SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S. No. ~323 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
S!'rfuh: 
It}tfq:r of Hi~ !hr'"'lrhHQ 
This bill seeks to declare the Siargao Group of Islands in the Municipalities 
of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. 
Monica and' Socorro, Surgao del Norte as a protected area. 
Siargao Group of Islands provides a verdant abode for a number of the 
country's endangered species. Inhabiting in these islands are the dinagat 
gymnure, the golden crown flying fox, the hawksbill turtle, the green turtle and the 
olive ridley turtle,. fi'le species classified under endangered. Also among its 
primary dwellers is the Philippine Cuckatoo, along with 25 other bird species, 
nine amphibians, and 21 mammals. Notably, the Philippine Cuckatoo is listed as 
one of the critical species in the area. This 278,914 hectare of land boasts of 
having the largest continous mangrove stand in the Philippines. It is likewise 
known as one of the best snorkeling, diving and surfing destinations in the 
country. 
It is deemed crucial that we act on these now to ensure that our children 
and the succeeding generations will inherit a living earth with all of its bountiful 
natural resources and vibrant wildlife. 
This bill, therefore, seeks to declare the Siargao Group of Islands as 
protected in order to protect it from indiscriminate exploitation and to be able to 
maintain its ecological balance and preserve its source of water supply. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly urged. 


· . ./ 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
,.IUL -3 r12 :22 
Introduced by SENATOR PIA S. CAYETANO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE SIARGAO GROUP OF ISLANDS IN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF 
BURGOS, DAPA, DEL CARMEN, GEN. LUNA; PILAR, SAN BENITO, SAN ISIDRO, 
STA. MONICA AND SOCORRO, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE AS A 
PROTECTED LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES PURSUANT TO R.A. 7586 
Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
2 
SECTION. 1. Tit/e. - This Act shall be known as the "Siargao Islands Protected 
3 
Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) Act of 2013 ". 
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SEC. 2. Land Classification. ~ All lands of the public domain comprising the 
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Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) shall fall under the 
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classification of National Park as provided for in the Philippine Constitution. 
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SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. - The Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes and 
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Seascapes (SIPLAS) shall cover the municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, 
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General LUna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. Monica and Socorro located in the 
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islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande in the Province of Surigao del Norte and all the 
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lands and waters within the following. boundaries: 
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Tie Point: BLLM NO.1, Cad-789-D with geographic position of latitl!de 
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9°47'00.058" and longitude 126°09'23.669" situated at General Luna and Pilar, Siargao 
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Island, Surigao del Norte, to wit: 
STATION 
BEARING 
TP-1 
N MO 00' 00.01" E 
1 - 2 
S 04° 59' 59.98" E 
2-3 
S 41° 59' 59.90" W 
3-4 
N 69°00' 00.00" W· 
4-5 
N 82° 59' 59.90" W 
5-6 
N 37°00' 00.01" W 
DISTANCE 
i6,700.00m 
30,900.00 m 
19,100.00 m 
·20,900.00 m 
i4,BOO.00m 
16,700.00 m 
, 2 


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6-7 
N 28° 00' 00.02" E 
16,600.00 m 
7-8 
N 38° 00' 00.02" W 
21,800.00 m 
8-9 
N 54° 00' 00.04" E 
22,800.00 m 
9 -10 
N 46° 00' 00.04" E 
23,000.00 m 
10 -11 
S 58° 00' 00.02" E 
16,300.00 m 
11 -12 
21° 00' 00.02" E' 
31,600.00 m 
The foregoing boundaries, which cover an approximate area of two hundred 
seventy-eight thousand 
nine hundred fourteen 
point one 
hundred thirty-one 
(278,914.131) hectares, shall only be modified through an Act of Congress after 
consultation 
with 
the 
Protected Area Management Board 
(PAMB), 
affected 
communities, local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies. 
The technical descriptions provided In this Act will be subject to ground survey and 
verification to be conducted by the D('lpartment of Environment and Natural Resources. 
Any modification of the coverage of this Act due to such factors as changing 
ecological situations, new scientific or archeological findings, or discovery of traditional 
boundaries not previously taken into account shall be made through an achol 
Congress, after consultation with the affected public and concerned government 
agencies. 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be 
defined as follows: 
(a) "Ancestral domain" refers to all areas generally belonging to Indigenbus 
Cultural Communities or Indigenous People (ICCsIIPs) comprising lands, inland wat'rrs, 
coastal areas, and natural resources therein, held under a claim of ownership, occupied 
or possessed by the ICCs/IPs, by themselves or thru their ancestors, communally or 
individually since time immemorial, continuously to the present except if interrupted. by 
war, fome majeure or displacement by force, deceit, stealth or as a consequence of 
government projects or any other voluntary dealings entered into by government or 
public indiViduals/corporations, and which are necessary to ensure their economic, 
social and cultural welfare. It shall include ancestral lands, forests. pasture, residential, 
agricultural, and other lands individually owned whether alienable and disposable or 
otherwise, hunting grounds, burial grounds, worship areas, bodies of water, mineral and 
other natural resources, and lands which may no longer be exclusively occupied by 
ICCs/IPs but from which they traditionally had access to for their subsistence and 
traditional activities, particularly the home ranges of ICCs/IPs who are still nomadic 
andlor shifting cultivators. 
(b)"Biodiversity" refers to the variety and variability among all living organisms and 
the ecological complex in which they occur. 
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(c) "Bioprospecting" is the research, collection and utilization of biological and 
genetic resources for purposes of applying the knowledge derived therefrom solely for 
commercial purposes. 
(d) "Buffer Zone" is the identified area outside the boundaries of and immediately 
adjacent to deSignated SIPLAS that need special development control in order to avoid 
or minimize harm to the SIPLAS. 
(e) "By-product or derivatives" refers to any part taken or substance extracted from 
wildlife, in raw or in processed form, and includes stuffed animals and herbarium 
specimens. 
(I) "Collection or collecting" is the act of gathering or harvesting wildlife, its by-
products or derivatives. 
(g) "Commercial" refers to market sale in volume or value in excess of that required 
to maintain basic subsistence for workers and their dependents. 
(h) "Conservation" refers to the preservation and sustainable utilization of Wildlife, 
and/or maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of the habitat. 
(i) "Department" refers to the Department of Environment and Natural Reso\!r.ce~ 
(DENR), 
G) "Endangered species" refers to a speCies or subspecies that is not critically 
endangered but whose survival in the wild is unlikely if the causal factors for their 
depletion continue operating. 
(k) "Endemic species" means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which is 
naturally occurring and found only within specific areas in the country. 
(I) "Exotic species" means species or subspecies of flora and fauna which do not 
naturally occur within the protected area at present or in historical time. 
(m) "Habitat" means a place or type of environment where a species or,subspecies 
naturally occurs or has naturally established its population. 
(n) "Hunting" refers to collection of wild fauna for food and/or recreational purposes 
with the use of weapons such as guns, bow and arrow, spear and the like. 
(0) "Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous People (ICC/IPs)" refers to a 
group of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by 
others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally boundecl 
and defined territory, and who have,' under claims of ownerShip since time immemorial, 
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, 
customs, traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance 
to political, social and. cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and 
cultures, became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. 
IPs shall 
likewise include peoples who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent 
from the populations which inhabited the Country, at the time of conquest or 
4 


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colonization, or at the time of inroads of non-indigenous religions and cultures, or the 
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establishment of present state boulO1daries, who retain some or all of their own social, 
3 
economic, cultural and polWcallnstitutions, but who may have been displaced from their 
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traditional domains or who may have resettled outside their ancestral domains. 
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(p) "Management plan" refers to the fundamental plan, strategy and/or scheme 
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which shall guide all activities relating to the SIPLAS in order to attain the objectives of 
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this Act. 
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(q) "Mineral" refers to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, 
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liquid, or any intermediate state Including energy materials such as coal, petroleum, 
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natural gas, radioactive materials, and geothermal energy. 
II 
(r) "National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS)" is the classification and 
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administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological 
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processes and life-support systems, ·to preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable 
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use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest 
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extent possible. 
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(s) "National Park" refers to the land of the public domain classified as such in the 
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1987 Constitution which include all areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas 
18 
System (NIPAS) pursuant to RA 7586 primarily designated for the conservation of 
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native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity. 
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(t) "Nongovernment organizations (NGOs)" refers to an agency,' institution, 
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foundation 
or a group 
of persons whose 
purpose 
is 
to assist people's 
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organizations/associations in various ways including, but not limited to, organiZing, 
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education, training, research and/or resource accessing. 
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(u) "People's organization (PO)" refers to a group of organized migrant 
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communities and or interested indigenous peoples, which may be an association, 
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cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established to undertake collective action 
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to address community concerns and needs, and mutually share the benefits of the 
28 
endeavor. 
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(v) "Protected Area (PA)" refers to the identified portions of land and/or water set 
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aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to 
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enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. 
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(w) "Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)" refers a multi-sectoral policy-
33 
making body for protected areas created in accordance with RA 7586 or the NIPAS Act 
34 
of 1992. 
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(x) "Protected Landscape/Seascape" refers to an area of national significance 
36 
which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man while providing 
5 


opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal 
2 
lifestyle and economic activity of the~e areas, 
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(y) "Quarrying" means the process of extracting, removing and disposing quarry 
4 
resources found on or underneath the surface of private or public land, 
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(z) "Strict protection zone" is a natural area with high biodiversity value which shall 
6 
be closed to all human activity e~cept for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or 
7' 
religious use by the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples; may inclUde 
8 
habitats of threatened species, or degraded areas that have been designated for 
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restoration and subsequent protection, even if these areas are still in various stages of 
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regeneration, 
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(aa) "Sustainable use" means the use of components of biological diversity in a 
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way and rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby 
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maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future 
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generations, 
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(bb) "Tenured Migrants" refers to forest occupants who have actually and 
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continuously occupied a portion of the SIPLAS and is solely dependent thereirdor 
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SUbsistence, A protected area occupant is understood to be "solely dependent for 
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subsistence" when everything indispensable for survival for the household, including 
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food, clothing, shelter and health, comes only from the utilization of resources from the 
20 
SIPLAS. 
I 21 
(cc) "Threatened species" refers to species or subspecies considered as critically 
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endangered, endangered, vulnerable or other accepted categories of wildlife whose 
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population is at risk of extinction, 
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(dd) "Vulnerable species" refers to a species or subspecies that is not critically 
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endangered nor endangered but are under threat from adverse factors throughout their 
26 
range and 'are likely to move to the endangered category in the near future, 
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(ee) 'Wildlife" refers to wild. forms and varieties of flora and fauna in' all 
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developmental stages Including those which are in captivity or are being bred or 
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propagated, 
30 
SEC, 5 Management of the 
Slargao Islands Protected Landscapes and 
31 
Seascapes (SIPLAS) - There is hereby created a PAMB which shall have sale 
32 
jurisdiction, power and authority over'the SIPLAS for ail matters that may affect 
33 
It shall be composed of: 
34 
(a) The Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR Region Xiii, as Chairperson; 
35 
(b) The Mayors of the Municipalities of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen Luna, 
36 
Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta, Monica, and Socorro, Province of Surigao del Norte 
37 
or duly designated representatives; • 
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(c) The Provincial Planning and Development Officer of the Province of Surigao 
del Norte; 
(d) One representative from each Barangay covering the SIPLAS; 
(e) One representative from each tribal community residing within the SIPLAS; 
(I) At least two (2) representatives from local POs with stakes in the SIPLAS 
. 
, 
chosen from among themselves; 
(g) At least three (3) representatives from the local NGOs with stakes in the 
SIPLAS, chosen from among themselves; 
(h) One representative from' government agencies involved in the SIPLAS 
management; 
Each member of the PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years and shall be 
considered to represent his or her sector and deemed to carry the vote of such sector in 
all matters. In the case of members who are government officials, the term of office shall 
be attached to the office held. 
The members of the PAMB shall be appointed by the Secretary of the DENR in 
conformity with the provisions of the NIPAS Act. As a transitory provision, the"initial 
members of the PAMB shall be nominated from the current members of the interim 
PAMB of the SIPLAS. Their nominations shall be conducted in a joint meeting of the 
current members of the interim PAMB duly called for the purpose: Provided, That at 
least one-third (1/3) of the members shall include women. 
In the selection of the representatives of POs and NGOs, preference shall be 
accorded to those organizations that are involved in the conservation, protection and 
development of the SIPLAS. Representation shall be. by institution and shall aim to 
achieve balance in representation by geographIc location or areas. 
The representatives from the local government units (LGUs) and national agencies 
in the PAMB shall include among their duties the appraisal of their respective 
constituents, office or sector of PAMB approved or other relevant policies, rules, 
regulations, programs and projects and ensuring that the provisions of this Act are 
observed, complied with, and used as reference and framework in their respective 
plans, policies, programs and prOjects. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall subject 
such representative to disciplinary action as the PAMB may provide. 
The members of the Board shall not receive any salary but shall be entitled to 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either in their attendance 
in rneetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by a 
resolution of the Board, subject to existing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB, which shall decide by 
consensus or majority vote, shall have the following powers and functions in addition to 
those provided under the NIPAS Act and its implementing rules and regulations: 
7 


(a) Issue rules and regulations to prohibit acts that may be prejudicial to the 
2 
SIPLAS and to the declaration of policy set forth under the NIPAS; 
3 
(b) Issue rules and regulations 'for the resolution of conflicts through appropriate 
4 
and effective means; 
5 
(0) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, including the creation of 
6 
committees to which its powers may be delegated; 
7 
(d) Approve the management plan and oversee the office of the PASu; 
8 
(e) Establish criteria and set fefts for the issuance of permits for activities regulated 
9 
by this Act or the management plan; 
10 
(1) Recommend the deputizatlon of appropriate individuals, including local 
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community leaders, for the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing the 
12 
conduct or management of the SIPLAS; 
13 
(g) Approve fees and charges in accordance with DAO 51, Series of 2000 and 
14 
raise funds for the SIPLAS; 
15 
(h) Manage the allocation of the Siargao Islands Protected Landscapes"aM 
16 
S~ascapes Fund, and other funds for the SIPLAS, and ensure their proper 
17 
administration and render accounting; and 
18 
(i) Recommend appropriate policy changes to the DENR and other government 
19 
authorities, 
20 
The DENR through the Regional Executive Director (RED), shall ensure that the 
21 
PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions, In case of conflict between 
22 
administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the NIPAS Act and the 
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resolutions issued by the PAMB, such conflict shall be referred by PAMB to the DENR 
I 24 
Secretary who shall decide whether to apply the rule or withdraw its applications from 
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the SIPLAS, 
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SEC. 7, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Office, - The Protected Area 
27 
Superintendent (PASu) Office is hereby created within the DENR regional office to be 
28 
headed by the PASu who shall serve as the chief operating DENR officer of the entire 
29 
SIPLAS. The PASu shall report directly to the RED of the DENR-Region XIII and shall 
30 
be accountable to the PAMB, The PASu and the PASu staff shall reside within the 
31 
SIPLAS and establish an office and sub-offices within the SIPLAS in order to implement 
32 
this Act. 
33 
The PASu shall have full responsibility for the protection of land, water, wildlife and 
34 
other natural physical and biological resources within the SIPLAS, As such, the PASu 
35 
shall have the following duties and responsibilities in addition to those provided under 
36 
the NIPAS and Its implementing rules and regulations: 
8 


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(1) Establish, operate and maintain a database management system as decision 
2 
support tool; 
3 
(2) Prepare the management plans as herein defined; 
4 
(3) Provide a secretariat for the PAMB and supply the PAMB with all the necessary 
5 
information to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of this Act; 
6 
(4) Enforce the laws, rules and regulations relevant to the SIPLAS, institute and 
7 
file legal action independently or in collaboration with other government agencies or 
8 
organizations and assist in the prosecution of offenses committed in Violation of this Act; 
9 
(5) Monitor all activities within the SIPLAS to ensure its conformity with the 
10 
management plan; 
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(6) Recommend the issuance of permits based on terms, conditions and criteria 
12 
established by the PAMB; 
13 
(7) Ensure the integration of the SIPLAS' management pOlicies, regulations, 
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programs and projects at all the concerned national and Local Government Unit levels; 
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16 
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and 
(8) Perform such other functions as the PAMB may delegate. 
o"j_.' ~ 
The PASu shall be supported by sufficient number of personnel who shall be 
18 
performing day to day management, protection and administration of the SIPLAS. Upon 
19 
the recommendation of the PAMB, the DENR Regional Director shall deputize local 
20 
community leaders and environment, and natural resource officers. 
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SEC. 8. Siargao Islands Protecled Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) Fund. -
22 
There is hereby established a trust fund to be known as the Siargao Islands Protected 
23 
Landscapes and Seascapes (SIPLAS) Fund for purposes of financing projects of the 
24 
SIPLAS. Seventy-five percent (75%) income generated from the operation of the 
25 
SIPLAS or management of wild flora and fauna in the SIPLAS shall accrue to the fund. 
26 
The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall go to the Integrated Protected Areas 
27 
Fund (IPAF) as established in the NIPAS Act of 1992, 
28 
Income shall be derived from visitors/tourists fee, fees from permitted sale and 
29 
export of flora and fauna and other resources from the SIPLAS, proceeds from the 
30 
registration and le~se of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, 
31 
proceeds, and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting from the 
32 
SIPLAS, and such other fees and income derived from the operation of the SIPLAS. 
33 
The PAMB may impose and charge reasonable fees, such as but not limited to 
34 
water users fee for water extracted by commercial water extractorsJdistributors sourced 
35 
and generated from the protected a\ea. Such fee structure may change as the PAMB 
36 
may see fit. 
37 
The SIPLAS Fund maybe augmented by grants, donations, endowment from 
38 
various sources, domestic or foreign for purposes related to their functions: Provided, 
9 


That disbursements therefrom shall be made solely for the system, and duly approved 
2 
projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with existing accounting and budgeting 
3 
rules and regulations: 
Provided, further, That the Fund shall not be used to cover 
4 
personal services expenditures. 
5 
The LGUs shall continue to impose and collect all other fees not enumerated 
6 
herein which they have traditionally collected, such as business permits, property lax 
7 
and rentals of local government units' facilities. Furthermore, LGUs may charge add-ons 
8 
to fees imposed by the PAMB provided that such add-ons shall be determined based on 
9 
the contribution of the LGUs in the maintenance and protection of the SIPLAS. 
10 
SEC 9. Tenured Migrants and Other SIPLAS Occupants.- Tenured migrants shall 
11 
be eligible to become stewards of portions of lands within allowable zones. The PAMB 
12 
shall identify, verify and review all tenurial instruments, land claims, and issuances of 
13 
permits for resource use within the SIPLAS and recommend the issuance of the 
14 
appropriate tenurial instrument consistent with the zoning provided in the management 
IS 
plan and its successor plans. 
16 
Should areas occupied by tenured migrants be deSignated as zones in which no 
... ·w~-
17 
occupation or other activities are allowed pursuant to the attainment of sustainable 
18 
development, provision for the transfer of said tenured migrants to multiple-use zones or 
19 
buffer zones shall be accomplished through just and humane means. 
20 
In the event of termination o~ a tenurial instrument for cause or by VOluntary 
21 
surrender of rights, the PASu shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area in order 
22 
to return it to its natural state prior to the CUltivation or other act by the tenured migrant. 
23 
Other SIPLAS occupants who do not qualify as tenured migrants shall be resettled 
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outside the SIPLAS as determined by the PAMS. The PAMS shall determine, plan and 
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implement a definite schedule for resettling them outside of the SIPLAS following the 
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procedures set forth by existing law. 
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SEC. 10. Indigenous People's Rights. - Ancestral domain and other customary 
28 
rights and interests of indigenous communities within the SIPLAS shall be accorded due 
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recognition. The preservation of ancestral domain and customary rights shall be 
\ 30 
considered as one of the management objectives, The maintenance, management and 
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development of ancestral domains ~hich are found to be necessary for protected areas 
32 
will be pursuant to Section 58 of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the ''The 
33 
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 {IPRA)". 
34 
The Identification, delineation and recognition of ancestral domain claims within the 
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SIPLAS shall be conducted by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) 
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pursuant to its provisions, the IPRA, and its implementing rules and regulations, in 
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coordination with the PAMS. 
10 


SEC. 11. Exisling Facilities Within the SIPLAS. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
2 
effectivity of this Act, major existing' facilities such as roads, buildings, water systems, 
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transmission lines, communication facilities, heavy equipment, and irrigation facilities 
4 
existing within the boundaries of the SIPLAS shall submit project description to the 
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PAMB through the PASu. 
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The PAMB, with the assistance of the OENR, shall determine whether the 
7 
existence of such facility and Its future plan and operations will be detrimental to the 
8 
SIPLAS or whether conditions for its operation shall be imposed. If any such conditions 
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are violated, the owner of the facility shall be liable to pay a fine of Five thousand pesos 
10 
(P5,000.OO) for every violation. Upon reaching a total fine of Five hundred thousand 
11 
pesos (P500,OOO.OO), the PAMB through the PASu and deputizing other government 
12 
entities, shall cause the cessation and demolition of the facility at the cost of its owner. 
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EXisting facilities allowed to remain within the SIPLAS may be charged a 
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reasonable royalty by the OENR. All income from such royalty shall accrue to the 
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SIPLAS Fund, 
'16 
SEC. 12. Utilization of Resources. -Any eXploitation of or utilization" of 
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nonrenewable resources within the SIPLAS shall not be allowed. Energy projects within 
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the SIPLAS shall be allowed only through an act of Congress except energy from Wind, 
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sun, and water sources and not more than one (1) megawatt capacity for mini-hydro 
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power. Provided, That these renewable energy projects are established outside the 
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strict protection zone, adopted reduced impact technologies and undergo the 
22 
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system as provided by law; Provided, further, 
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that the PAMB has endorsed the project. 
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SEC. 13. Special Prosecutor and Retained Counsel. - Within thirty (30) days from 
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the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall appoint a special 
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prosecutor to whom all cases of violation of laws, rules and regulations in the SIPLAS 
27 
shall be assigned. Such Special Prosecutor shall coordinate with the PAMB and the 
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PASu in the performance of his/her duties and assist in the training of wardens and 
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rangers in arrest and criminal procedures. The PAMB may retain the services of a 
30 
counsel to prosecute and/or assist in the prosecution of cases under the direct control 
31 
and supervision of the regular or sp~cial prosecutor and to defend the members of the 
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PAMB, the PASu and the staff. or any person assisting in the protection, conservation 
33 
and sustainable development of the SIPLAS, against any legal action related to their 
34 
powers, functions and responsibilities as provided in this Act or as delegated or tasked 
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by the PAMB. 
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SEC. 14. Prohibited Acts and Penalties. - The following shall be the prohibitions 
and penalties applicable to the SIPGAS, in addition to the prohibited acts as provided in 
the NIPAS Act and its pertinent rules and regulations: 
(A) The penalties in Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code, depending on 
the value of the resources involved in connection with the prohibited act, shall be 
imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Takes, destroys, collects, disturbs or possesses any wild terrestrial or aquatic 
plants or animals, flora or fauna, sand, rocks or by-products derived therefrom, within 
particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas zones in the SIPLAS including 
private lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; Provided, That 
hunting of animals shall be absolutely prohibited except for scientific research and for 
traditional hunting by the IPsIICCs; 
(2) Cuts, gathers, removes or collects timber or any forest products, within 
particularly identified regulated or prohibited areas or zones in the SIPLAS including 
private lands without the necessary permit, authorization or exemption; 
(3) Possesses or transports, within or outside the SIPLAS any timber, forest 
products, wild terrestrial or aquatic plants, animals, flora or fauna, or by-product derived 
therefrom which is ascertained to have been taken from the SIPLAS; 
(4) Undertakes mineral exploration or extraction within the SIPLAS; 
(5) Engages in quarrying of sand, gravel, guano, limestone or any malerial within 
the SIPLAS; 
(6) Hunts, collects, removes or destroys any endangered or protected species, 
except when collection or removal is for scientific research and exempted from the 
prOhibition by the PAMB; 
(7) Conducts bioprospecting within the SIPLAS without prior PAMB approval in 
accordance with existing guidelines; or 
(8) Establishes or introduces any exotic species within the SIPLAS, which are 
• 
detrimental to endemic species or without prior PAMB approval. 
(B) A fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,OOO.OO) nor more than Five 
hundred thousand pesos (P500,OOO.OO) and/or Imprisonment from one (1) year but not 
more than six (6) years shall be imposed upon any person who: 
(1) Violates any rules and regulations in the management plan or by the PAMB or 
agreements reached before the PAMB in the exercise of adjudicative functions; 
(2) Erects any structure on land or on water for any purposes outside the 
management plan: Provided, That large-scale private infrastructure and other projects 
such as medium to high density residential subdivisions, medium to large commercial 
and industrial establishments, golf-courses, heavily mechanized commercial and non-
12 


, 
traditional farming, and other activities that cause increased in-migration and resource 
2 
degradation are absolutely prohibileq; 
3 
(3) Possesses a chainsaw, hacksaw and other mechanized equipment within the 
4 
SIPLAS without a permit; 
5 
(4) Throws, dumps or causes to be dumped into the SIPLAS any non-
6 
biodegradable material or waste whether liquid, solid or gas; 
7 
(5) Uses, dumps, places or causes to be placed into the SIPLAS toxic chemicals, 
8 
including pesticides and other hazardous substances, unless the same is expressly 
9 
allowed in the management plan; 
10 
(6) Prospects, hunts or otherwise locates hidden treasures within the SIPLAS; 
11 
(7) Informally occupies or dwells in any land within the SIPLAS without clearance 
12 
from the PAMB; 
13 
(8) Possesses or uses blasting caps or explosives anywhere within the SIPLAS; 
14 
(9) Destroys, excavates, vandalizes or, in any manner, damages any natural 
15 
formation on land, religious, spiritual, historical sites, artifacts and other objects of 
16 
natural or scenic value; 
17 
(10) Alters, removes or destroys boundary marks or signs; or 
18 
(11) Engages in kaingin, or, in any manner, causing forest fires inside the SIPLAS. 
19 
(12) Purchases, or sells, mortgages or leases lands or other portions of the 
20 
SIPLAS which are covered by any tenurial Instrument. 
21 
Valuation of the damage for this Act shall take into account biodiversity and 
22 
conservation considerations as well as aesthetic and scenic value. Valuation assessed 
23 
by the DENR or the concerned government agency shall be presumed correct unless 
24 
otherwise proven by preponderant evidence. 
25 
Any person who Shall induce another or conspire to commit any of the illegal acts 
26 
prohibited in this Act or suffer their workers to commit any of the same shall be liable in 
27 
the same manner as the one actually performing the act. 
28 
All conveyances, vesselS, equipments, paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools 
29 
and similar devices Shall be subject to immediate and administrative confiscation, 
30 
independent of the judicial proceedings by the PASu Office upon apprehension, subject 
31 
however to due process and substantial evidence requirements. When legal action is 
32 
however filed in the regular courts, the said conveyances, vessels, equipments, 
33 
paraphernalia, implements, gears, tools and similar devices, independent of the 
34 
administrative proceedings, shall not be released until after judgment has been 
35 
rendered. Proceeds of the sale of all objects administratively or judiCially confiscated 
36 
pursuant here\O shall accrue to the SIPLAS Fund. Procedure for the sale thereof shall 
37 
be promulgated by the PAMB. However, in no case shall any confiscated or rescued 
38 
protected animal species be sold or.in any manner disposed of but shall be immediately 


turned over to the PASu Office for release in its natural habitat, subject to existing 
2 
regulations. 
3 
The penalties specified in this Section will be in addition to the penalties contained 
4 
in RA 9072 (National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act), RA 
5 
9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), and other related laws. 
6 
Conviction for any offense under this Act, of a public officer or officer of the law 
7 
shall carry the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. 
I 8 
SEC. 15. Reporting Responsibility. - The PASu, through the PAMS, shall submit 
9 
an annual accomplishment report to the Secretary of the DENR on the activities 
10 
undertaken in the SIPLAS. 
11 
SEC. 16. Appropriations. -
The Secretary shall immediately include in' the 
12 
Department's program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall' be 
13 
included in the annual General Apprqpriations Act. 
14 
SEC. 17. Construction and Suppletory Application of EXisting Laws. The provisions 
15 
of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of achieving biodiversity conservation, 
16 
protection and sustainable development Provisions of Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise 
17 
known as the National Integrated Protected Areas Management Act of 1992 and 
18 
existing forestry laws, and their corresponding rules and regulations not inconsistent 
19 
hereto shall have the suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act. 
20 
SEC. 18. Transitory Provision. - In order to ensure the recovery and restoration of 
21 
biological diversity and to develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for tenured 
22 
migrants, the DENR shall henceforth cease to issue concessions, licenses, permits, 
23 
clearances, compliance documents or any other instrument that allows exploitation 'and 
24 
utilization of resources within the S(PLAS until the management plan shall have been 
25 
put into effect. 
26 
All existing land use and resource use permits within the SIPLAS shall be reviewed 
27 
and shall not be renewed upon their expiration unless consistent with the manageTent 
28 
plan and approved by the PAMB. 
29 
SEC. 19. Separability Clause. -If, for any reason, any part or section of this Act is 
30 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such other parts not affected thereby shall continue 
31 
to have full force and effect. 
32 
SEC. 20. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, proclamations, rules and 
33 
regulations inconsistent with this Act or any provision hereof are hereby repealed or are 
, 
34 
modified accordingly. 
35 
SEC. 21. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
36 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general 
37 
Circulation available in the SIPLAS. 
14 


Approved. 
15