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16TH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
'i5 
11AY 26 P 2 :45 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2 7 8 7 
Introduced by SENATOR SONNY ANGARA 
AN ACT TO REORGANIZE THE NATIONAL PARKS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 
TO THE PUBLIC PARKS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Public parks and open spaces improve public health by providing areas for sports 
and recreation, as well as respite from an increasingly urbanized lifestyle. Parks also 
strengthen local communities, providing a democratizing space for Filipinos from all 
walks of life. Moreover, parks with historical, cultural or scientific significance provide 
tourism opportunities, thus boosting the economy. 
In light of these benefits, it is envisioned that there be a single, dedicated agency 
to plan, develop, maintain and operate public parks throughout the country. 
The Executive Committee for the development of the Quezon Memorial Circle, 
Luneta, and other National Parks in the country was established through Executive 
Order 30 in 1963. E.O. 69 subsequently renamed this committee to the "National Parks 
Development Committee", or NPDC. In 1987, the Committee was attached to the then 
Ministry, now Department, of Tourism by virtue of E.O. 120-A. E.O. 160 reorganized 
NPDC and designated its members in 1999, while the Tourism Act of 2009 reiterated 
that NPDC remains as an attached agency of the Department of Tourism. 
Currently, the NPDC is in charge of Rizal Park and Paco Park in the City of 
Manila. This bill seeks to reorganize the NPDC, renaming it to the Public Parks 
Development Authority, and define its mandate and jurisdiction, ensuring a coordinated 
and standardized approach to planning, development, operation, maintenance and 
promotion of public parks throughout the country. 
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. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
SENATOR SONNY ANGARA 


16TH CONGR.ESS OF THE R.EPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
T5 
t1AY 26 P2:45 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2787 
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: 
1 
Section 1. Change of Name. The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) is 
2 
hereby renamed the Public Parks Development Authority, hereinafter 
3 
referred to as Authority. 
4 
5 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. 
6 
a. 
The State upholds the fundamental right of the people to a balanced and 
7 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
8 
b. The State recognizes and affirms the significant role of parks in the holistic 
9 
and balanced development of the nation and of its people and shall promote 
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its care and development. 
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c. The State shall maintain and preserve its public parks in order to provide for 
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a common place for individual and community enjoyment, health and 
13 
relaxation, as well as to have a venue for national and local gatherings and 
14 
celebrations. 
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d. The State shall develop, maintain, and allocate funds for its public parks for 
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the creation and promotion of tourism programs and initiatives, and for 
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environmental awareness, preservation and conservation. 
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e. The State affirms that parks are beyond the commerce of men, except parks 
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or areas declared as Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) and Parks under the 
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management of the Public Parks Development Authority (PPDA); Provided 
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that, Any commerce to be introduced shall in no way be detrimental to the 
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history, heritage, arts and culture, and natural environment of these parks; 
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f. 
The State affirms that the value gained in maintaining public parks may be 
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assessed through the collective satisfaction of the people that comes from 
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having well-maintained, safe and beautiful parks. 
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g. The State recognizes the involvement of local communities and of the 
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different sectors of society as essential for the successful maintenance and 
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development of public parks. 
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h. To achieve these objectives, the State shall vest in a single government 
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agency the primary function of planning, developing, operating and maintain 
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public parks in the country. 
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1 
2 
Section 3. Jurisdiction. The Authority shall be the primary government agency vested 
3 
with the responsibility to plan, develop, supervise, operate and maintain all 
4 
public parks, as defined herein, throughout the country, as well as to 
5 
construct the necessary facilities in the said public parks, in consultation and 
6 
coordination with concerned local government units and other appropriate 
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national agencies and offices. The Authority shall also have responsibility 
8 
over other public parks that may be assigned by the President or the 
9 
Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, either by law or a presidential 
10 
proclamation or executive order. 
11 
12 
Section 4. Public Parks. For purposes of this Act, a Public Park is defined as a parcel 
13 
of land or body of water, or a combination thereof, as identified by the 
14 
Authority and proclaimed as such, in accordance with this Act and the criteria 
15 
provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations to be adopted by the 
16 
Authority, set aside for the recreation or relaxation of people and the 
17 
promotion of public awareness of some historical, artistic, cultural or scientific 
18 
matter; Provided that, parks which ae under the care and jurisdiction of other 
19 
government agencies, are excluded in this definition, unless otherwise 
20 
proclaimed, either by law or a presidential proclamation or executive order. 
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Such Public Parks include, but are not limited to, Rizal Park, Paco Park and 
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those parks which are of historical significance to the country, parks of cultural 
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heritage, or parks with national monuments. 
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Section 5. Powers and Functions. Subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, the 
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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 
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the mandate of the Authority; 
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b. To acquire, construct, lease, own, or possess personal and real property 
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necessary in carrying out its mandate, powers, and functions under this Act; 
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c. To regulate the use of the areas of the Public Parks, and charge and collect 
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reasonable fees to defray the cost of maintenance, repairs, and operation of 
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the Public Parks; 
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d. To exercise the power of eminent domain relative to the establishment of 
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new public park sites; 
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e. To lease, mortgage, sell, alienate, or otherwise encumber or dispose its 
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properties, when necessary in the performance of its duties and functions, 
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provided that properties, which form part of the Public Parks, may not be 
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mortgaged, sold alienated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of unless 
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authorized by a law specifically allowing the same; 
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f. To ensure the safety and security of park-goers and the maintenance of 
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peace and order within the Public Parks; 
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g. 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 
47 
of the Authority; 
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h. To enlist and secure the aid and assistance of other relevant government 
49 
agencies, offices or officials, as well as the concerned local government 
50 
units, in promoting and developing the Public Parks as mandated in this Act; 
2 


1 
i. To develop and implement recreational, socio-cultural, and educational 
2 
programs and activities within the Public Parks that will contribute to the 
3 
enrichment of national identity and heritage; 
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j. To solicit, negotiate with, and receive legacies, gifts, donations, grants, 
5 
endowments, contributions, or other transfers of ownership or possession of 
6 
properties in favor of the Authority, in accordance with pertinent accounting 
7 
and auditing laws, rules and regulations; 
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k. To contract loans, credits and other indebtedness, or issue bonds, when 
9 
necessary for the proper accomplishment of the purposes of this Act; 
10 
I. To establish, promote, and sponsor training programs for its professional and 
11 
technical personnel; 
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m.To operate Tourism Enterprise Zones, when appropriate, over areas under 
13 
the Authority's jurisdiction in accordance with Republic Act No. 9593, 
14 
Provided that, Any commerce and enterprise to be introduced shall in no way 
15 
be detrimental to the history, heritage, arts and culture and natural 
16 
environment of these parks; and 
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n. To perform all other acts necessary, convenient, and expedient to carry out 
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the mandate, powers, and functions of the Authority provided herein. 
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Section 6. Board of Trustees. 
The Autghority shall be governed by the Board of 
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Trustees composed of the following: 
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i. 
Chairperson 
ii. 
Vice-Chairperson 
Authority; 
iii. 
Members 
The secretary of Tourism 
The Executive Director of Public Parks Development 
The Secretary of Public Works and Highways; 
The Chairman of the Metro Manila Development 
Authority; 
The Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure 
and Enterprise Zone Authority; 
The Administrator of Intramuros Administration. 
33 
The 
Board 
may 
create 
committees 
and 
subcommittees 
for 
the 
34 
accomplishment of particular tasks or projects. It may allocate and 
35 
appropriate funds to the committees and subcommittees necessary for the 
36 
accomplishment of the tasks or projects assigned. 
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Section 7. Meetings of the Board. The Board shall meet as often as necessary which 
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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. 
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The Board shall appoint a corporate Secretary who shall be responsible for 
45 
the efficient planning and organization of the meetings of the Board. 
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Section 8. Powers and Duties of the Execuitive Director. The Executive Director of 
48 
the Authority shall have the following powers and duties: 
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3 


1 
a. To execute and administer the policies, rules and regulations and measures 
2 
adopted by the Board of Trustees; 
3 
b. To recommend to the Board policies and standards for the efficient, effective, 
4 
and economical operation of the Authority; 
5 
c. To act as Chief Executive Officer and directly manage and supervise the day 
6 
to day operations and internal administration of the Public Parks Development 
7 
Authority, and sign all agreements and contracts entered into for and in its 
8 
behalf; 
9 
d. To prepare the agenda for the meetings of, and to submit for the 
10 
consideration of the Board of Trustees all policies and measures which the 
11 
Executive Director believes to be necessary to carry out its purpose; 
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e. To prepare and submit an annual budget and necessary supplemental 
13 
budgets for the consideration of the Board of Trustees; 
14 
f. 
To appoint, discipline and remove, and define the duties of the Authority's 
15 
personnel, subject to existing Civil Service Rules and Regulations; 
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g. To exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be vested in 
17 
the Executive Director or assigned by the Board of Trustees. 
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Section 9. 
Transfer of Administration of Rizal Park, Paco Park and Other 
20 
Public Parks. The administration of the affairs of Rizal Park, Paco Park 
21 
and other public parks under the NPDC organized under Executive Orders 
22 
No. 30 series of 1963; No. 69 series of 1964; NO. 120-A series of 1987 
23 
and No. 160 series of 1999, shall now be under the administration of the 
24 
Authority. 
25 
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Section 10. Transfer of Rights and Liabilities. The Authority shall, by virtue of this 
27 
Act, be subrogated to all rights and assume all liabilities of the NPDC, in 
28 
accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations. 
29 
30 
Section 11. 
Funding and Budget Allocation. 
Funds needed to carry out the 
31 
provisions of this Act shall be taken from a) the available funds of the 
32 
National Parks Development Committee b) Additional Budget Allocation in 
33 
the amount of 150M pesos for initial funding, and every year thereafter. 
34 
35 
Section 12. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Order is held invalid 
36 
or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall 
37 
remain valid and effective. 
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Section 13. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, proclamations, rules, 
40 
regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are 
41 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
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Section 14. 
Effectivity. 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
44 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two national newspapers of 
45 
general circulation. 
46 
47 
Approved, 
4