Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1192

Submitted by the Committ Natural Resources on
Re: House Bill No. ats
Recommending its approval in substitution of House Bill No. 4415

Sponsors: Representatives Francisco T. Matugas and Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona

Mr. Speaker:

The Committee on Natural Resources to which was referred House Bill
No, 4415, introduced by Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, entitled:

“AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ROMBLON A MINING
FREE ZONE AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF”

has considered the same and recommends that the herein attached House Bill
No. 48 5 , entitled:

“AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ROMBLON A MINING
FREE ZONE AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATIONS THEREOF”

be approved in substitution of House Bill No. 4415, with Representatives
Madrona, Matugas, Mellana, Jalosjos (C.), Pichay, Unabia, Sr, Durano VI,
Rodriguez, Jr. (I.), Mararion Ill, Avance-Fuentes, Ocampos, Roman, Acharon, Jr.,
Arnaiz, Ferrer, Ong, Panotes, llagan, San Luis, Mendoza (J.), Padilla, Gullas
Paras, Vergara, Batocabe, Plaza, Angara and Bonoan-David, as authors thereof.

Respeciicily Submitted,

FRANCISCO T. MATUGAS
Committee Chairman
Committee on Natural Resources

THE HONORABLE SPEAKER
House of Representatives
Quezon City


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__4815
(in substitution of HB No. 4415)

Introduced by Representatives Madrona, Matugas, Mellana, Jalosjos (C.),
Pichay, Unabia, Sr., Durano VI, Rodriguez, Jr. (|.), Marafion Ill,
Avance-Fuentes, Ocampos, Roman, Acharon, Jr, Amaiz, Ferrer, Ong,
Panotes, llagan, San Luis, Mendoza (J.), Padilla, Gullas Paras, Vergara,
Batocabe, Plaza, Angara and Bonoan-David

AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ROMBLON A MINING FREE
ZONE AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy.- The Province of Romblon is
hereby declared a mining free zone and all mining operations in the Province
of Romblon are hereby prohibited.

SEC. 2. Coverage- As used in this Act, mining shall refer to the
extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials, excluding gravel,
sand and marble. This shall include large-scale and small-scale mining
activities involving exploration, feasibility, development, utilization and
processing

SEC. 3. Penal Provision.- \t shall be unlawful for any person to mine
or continue to mine or to engage in any mining operation in the Province of
Romblon.

Any person found guilty violating the provisions of this Act shall be
penalized with imprisonment of at least six (6) years but not more than twelve
(12) years and a fine of at least One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00)
but not more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00).



If the offender is a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the
penalty shall be imposed upon the officer or officers of the corporation, firm,
partnership or association responsible for the violation thereof.

If the offender is an alien, after service of sentence and payment of
fine, he/she will be deported immediately without further proceedings.

SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations.-Within three (3)
months following the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 5. Transitory Provision.- Upon the approval of this Act, the
Provincial Government of Romblon, in coordination with the DENR, shall
review the contracts and agreements entered into by all existing mining
operations and determine those to be terminated and those to be allowed to
continue until such period that their contracts or agreements may allow.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,



FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

House Bit. No, __ 4415

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill seeks to declare the Provinee of Romblon as a mining free zone.

‘The Province of Romblon, situated at the Heart of the Philippines, is composed of
three main big islands and several islets with vast agricultural lands rich in natural
resources, as such, the need to be protected and preserved.

In Tablas Island, the Balogo Watershed in the Municipalities of Calatrava, San
Andres and San Agustin has been proclaimed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and
Conservation Priority Area (CPA) with an area of 10,495 hectares, in which 2,670
hectares has been declared Watershed Forest Reserve by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation 2186. Further, in the final report of the National Biodiversity Strategy and
Action Plan in 2004, Tablas Island is considered a conservation priority area for
amphibians, reptiles, arthropods and Tablas Strait as extremely high priority marine
conservation area, .

In Sibuyan Island is the magnificent Mt. Guiting-Guiting, declared as Natural
Park by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 746. Reports have it that it is where the
world’s densest forest flourishes. Primary forests cover 120 sq. km., which is 26% of the
land area. There are 131 species of birds that share the skies with ten species of fruit bat;
the plethora of land-dwelling mammals, reptiles, and rodents include at least five species
‘of mammals that at are endemic. “

Romblon istand has been considered as Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) with
endangered species roaming on the island. The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau ~
Pawikan Conservation Project (@PAWB-PCP) confirmed Sitio Agbaliga in Agpanabat,
Rombion as a nesting site of the critically endangered hawksbill turtie.



‘The Province of Romblon is also envisioned to be one of the primary eco-tourism
destinations, not only in the MIMAROPA Region, but also in the whole country. With
this objective, we are ensured of the protection and conservation of the environment, and
the improvement of the welfare of the local people.

According to the Department of Agriculture ~ Region IV-B data, since 2008, the
whole province of Rombion has been stricken by flooding, landslides, storm surges and
typhoons which devastated crops and livestock amounting to Php 110 Million. More so,
the combined climate and weather related risks vulnerability of Romblon is relatively
high. The geohazard maps of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau show that more than
90% of the number of barangays in Tablas Island and almost 100% of Sibuyan Island
barangays are highly susceptible to flood. Additionally, approximately 50% of the
‘mountains and hills in Tablas Island and nearly 85% of Sibuyan Island are highly
susceptible to landslides.

With the existence of one (1) approved Mineral Production Sharing Agreement
(MPSA) permit for exploration in Sibuyan Island and several MPSA active applications
and Exploration Permit (EP) active appliéations covering other municipalities in the
province, as the records of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau would show, the danger of
mining residue in the long run causes apprehension to the residents of the affected
communities. Consider the fact that an exploration permit shall grant to the permite, his
heirs or successors-in-interest, the right to enter, occupy and explore the area. Exploration
includes the searching or prospecting for mineral resources by geological, geochemical or
geophysical surveys, remote sensing, test fitting, trenching, drilling, shaft sinking,
tunneling or any other means for the purpose of determining the existence, quantity and
quality thereof and the feasibility of mining them for profit. The result of which would
be the destruction of the mountains, thereby destroying the environment and eventually
cause health hazards to the people.

Evidenced by the negative environmental impacts of past mining activities which
caused local and downstream populations to worry that new mining activities will
adversely affect their lives and property and destroy the environment, the approval of this
Bill is eamestly sought.

aa

HON. ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4418

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE ELEANDRO JESUS F. MADRONA

AN'ACT
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ROMBLON A MINING FREE ZONE AND
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. The Province of Romblon is hereby declared a mining free zone
and all mining operations in the Province of Romblon are hereby prohibited.

As used in this Act, mining shall refer to the extraction of valuable minerals or
other geological materials, excluding gravel, sand and marble, and shall include mining
activities involving exploration, feasibility, development, utilization and processing,

SEC. 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to mine or continue to mine or to
engage in any mining operation in the Province of Romblon.

SEC. 3. Any person found guilty violating the provisions of this Act shall be
penalized with imprisonment of at least six (6) years but not more than twelve (12) years
and a fine of at least One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P' 100,000.00) but not more than
Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (500,000.00).

If the offender is a corporation, firm, partnership or association, the penalty shall
be imposed upon the officer or officers of the corporation, firm, partnérship or
association responsible for the violation thereof.

if the offender is an alien, after service of sentence and payment of fine, he will be
deported immediately without further proceedings.



SEC. 4. Within three (3) months following the effectivity of this Act, the
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 5. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at
Jeast two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

‘Approved,



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

3° Floor, RV Mim Duiding, Batasan Pambenas Complex, Constiution Hil, Quezon City
Tolatex number 061-3003 Trunklne: @31-500t local 7164

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

MINUTES OF THE 8 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL
RESOURCES HELD ON MAY 25, 2011 (WEDNESDAY), 1:30 P.M. CONFERENCE
ROOMS 3 & 4, SPEAKER RAMON V. MITRA, JR. BUILDING, HOUSE OF

REPRSENTATIVES

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Hon.
Hon,
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon,
Hon

Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon,
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon.
Hon,
Hon.

Francisco T. Matugas - Presiding Officer
Philip A, Pichay

Evelyn P. Mellana

Elmer E, Panotes

Cesar G, Jalosjos

Peter M. Unabia, Jr.
Maximo B, Rodriguez
Rufus Rodriguez

Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona
Ramon H. Durano VI
Isidro 8. Rodriguez, Jr.
Alfredo D. Maranon Il
Daisy-Avance-Fuentes
Loreto Ocampos

Herminia B. Roman

Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.
George P. Arnalz

Jeffrey P. Ferrer

Emil R. Ong

Luzviminda C. Tlagan
Edgar S, San Luis

Joselito Andrew R. Mendoza
Carlos M. Padilla

Eduardo R. Gullas

Jesus Emmanuel Paras
Bernardo M, Vergara
Rodel M. Batocabe

Ma. Valentina G. Plaza

. Juan Edgardo M. Angara


Hon. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David
T, CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. with the Honorable Francisco T.
Matugas presiding. On a motion made and duly seconded, there being no objection,
the calling of the roll was dispensed with.

1, APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

On a motion made duly seconded, there being no objection, the reading of minutes
of the previous meeting was dispensed with and the same was approved.

TIT. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS /RESOURCE PERSONS

The Committee Secretary acknowledged the guests and resource persons in
attendance.

IV. REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR

Chairman Matugas said that the committee would discuss measures which establish
protected area, land classification and mining ban. With the presence of experts
coming from a different sectors, he believed that the committee will be able to
saticly the merits of the proposed measures.

V. DELIBERATION ON THE FOLLOWING MEASURES:

4. House Bill No. 4405, entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING A PARCEL OF LAND OF
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AN AGRICULTURAL LAND FOR TOWN SITE PURPOSE OF
THE MUNICIPALITY OF SALVADOR BENEDICTO, PROVINCE OF NEGROS
OCCIDENTAL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” by Hon, Julio A. Ledesma IV

2. House Bill No. 2448, entitled: “AN ACT DECLARING THE FORMER CHIONGBIAN
GRAZING LANDS LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUTALAC, PROVINCE OF
ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, OPEN TO DISPOSITION FOR AGRICULTURAL,
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND OTHER PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES,” by Hon.
Cesar G. Jalosjos, Seth Frederick P. Jalosjos, Romeo M. Jalosjos, Jr., Ranulfo P.
Canonigo and Jonathan C, Yambao

3. House Bill No. 897, entitled: "AN ACT RATIONALIZING THE MANAGEMENT OF
THE NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE CAMOTES ISLANDS, PROVINCE OF CEBU,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PROCLAMATION NO. 2152 DATED DECEMBER 29,
1981, ENTITLED ‘DECLARING THE ENTIRE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AND CERTAIN
PARCELS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND/OR PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AS
MANGROVE SWAMP FOREST RESERVES’,” by Hon. Ramon “Red” H. Durano VI

Since the above-stated bills had been approved by the committee in the 14"
Congress, Rep. Pichay moved for the omnibus approval of HBs 4195, 2448 and
897, seconded by Rep, Unabla, there belng no objection, the same were approved.

vw


4, House Bill No. 850, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE BATAAN NATURAL
PARK, SUBIC WATERSHED FOREST RESERVE AND ROOSEVELT PROTECTED
LANDSCAPE SITUATED IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF DINALUPIHAN, HERMOSA,
ORANI, SAMAL, ABUCAY, BAGAC AND MORONG IN THE PROVINCE OF BATAAN
AND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SUBIC, PROVINCE OF ZAMBALES AND THE CITY
OF OLONGAPO, AS ONE PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED
PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES,” by Hon. Herminia B. Roman

Rep, Roman sald that HB 850 would establish Bataan Natural Park, Subic
Watershed and Forest Reserve as one protected area under the National
Integrated Areas System or the NIPAS Act. She said that Philippine ecosystem Is
among the hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world because it has several species
per square meter of territory. It is identified as one of the leading “megadiversity”
countries by scientists and international institutions. However, the rate of habitat
destruction is also among the highest in the work, Her bill if enacted into law
would be a noteworthy compliance with our country’s international commitments
to environmental protection and conservation, she added.

Ms. Teresita Blastique of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)
expressed her agency's full support to the passage of the bill Into law. However,
she suggested the inclusion of the technical description of the area in the bill,

Ms, Amethya Dela Llana-Koval of SBMA Ecology Center also expressed support to
the proclamation of one protected area composed of the Subic Watershed Forest
Reserve, Roosevelt Protected Landscape and Bataan Natural Park to be named as
Subic-Bataan-Roosevert Natural Park. However, she recommended that the three
ateas be proclaimed separately and each has its own Protected Area Management
Board (PAMB), He said that she already submitted their position paper on the bill
to the committee.

Rep. Roman noted the latter's recommendation.

Mr. Jesus Gerardo of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority
(WAMRIA) committed to submit a technical description of HB 850 in one month’s
time,

Moved by Rep. Panotes, duly seconded by Rep. Mendoza, there being no
objection, the body approved HB 850, subject to amendment and style.

5, House Bill No. 3519, entitled: “AN ACT ESTABLISHING PAMITINAN CAVE IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF RODRIGUEZ, PROVINCE OF RIZAL AS A PROTECTED
LANDSCAPE PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” by
Hon. Isidro S, Rodriguez, Jr.

Rep. Isidro Rodriguez used the explanatory note as his introductory statement of
the bill. He said that his bill would preserve and develop the subject area for eco-
tourism, and protect the biologically important area as habitat for rare endangered
flora and fauna,

RED Zuniga of DENR-Region 48 expressed full support to the passage of the bill
into law.
3


Mr. Jesus Gerardo of the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority
(NAMRIA) and Ms. Teresita Blastique of the Protected Area and Wikllife Bureau
(PAWB) expressed their support to the passage of the bil.

Ms, Lucila Alvarez Jaime, member of Pamitinan Board interposed no objection to
‘the bill,

Rep. Panotes moved to approve the bill, seconded by Rep. Hagan, there being no
‘objection, the committee approved HB 3519.

6, House Bill No. 3832, entitled: "AN ACT ESTABLISHING MT, MATUTUM LOCATED
IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF POLOMOLOK, TAMPAKAN AND TUPI, PROVINCE OF
SOUTH COTABATO AND THE MUNICIPALITY OF MALUNGON, PROVINCE OF
SARANGANI AS A PROTECTED AREA UNDER THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED
LANDSCAPE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” by
Hon. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, Pedro 8. Acharon and Emmanuel D. Pacquiao

Rep. Daisy Avance-Fuentes apprised the committee about the importance of Mt.
Matutum not only in Mindanao but to the whole country as well. It isa habitat and
sanctuary of many endemic species and a catchment area for several drainages in
the nearby areas. It has been declared as a protected area by virtue of
Presidential Proclamation No. 552 but as required by law, Congress still has to
enact 3 law to deciare the area under NIPAS.

Forester Ali Hadjinasser, representing DENR-Region 12 interposed no objection to
the bil,

Ms, Teresita Blastique also expressed support to the bill but she suggested the
verification of the technical description of the fand being said in the bil.

Mr. Jesus Gerardo fikewice expressed support to the bill and agreed to the
suggestion that the technical description of the area mentioned in the bill be
verified.

Rep. Avance-Fuentes agreed to the said suggestion and requested the committee
that any amendment raised in the bill, Rep. Acharon and Rep. Paquiao shall be
notified,

Rep. Acharon moved to approve the bill subject to the submission of the technical
description, seconded by Rep. Roman, hearing no objection, the committee
approved HB 3832 subject to amendment and styie.

7. House Bill Ne. 4399, entitied: "AN ACT DECLARING THE AGUSAN MARSH
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AS A PROTECTED AREA AND AS A SPECIAL ECOLOGICAL
TOURISM ZONE, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES,” by Hon. Evelyn P, Mellana

Rep. Mellana sponsored HB 4399 using its explanatory note. She apprised the
body that his district has submitted 2 board resolution endorsing her bil.



#

9.

10.

RED Sibbaluca of the DENR-CARAGA expressed full support to the passage of the
bill into law.

Ms. Blastique and Mr. Gerardo likewise expressed support to the bill.

Rep. Pichay moved for the approval of the bill, there being no objection, the body
approved the same with all members and ex-officio members present as co-
authors.

House BI No. 2192, entitled: “AN ACT RECLASSIFYING THE TOWN
PROPER AND ADJACENT LANDS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SILVINO LUBOS,
NORTHERN SAMAR FROM TIMBERLAND TO ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE LANDS,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE,” by Hon. Emil. Ong

Rep. Emil Ong said that his bill is a re-filed bill from the previous 14” Congress. Tt
underwent exhaustive discussion and passed in 2”! reading. Should this bill be
approved into law, the bona-fide occupants could already apply for title of the
lands they tilled for a tong period of time and therefore the revenue collection of
the locality would be enhanced.

Mr. Ramon Unay, representing DENR-Region VIII said that they have no objection
to the bill provided that the final survey of the said area be conducted.

On a motion made by Rep. Panotes, seconded by Rep. Ilagan, there being no
objection, the committee approved HB 2192.

House Bill No. 2677, entitled: "AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE REINSTATEMENT
OF THE ORIGINAL AREA OF BIAK NA BATO NATIONAL PARK (BNBNP), A
HISTORICAL LANDMARK OF THE PROVINCE OF BULACAN SITUATED IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MIGUEL FOR ITS PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” by Hon. Joselito R. Mendoza

Rep. Mendoza said that they had endeavored to stop mining operation in Biak-Na-
Bato for so long, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), environmentalists and
local governments had protested to stop the irrational mining exploration therein
and now that they won the fight they want to preserve and prevent the recurrence
of the said destruction of the area. He stressed the necessity to reinstate the
original area of Biak Na Bato National Park as provided for under Presidential
Proclamation No, 223. The area of Biak Na Bato was reduced due to the
encroachment of mining activites, he recalled.

Rep. Panotes manifested his intention to be a co-author of HB 2677.

Ms. Blastique expressed her agency's support to the bill

On a motion made by Rep. Pichay, seconded by Rep. Panotes, there being no
objection, the body approved HB 2677 with all members and non-members present
as co-authors.

House Bill No. 3909, entitled: “AN ACT RECLASSIFYING SOME PORTIONS OF

THE BUFFER ZONE OF MT. MALINDANG IN MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL INTO
ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE LAND OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN FOR THE PURPOSE

5



OF DISTRIBUTING THE SAME TO BONA FIDE FARMERS THEREOF,” by Hon. Loreto
Leo S. Ocampos

Rep. Ocampos said that if his bill would be passed into law, it would address the
inability of the farmer-occupants to own the land they tilled for a long period of
time and would therefore enhance revenue collection of the affected locality. He
stressed that some coordinates are projecting Indian ocean which is really
impossible and ridiculous.

OIC RED Corazon B, Galinato of the DENR Region X expressed her opposition to
the passage of the bill into law. She said that converting the buffer zone of Mt.
Malindang Protected Area is not a solution to the problem of the said farmer-
‘occupants in the area, It just make the area prone to timber poaching and entry
of illegal occupants. The farmers can be granted a tenurial instrument renewable
every 25 years, instead. She further said she already submitted the DENR-Region
X postion paper on the bill.

Mr. Gerardo disclosed that they have finished delineating the whole Misamis
Occidental but his office has no technical description on Mt. Malindang alone.

Rep. Ocampos said that the technical description of his bill is different from the
DENR which ic the output of the Regional Assessment and Delineation Teams
(RADT) of DENR-Region X which conducted delineation of permanent forestland
boundaries and land use assessment of the province of Misamis Occidental in 2008.

Rep. Ocampos stated that he will sit dovm with DENR as they go along the crafting
of his bill,

Rep. Paras said that the DENR must provide the final evaluation as far as the
metes and bounds of the proposed area Is concerned.

Mr. Gerardo commented that when it comes to a technical description on the area
for conversion, their recommendation most often adopted.

Rep. Matugas shared his observation that sometimes the actual ground survey
output can be incorrectly translated. However, it must still be the responsibility of
the DENR to provide the correct one.

Hearing several issues raised on the bill, Rep. Ocampos requested for the
deferment of the deliberation of HB 3909, seconded by Rep. Pichay, the committee
deferred the consideration of HB 3909.

11, House Bill 4390, entitled: "AN ACT DECLARING CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND OF

THE PUBLIC DOMAIN WITHIN THE SECOND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT OF THE
PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR AS AGRICULTURAL LANDS OPEN TO
DISPOSITION FOR AGRICULTURAL, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL OR
OTHER PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES,” by Rep. Evelyn P. Mefana

Rep. Meliana said that her bili deciares parcels of iand of the public domain within
he second district of Agusan Del Sur as agricuttural and other productive purposes.



Rep. Angara said that HB 560 would proclaim Aurora Memorial Protected Landscape,
Dinalupihan River Protected Landscape, Talaytay River Protected Landscape, Amro
River Protected Landscape and Simbahan-Talagas protected Lanscape, under NIPAS.
‘These areas are among the priority sites for biodiversity conservation in the country.
He appealed to the body to approve the proposed measure to prevent further
deterioration brought about by the extractive activity of mining, logging and high
human population density in the area.

Ms. Blastique relayed her agency's support to the bill. She said the areas to be
declared protected belong to the key bldiverstty area,

Hr, Gerardo likewise expressed his strong support to the passage of the bill, He sald
that they have already a technical description on the subject areas.

Rep. Padilla moved for the approval of the bill, seconded by Rep. Panotes, there being
no objection, the body approved HB 560 with all members and no-members present as
co-authors.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 4:11 p.m.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING MINUTES,
Prepared by:
Als J~

VENI C./LOFRANCO
Supervising Legislative Staff Officer 1

Noted by:
¥ TF 0. fa w
“ RAUCG.

Committee Secretary

Approved by:

FRANCISCO T. MATUGAS
Chairman