NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  9644 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of the Philippines aims to 
establish a comprehensive system of protected areas in the country to ensure the sustainable 
use of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection. Designating 
certain areas as protected under the NIPAS Act serves several important purposes including 
biodiversity conservation, and providing critical ecosystem services, such as clean air and 
water, soil stability, and climate regulation.  
Protected areas also assist in scientific research as they act as living laboratories, and they 
are also popular tourist destinations. These areas also play a role in climate change mitigation 
by sequestering carbon and helping to regulate climate patterns.  
The Cugman-Catanico Protected Landscape (CuCaPL) was supposed to be part of the 
protected areas covered by Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act.  
Last 2019, the DENR in collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro City local government, local 
communities, and other government agencies endorsed the designation of the CuCaPL, which 
covers a total area of 946 hectares, as Protected Area through Presidential Proclamation. 
Unfortunately, the CuCaPL was never designated as a protected area under the Expanded 
NIPAS Act.  
Hence this bill which seeks to designate CuCaPL as protected area. There is a need to 
designate it as such to preserve and strengthen the protection of CuCaPL. We need to 
designate the CuCaPL as protected area to ensure the holistic conservation and sustainable 
use of the natural resources there, to promote environmental resilience, and to support the 
well-being of present and future generations. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
December 4, 2023
8:35 am


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  9644 
AN ACT 
DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND LOCATED IN THE CITY OF CAGAYAN DE ORO, IN 
THE PROVINCE OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL, A PROTECTED AREA WITH THE CATEGORY 
OF PROTECTED LANDSCAPE UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED PROTECTED 
AREA SYSTEM, TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE CUGMAN-CATANICO PROTECTED 
LANDSCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Cugman-Catanico Protected Landscape 
Act". 
SECTION 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 Cugman-Catanico, as well as their aesthetic and ecological importance, 
the area is hereby declared a protected area under the category of protected landscape and 
shall hereinafter be referred to as the Cugman-Catanico Protected Landscape Protected 
Landscape (CuCaPL). 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. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be 
defined as follows: 
"(a) Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the variability among living organisms from all 
sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the 
ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between 
species and of ecosystems; 


 
"(b) Bioprospecting refers to the research collection, and utilization of biological and genetic 
resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for commercial 
purposes; 
 
"(e) 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; 
 
(d) By-products or Derivatives refer to parts taken or substances extracted from wildlife, in raw 
or in processed form: 
 
"(e) Collecting refers to the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife and its by-products or 
derivatives;  
 
"(f) Conveyance refers to every kind of vessel including motorized or non motorized vehicles. 
nondisplacement crafts and seaplanes that are used or may be used as a means of 
transportation on land or water. It shall include everything found therein, except personal 
effects;  
 
"(g) Delineation refers to the actual ground survey of the boundaries of protected areas and 
their buffer zones and management and management zones using the global positioning 
system (GPS) or other applicable survey instruments and technologies, with the intention of 
producing a map of the area;  
 
"(h) Demarcation refers to the establishment of the boundaries of protected areas and their 
buffer zones using visible markers, monuments, buoys in case of marine areas, and known 
natural features and landmarks, among others, as a result of the actual ground delineation;  
 
"(i) Ecosystem goods and services refer to the multitude of material and nonmaterial provisions 
and benefits from healthy ecosystems necessary for human sustenance, well-being, and 
survival including support processes, provisioning and environment regulating services, and 
cultural resource preservation services;  
 
“(j) Endemic species refer to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna which are naturally 
occurring and found within specific areas in the country;  
 
"(k) Exotic species refer to the species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not naturally 
occur within the protected area at present or in historical time;  
 
"(l) Exploration refers to the act of searching or prospecting for mineral resources, as defined 
by law, by geological, geochemical or geophysical surveys, remote sensing, test pitting, 
trenching, drilling, shaft sinking, tunneling or any other means, for the purpose of determining 
the existence, extent, quantity, and quality of resources in an area, and the feasibility of 
utilizing these resources for profit; 
 
"(m) Gear refers to any instrument or device and its accessories utilized in taking, catching, 
gathering, killing, hunting, destroying, disturbing, removing, or possessing resources within 
the protected area;  
 
"(n) Genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to any living organism that possesses a novel 
combination of genetic material through the use of modern biotechnology; 
 
“(o) Hunting refers to the killing or catching of wild fauna for food and recreational purposes, 
with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spears, traps and snares, and the like;  


 
“(p) Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC)! Indigenous People (IP) refers to a group 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;  
 
"(q) Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) refers to the special account established for the 
purpose of financing projects of the NIPAS and individual protected areas;  
 
"(r) Invasive alien species refer to species introduced deliberately or unintentionally outside 
their natural habitats where they have the ability to establish themselves, invade, outcompete 
native species, and take over the new environment;  
 
"(s) Kaingin refers to the slash-and-bum cultivation of vegetated land in a protected area, 
whether occupied or not, shifting and permanent with little or no provision to prevent soil 
erosion;  
 
"(t) Multiple-use zone refers to the area where settlement, traditional and sustainable land use 
including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction activities, and income generating or livelihood 
activities may be allowed to the extent prescribed in the protected area management plan;  
 
"(u) National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) refers to the classification and 
administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological processes 
and life-support systems, to preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources 
found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible; 
 
"(v) National park refers to the lands of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution 
which include all areas under the NIPAS pursuant to this Act, primarily designated for the 
conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity;  
 
"(w) Natural biotic area refers to an area set aside to allow the way of life of societies living in 
harmony with the environment to adapt to modern technology at their pace;  
 
"(x) Natural monument refers to a relatively small area focused on the protection of small 
features to protect or preserve nationally significant natural features on account of their special 
interest or unique characteristics;  
 
"(y) Natural park refers to a relatively large area not materially altered by human activity where 
extractive resource uses are not allowed and is maintained to protect outstanding natural and 
scenic areas of national or international significance for scientific, educational, and 
recreational use;  
 
"(z) Occupying refers to a continuous stay of individuals or groups within a protected area, 
whether residing or engaging in the cultivation of land or fishing for more than twenty-four (24) 
hours:  
 
"(aa) Poaching refers to gathering, collecting, or possessing products or natural resources 
from the protected area by any individual person, corporation or entity whether local or foreign; 
in the case of marine protected areas, operating any foreign fishing vessels by any person, 
corporation, or entity without a permit;  
 
"(bb) Protected area refers to identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of 
their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and 
protected against destructive human exploitation; 
 


(cc) Protected area occupants refer to persons who are residing, utilizing, and cultivating areas 
within the protected area. These include private owners, IPs, tenured migrants and informal 
settlers;  
 
"(dd) Protected Area Retained Income Account refers to the trust fund maintained by any 
protected area and administered by the respective Protected Area Management Boards 
(PAMB) created pursuant to this Act representing the seventy-five percent (75%) of revenues 
generated from the protected area to support its operation and management;  
 
"(ee) Protected landscapes and! or seascapes refer to areas of national significance which 
are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land and water while providing 
opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities:  
 
"(ff) Protected species refer to plants or animals declared protected under Philippine laws, 
rules, and regulations. These shall include all species listed under the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and all its Annexes, the 
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), those specified under the redlist 
categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources UCN), 
or any plant or animal which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
PAMB or any government agency may deem necessary for conservation and preservation in 
the protected area; 
 
(gg) Quarrying refers to the process of extracting, removing, and disposing sand, gravel, 
guano, limestone, and all other resources used as building and construction materials that are 
found within the protected area;  
 
"(hh) Resource reserve refers to an extensive, relatively isolated, and uninhabited area which 
is difficult to access and is designated to protect the natural resources of the area for future 
use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect the resources, pending the 
establishment of sustainable resource utilization goals which are based upon appropriate 
information and planning;  
 
"(ii) Special Account in the General Fund (SAGF) refers to the trust fund deposited in the 
national treasury representing the twenty-five percent (25%) of the revenues generated from 
the operation of individual protected area and earmarked to support the NTPAS; 
 
"(jj) Strict nature reserve refers to an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features, 
and species of flora and fauna of national scientific importance that should be maintained to 
protect and preserve nature in its undisturbed state and to preserve ecologically representative 
examples of the natural environment to ensure their availability for scientific study, 
environmental monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a 
dynamic and evolutionary state;  
 
(kk) Tenured migrants refer to protected area occupants who have been actually, continuously 
and presently occupying a portion of the protected area for five (5) years before the 
proclamation or law establishing the same as a protected area, and are solely dependent 
therein for subsistence;  
 
"(II) Threatened species refer to species or subspecies considered critically endangered, 
vulnerable, or other accepted categories of wildlife whose population is at risk of extinction;  
 
"(mm) Wetlands refer to a wide variety of inland habitats such as marshes, peatlands, 
floodplains, rivers and lakes, and coastal areas such as saltmarshes, mangroves, intertidal 
mudflats and seagrass beds, and also coral reefs and other marine areas no deeper than six 


(6) meters at low tide, as well as human-made wetlands such as dams, reservoirs, rice paddies 
and wastewater treatment ponds and lagoons;  
 
"(nn) Wildlife refers to the wild forms and varieties of flora and fauna, in all developmental 
stages, including those which are in captivity or are being bred, fed, or propagated; and  
 
"(oo) Wildlife Sanctuary refers to an area which assures the natural conditions necessary to 
protect nationally significant species, groups of species, biotic communities or physical 
features of the environment which may requ.ixe specific human manipulations for their 
perpetuation." 
 
SECTION 4. Classification as a National Park. - City of Cagayan de Oro in the Province of 
Misamis Oriental, the metes and bounds of which are described in Section 4 of this Act. All 
lands of the public domain within the coverage and scope of the CuCaPL shall fall under the 
classification of national park as provided for in Article XII, Section 3 of the Constitution. 
 
SECTION 5. Scope and Coverage. - The boundaries of the Cugman-Catanico Protected 
Landscape are more particularly described as the area beginning at a point marked "1" on the 
Map being S 29°41' W.,743.766 meters from PRS 92 MSE-3339 with geographic coordinates 
of 8°27' 36.1756" N, 124°43'12.1921" E located within the boundary of the Barangay Cugman 
and Barangay F.S.Catanico in City of Cagayan de Oro, 
 
thence 
S 71'59' 46"E445.60 
meters to corner 
2; 
thence 
N 02‘23' 19”W209.79 
meters to corner 
3; 
thence 
S 88'12' 36"E71.15 
meters to corner 
4; 
thence 
N 68‘33' 48"E200.56 
meters to corner 
5; 
thence 
S 36‘47' 48"E159.13 
meters to corner 
6; 
thence 
S 58‘31’ 21"E199.28 
meters to corner 
7; 
thence 
N 52‘35' 19"E186.02 
meters to corner 
8; 
thence 
N 37‘08' 34"E303.86 
meters to corner 
9; 
thence 
N 24‘26' 39"E397.98 
meters to corner 
10; 
thence 
S 70"35' 43"E150.52 
meters to corner 
11; 
thence 
S 06‘55' 44"W503.43 
meters to corner 
12; 
thence 
S 70‘7' 04"W429.42 
meters to corner 
13; 
thence 
S 50‘48' 52"E271.17 
meters to corner 
14; 
thence 
N 41‘30' 33"E182.60 
meters to corner 
15; 
thence 
S 02‘13' 24"W387.80 
meters to corner 
16; 
thence 
S 00‘38' 37"E427.10 
meters to corner 
17; 
thence 
S 01‘57' 01"W377.69 
meters to corner 
18; 
thence 
S 71'19' 27"W460.13 
meters to corner 
19; 
thence 
S 57‘33' 43"W60.00 
meters to corner 
20; 
thence 
S 51‘03' 23"W178.61 
meters to corner 
21; 
thence 
S 42'44' 57"W169.31 
meters to corner 
22; 
thence 
S 19‘19’ 09"W137.69 
meters to corner 
23; 
thence 
S 11”01' 23"E176.34 
meters to corner 
24; 
thence 
S 09‘39' 16"W93.52 
meters to corner 
25; 
thence 
S 07‘26' 41"W40.77 
meters to corner 
26; 
thence 
N 71‘03' 29"W639.39 
meters to corner 
27; 
thence 
N 65'50' 32"W362.22 
meters to corner 
28; 
thence 
N 78”00' 44"W1079.06 
meters to corner 
29; 
thence 
S 30’36' 26"W26.26 
meters to corner 
30; 


thence 
S 38’22' 12"W28.09 
meters to corner 
31; 
thence 
S 68‘01' 10"W33.81 
meters to corner 
32; 
thence 
S 86°26' O5"W56.34 
meters to corner 
33i 
thence 
S 74’39' 17"W25.05 
meters to corner 
34; 
thence 
S 54‘55'49"W32.28 
meters to corner 
35; 
thence 
S 41'31' 53"W 
31.86 
meters to corner 
36; 
thence 
S 39‘46' 07"W 
51.67 
meters to corner 
37; 
thence 
S 45‘48'28"W 
28.97 
meters to corner 
38; 
thence 
S 52”35' 52"W 
28.12 
meters to corner 
39; 
thence 
S 53‘33’ l1"W 
56.96 
meters to corner 
40; 
thence 
S 49‘22' 59"W 
52.47 
meters to corner 
41; 
thence 
N 88"55' 28“W 
28.23 
meters to corner 
42; 
thence 
N 89‘20' 59"W 
58.38 
meters to corner 
43; 
thence 
S 83‘13' 56"W 
210.11 
meters to corner 
44; 
thence 
S 46‘45' 18“W 
202.54 
meters to corner 
45; 
thence 
S 56‘58' 51"W 
178.19 
meters to corner 
46; 
thence 
S 08‘57' 01"W 
434.60 
meters to corner 
47; 
thence 
S 44’59' 53"W 
38.94 
meters to corner 
48; 
thence 
S 51'58' 10"W 
38.19 
meters to corner 
49; 
thence 
S 59‘31’ 16"W 
59.12 
meters to corner 
50; 
thence 
S 65’32' 59"W 
76.35 
meters to corner 
51; 
thence 
S 67’09' 20"W 
36.31 
meters to corner 
52; 
thence 
S 55‘55' 56"W 
40.44 
meters to corner 
53; 
thence 
S 35'08' 09"W 
35.46 
meters to corner 
54; 
thence 
S 24'44' 20"W 
41.37 
meters to corner 
55; 
thence 
S 31’29'24"W 
36.36 
meters to corner 
56; 
thence 
S 45‘00' 55"W 
28.20 
meters to corner 
57; 
thence 
S 45‘00' 56"W 
13.16 
meters to corner 
58; 
thence 
S 52‘07' 13"W 
52.63 
meters to corner 
59; 
thence 
S 63‘01' 31"W 
31.14 
meters to corner 
60; 
thence 
S 72'13' 24"W 
33.02 
meters to corner 
6l; 
thence 
S 70‘38' 28"W 
34.24 
meters to corner 
62; 
thence 
S 84‘35'3"W 
30.11 
meters to corner 
63; 
thence 
N 87‘26' 41"W 
32.56 
meters to corner 
64; 
thence 
N 86‘38' 34"W 
34.72 
meters to corner 
65; 
thence 
N 89‘30' 15"W 
40.66 
meters to corner 
66; 
thence 
S 86’07' 49"W 
29.47 
meters to corner 
67; 
thence 
S 76’21'06"W 
21.32 
meters to corner 
68; 
thence 
S 67‘58' 32"W 
29.30 
meters to corner 
69; 
thence 
S 72’18' 15"W 
68.20 
meters to corner 
70; 
thence 
S 71‘16’27“W 
52.97 
meters to corner 
Al: 
thence 
S 75’24' 13"W 
39.42 
meters to corner 
72; 
thence 
S 77’18' 37"W 
30.16 
meters to corner 
73; 
thence 
S 85‘18' 20"W 
36.o9 
meters to corner 
74; 
thence 
N 86‘54' 45"W 
35.14 
meters to corner 
75; 
thence 
N 74'50' 48"W 
28.93 
meters to corner 
76; 
thence 
N 76‘08' 05"W 
34.05 
meters to corner 
‘77; 
thence 
N 67‘43' 50"W 
52.62 
meters to corner 
78; 
thence 
N 58‘50' 18"W 
28.92 
meters to corner 
79; 
thence 
N 56"58' 12"W 
28.49 
meters to corner 
80; 
thence 
N 72"36' 09"W 
19.41 
meters to corner 
81; 
thence 
S 89'19' 26"W 
16.84 
meters to corner 
82; 
thence 
N 86'34' 45“W 
49.60 
meters to corner 
83; 
thence 
N 40'58' 52"W 
184.88 
meters to corner 
84; 


thence 
N 41'27' 50”W 
75.77 
meters to corner 
85; 
thence 
N 66‘27' 39"W 
57.16 
meters to corner 
86; 
thence 
S 67"13' 8"W 
79.42 
meters to corner 
87; 
thence 
N 87‘51' 27"W 
90.43 
meters to corner 
88; 
thence 
N 55'43' 43"W 
32.34 
meters to corner 
89; 
thence 
N 18‘17' 57"E 
24.52 
meters to corner 
90; 
thence 
N 05'20' 44"W 
47.46 
meters to corner 
91; 
thence 
N 16‘24' 47"W 
53.33 
meters to corner 
92; 
thence 
N 23‘15' 50"E 
46.94 
meters to corner 
93; 
thence 
N 39”18' 24"W 
35.78 
meters to corner 
94; 
thence 
N 12‘25' 46"W 
37.06 
meters to corner 
95; 
thence 
N 12"42' 09"E 
29.85 
meters to corner 
96; 
thence 
N 10"00' 35"W 
19.56 
meters to corner 
97; 
thence 
N 23‘29' 37"E 
17.76 
meters to corner 
98; 
thence 
N 07"21' 39"W 
28.88 
meters to corner 
99; 
thence 
N 13‘13' 15"W 
35.93 
meters to corner 
100; 
thence 
N 24‘54' 22"W 
21.91 
meters to corner 
101; 
thence 
N 75‘40’ 07"W 
28.85 
meters to corner 
102; 
thence 
N 50‘24' 56"W 
24.86 
meters to corner 
103; 
thence 
N 63"45' 46"W 
23.99 
meters to corner 
104; 
thence 
N 35"14' 33"W 
20.06 
meters to corner 
105; 
thence 
N 63‘08' 24"W 
36.51 
meters to corner 
106; 
thence 
N 20‘44' 33"W 
32.49 
meters to corner 
107; 
thence 
N 48‘39' 41"E 
14.04 
meters to corner 
108; 
thence 
N 07‘50' 06"W 
20.62 
meters to corner 
109; 
thence 
N 18'08' 24"W 
18.44 
meters to corner 
110; 
thence 
N 40"04' 10"W 
15.31 
meters to corner 
111: 
thence 
N 06'49’ 48"W 
14.10 
meters to corner 
112, 
thence 
N 29"46' 15"E 
15.41 
meters to corner 
113; 
thence 
N 17"09' 13"E 
20.11 
meters to corner 
114; 
thence 
N 30‘16' 36"E 
8.76 
meters to corner 
115; 
thence 
N 74‘52' 23"E 
8.77 
meters to corner 
116; 
thence 
S 89‘42’ 18"E 
44.90 
meters to corner 
117; 
thence 
N 68"45' 15"E 
47.64 
meters to corner 
118; 
thence 
N 70‘47' 34"E 
59.38 
meters to corner 
119; 
thence 
N 38‘8' 05"E 
190.77 
meters to corner 
120; 
thence 
S 66‘57' 02"E 
534.67 
meters to corner 
121; 
thence 
N60’1016"E 
156.98 
meters to corner 
122; 
thence 
N 40‘00' 29"E 
143.58 
meters to corner 
123; 
thence 
N 34‘42' l7"W 
120.00 
meters to corner 
124; 
thence 
N 24‘42' 17"W 
260.00 
meters to corner 
125; 
thence 
N 03"42' 17"W 
100.00 
meters to corner 
126; 
thence 
N 52‘17' 43"E 
320.00 
meters to corner 
127; 
thence 
N 35‘32'39"E 
129.17 
meters to corner 
128; 
thence 
N 74”10' 59"E 
244.92 
meters to corner 
129; 
thence 
N 21"22’08"E 
50.70 
meters to corner 
130; 
thence 
N 85‘15' 32"E 
129.29 
meters to corner 
131; 
thence 
S 47'12' 09"E 
247.63 
meters to corner 
132; 
thence 
N 29‘57' 43"E 
68.35 
meters to corner 
133; 
thence 
N 83‘25' 55"E 
47.11 
meters to corner 
134; 
thence 
S 01‘59' 8"W 
104.87 
meters to corner 
135; 
thence 
N 67‘51' 58"E 
177.91 
meters to corner 
136; 
thence 
N 06'22' 6"W 
315.12 
meters to corner 
137; 
thence 
N 67"18' 51"E 
64.35 
meters to corner 
138; 
thence 
S 58'40' 56"E 
121.66 
meters to corner 
139; 


thence 
N 73"45' 56"E 
95.21 
meters to corner 
140; 
thence 
N 57‘26' 31"E 
97.73 
meters to corner 
141; 
thence 
S 52”59' 19"E 
229.84 
meters to corner 
142; 
thence 
N 26"55' 25"E 
329.68 
meters to corner 
143; 
thence 
N 26‘46' 00"W 
255.58 
meters to corner 
144; 
thence 
S 66‘50' 43"W 
277.51 
meters to corner 
145; 
thence 
N 51‘51' 36"W 
212.72 
meters to corner 
146; 
thence 
N 58‘31' 32"W 
475.70 
meters to corner 
14’?; 
thence 
N 68‘30' 59"W 
203.62 
meters to corner 
148; 
thence 
N 19‘51' 21"W 
156.92 
meters to corner 
149; 
thence 
N 45”14' 42"W 
164.08 
meters to corner 
150; 
thence 
N 34‘03'33"E 
80.91 
meters to corner 
151; 
thence 
N 80‘04' 05"E 
168.81 
meters to corner 
152; 
thence 
N 57‘52' 04"E 
327.58 
meters to corner 
153; 
thence 
N 87"24' 49"E 
190.69 
meters to corner 
154; 
thence 
N 16‘50' 63"E 
230.07 
meters to corner 
155; 
thence 
S 81‘59' 12"E 
217.06 
meters to corner 
156; 
thence 
S 06‘35' 15"W 
200.99 
meters to corner 
157; 
thence 
S 80‘38' 23"E 
51.60 
meters to corner 
158; 
thence 
N 64’04' 03"E 
71.51 
meters to corner 
159; 
thence 
S 1l'41' 14"W 
80.54 
meters to corner 
160; 
thence 
S 81‘49' 56"E 
165.60 
meters to corner 
161; 
thence 
N 01‘44' 48"W 
91.45 
meters to corner 
162; 
thence 
S 83”18' 13"E 
118.39 
meters to corner 
163; 
thence 
S 83‘44' 40"E 
85.66 
meters to corner 
164; 
thence 
S 29’33' 45"W 
76.00 
meters to corner 
165; 
thence 
N 88”34' 53"E 
315.91 
meters to corner 
166; 
thence 
N 77"02' 35"E 
122.28 
meters to corner 
167; 
thence 
S 88‘23' 54"E 
48.36 
meters to corner 
168; 
thence 
N 27"30' 28"E 
73.54 
meters to corner 
169; 
thence 
S 87"33' 14"E 
200.96 
meters to corner 
170; 
thence 
S 65"30' 47"E 
101.54 
meters to corner 
171; 
thence 
N 76"10' 40"E 
113.26 
meters to corner 
172; 
thence 
S 6l‘41' 11"E 
303.17 
meters to corner 
173; 
thence 
S 18’25’ 54"E 
136.38 
meters to corner 
174; 
thence 
S 79"15' 44"E 
217.11 
meters to corner 
175; 
thence 
S 01‘47' 05"E 
135.69 
meters to corner 
1; 
 
 
the point of beginning, containing an area of NINE HUNDRED FORTY SIX (946) hectares 
more or less. Bearings and Distances of lines were derived using the PRS 92 Philippines Zone 
V coordinate system, subject to actual ground demarcation. 
 
 
SECTION 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 6 of this Act, may designate areas 
surrounding the CuCaPL 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. 
 
SECTION 7. Restoration Program. - As part of the PA Management Plan and in view of the 
existing reforestation area in CuCaPL, there shall be a restoration program promoting 
indigenous species of plants within the area. 


 
ARTICLE II 
MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS 
 
SECTION 8. 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 CuCaPL. The PAMB shall be composed of the following:  
 
a. 
DENR Regional Executive Director for Region X, as Chairperson; 
b. 
Governor of the Province of Misamis Oriental or a duly authorized representative; 
c. 
Senators of the Republic of the Philippines who are duly registered residents of the of 
Province of Misamis Oriental or their duly designated representatives, unless the Senators 
decline the membership in the PAMB;  
d. 
District Representative of the 2nd Congressional District where the CuCaPL is located, 
or a duly designated representative, unless the District Representative declines the 
membership in the PAMB;  
e. 
Mayor of the City of Cagayan de Oro, or a duly authorized representative;  
f. 
Chairpersons of all the barangays with territorial jurisdiction over the CuCaPL;  
g. 
Regional Directors of the following government agencies, namely: Department of 
Agriculture, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Science and 
Technology, Philippine National Police, Office of Civil Defense, and Department of Tourism;   
h. 
Three (3) representatives from either NGOs, or people's organizations (POs) based in 
Cagayan de Oro City, duly accredited both by the DENR and the City 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. 
Two (2) representatives from the indigenous cultural communities / indigenous peoples 
with Indigenous Political Structure present in the area and recognized by the National 
Commission on Indigenous Peoples;  
j. 
One (1) representative from an academic institution, preferably from a university or 
college in the City of Cagayan de Oro, with proven track record in or related to protected area 
management; and  
k. 
One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of the Cagayan 
de Oro City who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant to protected area 
management, biodiversity conservation, and socio-cultural. 
 
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". 
 
SECTION 9. Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
a. Oversee the management of the CuCaPL;  
b. Approve policies, plans and programs, proposals, agreements, and other related 
documents for the management of the CuCaPL;  
c. Approve the management plan of the CuCaPL 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 CuCaPL;  


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 government 
accounting, budgeting, and auditing 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 DENIR and other government authorities 
with respect to the management of the CuCaPL; 
j. Monitor and assess the performance of the Protected Area Superintendent and other 
protected area personnel and compliance of partners with the terms and conditions of any 
undertaking, contract or agreement relative to any project or activity within the CuCaPL;  
k. Recommend from among a shortlist of qualified candidates, the designation or appointment 
of the Protected Area Superintendent; and  
1. Assess the effectiveness of the management of the CuCaPL: 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. 
 
SECTION 10. The Protected Area Management Office. - There is hereby established a 
Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) to be headed by a Protected Area Superintendent 
(PASu) who shall supervise the day to day management, protection, and administration of the 
CuCaPL. The PASu shall hold a permanent plantilla position with a Salary Grade of 18 and 
shall be appointed by the DENR. A sufficient number of support staff with permanent plantilla 
positions shall likewise be appointed by the DENR 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 CuCaPL. 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 plan and ensure its implementation;  
b. Ensure the integration of relevant national and LGU plans and programs into CuCaPL 
management plans, programs, projects, and policies;  
c. Provide secretariat services to the PAMB and its committees, serve as resource person 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 CuCaPL, commence and institute 
administrative and legal actions in collaboration with other government agencies or 
organizations, and assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in violation of the provisions 
of this Act;  
g. Monitor, evaluate, and report the implementation of management activities of the CuCaPL;  
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 CuCaPL;  
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 of natural resources for research purposes, 
including the collection of wildlife and its by-products or derivatives, shall specify the acts to 
be authorized, and shall continue to be issued by relevant authorities, subject to prior 
clearance from the PAMB, through the PASu; 
j. Collect and receive pertinent fees, charges, donations, and other income for the CuCaPL: 
Provided, That such fees, charges, donations, and other income collected and 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 CuCaPL based on the management plan; and 1. Perform such other functions as the 
PAMB and the DENR may assign. 
 
The PAMO may be augmented by the deputized local environment and natural resources 
officers upon the recommendation of the PAMB and approval of the DENR. 
 
ARTICLE III 
PROCEEDS AND FEES 
 
SECTION 11. The Cugman-Catanico Protected Landscape and Seascape Integrated 
Protected Area Fund. - There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Cugman-
Catanico Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (CuCaPL-IPAF) for purposes 
of financing projects of the CuCaPL and the NIPAS. All income generated from the operation 
and management of wild flora and fauna in the CuCaPL shall accrue to the CuCaPL-IPAF. 
The income shall be derived from fees from permitted sale and export of flora and fauna and 
other resources from the CuCaPL, proceeds from the lease of multiple-use areas, 
contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the CuCaPL, and such other 
fees and income derived from the operation of the CuCaPL. 
 
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 CuCaPL 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 
NEPAS. 
 
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 NIIPAS 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 
 


SECTION 12. 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 13. Suppletory Application of the NIPAS Act, as amended. - The provisions of 
Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, shall have suppletory 
application to this Act. 
 
SECTION 14. 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 Cagayan de Oro City and concerned national government agencies, issue 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 15. 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. 
 
SECTION 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, 
issuance or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 17. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation 
 
 
Approved,