Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3816

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan and
Hon. Iris Marie D. Montes

AN ACT

DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE CALAUAG WATERSHED
FOREST RESERVE (CWFR) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CALAUAG IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF
PROTECTED LANDSCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTRGRATED PROTECTED
AREA SYSTEM, TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE CALAUAG PROTECTED
LANDSCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare the Calauag Watershed Forest Reserve (CWFR)
situated in the Municipality of Calauag, Quezon into the Calauag Protected
Landscape (CPL).

The proposed protected area (PA) harbors a diverse array of ecologically
important and endemic species of flora and fauna, some of them classified as
critically endangered, vulnerable and threatened species. Thus, the biodiversity of
the area should be protected, enhanced and managed through a move
encompassing the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System
(ENIPAS).

The proposed PA provides a very precious commodity water, water for domestic
and agricultural uses of surrounding communities, as well as potable water for the
Municipality of Calauag. The water production capability of the area should be
enhanced and sustained through proper integrated watershed management
strategies to ensure the sustainability of water supply for the present and future
generations of stakeholders.

In 2022, in compliance with one of the provisions of the ENIPAS, initial
components of the NIPAS have undergone the Protected Area Suitability
Assessment (PASA). Among the targets for PASA within the jurisdiction of CENRO


Calauag, Quezon is the Calauag Watershed Forest Reserve (CWFR) which was
accomplished for FY 2022.

The CWFR has a total area of 327.86-hectare under Presidential
Proclamation No. 367 dated March 29, 1939. Hence, upon PASA, targeting some
36.79 hectares showed exemplary results in terms of the biodiversity of flora and
fauna. Out of the eighty-seven (87) species of flora recorded, fourteen (14) are
included in the IUCN Red List and DAO 2017-11, ie., Apitong, Molave and Yakal
(endangered), Bolong-eta, Dao, Kalantas, Makaasim, Malabayabas, Pahutan, Red
and White Lauan (vulnerable), Amuguis and Piling Liitan (near threatened).

With regard to fauna, eighty (80) species were monitored, of which twelve (12)
are listed with IUCN Red List and DAO 2019-19, namely, Amethyst brown dove,
Colasisi, Tarictic hornbill, and Philippine forest turtle (critically endangered),
Philippine cobra, Philippine pit wiper, Philippine Yellow-throated cobra,
Reticulated Python, Tokay gecko, Bayuko, and Luzon fanged frog (other
threatened). Birds are the most dominant fauna wherein forty-four (44) species
were recorded.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

ama
Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan Iris Na o Montes
4th District, Quezon Kababaihan, Kabal:kutan para sa Kapakanan

at Kaunlaran ng Bayan (4K) Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 381 6

Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan and
Hon. Iris Marie D. Montes

AN ACT

DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE CALAUAG WATERSHED
FOREST RESERVE (CWFR) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CALAUAG IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEZON, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY OF
PROTECTED LANDSCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED
AREA SYSTEM, TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE CALAUAG PROTECTED
LANDSCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Calauag Protected
Landscape Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the profound impact of human
activity on all components of the natural environment, it is hereby declared the
policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people of present and future
generations, the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals through the
declaration of protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS) within the classification of national park as provided for in the
Constitution.

In recognition of the richness of the biological resources, both flora and
fauna, that are native and distinct to Calauag, Quezonas well as their aesthetic and
ecological importance, Calauag Watershed Forest Reserve (CWFR) in the Province
of Quezon, is hereby declared a protected area under the category of protected
landscape, and shall hereinafter be referred to as the Calauag Protected Landscape
(CPL). As such, the State shall ensure the conservation, protection, management
and rehabilitation of the area. It is likewise recognized that effective
administration of this area is possible only through cooperation among the
National Government, local government units (LGUs), concerned


nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), private entities and local communities.
The use and enjoyment of this area must be consistent with the principles of
biological diversity and sustainable development.

Towards this end, the State shall ensure the full implementation of this Act,
the mobilization of resources for the institutional mechanisms herein established,
and the full scientific and technical support needed for the conservation of
biodiversity and the integrity of the ecosystems, and cultural and indigenous
practices.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Buffer zones refer to identified areas outside the boundaries of and
immediately adjacent to designated protected areas that need special
development control In order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area;

(b) Conservation refers to any act or acts of preservation and sustainable
utilization of wildlife or maintenance, restoration and enhancement of habitats;

(©) Indigenous cultural communities (ICCs)/indigenous peoples (IPs) refer to
groups of people sharing common bonds of language, customs, traditions, and
other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, since time immemorial occupied,
possessed and utilized a territory;

(d) National park refers to land of the public domain classified as such in the
Constitution which includes all areas under the NIPAS, primarily designated for
the conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and
cultural diversity;

(e) Protected area refers to an identified portion of land and water set aside
by reason of its unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance
biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation;

(f) Protected landscape refers to an area of national significance which is
characterized by the harmonious interaction of human and land and water while
providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and
other economic activities; and

(g) Tenured migrants refer to protected area occupants who are presently
occupying, and have been actually and continuously occupying, a portion of the
protected area for five (5) years before the same was established by proclamation
or law as a protected area, and are solely dependent therein for subsistence.

SEC. 4. Classification as a National Park. - The CPL is comprised of a parcel
of land of the public domain located in the Municipality of Calauag in the Province


of Quezon. All lands of the public domain within the coverage and scope of the CPL
shall fall under the classification of national park as provided for in Article XII,
Section 3 of the Constitution.

SEC. 5. Scope and Coverage. - The boundaries of the CPL are more
particularly
described as the area beginning at a point marked “1” on the Map, being S 26°00'E,
2,663.96 meters from BLBM No.2, Barangay Yaganak, Calauag, Quezon:

Thence N 86°22'E

66.71 m. to corner 2;

Thence S 60°20'E

80.57 m to corner 3;

Thence N 76°12'E

73.16 m to corner 4;

Thence S 64°54'E

46.01 m to corner 5;

Thence N 73°45'E

24.98 m to corner 6;

Thence N 86°38'E

43.07 m to corner 7;

Thence N 69°47'E

43.07 m to corner 8;

Thence $ 89°51'E

86.98 m to corner 9;

Thence N 27°4'E

107.82 m to corner 10;

Thence N 32°42'E

83.23 m to corner 11;

Thence N 18°25'W.

116.31 to corner 12;

Thence N 36°11'W.

121.89 to corner 13;

Thence N 5°2'W

255.17 m to corner 1.

Thence N 19°30'E

69.27 m to corner 15;

| Thence N 80°10'E

42.20 m to corner 16;

Thence S$ 47°8'E

58.34 m to corner 17;

Thence S$ 63°42'E

Thence $ 53°24'E

Thence N 57932'E

Thence S$ 44°46'E

110.85 m to corner 21;

Thence S 56243'W

391.79 m to corner 22;

Thence $ 262 03' E

134.54 m to corner 23;

Thence S 762 48' E

155.58 m to corner 24;

Thence $ 012 51'W

228.15 m to corner 25;

Thence $ 702 08' E

84.99 m to corner 26;

Thence S 452 50' E

58.95 m to corner 27;

Thence $ 54° 44" W

207.55 m to corner 28;

| Thence N 34° 43" W

28.66 m to corner 29;

Thence N 192 29'E

63.26 m to corner 30;

Thence N 082 25' W

188.47 m to corner 31;

Thence $ 87° 26' W

153.52 m to corner 32;

Thence N 75° 45' W_

85.96 m to corner 33;

Thence S$ 47° 11' W

66.72 m to corner 34;

Thence S 18° 26' E

122.16 m to corner 35;

Thence N 852 21' W

191.86 m to corner 36;



Thence N 37° 18' W 148.27 m to corner 37;
Thence $ 332 59' W 75.10 m to corner 38;
Thence $ 26° 49' W 140.74 m to corner 39;
Thence N 872 30' W 99.34 m to corner 40;
Thence $ 692° 43' W 60.62 m to corner 41;

_ Thence S$ 85° 13' W 103.76 m to corner 42;

| Thence N 602 57' W 42.07 m to corner 43;
Thence $ 742 52' W 66.68 m to corner 44;

| Thence N 57° 44" W 79.64 m to corner 45;

| Thence $ 862 02' W 61.40 m to corner 46;

| Thence N 12° 11'W 20.76 m to corner 1.

the point of beginning containing an area of THIRTY-SIX AND 79/100
(36.79) hectares.

SEC. 6. Establishment of Buffer Zones. ~ The Secretary of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon the recommendation of the
Protected Area Management Board created under Section 7 of this Act, may
designate areas surrounding the CPL as buffer zones for the purpose of providing
an extra layer of protection where restrictions may be applied: Provided, That in
cases where the designated buffer zone would cover private lands, the owners
thereof shall be required to design their development with due consideration to
the protected area management plan.

ARTICLE II
MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS

SEC. 7. Protected Area Management Board. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) shall be
created to oversee the management of the CPL. The PAMB shall be composed of
the following:

(a) DENR Regional Executive Director for Region IV-A, as Chairperson;

(b) Governor of the Province of Quezon or the duly designated
representative;

(c) Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered
residents of the Province of Quezon, or their duly authorized representatives,
unless the Senators decline the membership in the PAMB;

(d) District Representative of the Congressional District where the CPL is
located, or a duly designated representative, unless the District Representative
declines the membership in the PAMB;


(e) Mayor of the Municipality of Calauag in the Province of Quezon or the
duly authorized representatives;

(f) Chairperson(s) of all the barangay(s) with territorial jurisdiction over
the CPL;

(g) Regional Directors of the following government agencies, namely:
Department of Agriculture (DA), National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine National Police
(PNP), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Tourism (DOT), and
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP);

(h) Three (3) representatives from NGOs, or people's organizations (POs)
based in the Province of Quezon duly accredited both by the DENR and the
provincial government. The NGOs or POs represented should have been in
existence for at least five (5) years and with track record in or related to protected
area management;

(i) One (1) representative from the academe, preferably from a university
or college in the Province of Quezon, with proven track record in or related to
protected area management; and

{j) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of
the Province of Quezon, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest
relevant to the management of a protected area.

The terms of office of members of the PAMB, as well as the grounds for their
removal shall be in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7586,
otherwise known as the "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992",
as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, otherwise known as the "Expanded
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018".

SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have the
following powers and functions:

(a) Oversee the management of the CPL;

(b) Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other
related documents for the management of the CPL;

(c) Approve the management plan of the CPL and ensure its harmonization
with and integration into the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and
Protection Plan, land use plan and other development plans, public or private, and
their implementation;


(d) Adopt a manual of operations to include rules of procedures in the
conduct of business, and the creation of committees and their respective terms of
reference;

(e) Recommend the deputation of appropriate agencies and individuals for
the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the management of
the CPL;

(f) Allocate financial resources for the implementation of the management
plan and manage the Protected Area Retention Income Account and other funds in
accordance with accounting and budgeting rules and regulations;

(g) Set fees and charges in accordance with existing guidelines;

(h) Issue rules and regulations for the resolution of conflicts through
appropriate and effective means;

(i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other
government authorities with respect to the management of the CPL;

(j) Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area
Superintendent (PASu) and other protected area personnel and compliance of
partners with the terms and conditions of any undertaking, contract and
agreement;

(k) Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the
designation or appointment of the PASu; and

(I) Assess the effectiveness of the management of the CPL: Provided, That
the members of the PAMB representing the LGUs and national agencies shall
inform their respective constituents, offices or sectors, of PAMB-approved or other
relevant policies, rules, regulations, programs, and projects and shall ensure that
the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations issued to implement it are
complied with and used as reference and framework in their respective plans,
policies, programs, and projects.

Failure to comply with the foregoing shall be the basis for disciplinary
action against such member according to administrative rules and regulations and
such penalties as the PAMB may provide: Provided, further. That the DENR,
through the Regional Director, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of
its powers and functions. In case of conflict between the resolutions issued by the
PAMB and the existing administrative orders of national application, the latter
shall prevail.


SEC. 9. The Protected Area Management Office. - There is hereby established
a Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a PASu who shall
supervise the day-to-day management, protection, and administration of the CPL.
The PASu shall hold a permanent plantilla position and shall be appointed by the
DENR Secretary. A sufficient number of support staff with permanent plantilla
positions shall likewise be appointed by the DENR Secretary to assist the PASu in
the management of the protected area.

The PASu shall be primarily accountable to the PAMB and the DENR for the
management and operations of the CPL. Pursuant thereto, the PASu shall have the
following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Prepare the management plan, in consultation with the stakeholders,
including the annual work and financial plans and ensure its implementation;

(b) Ensure the integration of the protected area management plans,
programs, projects, and policies with relevant national and LGU plans and
programs;

(c) Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees and ensure
the availability of relevant and timely information for decision-making;

(d) Formulate and recommend to the PAMB proposed policies, rules,
regulations, and programs;

(e) Establish, operate, and maintain a database management system which
shall be an important basis for decision-making;

(f) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the area, commence
and institute administrative and legal actions in collaboration with other
government agencies;

(g) Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management
activities of the protected area;

(h) Request for and receive any technical assistance, support or advice from
any agency or instrumentality of the government as well as academic institutions,
NGOs, and the private sector, as may be necessary for the effective management,
protection and administration of the protected area;

(i) Issue permits and clearances for activities that implement the
management plan and other permitted activities in accordance with terms,
conditions, and criteria established by the PAMB: Provided, That all permits for
extraction activities, including the collection for research purposes, shall also


continue to be issued by relevant authorities, subject to prior clearance from the
PAMB, through the PASu, in accordance with the specific acts to be covered;

(j) Collect and/or receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other
income for the protected area: Provided, That such fees, charges, donations, and
other income collected /received shall be reported regularly to the PAMB and the
DENR in accordance with existing guidelines;

(k) Prepare and recommend to the PAMB, approval of the annual work and
financial plans of the protected area based on the management plan; and

(I) Perform such other functions as the PAMB and the DENR may assign.

ARTICLE III
PROCEEDS AND FEES

SEC. 10. Calauag Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund. -
There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Calauag Protected
Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (CPL-IPAF) for purposes of financing
projects and sustaining the operation of the CPL and the NIPAS. All income
generated from the operation and management of wild flora and fauna in the CPL
shall accrue to the CPL-IPAF. The income shall be derived from fees from
permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and other resources from the CPL,
proceeds from the lease of multiple-use areas, contributions from industries and
facilities directly benefiting from the CPL, and such other fees and income derived
from the operation of the CPL.

The PAMB shall retain seventy-five percent (75%) of all revenues raised
through the above means, which shall be deposited in the Protected Area-Retained
Income Account (PA-RIA) in any authorized government depository bank within
the locality: Provided, That disbursements out of such deposits shall be used solely
for the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the CPL and
implementation of duly approved projects of the PAMB. The remaining twenty-
five percent (25%) of revenues shall be deposited as a special account in the
General Fund of the National Treasury for purposes of financing the projects of the
NIPAS.

The fund may be augmented by grants, donations, and endowments from
various sources, domestic or foreign: Provided, That the fund shall be deposited in
full as a special account in the National Treasury and disbursements therefrom
shall be made solely for the protection, maintenance, administration and
management of the NIPAS and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in
accordance with existing accounting, budgeting and auditing 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.

ARTICLE IV
TRANSITORY AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 11. 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.

SEC. 12. Suppletory Application of the NIPAS Law. - The provisions of
Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected
Area System Act of 1992”, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, or the
“Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 2018” shall have
suppletory application to this Act.

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DENR shall, in consultation with the
local governments of the Municipality of Calauag, the provincial government of
Quezon, and concerned national government agencies, issue the corresponding
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any section or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections or provisions not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,