SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )
SENATE
s.B.No. 1811

Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA

AN ACT TO REORGANIZE THE NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE TO THE PUBLIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to reorganize the National Parks Development Committee or the
NPDC, and rename it as the Public Parks Development Authority. The bill further
defines the NPDC’s mandate and jurisdiction, ensuring a coordinated and
standardized approach to planning, development, operation, maintenance and
promotion of public parks throughout the country.

The Executive Committee for the development of Quezon Memorial Circle,
Luneta and other national parks was created in 1963 through Executive Order 30.
Subsequently, with Executive Order 69, the committee was renamed to “National
Parks Development Committee,” and was later on, in 1987, attached to the then
Ministry of Tourism by virtue of EO 120-A.

In 1999, through Executive Order 160, NPDC was reorganized, and as mandated
by the Tourism Act of 2009, it remained an attached agency of the Department of
Tourism (DOT). Currently, the NPDC is in charge of Rizal Park and Paco Park in the
City of Manila.

In reorganizing the NPDC into the Public Parks Development Authority, this bill
aims to ensure the continuous and proper maintenance of public parks and open
spaces—which improve public health, act as areas for sports and recreation, and
provide respite from an increasingly urbanized lifestyle. This measure also aims to
provide a boost to our local economy, as the proper maintenance of parks with



historical, cultural or scientific significance will most likely result in tourism
opportunities.

‘As our nation develops and areas urbanize, it is increasingly important to ensure
that green and open spaces remain for the benefit of the public, and that parks with
historical, cultural or scientific significance are preserved, as public parks will
continue to shape the quality of life of Filipino communities for generations to come.
Hence, it is envisioned that there be a single, dedicated agency to plan, develop,
maintain and operate public parks throughout the country.

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

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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) = "on
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Second Regular Session ) 18 wy 16 (7:04

/

SENATE
s.B.No, 1811

Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA

AN ACT TO REORGANIZE THE NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE TO THE PUBLIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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

SECTION 1. Change of Name. — The National Parks Development Committee
(NPDC) is hereby renamed the Public Parks Development Authority, hereinafter
referred to as Authority.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —

a. The State upholds the fundamental right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

b. The State recognizes and affirms the significant role of parks in the
holistic and balanced development of the nation and of its people and
shall promote its care and development.

c. The State shall maintain and preserve its public parks in order to provide
for a common place for individual and community enjoyment, health and
relaxation, as well as to have a venue for national and local gatherings
and celebrations.

d. The State shall develop, maintain, and allocate funds for its public parks
for the creation and promotion of tourism programs and initiatives, and for
environmental awareness, preservation and conservation.

e. The State affirms that parks are beyond the commerce of men, except
parks or areas declared as Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) and Parks

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under the management of the Public Parks Development Authority
(PPDA); Provided that, Any commerce to be introduced shall in no way
be detrimental to the history, heritage, arts and culture, and natural
environment of these parks;

f. The State affirms that the value gained in maintaining public parks may
be assessed through the collective satisfaction of the people that comes
from having well-maintained, safe and beautiful parks.

g. The State recognizes the involvement of local communities and of the
different sectors of society as essential for the successful maintenance
and development of public parks.

h. To achieve these objectives, the State shall vest in a single government
agency the primary function of planning, developing, operating and
maintain public parks in the country.

SEC. 3. Jurisdiction. — The Authority shall be the primary government agency
vested with the responsibility to plan, develop, supervise, operate and maintain all
public parks, as defined herein, throughout the country, as well as to construct the
necessary facilities in the said public parks, in consultation and coordination with
concerned local government units and other appropriate national agencies and
offices. The Authority shall also have responsibility over other public parks that may
be assigned by the President or the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines,
either by law or a presidential proclamation or executive order.

SEC. 4. Public Parks. — For purposes of this Act, a Public Park is defined as a
parcel of land or body of water, or a combination thereof, as identified by the
Authority and proclaimed as such, in accordance with this Act and the criteria
provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be adopted by the Authority,
set aside for the recreation or relaxation of people and the promotion of public
awareness of some historical, artistic, cultural or scientific matter; Provided that,
parks which are under the care and jurisdiction of other government agencies, are
excluded in this definition, unless otherwise proclaimed, either by law or a
presidential proclamation or executive order.



Such Public Parks include, but are not limited to, Rizal Park, Paco Park and
those parks which are of historical significance to the country, parks of cultural
heritage, or parks with national monuments.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. — Subject to existing laws, rules and
regulations, the Authority shall have the following powers and functions:

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a. To formulate and enforce policies, plans, programs, and projects to carry
out the mandate of the Authority;

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. To acquire, construct, lease, own, or possess personal and real property
necessary in carrying out its mandate, powers, and functions under this
Act;

To regulate the use of the areas of the Public Parks, and charge and

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collect reasonable fees to defray the cost of maintenance, repairs, and
operation of the Public Parks;

|. To exercise the power of eminent domain relative to the establishment of
new public park sites;

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To lease, mortgage, sell, alienate, or otherwise encumber or dispose its
properties, when necessary in the performance of its duties and functions,
provided that properties, which form part of the Public Parks, may not be
mortgaged, sold alienated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of
unless authorized by a law specifically allowing the same;

To ensure the safety and security of park-goers and the maintenance of
peace and order within the Public Parks;
. To engage the services of personnel to maintain peace and order in the

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Public Parks, as well as in the infrastructure, office premises, and
properties of the Authority;

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. To enlist and secure the aid and assistance of other relevant government
agencies, offices or officials, as well as the concerned local government
units, in promoting and developing the Public Parks as mandated in this
Act;

|. To develop and implement recreational, socio-cultural, and educational

programs and activities within the Public Parks that will contribute to the
enrichment of national identity and heritage;



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. To solicit, negotiate with, and receive legacies, gifts, donations, grants,
endowments, contributions, or other transfers of ownership or possession
of properties in favor of the Authority, in accordance with pertinent
accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations;

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. To contract loans, credits and other indebtedness, or issue bonds, when
necessary for the proper accomplishment of the purposes of this Act;

. To establish, promote, and sponsor training programs for its professional
and technical personnel;

m.To operate Tourism Enterprise Zones, when appropriate, over areas
under the Authority's jurisdiction in accordance with Republic Act No.
9593, Provided that, Any commerce and enterprise to be introduced shall
in no way be detrimental to the history, heritage, arts and culture and
natural environment of these parks; and

n. To perform all other acts necessary, convenient, and expedient to carry

out the mandate, powers, and functions of the Authority provided herein.

‘SEC. 6. Board of Trustees. — The Authority shall be governed by the Board of
Trustees composed of the following:

i. Chairperson — Secretary of Tourism;

ii, Vice-Chairperson— Executive Director of Public Parks Development
Authority;

iii, Members — Secretary of Public Works and Highways;

Chairman of the Metro Manila Development
Authority;

Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure
and Enterprise Zone Authority; and

Administrator of Intramuros Administration.

The Board may create committees and subcommittees for the accomplishment of
particular tasks or projects. It may allocate and appropriate funds to the committees
and subcommittees necessary for the accomplishment of the tasks or projects
assigned.

SEC. 7. Meetings of the Board. — The Board shall meet as often as necessary
which shall not be less than once a month.
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The Secretary of Tourism, as chairperson, shall preside in all the meetings of the

Board.

The Board shall appoint a corporate Secretary who shall be responsible for the

efficient planning and organization of the meetings of the Board.

SEC. 8. Powers and Duties of the Executive Director. — The Executive
Director of the Authority shall have the following powers and duties:

To execute and administer the policies, rules and regulations and measures
adopted by the Board of Trustees;

. To recommend to the Board policies and standards for the efficient, effective,

and economical operation of the Authority;

. To act as Chief Executive Officer and directly manage and supervise the day

to day operations and internal administration of the Public Parks Development
Authority, and sign all agreements and contracts entered into for and in its
behalf;

|. To prepare the agenda for the meetings of, and to submit for the

consideration of the Board of Trustees all policies and measures which the
Executive Director believes to be necessary to carry out its purpose;

. To prepare and submit an annual budget and necessary supplemental

budgets for the consideration of the Board of Trustees;
To appoint, discipline and remove, and define the duties of the Authority's
personnel, subject to existing Civil Service Rules and Regulations;

). To exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be vested in

the Executive Director or assigned by the Board of Trustees.

SEC. 9. Transfer of Administration of Rizal Park, Paco Park and Other
Public Parks. — The administration of the affairs of Rizal Park, Paco Park and other
public parks under the NPDC organized under Executive Orders No. 30 series of
1963; No. 69 series of 1964; NO. 120-A series of 1987 and No. 160 series of 1999,
‘shall now be under the administration of the Authority.

SEC. 10. Transfer of Rights and Liabilities. - The Authority shall, by virtue of
this Act, be subrogated to all rights and assume all liabilities of the NPDC, in

accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

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SEC. 11. Funding and Budget Allocation. - Funds needed to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be taken from a) the available funds of the National Parks
Development Committee b) Additional Budget Allocation in the amount of 150M
pesos for initial funding, and every year thereafter.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Order is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall
remain valid and effective.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, proclamations, rules,
regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two national newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,