Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

onre: &

Tie:

17" Congress
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 4186

Introduced by Representative DEOGRACIAS B. RAMOS, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to establish the Bulusan Volcano National Park in Sorsogon.

The protected area is a source of pride among Sorsogefios and attracts large
number of tourists due to its hot and ice-cold springs, pristine lakes, diverse flora
and fauna and the majestic beauty of Bulusan Volcano. The cool climate and lush
forest prompted many to calll it the “Switzerland of the Orient”.

There are three main peaks and two lakes within the natural park. Bulusan
Volcano, which has a highest peak at 1,547 meters above sea level, is known for its
deep ravines and caves.

The area is home to a number of wildlife such as Kalaw (Rufous Hornbill),
Tariktik (Tariktik Hornbill), Philippine Hanging Parakeet (Kulasisi) and Brahminy Kite
(Banog). Endemic ground orchids, jade vine and dipterocarp species of forest trees
can also be found,

The natural vegetation surrounding Bulusan Lake also serves as watershed,
providing water to the underground reservoir and lowland communities. The area of
Bulusan Volcano is a source of water to five (5) nearby municipalities, namely,
Juban, Irosin, Barcelona, Bulusan and Casiguran

All considered, it is crucial that this area be declared a National Park to avoid
its degradation, ensure its protection, conservation and preservation, and for its
management to be localized.

The immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

DEOSGRACIAS B. RAMOS, JR.
District, Sorsogon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City, Metro Manila

17TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

) 4186

House Bill No. -—

Introduced by: Hon. Deogracias B. Ramos, Jr.

AN ACT DECLARING THE BULUSAN VOLCANO
LOCATED IN THE MUNICAPILITIES OF BARCELONA,
BULUSAN, CASIGURAN, IROSIN AND JUBAN, IN THE
PROVINCE OF SORSOGON, AS A PROTECTED AREA

UNDER THE CATEGORY OF NATURAL PARK,
PROVIDING FUNDS FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

Article I - Title, Policies and Scope
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the BULUSAN
VOLCANO NATURAL PARK (BVNP) Act of 2016.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - Cognizant of the profound
impact of human activities on all components of the natural
environment particularly the effect of increasing population, resource
exploitation and industrial advancement; recognizing the critical
importance of protecting and maintaining the natural and physical
diversities of the environment notably areas of unique biological
significance to sustain life; taking into account the socio-cultural,
economic, aesthetic and environmental values of the ecosystem of
Bulusan Volcano and its surrounding areas to the Province of Sorsogon
particularly its crucial watershed function with the presence of hot and
cold springs and lakes, the diversity of its flora and fauna with some
endemic species; and finally, in pursuit of the State's 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 of present and
future generations the protection and conservation of Bulusan Volcano
and its surrounding areas in accordance with Republic Act No. 7586 or
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992


and international conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory.

SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage. - The boundaries of the
Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP), which fall under the classification
of National Park as defined herein, within the municipalities of
Barcelona, Bulusan, Casiguran, Irosin and Juban, all within the Province
of Sorsogon, are as follows:

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
PARCEL 1
AREA = 509.968 HECTARES
Beginning at a point marked "1” which is identical toBLLM No. 7,

Juban CAD No. 223, Sorsogon with geographic coordinates of 12° 46’
41.73" North and 124° 02’ 46.45” East

UNE BEARING DISTANCE (meters)
2, N. 66°09'00" E. 09.45
23 N. 02°29'00" E. 36.31
x4 N. 26°39'59"W. 324
45 N.16°41'00"W. 48.08
5-6 N.04°32'00"E. 50.85
67 N.05°00'00"W 67.69
78 N.10°26'00"E. 98.59
8-9 N. 04°55'00"E. 55.24
9-10 N. 31°56'00"W. 85.48
10-11 N. 19°09'59"W. B24
aa N. 16 °29'00"W. 57.88
213 N. 21°51'00"W. 98.58

1314 N, 33°27'59"W. 105.65

45 N. 12°53'00" 92.73
15-16 N. 11°05'00"E 44.28

16-17 N. 16°35'59"W. 107.61,

17-18 N.13°54’00"W. 164.52
18-19 29.07

19:20 N. 04°20'00"W. 180.18

20-21 N, 01°09'00' 2135

aieaa N, 36%10'00"W. 33

22-23 N. 18°40'59"W 2034

23-24 N. 05°06'59"W. 59.91

24-25, N. 34°59'00"W. 82.90

25:26 N. 27°46'00"E. 3119

26-27 N. 44°04'59"E. 36.72.


27-28
28-29
29-30
30°31
3r32
3B
33-34
34°35
35°36
3637
37°38
38-39
39-40
40-41
44a
42-43
43-44
44-45
45-46
46-47
47-48
48-49
49°50
50-51
552
52-53
5354
54-55
55°56
56-57
57-58
58-59
59-60
60-61
61-62
62-63
63-64
64-65
65-66
66-67
68
68-69
69-70
7o-7

PB
7374

N. 23°31'00
N. 36°31'00"W.
N. 49°41'00"W,
N. 81°33'00"E.
N. 82°02'00"E,
N. 42°42'00"W.
N. 46°34'59"W.
N. 45%00'59"E.
N. 57°30'00"E.
N. 50°24'59E.
N. 80°43'00"E.,
$. 39°08'59"E.
S.4°16'59"W.
N. 82°58'00"W.
S. 58°49'00"W
S. 04°55'59"E.
$. 67°n'00"E.
N, 35°22'00"E.
S, 88°06'50"
S. 78°58'00"E.
S. 21°25'59"E.
S.12°19'00"E.
N. 69°08'59"E.
N, 08°48'00"E
N.17°38'59"W.
N. 23°31'00"E.
N. 89°52'59’
N. 14°05'59"E.
N. 33°56'00"W.
N. 45°57'50°E.
N.16°47'59"E.
N. 66°22'00"E.
N. 08°39'59"E.
N. 22°03'00"W.
N, 06°20'00"W.
'N. 30°23'00"E.
N. 72°30'59"E.
N. 38°59'00"E.
N. 03°31'59)
N.17°26'59"W.
N. 56°08'59"E
N.15°28'59)
S. 21°50'00
N. 43°09'59"E
N. 14°52'59"W.
N, 68°23'59"E.
S. 46%02'59"E.

15.16,
26.43,
368.25
152.03
227.99
27m
270.78
236.44
234.53,
275-76
403.99
296.14
63.16
126.63
27154
13128
13138
358.08
239.38
226.48
348.45
285.42
108.50
194.15
5035
44g
3524
79:29
37.02
34.39
2123
35.90
59.84
49.45,
54.95
56.83
30.98
16.04
69.01
51.68
243.00
11.22
280.00
246.38
138.01
125.75
182.90,


415 S, 10°43'00"E, 204,70

75°76 S. 45°41'00"E. 2739

TOT: N. 39719'59"E. 257.94

1B S$, 08°38'00"E, 1,407.26

7841 S. 8312'15W, 2,702.76
PARCEL 2

AREA = 259.011 HECTARES.

Beginning at a point marked “1" which is N. 83° 12' 15", 2,702.76
from BLLM No. 7 of Juban, Sorsogon with geographic coordinates of
12° 46’ 41.73” North and 124° 02 46.45” East

LINE BEARING DISTANCE (meters)
12 N. 08°38'00"W, 1,407.26
23 N, 70°03'05"E. 268.03
34 N. 08%00'24"W. 17.34
45 N, 83°43'35"E. 121.06
56 S. 32°36'46"E. 71.05
6-7 N. 44°38'40"E. 377.27
78 S, 82°13'29"E. 269.89
89 S. 50°43'30"E. 254.09
9-10 S. 72°33'42"E. 215.25
10-1 N. 63°34'13"E. 132.93
12 S. 62°58'6"E. 225.7)
1243 N, 65°08'04"E. 260.13
B14 233.55

1415 : 280.78
15-16 $.19°17'22"W. 356.70
16-17 S. 00°27'36"W. 237.86
ya S. 69°44'22"W. 1,854.48

PARCEL 3
AREA = 1,563.278 HECTARES
Beginning at a point marked “1” which is identical to BLLM No. 7,

Juban CAD No. 223, Sorsogon with geographical cooridnates of 12° 46’
41.73” North and 124° 02' 46.45” East

LINE BEARING DISTANCE (meters)
+2 N, 83°12'15"E 2,702.76

23 N. 69°44'22" 1,854.48

34 S..05°45'26 254.69

45 S, 23°31'23"E. 254.26


8-9

10-1,
aia
12513
Bag
14-15
15-16
16-17
1718
18-19
19-20
20-1
21-22
22-23
23-24
24-25
25-26
26-27
27-28
28-29
29-30
3031
31-32
32°33
3334
34°35
35-36
36-37
37°38
38-39
39°49
40-41
4ia2
42-43
43°44
44-45
45-46
46-47
47-48
48-49
49-50
50-51
51-52

S.n°5s4"W.
$. 09°08'29"E.
$.14°58'22"W.
. 40°16'47"E.
S. 21°08'45"W.
S. 42°08'15"W.
S$, 69°41'54"E.
N.75°06'04"B.
N. 38°27'3
$. 82°07'00"E.
$.35°13'03"E.
$. 82°05'34"E.
$.05°5815"E.
80°47'20"E,
$.84°44'46"E.
$.22°59'19"E.
$.08°18'44"W
$.32°08'14"W.
N.89%09'04W.
$.65%19'00"W.
N.68°22'51W.
$.2553'3
S.73°31'23"E.
$.63°5018"E
$.18°26'05"W.
$.36°42'51"E.
N.52°25'53"E.
N.43°07'19"E.
$.59%8'31"E.

8.73°55'25"W.
$.01°42'17"E.
$.64°39'43"E.
$.80°18'40"E,
$.70°58'05"E.
N.88°53'28"E.
$.58°58'30"E,
$.31°55'15"W.
15°19'17"
$.56°5y'21"W.
$.81°49'57"W.
$.88°46'52"W.
N.37°18'14"W.
§,87°4310"W.
N.42°29'37"W.

252.28
241.68
244.16
2124
30.71
233.02
505.91
309.35
119.08
179.98
vi.an
99.68
218.71
224.90
174.73
250.93
301.27
184.23
135.01
217.91
233.42
114.49
74.04
63.51
139.14
73.60
196.81
172.63
180.25
155.35
117.55
18.70
361.12
168.07
33415
207.97
303.60
155.03
161.04
143.74
151.38
320.08
436.43
141.03
184.81
226.18
210,21


52-53 $.48°02'54"W. 239.34

53°54 N.89°19'26"W, 339.02
54°55 N.46°23)12"W. 379.83
55°56 N, 73°10'57"W. 324.90
56-57 N.01°33'54"W. 183.07
57-58 N.53°30'08"W. 492.61
58-59 N.08°51'42"W. 188.25
59-60 N.88°15'27"W. 263.12
60-61 $.45°56'43"W. 214.28
61-62 N.62°3016"W. 192.77
62-63, $,86°36'04"W. 296.50

63-64 $.15%02'24"W. 257.51
64-65 $.40°36'47"W. 169.04
65-66 N.43%16'15"W. 304.76
66-67 N.37°25'19"W. 275.79
67-68 $.55°38'23"W. 395.72
68-1 N.30°32'18"W. 3,309.83

PARCEL 3
AREA = 1,031.166 HECTARES
Beginning at a point marked “1” which is identical to BLLM No. 7,

Juban CAD No. 223, Sorsogon with geographical cooridnates of 12° 46°
41.73" North and 124° 02’ 46.45" East

LINE BEARING DISTANCE (meters)
12 $,30°32'18"E. 3399.8267
23 S.61°00'40"W. 169.1981
34 S.14°40'15W. 240.8527
45 $.82°48'02"W. 191.5098
56 N.09°57'40"E. 283.2702
6-7 N.35°'5"W, 137.0584
78 $.77°28'16"W. 82.9759
8-9 N.70°13'08"W. 121.1487
9-10 $.48°14.56"W. 162.1882
on $.24°01'35"E. 90.8735
wa N.81°15'13" 65.7647

12443 $.65°51'16" 31.7805

13-14 $.9°51"10" 165.5295

1415 8.43°04'40"W. 210.8364

15-16 $.12°47'00"E. 244.0492

16-17 N.80°40'58"W., 389.1337

17518 8.77°37'09"W. 251.8571

18-19 N.65°14'47"W. 183.8967

19-20 N.58%47'49"W. 287.6056


N.79°50°32"W. 243.8217

N.87°45'15"W. 306.2352
N.74°20'33"W. 437.2242
N.36°32'41"E, 211.6034
N.40°5417"E. 306.9609
N.80°1'06"W. 240.5203
N.86°38'00"W. 323.5583
N.68°07'25W. 142.2428
$.67°35'46"W. 265.0019
S.24°16'59"W. 235.8686
$.33°24)17"W, 334.210
193.0803,
308.5255

86°18'14"W. 171.6134
77°2716"W. 354.2004
16°02'23"W. 182.3870
N.73°34'24"W. 261.6811
N.1935'55"W. 140.1"78
N.52°46'3"W. 350.4069
N.26°33'55"E. 156.5248
N.77°51'47’E. 285.3787
$.82°15,45"E, 185.6906
N.zi'43'ss"E. 216.9332
N.64°13'50"E. 322.0248
N.34°58'00"E. 186.7030
N,30°14'44"E. 383.1579
NozaAiig’E, 439.5509
Nug%5q'15°W. 316.2673
N.30°22'44"W. 268.9238
1N.53°25'37°W. 7.2010
$.36°36'4: 266.6027
N.86°29'3""W. 261.4900
N.70°20'46"W. 178.3928
N.68°6'03"W. 153.9415
N.2046'57"E 147.1334
N.16%02'23"! 166.4812
N.13°05'49) 251.5432
N.32°49'57°W. 235,3004
1N.38°28'00"W. 1813728
N.75°05'00"E, 2,822,040

The BVNP shall cover a total land area of three thousand three
hundred sixty-three and four hundred twenty-three (3,363.423)
hectares.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
shall appropriately mark on the ground and technical descriptions
provided in this Act with clearly visible markers and shall prepare
appropriate maps therefor. 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 Act of
Congress, after consultation with the aftected public and concerned
government agencies.

SECTION 4, Land Classification. - All lands comprising the
BVNP shall fall under the classification of National Park as provided for
in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

SECTION 5, Definition of Terms. - For purpose of this Act, the
following terms are hereby defined:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)
Board;

(e)

()

(9)
and

(h)

“BVNP"” or “protected area” refers to the Bulusan Volcano
Natural Park as established herein;

“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 taxonomic family, that overcome natural
physiological reproductive or recombination barriers that
are not techniques used in traditional breeding and
selection;

“LGUs" pertains to local government units within the BVNP;

“PAMB" refers to the BVNP Protected Area Management

“PAMO” stands for Protected Area Management Office;

“PASO” refers to the Protected Area Superintendent Office
comprised of PASu and his staff;

“PASu” stands for to the Protected Area Superintendent;

“Protected species” 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 its Annexes, the Bonn Convention on 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 BVNP.


Article II - Management, Management Plan and Zoning

SECTION 6. Management Plan. - There shall be a Management
Plan which shall serve as the long-term basic framework for the
management of BVNP, govern all activities within the BVNP, and guide
the preparation of the annual operations plan and budget. The
Management Plan shall be consistent with this Act and the nature of the
BVNP as a protected area under the category of a natural park. A
Management Manual containing the 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 ten (10) years subject to review
every five (5) years;

(b) Key management issues;

(c) Goals and objectives of management in support of Section 2
hereof;

(d) Zoning in accordance with Section 8 hereof;

(e) Management programs to include enforcement of laws,
habitat and wildlife management, eco-tourism, sustainable
use, management, infrastructure development and
maintenance, fire protection and pest control;

(f) Sustainable and non-destructive livelihood activities;

(g) Regulations in furtherance of preservation and conservation
aims of the BVNP such as allowable activities, resource-use
restrictions, among others; 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
in a newspaper of general circulation and the posting thereof in the
provincial, municipal/city and barangay halls of the LGUs comprising
the BVNP, and in three (3) other conspicuous areas frequented by the
public within the BVNP. At least two (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 7. Zoning. - Strict Protection Zone and Multi-Use Zone
shall be established within the BVNP giving primary consideration to its
protection and conservation. Zoning shall also take into account the
tenurial and livelihood concerns of 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 and resource-use mapping. Zones shall be
demarcated on the ground and indicated on maps with the participation
of communities, LGUs and other stakeholders.

Buffer zone shall also be established within the peripheral areas
of the BVNP 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.

Article III. Institutional Mechanism, Roles and Functions

SECTION 8. PAMB - (a) There shall be a Protected Area
Management Board which shall serve as the highest policy-making
body of the BVNP. It shall be composed of the following:

1. The Regional Executive Director (RED) of Region V as PAMB
Chair;

2. The Provincial Planning and Development Officer or Sorsogon;

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

4. One (1) regular representative from each municipality/city with
territory within BVNP;

5. One (1) regular representative from each barangay with territory

10


within BVNP;

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

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

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

(b) Every PAMB shall serve for a term of five (5) years, renewable
for another five (5) years; Provided, That he remains connected with
the office or sector he is supposed to represent; Provided further, That
LGU representatives must present the necessary endorsement from
their respective Sanngunian. 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 9. Powers and Functions of the PAMB. - The PAMB
shall decide by majority vote and shall have the following powers and
functions:

(a) _ Issue rules and regulations to control, prohibit and regulate
all acts that may be prejudicial to the BVNP 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;

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

(c) Review, approve and adopt a Management Plan for BVNP;

(d) | Recommend the deputation through the PASu individuals or
groups to augment the protection personnel of BVNP for the
enforcement of laws, rules and regulations therein, and
prescribe qualifications thereof;


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

(f) Accept donations and grants;

(g) Review and approve proposals for funding, financial and
work plans and exercise accountability over all funds that
may accrue to the BVNP;

(h) Promulgate rules and regulations on the conduct of
business;

(i) Monitor and evaluate the performance of all PASO
personnel;

(j) Retain legal counsel to prosecute and defend cases for
and/or against the PAMB, the PASO staff and deputized
individuals whenever they sue and/or are sued in
connection with the performance of their duties and
functions under this Act, and to assist in other FAMB legal
matters; and

(k) Initiate and file suits against persons or entities whose
business or activities are detrimental to the protected area.

SECTION 10. Protected Area Superintendent 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 BVNP. It shall be headed by the Protected Area
Superintendent (PASu) as its chief operating officer who shall be
directly accountable to the PAMB and the Provincial Environment and
Natural Resources Officer of the DENR (PENRO-DENR) in Sorsogon. The
PASu shall coordinate his activities with the CENRO with regard to
DENR programs that are related to protected area management.

The PASO shall be staffed by a sufficient number of personnel
with functions and qualifications as provided by PAMB. The PASO staff
shall preferably be hired from residents of the municipalities
compromising BVNP, 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 11. Local Government Units. - LGUs shall be
represented in the PAMB and shall have the following functions:

(a) Apprise their respective constituents, office and sector on

12


(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

1)

(9)

SECTION 12. Existing Facil

activities and programs for the protected area;

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

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;

In the formulation of their development plan, LGUs shall
consider the BVNP Management Plan;

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;

Accredit people's organizations, NGOs and other entities
and groups involved in activities within the BVNP; and

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

Article IV - Utilization of Resources

s within the BVNP. - Within a

year from approval of this Act, all existing commercial facilities with
capitalization of at least ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND (P100,000.00)
within BVNP or relies heavily from resources within BVNP, shall submit
to the PASO a sworn statement containing the following information:

(a)

(b)
(c)
(a)
(e)
(fy
(9)

Potential for disturbance of protected species and their
habitants;

Emissions and effluents at all stages of the operation;
Energy requirements and sources of energy;

Water supply requirements and sources of water;
Volume of resources extracted from the BVNP;
Future plans for the next five (5) years; and

Other data they may deem relevant to the conservation


objectives of the BVNP,

Based on these submissions, the PAMB shall determine whether
the continued operation and future plans of these facilities are
detrimental to the BVNP or to further undergo the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) System and secure Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC) from the Environment Management Bureau. The PAMB
may prescribe conditions or charge reasonable fees for the continued
operation of facilities that rely heavily on resources within the BVNP to
ensure that it does not impair the conservation objectives of the BVNP.
Without prejudice to the filing of the necessary criminal charges, the
PAMB may impose an administrative fine or Five Thousand Pesos
(P5,000.00) for every day of violation upon owners of the erring
facilities but not to exceed a total of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000.00). At anytime whenever necessary, the PAMB, through
PASu and other government entities, shall cause the cessation and
demolition of said facility at 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 13. Utilization of Resources. - Except upon prior
approval of the PAMB and consistent with the Management Plan, the
use of natural resources within BVNP 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
speciés and whenever highly detrimental to the ecosystem.

SECTION 14. Public Lands. - Upon passage of this Act, no land
within the BVNP shall be released from the public domain as alienable
and disposable and any sale, transfer, alienation or disposition thereof
shall be null and void.

Article V — Prohibited Acts

SECTION 15. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited
within the BVNP with their respective penalties:

(a) 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:

(1) Hunts, collects, takes, destroys, traps, disturbs or otherwise
possesses any wild plant, animal or product, including
genetic resources, derived from the BVNP without prior
PAMB permit: Provided, That such permit can only be given
for scientific purposes and necessary for protected area
management;


(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)
(6)

(7)

(b)

Cuts, gathers, collects, removes or otherwise possesses
timber or other forest products within the BVNP without
prior PAMB permit: Provided, That such permit can only be
given for scientific purposes and necessary for protected
area management;

Engages in kaingin or otherwise intentionally or negligently
causes a forest fire inside the BVNP;

Engages in mineral or energy exploration activities within
the BVNP;

Engages in treasure-hunting within the BVNP;

Introduces exotic species or genetically modified organisms
within the BVNP; and

Discharges, leaves or dumps any waste product or
substance deleterious to the BVNP 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 one (1)
day to not more than six (6) years shall be imposed upon any
person who:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(5)

Occupies, settles or possesses any portion of land inside the
BVNP without the necessary permit. Clearing, construction
of residence or introduction of improvements shall
constitute prima facie evidence of such occupation or
settlement;

Vandalizes, mutilates, destroys, excavates, defaces or
otherwise intentionally damages any natural formation or
object of natural beauty inside the BVNP;

Uses or possesses motorized equipment, explosives or any
noxious substance anywhere within the strict protection
zones of the BVNP as delineated by the PAMB;

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

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


(c) A fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) to
not more than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or
imprisonment of not less than one (1) month and one (1) day to
not more than six (6) months, or both, shall be imposed upon
any person who:

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

(2) Alters, removes, destroys or deface boundaries, marks or
signs;

(3) Enters the BVNP without prior PAMB permit for purposes of
trekking, mountain climbing, spelunking and other
recreational activities; and

(4) Dumps, litters or otherwise leaves debris, refuse or garbage
within the BVNP.

(d) 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 (12) years
and one (1) day to not more than twenty (20) yeasrs 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.

(e) A conviction under this Section shall carry the accessory
penalties of eviction from the BVNP, payment of damages for
rehabilitation and restoration, and the forfeiture of all
conveyances, equipment, device, instrument, tool or weapon
used in the commission of the offense as well as the flora, fauna
and 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 held liable
for the act of his employees or workers.

(f) 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 including the animals, plants and
other resources from BVNP found in the possession of the
offender.


(g) In case of conviction, the penalty consisting of fines and
damages shall directly accrue to the IPAF as herein provided.

Article VI - Proceeds and Fees

SECTION 16. Integrated Protected Area Fund. - The
Integrated Protected Areas Fund (IPAF) for BNVP is hereby established
as a special trust fund for the protection, maintenance, administration
and management of the BVNP. One hundred percent (100%) of the
IPAF shall be retained by the PAMB and be exempted from deposit to
the National Treasury strictly for the above use, subject to regular
accounting and audit procedures. The IPAF 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;

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

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

(e) Entrance fees and rents of facilities in Recreational 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 revenue of LGUs such as business permits and
real property taxes shall be excluded from IPAF.

SECTION 17. Appropriations. - The Secretary of the DENR shall
immediately include in the Department's program the implementation
of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
‘Appropriations Act.


Article VII - Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 18. 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 19, Repealing Clause. - All laws, proclamations, rules
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 20. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect
fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.