NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1^43
of tin’ ftarp
•22 NOV 23 P6 :21
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS, THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution underscores that, "The State 
shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology 
in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."
Public parks and open spaces are parts and parcels of community life and 
tourism. The establishment of urban parks and open spaces plays a crucial role in 
protecting the environment, promoting well-being and providing avenues for 
recreation. Parks provide arenas and opportunities for physical activity, and increased 
social interactions. Most developed countries invest in public parks as part of their 
tourism plan. Consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of 
creating Sustainable Cities and Communities, parks are an essential component of its 
blueprint.
This bill aims to establish a cohesive body to develop parks in open spaces for 
public use. In pursuit of the desire to develop green spaces and tourist destinations, 
the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
RAMON DONG REVILLA, JR.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. No. 1^43
ot tl-.r rtarp
*22 NOV 23 P6:21
RECEIVED BY.
Introduced by SENATOR RAMON BONG REVILLA, JR.
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS, THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Chapter 1
2 
General Provisions
3
4 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Public Parks
5 
System of2022'
6 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
7 
maintain the health and well-being of the Filipino people through the establishment
8 
and preservation of parks and open spaces. To this end, the State recognizes parks
9 
and open spaces as valuable assets, and as such:
10 
a. Shall establish the Philippine National Public Parks System aimed to conserve
11 
the scenery, natural and historical objects, and to provide for their enjoyment
12 
in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
13 
enjoyment of future generations; and
14 
b. Shall recognize that parks and open spaces contribute to human health and
15 
well-being, social cohesion/identity, tourism, biodiversity, air quality, carbon
16 
sequestration, water management, and cooling of the environment.
17 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms- As used in this Act, the following words shall mean:
18 
a. Administrator refers to the Chief Executive Officer and Head of the National and
19 
Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) Secretariat as defined in Sec. 9 of this Act.


1 
b. Board refers to the NALPA Board as defined in Sec. 5 of this Act.
2 
c. National and Local Public Parks refer to any land laid out as a public garden
3 
and/or used for public recreation. This excludes the national shrines
4 
administered by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.
5 
d. National and Local Public Parks System or the System refers to the system of
6 
parks and open spaces as defined under Chapter 4 of this Act.
7 
e. NIPAS refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System as defined in
8 
Republic Act No. 7586, as amended or the NIPAS Act.
9 
f. NPDC refers to the National Parks Development Committee created by
10 
Executive Order series of 1963.
11 
g. NPF or NPFI refers to the Nayong Filipino Foundation Inc., a government-
12 
owned and controlled corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange
13 
Commission on May 7, 1969, as a non-stock, non-profit corporation.
14 
Presidential Decree No. 37 established the Nayong Pilipino Foundation on
15 
November 6, 1972.
16 
h. Protected Areas refers to the Protected Areas as defined under the NIPAS Act.
17 
i. Secretariat refers to the NALPA Secretariat as defined under Sec. 28 of this Act.
18
19 
Chapter 2
20 
Establishment of National and Local Public Parks Authority
21
22 
Sec. 4. Composition of the Authority - The National and Local Public Parks
23 
Authority or the Authority shall be composed of the Board and the Secretariat.
24 
Sec. 5. Composition of the Board. - The NALPA Board shall be composed of the
25 
of the following:
26 
1. Secretary of Tourism as Chairperson;
27 
2. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Co-Chairperson (who shall be
28 
officially represented by the Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau);
29 
3. Secretary of Public Works and Highways as Member;
30 
4. Secretary of Interior and Local Government as Member;
31 
5. Four (4) representatives from the Private Sector, in particular.


1 
a. Two (2) representatives from recognized professional architectural
2 
organizations; and
3 
b. Two (2) representatives from the Academe, preferably in urban planning
4 
and development.
5 
The President shall appoint the representatives from the Private Sector from a list of
6 
nominees endorsed by their respective fields. The term of the first member from the
7 
private sector for each category shall be for three (3) years, while the second one will
8 
only be for two (2) years. Any private member could only be reappointed once.
9 
The NALPA Board shall meet at least twice a year, or as frequently as may be
10 
deemed necessary by its Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson, a Co­
il 
Chairperson shall preside. The internal rules of the NALPA Board shall be promulgated
12 
during its first organizational meeting. The benefits, privileges, and emoluments of the
13 
Board shall be consistent with the existing laws and rules.
14 
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Authority shall primarily be
15 
responsible for the National and Local Public Parks System, including the establishment
16 
of policies, plans, and programs taking into consideration the following:
17 
a. The State policy declared herein of giving due consideration to the
18 
establishment and maintenance of national and urban parks, open and green
19 
spaces, and recreational facilities;
20 
b. The implementation of the above-mentioned policy requires the coordination
21 
and cooperation of policies, plans, and programs of different concerned sectors
22 
of Philippine society; and
23 
c. Equal and active participation of the national government and its appropriate
24 
agencies, the LGUs, the academe, and the private sector shall be made the rule
25 
in order to ensure that the National and Local Public Parks System shall be fully
26 
established and maintained.
27 
The Board, shall have the following powers:
28 
a. Establish minimum quotas for all LGUs for the designation of municipal and city
29 
lands for public parks, where applicable;
30 
b. Manage the country's National and Local Public Parks System, and in doing so,
31 
shall guide and assist other government agencies and entities, and the LGUs in


1 
the planning, establishment, and management of parks that will be included in
2 
the System;
3 
c. Promulgate, after due consultation with concerned groups and entities, policies,
4 
plans, programs, and guidelines as may be necessary for the effective
5 
implementation of this Act and the establishment of the National and Local
6 
Public Parks Systems;
7 
d. Establish and manage the National and Local Public Parks Institute, which shall
8 
serve as the national center for park administration, management, and
9 
maintenance training, research, 
and development;
10 
e. In coordination with the Biodiversity Management Bureau, shall make Protected
11 
Areas accessible to the public for recreational purposes;
12 
f. Organize and constitute standing committees, subsidiary groups, or technical
13 
working groups for the efficient integration and coordination of local open
14 
spaces and urban parks;
15 
g. Exact reasonable fees and charges for such services provided and training
16 
conducted and retain such earnings for its own use, subject to guidelines
17 
promulgated by the Authority;
18 
h. Create, when deemed necessary, an Advisory Committee which shall provide
19 
expert and technical advice to the Board to be chosen from the academe and
20 
the private sector: Provided, That in case the Advisory Committee is created,
21 
the Board is hereby authorized to set aside a portion of its appropriation for its
22 
operation; and
23 
i. Carry out any and all other functions characteristic of public institutions of
24 
similar mandate and national scope, in line with prevailing international
25 
principles and best practices.
26 
Sec. 7. The NALPA Secretariat - The NALPA Secretariat shall be established. It
27 
shall have the primary mission of providing proactive leadership in the continuous
28 
development of systematic approaches as well as measures to maintain and manage
29 
the National and Local Public Parks Systems, and shall have the following functions
30 
and responsibilities:


1 
a) To establish and maintain a planning process and formulate a national parks
2 
development plan in which all concerned groups and entities at various levels
3 
participate;
4 
b) To provide analytical inputs to policy decision-making of the Authority on the
5 
allocation of resources and institutional roles and responsibilities as shall be embodied
6 
in the annual national parks plans;
7 
c) To recommend measures, and implement the same upon approval by the Authority,
8 
for the effective and efficient implementation of the national park's development plan;
9 
d) To propose to the Authority the specific allocation of resources for the programs
10 
and projects it shall undertake pursuant to the approved national parks development
11 
plan;
12 
e) To submit to the Authority periodic reports on the progress and accomplishment of
13 
work programs of implementation of plans and policies; and
14 
f) To perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the Board.
15 
Sec. 8. The Dissolution of NPDC and NPF and Transfer to NALPA Secretariat. -
16 
The NPDC and NPF are hereby dissolved and all their powers, functions,
17 
responsibilities, all applicable funds and appropriations, records, assets, and properties
18 
are hereby transferred to the NALPA Secretariat.
19 
Sec. 9. The NALPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer. - The NALPA
20 
Secretariat shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall likewise be a member of
21 
the Board. The Administrator shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines
22 
and shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of
23 
Undersecretary. As Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall
24 
exercise general supervision and control over its technical and administrative
25 
personnel. The Administrator shall have the power to recommend to the Authority the
26 
structural organization and the personnel complement of the Secretariat. Furthermore,
27 
the Administrator shall appoint such personnel necessary to carry out the objectives,
28 
policies, and functions of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules, and
29 
regulations. The Administrator may call upon other instrumentalities or entities of the
30 
government, non-government, and civic organizations for assistance in terms of the
31 
use of their facilities and resources for the management and administration of any
32 
park in the System. This authority includes the power to call on the Philippine National


1 
Police to maintain peace and order in any park in the System. The performance of the
2 
functions of the Administrator under this Act shall, in no case, result in the diminution
3 
of the powers of the LGUs to establish their own parks or develop their own open or
4 
green spaces.
5 
Sec. 10. Deputy Administrators. - The Administrator shall be assisted by four
6 
(4) Deputy Administrators for (i) Research and Development, (ii) National and Local
7 
Public Parks Operations, (iii) Local Public Parks Operations, and (iv) Park Architecture
8 
& Planning. The Deputy Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges, and
9 
emoluments equivalent to the rank of Assistant Secretary.
10 
Sec. 11. Regional Administrators - The Regional Administrators shall be under
11 
the direct control of the Administrator and shall oversee the operations of National
12 
and Local Public Parks at the regional level. The Regional Administrators shall enjoy
13 
the benefits, privileges, and emoluments equivalent to the rank of a Regional Director,
14 
and shall provide technical assistance, particularly to local government units for
15 
effective supervision, coordination, and monitoring of national and local parks within
16 
their localities, and their integration to the National Public Park System.
17 
Sec. 12. Organizational Divisions. - The Secretariat shall have the following
18 
Divisions which shall be headed by Division Chiefs: (i) Administrative Division; (ii)
19 
Finance Division; (iii) Programs and Public Affairs Division; (iv) Internal Audit Division;
20 
(v) Security and Safety Division; (vi) Information and Communications Technology
21 
Division; and (vii) Cultural & Heritage Preservation Division.
22 
The following Divisions shall be headed by the Deputy Administrators: (i)
23 
National Public Park Operations & Management; (ii) Local Public Park Operations &
24 
Management; (iii) Research & Development; and (iv) Park Architecture & Planning.
25 
Sec. 13. Personnel Training, Development and Performance Incentives. - The
26 
Authority shall undertake training and development programs to upgrade the
27 
capabilities of its personnel in its various functions. Personnel shall be allowed to train
28 
or study outside the Institute, in the Philippines, or abroad, on official time, subject to
29 
the needs of the service, upon approval of the Administrator. A system of monetary
30 
incentives shall be established to reward the superior performance and milestones of
31 
professional development on the part of management and administrative and technical


1 
personnel, subject to the approval of the Department of Budget and Management and,
2 
where applicable, to the Civil Service Commission.
3 
Sec. 14. Consultants and Technical Assistance, Publication, and Research. - In
4 
pursuing its objectives, the Authority is hereby authorized to set aside a portion of its
5 
appropriation for the hiring of services of qualified consultants, and private
6 
organizations for research work and publication in the field of national and urban
7 
parks, and open and green spaces. It shall avail itself of the services of other agencies
8 
of the Government as may be required.
9 
Sec. 15. Privileges of the Authority. - In line with the declared policy of this Act,
10 
and to ensure its independence and autonomy, the NALPA Secretariat shall be
11 
attached solely for budgetary coordination and related purposes to the Office of the
12 
President.
13 
The Secretariat shall:
14 
a) Be classified as a National Government Agency, primarily for administrative
15 
purposes, including receiving its annual budget from the general appropriations of the
16 
National Government to cover appropriately the entirety of its mandated operations
17 
and activities;
18 
b) Be considered as higher in level than a Bureau or Bureau-level agency but
19 
beneath that of a Department or Department-level agency, primarily for administrative
20 
purposes as to staffing pattern and compensation scales; and
21 
c) Enjoy such privileges and special rules characteristic of both a Government-
22 
Owned or Controlled Corporation and a State University or College wherever possible
23 
and which, in any and all cases, promote the objectives of this Act; and that special
24 
rules as may be necessary to this effect be formulated and appropriately promulgated
25 
by the NALPA, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Commission
26 
on Audit (COA), and other concerned agencies.
27
28 
Chapter 3
29 
The National Parks System
30 
Sec. 14. Study and Planning of National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and
31 
Recreationai-Area Facilities. - Within 3 years from the effectivity of this Act, the
32 
Authority shall make a comprehensive study of the National Parks, Urban Parks, Open


1 
Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities programs of the national government and the
2 
LGUs and of areas of land throughout the Philippines that are or may be chiefly
3 
valuable as National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area
4 
Facilities. The report shall be submitted to the Board who shall be empowered to
5 
declare specifically identified areas as either National Parks, Urban Parks, Open
6 
Spaces, or Recreational-Area Facilities.
7 
Sec. 15. Identification of Nationai Parks. - Notwithstanding any law or
8 
proclamation to the contrary, the following parks are hereby considered National Parks
9 
and shall be under the authority of the Authority: (1) Rizal Park, and (2) Paco Park.
10 
Their Administrator and Provincial Administrators are strictly mandated to
11 
investigate, study, and continually monitor areas whose over-all circumstances exhibit
12 
qualities of national significance and that may have the potential to become a NALPA
13 
Park.
14 
Sec. 16. Acquisition of Land. - In the exercise of its power under this Act, the
15 
Authority through the Administrator shall have the power to acquire land and interests
16 
in land within the boundary of any NALPA Park. In the same manner and for the
17 
establishment of an identified National Park, the power of eminent domain shall be
18 
exercised through the Administrator, or by any of its Deputies or Provincial
19 
Administrators.
20 
Sec. 17. Creation of Urban Parks and Open Spaces in LGUs. - Within the period
21 
provided by the Authority, LGUs shall be obliged to identify Urban Parks and Open
22 
Spaces within their jurisdictions. Identified areas may either become NALPA
23 
Administered Parks or maintain their nature as Local Parks at the discretion of the
24 
LGU. The Authority is hereby mandated to enter into cooperative agreements with
25 
colleges and universities, in partnership with LGUs and other agencies, to establish
26 
cooperative study units to conduct multidisciplinary research and develop integrated
27 
information products on the resources in the NALPA Parks or the LGU of which the
28 
NALPA Park is located for possible commercial production or utilization.
29 
Sec. 18. Delineation of Authority and Coverage. - Subject to the IRR and
30 
dependent on the categorization of the land or an area, a nature reserve or a declared
31 
protected area under the NIPAS shall continue to be under the jurisdiction of the


1 
DENR. All other parks established or may be established may be covered under this
2 
Act.
3 
Sec. 19. Administration, Management, and Funding of NALPA Parks. - Subject
4 
to reasonable restrictions under the IRR, the general public is hereby to be granted
5 
free admission to NALPA Parks. However, the Authority may levy appropriate fees for
6 
special activities or programs.
7 
Sec. 20. Income Retention. - The Authority is hereby authorized to retain the
8 
entirety of its income from all sources of its operations nationwide and to spend the
9 
same for any purpose.
10 
Sec. 21. The NALPA Fund. - The NALPA Fund is hereby established, to be
11 
managed and administered by the Authority, the income from which shall be utilized
12 
exclusively in awarding grants and providing assistance to park development
13 
programs, local government units for upgrading their capabilities, and to develop and
14 
implement training and training related activities for park development. The
15 
contribution to the fund shall be the following:
16 
a) A one-time lump sum appropriation from the national government in the
17 
amount of P100,000,000.00;
18 
b) Donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or gifts of which the
19 
Authority is hereby authorized to accept; and
20 
c) Any other income generated by the Authority.
21 
The Authority shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such, shall
22 
formulate the necessary implementing guidelines for the management of the fund,
23 
subject to the following: a) unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only
24 
earnings of private contributions shall be used; and b) no part of the seed capital of
25 
the fund, including earnings, thereof, shall be used to underwrite expenses for
26 
administration. The Board shall appoint a reputable government-accredited
27 
investment institution as a fund manager, subject to guidelines promulgated by the
28 
Board.
29 
Sec 22. Incentives Schemes. - The Authority shall develop and administer
30 
appropriate incentives schemes to encourage the LGUs and private industries and
31 
institutions to participate in the development of the National Parks System.


1 
Sec. 23. Parks and Green Spaces Awards - To promote park development in
2 
the country and with the view of participating in international park development
3 
competitions, the Authority, with the active participation of private industries, shall
4 
organize and conduct an Bi-annual Parks and Green Spaces Awards.
5 
The Authority, through the Secretariat, shall promulgate the necessary rules
6 
and guidelines for the effective and efficient conduct of the Annual National Parks and
7 
Green Spaces Competition among the LGUs and for the country's participation in
8 
international park development competitions.
9 
Sec 24. Exemption from Taxes, Duties, Fees, and Charges. - The Authority shall
10 
be exempt from the payment of taxes, fees, and charges imposed by the National
11 
Government and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities regardless of
12 
the nature of its activity. All donations in any form shall be exempt from the donor's
13 
tax and the same shall be considered as an allowable deduction from the gross income
14 
in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions
15 
of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the "Nationai Internal Revenue Code of
16 
1997", as amended. Furthermore, the importation of supplies and materials for the
17 
use of the Authority shall be exempt from customs duties.
18 
Sec 25. Commercial Operations of and inside ofNALPA Parks. - The Authority
19 
shall be authorized to undertake commercial operations, the proceeds of which shall
20 
be credited to the NALPA Fund:
21 
a) The rental of dedicated areas for external events, functions, and similar
22 
activities;
23 
b) The lease of dedicated areas for the erection and operation of commercial
24 
establishments inside NALPA Parks, which NALPA shall be allowed to award, through
25 
public bidding, and giving preference to nonprofit organizations of a nature related to
26 
or supportive of its mandate, for a term of up to five (5) years per contract;
27 
c) The production and/or licensing of official merchandise;
28 
d) The award of concession contracts is when the Authority shall utilize
29 
concession contracts to authorize a person, corporation, or other entity to provide
30 
accommodations, facilities, and services to visitors or users of NALPA Parks.
31 
Sec. 26. Contracted Services. - The Authority is authorized to contract out
32 
services for Park Management and Safety and Security Services.
10


1 
Chapter 4
2 
Miscellaneous Provisions
3 
Sec. 27. NALPA Budget - The amount necessary to finance the initial
4 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the existing appropriations of the
5 
NPDC and the NPF, and shall be supported by funds coming from the Office of the
6 
President. Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued
7 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
8 
Sec. 28. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within 180 days from
9 
the effectivity of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Board the IRR of this
10 
Act upon prior consultation with all concerned groups and entities.
11 
Sec. 29. Transitory Provisions. -
12 
a) Within two (2) months after the approval of this Act, the President shall, in
13 
consultation with the Secretary of Tourism, appoint the private sector representatives
14 
of the Board.
15 
b) Within three (3) months after the appointment of the private sector
16 
representatives, the President shall, upon the recommendation of the Board, appoint
17 
the Administrator.
18 
c) Within four (4) months after the appointment of the Administrator, the Board
19 
shall convene to determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the
20 
Authority.
21 
d) Within one (1) year after the organization of the Authority, the Board shall
22 
convene to determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the
23 
Authority.
24 
e) Upon the effectivity of this Act, ard prior to the appointment of the Board
25 
and the Administrator, the heads and personnel of both NPDC and the NPF shall
26 
continue to exercise their functions and duties, in a holdover capacity, and shall ensure
27 
the smooth transition to the Board and the Administrator.
28 
g) The Authority may at its discretion retain any personnel of NPDC and NPF it
29 
deems necessary to carry out its purpose and function. Otherwise, NPDC and NPF
30 
personnel are hereby deemed retired from service. Retirement and separation benefits
31 
shall be paid under existing rules and regulations.
11


1 
personnel are hereby deemed retired from service. Retirement and separation benefits
2 
shall be paid under existing rules and regulations.
3 
h) The ownership and title to the properties now actually occupied by the NPF
4 
and NPDC are hereby transferred in fee simple to the Authority, subject to the
5 
following conditions:
6 
1. The titles to the land conveyed by this Act shall not be transferred by the
7 
Authority to another person or entity without previous authorization by the
8 
President of the Philippines;
9 
2. The Authority is hereby authorized to mortgage any properties referred to
10 
above for the purpose of carrying out its objectives and purposes only; and
11 
3. In case the Authority is dissolved or ceases, for any reason, to undertake its
12 
objectives, or ceases to need any of the lands for any reason, said land shall
13 
ipso facto revert to the National Government without compensation.
14 
Sec. 30. Automatic Review. - Every five (5) years after the effectivity of this
15 
Act, an independent review panel composed of three (3) persons appointed by the
16 
President shall review the performance of the Authority, and shall make
17 
recommendations, based on its findings to the President and to both Houses of
18 
Congress.
19 
Sec. 31. Separabiiity Cause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
20 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
21 
remain in full force and effect.
22 
Sec. 32. Repeaiing Cause. - All laws, presidential decrees or issuances,
23 
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules, or regulations
24 
contrary to, or inconsistent with, the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
25 
amended or modified accordingly.
26 
Sec 33. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
27 
publication either in the Officiai Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation
28 
in the Philippines.
Approved,
12