Page 1 of 3 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
TRANSFERRING AND TURNING OVER TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS THE 
ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF PARKS OF NATIONAL 
SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One of the operative principles on the autonomy of local government units is for them 
to share with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance 
of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction. 
The historic identity and value of parks of national significance and historic 
landmarks, such as, but not limited to, the Luneta National Park and Intramuros in the City 
of Manila, and Quezon Memorial National Park in Quezon City, should not be forgotten. On 
the contrary, these national heritage should be properly maintained, preserved and protected 
at all cost. Protecting, preserving and maintaining these parks of national significance and 
historic landmarks, including their cleanliness and peace and order therein, to ensure the full 
enjoyment thereof, is of utmost importance. In fact, even the Lord recognized and made clear 
the value and importance of ancient landmarks (Deu. 19:14; Prov. 22:28). 
It is the humble view of the sponsor of this Bill that the administration, management 
and control of these parks and historic landmarks should be transferred to the local 
government units where they are located in order to give them the actual, direct and 
immediate responsibility of protecting, preserving and maintaining them. With a feeling of 
responsibility accountability and identity, the maintenance, preservation, proper use, 
cleanliness and enjoyment of these parks and historic landmarks would be better ensured. 
The passage of this Bill is, therefore, earnestly requested. 
BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
October 12, 2022
10:28 am
5535


Page 2 of 3 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
TRANSFERRING AND TURNING OVER TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS THE 
ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF PARKS OF NATIONAL 
SIGNIFICANCE AND HISTORIC LANDMARKS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in session 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — To protect our national heritage, it is hereby 
declared the Policy of the State to give full meaning to the autonomy of local government units 
even on the matter of the administration, management and control of parks of national 
significance and historic landmarks, and to secure for the Filipino people of present and future 
generations the perpetual existence and use of such areas. The State recognizes that local 
government units are in a better position to protect, manage, maintain and preserve such areas 
within their respective territorial jurisdiction. 
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. — 
 Parks - refer to parks of national significance characterized by the harmonious 
interaction of man and providing opportunities for public enjoyment 
through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic 
activity of these areas, such as, but not limited to, the Luneta National Park 
in the City of Manila and the Quezon National Memorial Park and Ninoy 
Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. 
Historic landmarks - refer to areas, places or structures of historic importance and 
significance to the life of the Country and its people, such us, but not limited 
to, Intramuros in the City of Manila. 
SEC. 3. Administration, Management and Control. The administration, management and 
control of all parks and historic landmarks as defined in this Act that are components of the 
National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and under the jurisdiction of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources under R.A. 7856, otherwise known as 
“National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992” and R.A. No. 11038, otherwise 
known as the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018”, are hereby 
5535


Page 3 of 3 
 
transferred and turned over to the local government units where such parks and historic 
landmarks are situated. 
SEC. 4. Transfer of Jurisdiction and Documents. The local government unit concerned 
shall coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the 
Protected Area Management Board for the smooth transfer of the administration, 
management and control of such parks and historic landmarks, including the transfer of 
records, documents and other papers pertinent thereto, which transfer shall be effected within 
thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
SEC. 5. Promulgation of Rules and Regulations. The local government unit concerned 
shall promulgate such ordinances, rules and regulations not contrary to law, public policy, 
morals and good customs for the protection and preservation of such parks and historic 
landmarks, and to ensure the proper, clean, and peaceful use and full enjoyment thereof. 
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or section of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the other parts or sections of this Act. 
SEC. 7 Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,