Republic of the Philippines

03 JUL 2
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES [es

Quezon City \ Pepe

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session SS

HOUSE BILL NO. 330

Introduced by REP. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Te is the duty of the State to protect and safeguard major cultural and natural landmarks for the
perpetuation of Filipino heritage and the enhancement of our national identi

Henee, it is an obligation to maintain cultural heritage sites not merely as Filipinos bur members of
the world due to its value of illustrating to the world of the evolution of humanity and our
interaction with the environment over the years.

‘The Ifugao Rice Terraces is one of these priceless legacies that the Philippines is showcasing to the
world. It is a reflection of the Filipino ingenuity as it highlights one of man’s best engineering
achievements without forced labor, a feat that gave its recognition as one of UNESCO's World
Heritage Site.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces also serves as a beacon of hope in the Philippines’ fight against climate
change. It highlights how the adoption of traditional conservation management regimes could allow
such a balanced ecology.

‘The stark reality, however, is that the Ifugao Rice Terrac
caused by nature and man. Its state has continuously
humanities history

is increasingly deteriorating due to events
ened and is at risk of being merely part of

Ttis therefore necessary to safeguard and enhance the culrural, historical, and environmental value of
the Lfugao Rice ‘Terraces through a law that creates a long-term plan for this national treasure. This
law shall ensure that in both the short-term and the long-term, the Ifugao Rice Terraces shall always
be protected.

Tt is now, at this critical moment that we need to collectively act to save the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

For all the compelling reasons provided, this bill is most respectfully submitted and requested for
carly approval

TEDDY BI R BAGUITAT
strict of Yargao

013
at


Republic of the Ph
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

990

HOUSE BILLNO. ___

Introduced by REP. TEDDY BRAWNER BAGUILAT

AN ACT ADOPTING THE IFUGAO RICE TERRACES REHABILITATION AND
PRESERVATION PLAN, CREATING THE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR
ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND ITS SECRETARIAT, PROVIDING FUNDS
‘THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in C

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. I Title- This Act shall be known as the "Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces Rehabilitation and
Preservation Act.”

SEC. 2 Declaration of Policy ~ Itis hereby declared the policy of the State to protect, develop and
conserve its natural resources. Toward this end, it shall assist and support the implementation of
plans; programs and projects formulated to safeguard and enhance the environment, and at the same
time pursue the socio-economic development goals of the country

It is further declared that is the duty of the State to protect,
cultural heritage, its property and histories, and the ethn
consistent with Indigenous Peoples Rights

guard and promote the Nation's
ty of local communities which is

It shall support and promote the sustainable development goals for the provinces through proper
conservation, utilization and development of natural re to provide optimum yields on a
continuing basis. It sha adopt the necessary measures leading to the creation of institutional
machinery including among oth ial programs to ensure the effective and efficient
implementation of environme programs and projects.

ou

It shall also promote and encourage the involvement of all sectors of society and utilize the full and
effective participation of all stakeholders in natural resource management, conservation and
protection.


SEC. 3 Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as follows.

(1) "Ifugao" refers to the Philippine province created under Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise
known as the "Division Law of Mountain Province" and is part of the Cordillera Administrative
Region,

Q) “Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces or IRT” refers to the Banaue, Hungduan,
Terraces and other
Development.

iangan, and Mayoyao Rice
‘erraces in Ifugao as may be determined by the Ifugao Council for Sustainable

(3) "Participatory processes" means the involvement of all the key sectors of development, from the
grassroots to the policy-making bodies of the National Government, in providing the values and
ideas from which strategic development and environmental protection action can come about:

@) “Conservation” refers to the measures adopted for the protection, preservation, management, or
restoration of natural resources particularly of the Ifugao Rice Terraces;

(5) " Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP)" refers to the
Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan discussed in Section 4 of this Act;

3MES" refers to the
s Act.

onmental Monitoring and Hvaluation System provided in Section 7

CHAPTER I
IFUGAO RICE TERRACES REHABILITATION AND PRESERVATION PLAN:
ADOPTION, PHILOSOPHY AND LEGAL EFFECTS

SEC. 4 Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP) ~ ‘The IRTRPP

a comprehensive framework for the immediate rchabilitation of the Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces and
subsequent protection through participatory processes and actions. It also seeks to foster the
sustainable development of the Ifugao Rice Terraces compatible with conserving and protecting the
natural resources of the province. ‘The already existing Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces Conservation and
Protection Master plan will be integrated herewith.

The IRTRPP shall serve to guide the local government of Ifugao and the government agencies
concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting, said
province.

SEC. 5 Ifugao Rice Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan (IRTRPP) Philosophy. -
‘The IRTRPP shall have as its general philosophy, the Rehabilitation and Preservation of the Ifugao
Rice Terraces, which is the immediate restoration of the Ifugao Rice Terraces and its subsequent
conservation, enhancement and protection. ‘The implementation shall go hand in hand with the
improvement of the quality of life of the people of Ifugao in the present and future generations by
undertaking complementary activities of development and conservation that protect the Ifugao Rice
‘Terraces while allowing the growth of human industries around it.

It shall have the following features:


(1) Ecological viability -"The physical and biological cycles that maintain the productivity of natural
ecosystems must always be kept intact.

@ Social acceptability - The people themselves, through participatory process, should be fully
committed to support sustainable development activities by fostering equity in acces
and the benefits derived from them.

s to resources

@) Integrated approach - This allow for a holistic view of problems and issues obtaining in the
environment as well as opportunities for coordination and sharing that will eventually provide the
resources and political will to actually implementand sustain IRTRPP activities.

SEC. 6 Legal effects.- The IRTRPP shall serve as the framework to guide the government
agencies concerned in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects affecting
the environment and natural resources of Ifugao. It shall therefore be incorporated in the Regional
Development Plan of the Cordillera Administrative Region as part of said plan.

CHAPTER IV
SUPPORT MECHANISM

SEC. 7 Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System (EMES)— ‘To measure the
effectiveness of the IRTRPP, it shall establish an Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation System
(EMES) which shall ensure a systematic and reliable means of data generation for the various
concerns of the IRTRPP. It shall measure changes in geological and environmental status, identi
adverse environmental trends and crisis areas, recommend solutions, assess the implementation of
the IRTRPP, and suggest measures to make the IRTRPP more responsible to the changing needs.

An Annual Report shall then be provided to the Provincial Local Government Unit and will

be available to the public.

SEC, 8 Environmental Research - ‘The IRTRPP shall provide for a system of rescarch so that
additional information for accurate planning as well as data to solve arising problems in the
implementation of the IRTRPP shall be supplied. As such, the IRTRPP's researches shall not be
confined to the physical and biological features of the environment, achieved through surveys,
monitoring, resource assessments and research into processes, but shall also extend to policies and
socioeconomic questions.

SEC. 9 Environmental Education and Extension - The IRTRPP shall design environmental
information and education designed to gradually wean the people away from destructive practice
and shall recommend practical ways as an alternative. This practices and recommendations shall be
determined by the Department of Agriculture.

‘Training programs for the non-governmental organizations (NGO'S), business sector representatives
and community leaders shall be organized. This may establish linkages between the NGOs,
community leaders, sector representatives and the staff of linc agencies development
communication or public information section and at the same time, be used to plan out a
comprehensive public information drive.



Simultaneously, community organizing shall be 1
complementing regular environment/science courses in the

hanced to reinforce non-formal approaches,
school.

CHAPTER V
ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IRTRPP.

SEC. 10 Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development. - ‘the governance, implementation and
policy direction of the Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan shall be exercised
by the herein created Ifugao Council for Sustainable Development (ICSD), hercinafter referred to a3
the Council, which shall be under the Office of the President.

It shall be composed of the following:

a. Members of the House of the Representatives representing the province of Ifuga

b. Deputy Director General of the National Economic and Development Author
¢. Undersecretary of Environment and Natural Resource
d. Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism

€. Undersecretary for Special Concerns of the Department of Agriculture;
£ Governor of Ifugao;

g. Representative fram the NCIP Provincial Office

h, Local chief executives of the concerned municipalities

i. Representatives fom the farmer's organizations
j- Representatives from the Indigenous Peoples Organizations from each heritage site
k. Representative/s from NGOs involved in the safeguarding of the Ifugao Rice Terraces

Executive Director of the Ifugio Council for Sustainable Development Secretariat
provided in Section 14 of this Act;

m. Such other members from the public or private sectors as the majority of the Council may
deem necessary

The Council shall elect, from among its members, a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman.

y of the members of the Council sh

SEC. 11 Quorum, - A major:

conduct of business.

all constitute a quorum for the

SEC. 12 Compensation. - The members of the council shall be entitled to per diems and
allowances in accordance with existing laws in the performance of their duties and in carrying out of
the business of the Council, The per diems shall be in the amount of One Thousand Pesos (Php.
1,000) for every meeting: Provided, that the per diems collected do not exceed the equivalent of per
diems for four (4) meetings in a month.

SEC. 13 Powers and Functions. - In order to successfully implement the provisions of this Act,
the Council is hereby vested with the following powers and functions.

a, Formulate plans and policies as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.


a.

m.

Recommend to concerned government agencies the restoration, maintenance and
development of the rice terraces walls, irripations, dikes, paddies, watersheds, access roads
and view decks and assist in the monitoring thereafter;

Coordinate with the local governments to ensure that the latter's plans, programs and
projects are aligned with the plans, programs and policies of the IRTRPP.

Call on any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the Government, and
on private entities and organizations for cooperation and assistance in the performance of its
functions.

Arrange, negotiate for, accept donations, grants, gifts, loans, and other fundings from
domestic and foreign sources to carry out the activities and purposes of the IRTRPP.

Recommend to the Congress of the Philippines such matters that may require legislation in
support of the objectives of the IRTRPP.

Delegate any or all of its powers and functions to its support staff, as hereinafter provided,
except those which by provisions of law cannot be delegated;

Establish policies and guidelines for employment on the basis of merit, technical
competence and moral character and prescribe a compensation and staffing pattern;

Adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations and impose penalties therefore for the
effective implementation of the IRTRPP and the other provisions of this Act.

Enforce the provisions of this Act and other ex
or complementary with this Act;

ind

isting laws. Rules -gulations similar to

Perform related functions which shall promote the development, conservation, management,
protection, and utilization of the natural resources of Ifugao; and

Provide livelihood opportuniti

in alternate employment for the constituents of these

Perform such other powers and functions as may be nec
powers, and the provisions of this Act.

n carrying out its functions,

acy

SEC. 14 Council Secretariat - A technical secretariat to the Council headed by an Executive
Director is likewise created. The Secretanat shall serve as the regular professional support staff of

the Council and st

provide the machinery to coordinate the policy and functions, implement

programs, and organize such services as may be required by the Council in the exercise of its
functions. It shall be independent of any other department or agency of the Government other than
the herein provided Council. All the applicable powers, functions, personnel, complement stafé,
appropriations, records, equipment, property, funds, and other assets of the Secretariat shall be


determined by the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the members
of the Council. He shall also be ex officio member of the Council.

CHAPTER VI
APPROPRIATION AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 15 Appropriations, - For the implementation of this Act, the amount of Fifty Million Pesos
(P50,000,000.00) per year for five (5) years is hereby appropriated for the Ifugao Rice ‘Terraces
Rehabilitation and Preservation Plan effective upon approval of this Act. Said amount shall be
funded from the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and shall be
directly remitted in four (4) quarterly installments to a special account of the Council, Also, Three
Percent (3%) of the ‘Travel ‘lax Collection shall be appropriated to the Council from the share to be
taken from the annual allotment of the travel tax given to the Philippine Tourism Authority.

all be included in the
hirty million pesos
zational Adjustment

‘Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the operations of the Council
General Appropriations Act. \ supplementary appropriations in the amount of
(P30,000,000.00) shall be provided to the Couneil from the President's Ongan
Fund upon approval of this Act

‘The above appropriations shall be separate and distinct from the annual budger of the Council
which shall be ‘Iwo Percent (2%) of the Travel ‘Tax Collection trom the annual allotment of the
travel tax given to the Philippine Tourism Authority.

Expenses for IRTRPP programs and technical support packages provided by the DSWD, DECS,
DOH, DILG, DOLE, DA, DOJ, NEDA, and the NCCA shall be specified as separate line items in
their respective annual budgets in the General Appropations Act. Their annual IRTRPP workplans
shall be the basis for these budgets and shall be released directly to their regional or provincial
offices whenever applicable

SEC. 16 - Separability Clause.- If any of the provisions of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions of this Act shall remain valid.

SEC. 17 Repealing Clanse.- All laws; decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 18 Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.