Dugayo, Jona Myka Q.

2019-0085
Natural Resources and Environmental Law

REACTION PAPER FOR RA 9147 OR THE WILDLIFE RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION ACT

"Let us remember that animals are not mere resources for human consumption
They are splendid beings in their own right, who have evolved alongside us as co
inheritors of all the beauty and abundance of life on this planet"―Marc Bekoff , American
Biologist

The discussion was about Republic Act No.9147 which was enacted on July 30,
2001 and is known as “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act”. In essence,
Republic Act 9147 states that possession of wildlife is illegal unless the person can prove
"financial and technical capability and facility" to take care of the animal.

It is further declared in the said law that it shall be the policy of the State to conserve
the country’s wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainability. The objectives of the
said policy are the following: (a) to conserve and protect wildlife species and their habitats
to promote ecological balance and enhance biological diversity; (b) to regulate the
collection and trade of wildlife; (c) to pursue, with due regard to the national interest, the
Philippine commitment to international conventions, protection of wildlife and their
habitats; and (d) to initiate or support scientific studies on the conservation of biological
diversity.

RA 9147 covers all wildlife species found in all areas of the country, including
protected areas under Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated
Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, and critical habitats. This Act shall also apply to
exotic species which are subject to trade, are cultured, maintained and/or bred in captivity
or propagated in the country. The government agencies primarily in charge in
implementing the said law are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and Department of Agriculture (DA).
We were also able to learn more about some of the different wildlife species such
as the Whale shark, Philippine eagle, Philippine tarsier, Palawan peacock-pheasant,
Dugong, and Tamaraw. Several efforts were also reported showcasing how the
government continues to preserve and conserve our wildlife resources.
Further, I was also able to learn that private individuals may also take care of
wildlife species as long as they have the necessary permits and financial capacity.
Registration, Illegal Acts as well as provision of penalties were also discussed. A video
was also shown by the reported of hosts discussing the relevance of the RA 9147 or the
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.
The Philippines is a home to a multitude of wildlife species and flora and fauna.
We should be all doing our part on making sure that these species enjoy their natural
habitat and remained undisturbed.