.31
meters to corner 5
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thence
S 83° 19' E
3,489.57
meters to corner 6
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thence
N 78° 36' E
2,873.78
meters to corner 7
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thence
S40° 19'E
4,925.65
meters to corner 8
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thence
S 05° 55' W
14,342.35
meters to corner 9
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thence
S12° 57' W
4,208.77
meters to corner 10
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thence
S 20° 40' W
8,176.30
meters to comer 11
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thence
S 26° 28' E
2,100.83
meters to corner 12
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thence
S15° 07' W
3,828.16
meters to corner 13
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thence
S14° 11' E
4,552.10
meters to corner 14
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thence
S 07° 49' W
2,472.18
meters to comer 15
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thence
N 89° 51'W 17,369.06
meters to corner 16
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thence
S19° 13' W 3,169.16 meters to corner 17
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thence
S 47° 56'W
18,926.52
meters to corner 18
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thence
S 61° 51' W
6,834.81
meters to corner 19
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thence
S 88° 08' W
6,837.37
meters to corner 20
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thence
N 65° 37' W 6,817.66
meters to corner 21
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thence
N 40° 46'W 6,141.86
meters to corner 22
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thence
N16° 52' W 6,841.57
meters to corner 23
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thence
N 09° 23' E
6,833.87
meters to corner 24
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thence
N 03° 19' E
32,126.72
meters to corner 25
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thence
N 31° 53' E
4,886.87
meters to corner 26
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thence
N 50° 38'E
3,792.90
meters to corner 27
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thence
N 66° 15' E
6.070.27
meters to corner 28
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thence
N 83° 30'E
20,309.49
meters to corner 1.


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to the point of beginning containing an area of two hundred ninety-nine 
thousand nine hundred forty two and 542/100 (299,942.542) hectares, more or 
less.
B. Seas, Islets, and Sandbar Ecosystem
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being S 86° 08' W, 33,925.26 meters from 
reference BLLM 1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Seascape and 
Landscape;
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S 44° 36'W
14,735.43
meters to corner 2;
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thence
S 30° 12' E
1,957.43
meters to corner 3;
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thence
S 57° 20'E
24,725.84
meters to corner 4;
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thence
N 81° 25' E
4,111.89
meters to corner 5;
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thence
S 52° 51' E
11,911.68
meters to corner 6;
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thence
N 84° 22' E
3,904.27
meters to corner 7;
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thence
S 14° 11' E
4,552.10
meters to corner 8;
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thence
S 07° 49' W
2,472.18
meters to corner 9;
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thence
N 89° 51'W 17,369.06
meters to corner 10;
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S 19° 13' W
3,169.16
meters to corner 11;
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thence
S 47° 56' W
18,926.52
meters to corner 12;
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thence
S 61° 51' W
6,834.81
meters to corner 13;
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thence
S88° 08' W 6,837.37
meters to corner 14;
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N 65° 37' W 6,817.66
meters to corner 15;
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N 35° 22' W 6,930.04
meters to corner 16;
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N19° 42' W 5,891.75
meters to corner 17;
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N 09° 23' E
6,833.87
meters to corner 18;
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N 03° 19' E
32,126.72
meters to corner 19;
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N 31° 53' E
4,886.87
meters to corner 20;
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thence
N 50° 38'E
3,792.90
meters to corner 21;
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thence
N 66° 15' E
6,070.27
meters to corner 22;
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thence
N 88° 45'E
5,636.26
meters to corner 23;
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thence
S 62° 17' E
9,225.27
meters to corner 1.
to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred eighty-six thousand 
forty two hundred and 676/100 (186,042.676) hectares, more or less.


C. Pandan Bay
Beginning at point marked TP - 1, being N 81° 21' W, 27,787.09 meters from
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reference BLLM
Landscape;
1, PLS 1107, Northern Antique Protected Se.
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thence
S 75° 30' E
3,242.00
meters to corner 2;
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thence
N 81° 34'E
3,723.95
meters to corner 3;
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thence
S 88° ITE
4,292.00
meters to corner 4;
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thence
S 70° 26' E
7,759.31
meters to corner 5;
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thence
S 83° 19' E
3,489.57
meters to corner 6;
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thence
N 78° 36'E
2,873.78
meters to corner 7;
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thence
S40° 19'E
4,925.65
meters to corner 8;
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thence
S 05° 55' W
14,342.35
meters to corner 9;
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thence
S12° 57' W
4,208.77
meters to corner 10;
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thence
S 20° 40' W
8,176.30
meters to corner 11;
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thence
S 26° 28' E
2,100.83
meters to corner 12;
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thence
S15° 07' W
3,828.16
meters to corner 13;
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thence
S 84° 22' W
3,904.27
meters to corner 14;
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thence
N 52° 51' W 11,911.68
meters to corner 15;
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thence
S 81° 25' W
4,111.89
meters to corner 16;
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thence
N 57° 20' W 24,725.84
meters to corner 17;
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N 30° 12' W 1,957.43
meters to corner 18;
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thence
N 44° 36'E
23,817.36
meters to corner 1.
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to the point of beginning containing an area of one hundred nine thousand sixty 
seven hundred and 405/100 (109,067.405) hectares, more or less.
The metes and bounds of NAPSL shall be indicated on maps and/or nautical charts. 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing ecological 
situation, new scientific or archaeological findings, or discovery of traditional 
boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an act of 
Congress, after consultation with the concerned government agencies.
Sec. 7. Establishment of a Buffer Zone. - There shall also be an established buffer 
zones surrounding the NAPSL to provide extra protection around the area, where 
restrictions shall apply and communities can assist in repealing threats to the NAPSL.


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Such buffer zones shall be managed according to the ecotourism and management 
plan formulated under this Act.
Such buffer zone shall be included in the ecotourism development and management 
plan of the NASPL; Provided, that no build-up or reclamation detrimental to the 
diversity in the NASPL shall be done within the designated buffer zone. The Council 
shall exercise its authority over the designated buffer zone.
Sec. 8. Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Ecotonrisw Developnient 
and Management Plan. - The DENR and the DOT, in coordination with the DPWH and 
TIEZA, shall jointly assist the Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape 
Development Council, herein created, in the formulation of the ecotourism 
development and management plan for the NAPSL that shall be complemented by a 
set of guidelines for responsible, community-based ecotourism. The tourism 
development and management plan shall ensure the preservation of the seascapes 
and landscapes and shall include the following components:
(a) Carrying capacity of the seascapes and landscapes and its endemic and 
migratory birds species;
(b) Specific site assessment, including terrestrial, underwater (biotic and 
abiotic), oceanographic, and other scientific site assessments;
(c) Identification of strategic priorities;
(d) Product development for local income generation;
(e) Capacity building for the local community to allow residents therein to ably 
manage economically viable and responsible, community-based 
ecotourism business enterprises;
(f) Support for the formulation of local groups and networks, including the 
marketing and pricing of products;
(g) Marketing strategies that reflect the natural, social, and environmental 
integrity of the NAPSL;
(h) Regular water quality monitoring of the seascapes;
(i) Management and maintenance of the mangrove areas; and
(j) Proper solid waste management in accordance with Republic Act No. 9003, 
or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; and.


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(k) Proper use, protection, preservation, and revival of water resources and 
implementation of a proper sewerage system in accordance with Republic 
Act No. 9275, or the Clean Water Act;
The process of developing the ecotourism development and management plan for the 
NAPSL shall be participatory, from the bottom up, with the framework to be provided 
by the DOT and DENR in consultation with the Northern Antique Protected Seascape 
and Landscape Protected Area Management Board herein created.
To protect the mangroves and forest in NAPSL, the foreshore areas shall not be leased 
to any private entity; Provided, that Special Agreements on Protected Area (SAPA) 
may be availed upon Protected Area and Management Board (PAMB) Clearance.
Sec. 9. Formation of the Northern An tique Protected Seascape and Landscape 
Protected Area Management Board. - A multi-sectoral board to be known as the 
"Northern Antique Protected Seascape and Landscape Protected Area Management 
Board", hereinafter referred to as the Board, shall be created. It shall be composed of 
the following members:
(a) 
The Mayors of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and 
Tibiao shall take turns serving as Chairperson;
(b) 
The heads of the Municipal Tourism Offices of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, 
Culasi, and Tibiao shall take turns serving as Vice-chairpersons;
(c) 
The heads of the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office 
of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao shall likewise take turns 
serving as member;
(d) The Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC) Presidents of the 
barangays of the municipalities of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and 
Tibiao shall also serve alternately;
(e) 
The Chairmen of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Management Councils of Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, and Tibiao 
shall also serve alternately;
Provided, That representatives from the LGUs as indicated in sub­
sections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) above, coming from the same 
municipality, shall all together serve for the same period;


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(f) 
The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer 
of the Province of Antique;
(g) 
The Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB);
(h) 
The Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise 
Zone Authority (TIEZA);
(i) 
The Regional Director of DOT-Region 6;
(j) 
The Regional Director of DENR-Region 6;
(k) 
The Regional Director of DPWH-Region 6;
(l) 
The DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer 
(PENRO) of Antique;
(m) One representative from an academic institution, preferably from a state
university or college in the Province of Antique, with proven track record 
in or related to protected seascapes and landscapes management;
(n) 
One representative from the private sector, a resident of the Province of 
Antique, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant 
to protected seascapes and landscapes management; and,
(o) 
One representative from either a non-government organization (NGO) or 
People's Organization (PO), duly accredited both by the DENR and the 
provincial government of Antique. The NGO or PO represented should 
have been in existence for at least five (5) years with a proven track record 
in or related to seascapes and landscapes management.
The ex-officio members of the Board by virtue of their elective or appointive 
government positions as specified in the immediately preceding subsections (a), (b), 
(c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (1) shall serve for the duration of their respective 
terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.
The members of the Board specified under subsections (m), (n), and (o) of this section 
shall be elected by the ex-officio members of the Board in a transparent and fair 
selection process. They shall each serve a term of three (3) years and may be 
reappointed for another term.
The members of the Board shall serve without compensation, except for the actual 
and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of their 
duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the Board or in connection with other


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official business authorized through a resolution of the Board, subject to existing rules 
and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and accountability for 
decisions binding to the member's sector.
The members of the Board duly elected or appointed prior to the effectivity of this Act 
shall continue their term until the expiration of their term or appointment. Thereafter, 
members of the Board shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this 
Act.
A member of the Board may be removed for any of the following grounds:
(a) More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings 
of the Board;
(b) Commission of acts prejudicial to the development and management of 
NAPSL as embodied in existing rules and regulations governing NAPSL;
(c) Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;
(d) Termination of relationship with the office or organization being 
represented; or
(e) Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.
The local government of the Province of Antique shall provide a secretariat for the 
Board including the funding necessary to cover the expenses for the performance of its 
official functions and activities.
Sec. 10. Functions and Responsibilities of the PAMB Council - The PAMB 
Council shall be responsible for the following:
(a) Formulation and the implementation of the ecotourism development and 
management plan in consultation with the local residents, businesses, and 
other stakeholders;
(b) Assessment and evaluation of the potential impact of the development on 
the environmental safety and well-being of the seascapes and 
landscapes, communities, and enterprises;
(c) Provision of technical and financial assistance to the communities within 
the seascapes and landscapes;
(d) Implementation of a monitoring plan for the water birds and their habitats 
to ensure their presence and well-being in NAPSL;
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(e) Formulation of the rules and regulations in relation to the maintenance 
and security of the ecotourism areas; and
(f) Performance of other functions as may be necessary to carry out the 
objectives of this Act.
Sec. 11. Formulation ofGuideHnes and Standards. - The DENR and DOT shall 
assist the PAMB Council in the formulation of local ecotourism standards ensuring 
that environmental protection is integrated into the development and management of 
the ecotourism plans.
The guidelines and standards shall:
(a) Raise the capacity of all stakeholders and ensure that best practices are 
followed;
(b) Ensure optimal use of water and energy;
(c) Reduce waste and pollution through the encouragement of recycling and 
other environmentally-sound waste management reduction and disposal 
schemes;
(d) Prevent vandaHsm in the facilities of the eco-park; and
(e) Encourage the use of local produce and services, and support the 
employment of local people.
Sec. 12. Coordination with National Agencies. - The DENR and the DOT shall 
closely coordinate with the Council, as well as the relevant regional offices of the 
DPWH, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of 
Transportation (DOTr), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of 
Education (DepEd), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department 
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police 
(PNP), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and other line agencies of the 
government in the implementation of this Act.
Sec. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DENR and the DOT, in consultation 
with the Council, other concerned government agencies, and stakeholders, 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper and 
effective implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 14. Appropriations. - The Secretaries of the DENR, DOT, and DPWH 
and the Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA shall include in their subsidy 
programs, support for the capital outlay requirements of the NAPSL for 
the preliminary implementation of this Act and enhancement of the facilities 
of the ecotourism zone which shall be taken from the budget of their 
respective agencies for the current fiscal year.
The budgetary allocations for the succeeding years shall be included in the 
General Appropriations Act, subject to a government audit.
Sec. 15. Separability Clause. — If for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which 
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, and administrative regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent 
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 17. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in the 
Ojficial Gazette.
Approved,
12