Republic of the Philippin
HOUSE OF RSENTATIVES
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4913

Introduced By HONORABLE MARIA VIDA E. BRAVO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In pursuit to the State’s Constitutional guarantee and duty to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
ony of nature, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to
ino people and its future generations, the protection of its
surrounding areas and natural resources in accordance with Republic Act No.
#7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

Cognizant thereto, the innate profound impact of human activities on all
components of the natural environment particularly the effect of increasing
population, resource exploitation and industrial advancement, the State recognizes
the critical importance of protecting and maintaining the natural and physical
diversities of the our environment notably areas of unique biological significance
which are the Marine and Mangrove Forest Ecosystem.

Pursuant to the above cited policy, the NIPAS Act and as provided herein,
Bongsanglay Natural Park (Municipality of Batuan, Masbate) and its surrounding
vicinities with boundaries is hereby declared and established as a protected area
under the category of a natural park to be known as the Bongsanglay Natural Park.

DN. MARIA VIDA E. BRAVO.
Figst (1) District, Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

nousesitno, 4913

Introduced by HON. MARIA VIDA E. BRAVO.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE BONGSANGLAY MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE,
AND NATURAL PARK, PROVINCE OF MASBATE AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR,

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

Article I—Title, Policies and Scope

SECTION l Title.- This Act shall be known as the Bongsanglay
Mangrove Forest Reserve and Natural Park Act of 2014.

SECTION 2. _ Statement of Policy. - The State’s Constitutional guarantee
and duty to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, it is hereby declared the
policy of the State to secure for the Filipino people and its future generations, the
protection of its surrounding areas and natural resources in accordance with
Republic Act No. 47856 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992.

SECTION 3. _Declaration. - Pursuant to above cited policy, the NIPAS
‘Act and as provided therein, Bongsanglay Mangrove Forest Reserve and its
surrounding vicinities and boundaries, a natural marine and mangrove forest with
the presence of natural mangrove forest vegetation and diversity of flora and fauna


considered as the last frontier in the Province of Masbate, Bicol Region, is hereby
declared and established as a protected area under the category of a Natural Park to
be known as the Bongsanglay Mangrove Forest Reserve and Natural Park Act of
2014.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms.-For purposes of this Act, the
following are hereby defined:

a) Bong NP or Protected Area refers to the Bongsanglay Natural Park as
established herein;

b) Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO means any living organism
that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through
the use of modern biotechnology through in vitro nucleic acid
techniques, including recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and
direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles or fusion of cells
beyond the taxonomic family that overcome natural physiological
reproductive or recombination barriers that are not techniques used in
traditional breeding and selection;

©) LGU shall pertain to local government units within the Bong NP;

d) PAMB refers to the Bong NP Protected Area Management Board;

e) PAMO refers to Protected Area Management Office;

f) PASO refers to the Protected Area Superintendent Office comprised of
the PASu and his/her staff;

g) PASu refers to the Protected Area Superintendent;

h) Protected Area Species shall refer to any plant or animal declared
protected under Philippine laws and international conventions,
including species listed under the Convention on International Trade of
Endangered Species (CITES) and all of its annexes, the Bonn
Convention of Migratory Species, the Red-list Categories of the World
Conservation Union (IUCN), or any plant or animal which the PAMB
may deem critical for the conservation and preservation of the Bong NP.

SECTION 5. Scope, = The Bongsanglay Natural Park (Bong NP) shall
cover parcels of land locate d within the Municipality of Batuan, Province of
Masbate, containing an area of 518.90 hectares subject to ground survey with the
following technical description:

Beginning at a point marked 1 which is S 52*28*00 W 6,328.87 meters
from BLLM no. 4 of Barangay Burgos, Batuan, Masbate with geographical
coordinates of 12*23°38.39 North and 123#44°49.04 East to corner I

Thence S21*01'20" W 100.35 meters to corner 2
Thence S 64*52°21" W 53.59 meters to corner 3


Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thenee
Thence*
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence

Thence
Thence
Thence
Thence

N01 15"W
N.05*42°08"W
N 05*58°55"W.
'N37*29°07"W
N31*30°08” W
N39*05°S 1" W
N14*27'54” W
N77*03°16" W

1N33*24"45”
N22*02’50”
N54*02735”

Ww

BE

Ww

N21#09°57” W
1N40*39°40” E

N15*40°34”

Ww

N19*19°17" W

N21*23°40"

E

NO09*55°27” W

N21*58°10"
NO5S*28'28*

Ww

E

N75*39°07" W

N63*03" 18"
NO09*24°38%
N88*39°55*

N25*29'50” E

N33*43°34"

Ww

£
E

B

N37*53°39" W

N40*15°35”
'N00*53'S0”

WwW
Ww

N00*41722” W

'N25*01'00*
N48#25°49"
N18*00°06"
N71*35°58%
$68*36"09”
$30*54°09”
$75*16°48”
$19*53'05”
$90*00°00”

$00*00"00"
$89*59°59”
$37*31"12”

E
E
B
B

E
E
E
E
E

E
w
Ww

$33*55°24” W

74.11 meters
47.68. meters
155.26 meters
116.59 meters
246.16 meters
497.61 meters
152.51 meters
221.82 meters
118.05 meters

67.06 meters
277.68 meters
122.78 meters

85.38 meters
164.72 meters
115.44 meters
298,59 meters

49,00 meters
268.13 meters

48.72 meters

82.20 meters

46.82 meters

57.46 meters

64.54 meters

68.54 meters
208.27 meters
183.48 meters
121.35 meters
115.21 meters
100.84 meters

72.12 meters
229.55 meters
105.28 meters
166.29 meters
205.36 meters

81.55 meters
128.92 meters
167.48 meters

1,250.00 meters

2,457.04 meters:
179.84 meters
334.65 meters
153.56 meters

to comer 4
to comer 5
to comer 6
to comer 7
to corner 8
to comer 9
to corner 10
to corner! |
to corner12.
to cornerl3
to corner 14.
to corner!5
to corner16
to comer!7
to corner18.
to corner19
to corner20.
to corner21
to corner22
to corner23
to corner24
to corner25
to corner26
to comer27
to corner28
to corner29
to corner30
to corner31
to corner32
to corner33
to corner34
to corner35
to corner36,
to corner37
to corner38
to corner39
to corner40,
to comer

to corner42,
to corner43
to corner44.
to comer45,


Thence N27*40°37°W 72.54 meters to corner46

‘Thence NO0*5S1°34"W 222.27 meters to corner47
Thence $89*54°08" W 77.91 meters to cormer48
Thence S01*33"10" W 238.43 meters to corner49
Thence $14*53'20" W 216.52 meters to comers0,
Thence $35*51°21" W 134.50 meters to corners]
‘Thence $13*44710" W 96.75 meters to corner52
Thence $17*55°48" W 43.97 meters to corner01

Article Il— Management Plan and Zoning

JON 6, Management of the Bongsanglay Natural Park, -The
Management and administration shall be vested within the PAMB; provided that
the management of zones to be established within shall be consultative and
participatory, The PAMB shall be responsible for the planning, resource
protection and general administration of the Bongsanglay Natural Park in
accordance with the approved Management Plan.

SECTION 7, Management Plan.- There shall be a management plan
Which shall serve as the long term framework for the management of Bongsanglay
Natural Park, govern all activities and guide the preparation of the annual
operations plan and budget. ‘The Management Plan shall be consistent with this
Act and the protected area under the category of a natural park. A management
plan and other supporting data shall be prepared in accordance with the
implementing rules of the NIPAS Act.

Within one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act, the PASO shall prepare
the management plan in accordance with the General Management Planning
Strategy as provided in the implementing rules of the NIPAS Act. It shall contain
among others the following:

a) A period of applicability for (10) ten years subject to review every five
(5) years;

b) Key Management

©) Goals and objectives of management in support of Section 2 thereof;

d) Zoning in accordance with Section 8 thereof;

e) Management programs to include enforcement of laws, habitat and
wildlife management, ecotourism, sustainable use, management,
infrastructure development and maintenance, fire prevention and pest
control;

f) Sustainable and non-destructive livelihood activities;


g) Regulations in furtherance of the preservation and conservation aims of
the Natural Park such as allowable activities, resource-use restrictions,
among other; and.

h)_ Other relevant conservation matters;

The management plan shall be reviewed and adopted by the PAMB and
certified to by the DENR Secretary. The Management Plan shall not be
revised or modified without prior consultation with the PAMB. It shall be
reviewed and updated every five (5) years.

‘Two (2) years prior to the expiration of the current Management Plan, the
PASO shall cause the publication of notices for comments and suggestions
on the new Management Plan that will succeed the old one ina newspaper
of general circulation and the posting thereof in the provincial, municipality
and barangay halls of the LGU’s comprising the Bongsanglay Natural Park,
and in three (3) other conspicuous areas frequented by the public within the
natural park. At least (2) public hearings shall be conducted on the proposed
successor plan and shall be made available for public perusal at the PASO.

The Management Plan and all its successor plans shall be prepared in
English, Filipino and Bicol, plainly written and made accessible to the
public at the PASO,

SECTION 8 Zoning. _Strict protection zone and multi-use zone
shall be established within the Bongsanglay Natural Park giving primarily
consideration to its protection and conservation. Zoning shall also take into account
the tenurial and livelihood concerns of the communities to ensure the efficient
protection of habitats, fragile ecosystems and unique areas.

‘The establishment and management of zones must involve the community
concerned by undertaking such steps as dialogues, consultations and land resource~
use mapping. Zones shall be demarcated on the ground and indicated on maps with
the participation of community, LGU’s and other stakeholders.

Buffer zone shall also be established within the peripheral areas of the
Bongsanglay Natural Park in accordance with the Management Plan to serve as a
social fence where tenurial and sustainable resource-use rights may be granted to
qualified groups and individuals.

SECTION 9. PAMB.- __ There shall be Protected Area Management
Board which shall serve as the highest policy-making body of the Bongsanglay
Natural Park, It shall be composed of the following:


1) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of Region V as PAMB Chai

2) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer of Masbate;

3) The Environment and Natural Resources Officer (ENRO) of the
Province of Masbate (PENRO-LGU);

4) One (1) regular representative from the Municipality of Batuan with
territory within Bongsanglay Natural Park;

5) One (1) regular representative from every NGO, PO, church or civic
organization but not to exceed five (5), all of whom must be based in or
near Bongsanglay Natural Park;

6) One (1) representative from other government agencies with direct
interest or involvement in protected area management; and

7) One regular representative from each barangay with territory within
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

8) One (1) representative from academic institutions with direct interest or
involvement in protected area management;

Every PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years, renewable for
another five (5) years; provided, that he/she remains connected with
the Office or sector he/she is supposed to represent;’ provided, further,
that the LGU representatives must present the necessary endorsement
from their respective Sanggunaians and their membership shall be co
terminus being an elected officials. Whenever a vacancy occurs during
the term of a non-government PAMB member, a new member shall be
chosen in the same manner as the original selection process and only for
the remaining term.

SECTION 10, Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB shall
decide by majority vote and shall have the following powers and functions:

1) Issue rules and regulations in control, prohibit and regulate all acts that
may be prejudicial to the Bongsanglay Natural Park pursuant to the
policy declarations herein set forth, including the imposition of fines to
a maximum of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00) and issuance of
cease and desist orders, whenever justified;

2) Regulate, control and issue permits in accordance with the Management
Plans pertinent to environmental laws and regulations particularly with
regard to infrastructure activities, public utilities, waste management,
business enterprises and research activities within the Bongsanglay
Natural Park, including the power to prescribe appropriate fees and
charges;

3) Review, approve and adopt a Management Plan for Bongsanglay
Natural Park;



4) Recommend the deputation through the PASu individuals or groups to
augment the protection personne! of Bongsanglay Natural Park for the
enforcement of laws, rules and regulations therein, and prescribe,
qualifications thereof;

5) Approve contracts and agreements consistent with the purpose of this
Act;

6) Accept donations and grants to be deposited as trust fund for
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

7) Review and approve proposals for funding, financial and work plans,
and exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue to the
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

8) Promulgate rules and regulations on the conduct of its business;

9) Monitor and evaluate the performance of all PASO personnel;

10) Retain legal counsel to defend cases against the PAMB, the PASO staff
and deputized individuals whenever they are sued in connection with
the performance of their duties and functions under this Act and to assist
in other PAMB legal matters; and

11) Initiate and file suits against persons or entities whose business or
activities are detrimental to the protected areas.

SECTION 11. Incentives for Bongsanglay Natural Park - PAMB Members.
In addition to the actual and necessary travelling and subsistence allowance
incurred in the performance of their duties, the PAMB members may be granted
honoraria and other benefits in attending PAMB or other committee meetings
These expenses may be included in the appropriation of Bongsanglay Natural Park
Trust Fund.

SECTION 12, Protected Area Superintendent’s Office. - There is hereby
created a Protected Area Superintendent’s Office (PASO) which shall perform the
day-to-day management, protection and administration of the Bongsanglay Natural
Park, It shall be headed by the Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) as chief
operating officer who shall be directly accountable to the PAMB and the
community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of San Jacinto Masbate
(CENRO-San Jacinto Masbate) and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Officer of the DENR (PENRO-DENR) in Masbate. The PASu shall directly
coordinate his/her activities with the CENRO with regard to the DENR programs
that are related to the protected area management.

The PASO shall be staffed by a sufficient number of personnel with
functions and qualifications as provided for by the PAMB. The PASO staff shall
preferably be hired from residents of the Municipalities comprising Bongsanglay
Natural Park, unless otherwise not qualified


The PASu shall prepare an annual accomplishment report on all activities
undertaken in the protected area for PAMB. The PASO staff shall preferably be
hired from residents of the municipalities comprising Bongsanglay Natural Park,
unless otherwise not qualified.

The PASu shall prepare an annual accomplishment report on all activities
undertaken in the protected area for PAMB review and submission to the DENR
Secretary.

SECTION 13. _ Local Government Units. - LGU’s shall be represented in the
PAMB and shall have the following functions:

1) Apprise their respective constituents, office and sector on activities and
programs for the area;

2) Ensure consistency in the implementation of all activities in the
protected area;

3) Retain their ordinance-making powers over the protected area;
provided, that on matters relating to biodiversity conservation,
protection and sustainable development, the ordinances shall be
consistent with the Management Plan;

4) In the formulation of their development plan, LGU’s shall consider the
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

5) Assist the PAMB in the implementation of the overall park programs,
including but not limited to the imposition, collection and utilization of
park fees, enforcement of policies, rules and regulations and other
similar park activities;

6) Aceredit people’s organizations, NGO's and other entities and groups
involved in activities within the Bongsanglay Natural Park;

7) Provide the PAMB with relevant information and data for the effective
management of the protected area.

Article IV- Utilization of Resources

SECTION 14, __ Existing Facilities within the Bongsanglay Natural Park.
Within a year from the approval of this Act, all existing commercial facilities with
capitalization of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00) within
the Bongsanglay natural Park or relies heavily from resources within the
Bongsanglay Natural Park, shall submit to the PASO a sworn statement containing
the following information:



1) Potential for disturbance of protected species and their habitats;

2) Emissions and effluents at all stages of the operation;

3) Energy requirements and sources of energy;

4) Water supply requirements and sources of water;

5) Volume of resources extracted from the Bongsanglay Natural Park;

6) Future plans for the next five (5) years

7) Other data they may deem relevant to the conservation objectives of
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

Based on these submissions, the PAMB shall determine whether the
continued operation and future plans of these facilities are detrimental to the
Bongsanglay Natural Park or to further undergo the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) System and secure Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC) from the Environmental Management Bureau, ‘The P
AMB may prescribe conditions or charge reasonable fees for the continued
operation of facilities that rely heavily on resources within the Bongsanglay
Natural Park to ensure that it does not impair the conservation objectives of
the Bongsanglay Natural Park. Without prejudice to the filing of the
necessary criminal charges, in case of violation of PAMB conditions or non-
payment of charges, the PAMB may impose an administrative fine of Five
‘Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) for every violation upon the owners of the
erring facilities but not to execed a total of Five Thousand Pesos
(P5,000.00). At anytime whenever necessary, the PAMB, through the
PASu and other government entities, shall cause the cessation and
demolition of said facility at the owner’s cost, Failure to submit the required
information shall constitute a violation of this Act and subject to the
penalties imposed under Section 17 (b) hereof.

SECTION 15, Utilization of Resources. - Except upon prior approval of the
PAMB and consistent with the Management Plan, the use of the Bongsanglay
Natural Park shall not be allowed. However, the sustainable use of resources by
tenured migrants for their domestic needs or for subsistence shall not be restricted
except protected species and whenever highly detrimental to the ecosystem.

SECTION 16. Public Lands. - Upon the passage of this Act, no land within
the Bongsanglay Natural Park shall be released from the public as alienable and
disposable and any sale, transfer, alienation or disposition thereof shall be null and
void.



SECTION

Article V- Prohibited Acts

17. Prohibited Acts. - The following are acts prohibited within

the Bongsanglay Natural Park with their respective penalties.

1)

2)

A fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) to not more

than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000,00) and imprisonment of

not less than six (6) years and one (1) day to not more than twelve (12)

years shall be imposed upon any person who:

a) Hunts, collects, takes, destroys, traps, disturbs or otherwise possess
any wild plant, animal or product, including genetic resources,
derived from the Bongsanglay Natural Park without prior PAMB
permit; Provided, that such permit can only be given for scientific
purposes and necessary for protected area management;

b) Cuts, gathers, collects, removes or otherwise possess timber or other
Mangrove Forest products within the Bongsanglay Natural Park
without prior PAMB permit; Provided, that such permit can only be
given for scientific purposes and necessary for protected area
management; Provided, further , that no permit shall be issue to
timber or other forest products within strict protection zones;

©) Engages in “kaingin”/clearing the mangrove area or otherwise
intentionally or negligently causes a forest fire inside the
Bongsanglay Natural Park;

d) Engages in mineral or energy exploration activities within the
Bongasanglay Natural Park;

¢) Engages in treasure hunting within the Bongsangalay Natural Park;

f) Introduces exotic species genetically modified organisms within the
Bongsanglay Natural Park; and

2) Discharges, leaves or dumps any waste product or substance
deleterious to the Bonsanglay Natural Park ecosystem or to any of
the flora and fauna therein;

A fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000,00) to not more

than Two Hundred Fifty ‘Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) and

imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and (1) one day to not more
than six (6) years shall be imposed upon any person who:

a) Occupies, settles or possess any portion of land inside the
Bongsanglay Natural Park without the necessary permi
Clearing, construction of residence or introduction of
improvements shall constitute prima facie evidence of such
occupation or settlement;

b) Vandalizes, mutilates, destroys, excavates, defaces or otherwise
intentionally damages any natural formation or object of natural



formation or natural beauty i
Park;

c) Uses or possesses motorized equipment, explosives or any
noxious substance anywhere within strict protection zones of the
Bongsanglay Natural Park as delineated by the PAMB;

d) Constructs or maintains any kind of road, structure, fence or
enclosure without prior PAMB permit; and

e) Obstructs or hinders the enforcement of this Act, the
Management Plan and its pertinent rules and regulations.

3) A fine of not less than (P500,000.00) Five Hundred Thousand Pesos to
not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or imprisonment of
not less than one (1) month and (1) one day to not more than (6) six
months, or both shall be imposed upon any person who:

‘a) Except as otherwise provided, violates the Management Plan or
any rule or resolution promulgated by the PAMB;

b) Alters, removes, destroys or deface boundaries, marks or signs;

©) Enters the Bongsanglay Natural Park without prior PAMB
permit for purposes of camping, swimming, fishing and other
recreational activities;

d) Dumps, litters or otherwise leaves debris, refuse or garbage
within the Bongsanglay Naturak Park;

4) Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding, the commission of any
unlawful act under Section 17 (a) shall carry the penalty of
imprisonment of not less than twelve years (12) years and one (1) day
to not more than (20) twenty years and a fine of not less than Five
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) to not more than One Million
Pesos (P1,000,000.00), whenever the species involved is a protected
species as provided herein. Any citizen may institute the necessary
charge against an offender for commission of the acts enumerated under
this section;

5) A conviction under this Section shall carry the accessory penalties of
eviction from the Bongsanglay Natural Park, payment of damages for
rehabilitation and restoration and forfeiture of all conveyances,
equipment, device, instrument, tool or weapon used in the commission
of the offense as well as the flora, fauna, resources caught in the
possession of the accused. In case the offender is an association,
partnership or corporation, the president or manager of the said
corporation shall be he held liable for the act of his/her employees or
workers.

6) The DENR through the PASu may impose administrative sanctions
against the offender for violations committed under this Act. The PASu
may confiscate all conveyances, equipment, device, instrument, tool or
weapon used in the commission of the offense caught en flagrante

le the Bongsanglay Natural



including animals, plants and other resources from the Bongsanglay
‘Natural Park found in the possession of the offender;

7) Incase of conviction, the penalty consisting of fines and damages shall
directly accrue to the IPAF as herein provided.

Article VI — Proceeds and Fees

SECTION 18. _ Integrated Protected Area Fund. - The Integrated Areas Fund
(IPAF) for Bongsanglay Natural Park is hereby established as a special trust fund
for the protection, maintenance, administration and management of the
Bongsanglay Natural Park, Seventy Five Percent (75%) of the IPAF shall be
retained by the PAMB and be exempted from deposit to the National Treasury
strictly for the above use and Twenty Five Percent (25%) shall be remitted to the
National IPAF as required under the NIPAS Law, subject to regular accounting
rules and audit procedures. The [PAF shall be derived from the following sources:

a) Fees and charges from facilities and rights directly benefiting from the
protected area including rights derived therefrom;

b) Fines from violations inside the protected area;

©) Proceeds from lease of multiple use or special use areas including
tourism concessions;

d) Fees from permitted sale flora, fauna and other forest resources;

¢) Entrance fees and rents of facilities in Recreation Zones;

f) Contribution, donations, endowments and grants from any source; and

g) Other revenues as provided in this Act.

All donations, grants and endowments shall be exempted from donor's tax,
documentary stamp tax and all other taxes, charges and fees imposed by the
Government.

Current sources of revenues of LGU’s such as business permits and real
property taxes shall be excluded from IPAF.

SECTION 19. Appropriations. In order to carry out the purposes of
this Act, an annual aggregate amount of Twenty Five Million Pesos
(P25,000,000,00) shall be included in the General Appropriations Act and allocated
for the use of the Bongsangly Natural Park.


SECTION 20. __Separability Clause. If any part or section of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect in any manner the other

parts or sections hereof.

SECTION 21. Repealing Clause. All laws, proclamations, rules and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 22. _Efffectivity Clause. ‘This Act shall take effect Fifteen days
(15) after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.