Dugayo, Jona Myka Q.

2019-0085
Natural Resources and Environmental Law

REACTION PAPER FOR RA 11038 OR THE EXPANDED NATIONAL INTEGRATED

PROTECTED AREAS SYSTEM ACT OF 2018

Our discussion was about Republic Act No 11038 or the Expanded National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018. The said law was enacted on July 24,
2017.
This law highlights the importance of the integrated protected areas in the country.
As a declaration of policy, the said law states that it is the primordial policy of the State to
secure for the Filipino people of present for future generations, the perpetual existence of
all native plants and animals through the establishment of a comprehensive system of
integrated protected areas within the classification of national park as provided for in the
Constitution.
Its scope includes all areas all areas or islands in the Philippines proclaimed,
designated or set aside, pursuant to a law, presidential decree, presidential proclamation
or executive order as national park, game refuge, bird and wildlife sanctuary, wilderness
area, strict nature reserve, watershed, mangrove reserve, fish sanctuary, natural and
historical landmark, protected and managed landscape/seascape as well as old growth
forests identified before the effectivity of this Act or still to be identified. Further, 94 parcels
of land and/or bodies of water are also considered as protected areas.

We were also able to learn that the National Integrated Protected Area System
(NIPAS) is placed under the control and administration of the DENR through the
Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). A Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
was also created for each of the protected areas designated as initial component of the
said law. They are given several powers and functions in order to make sure that our
protected areas are well-managed and preserved. Not only these institutions have the
responsibility but also our Local Government Units (LGUs) have a big role as well.
The different prohibited acts such as poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing any
wildlife were also discussed. Committing any of these acts has its repercussions under
the law.
I find our country really blessed with natural and environmental resources given its
total of 244 protected areas. As such. We Filipinos, have a big role to play in order to
make sure that our future generations to have a chance to admire this beauty as well.