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Bicol, the philippines june 2-8, 2013 P5.00

vol. XX, NO. 44

DENR intensifies Bicol National Park protection

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Bicol office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here has come up with schemes to give more protection to the over-5,000 hectares forest areas of the Bicol National Park (BNP), located between Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.
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06-02-2013 <www.visitpinas.com>

Naga observes first Jesse Robredo Day

Daet to celebrate 430th founding anniversary, Pinyasan Festival

By Rosalita B. Manlangit DAET, Camarines Norte -- The municipal government here has lined-up activities in connection with the 430th founding anniversary of the town through the Pinyasan Festival from June 15-24, this year. Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion said that on June 15, the 430th founding anniversary of Daet will be the start of the Pinyasan Festival with the first Pinyasan fun run with dogs from the First Rizal Monument to the Bagasbas Beach of Daet. He said that on the same day will be the thanksgiving mass and floral offering at the First Dr. Jose Rizal Monument to be followed by the Pinyasan opening program, BahayAnihan Agro Fair and
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sarion

NAGA CITY Residents of this city commemorated the first Jesse Robredo Day after the city government declared May 27 as a special holiday in observance of the birthday of the late interior and local government secretary. Robredo, who served as mayor of the city for 19 years before joining the Aquino government, died in a plane crash in Masbate last year. His widow, new Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. Leni Robredo, thanked the people for their show of affection for her husband.

The event was highlighted with a mass and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Garden Chapel in Barangay Balatas. It was attended by city and barangay officials who released yellow balloons while singing the birthday song. We are very happy because the Nagueos overwhelming support for us as we remember him today. At the same time, we are sad because this is the first time we are celebrating his birthday without him, Robredo said. She and her three daughters wore silver lockets containing the ashes of the late secretary. Cet Dematera

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bikol reporter

opinion

june 2 - 8, 2013

HOCUS PCOS
By Virgilio S. Puso
In dealing with problems besetting our electoral processes, we often look for the quick answer, and we look for technology to provide the quick fix. Unfortunately, what we are going to get, according to Rebecca Mercuri, voting security expert of Notable Software, Inc., is the quick mess. Mercuri is herself a professor at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania who has studied electronic voting for more than a decade. In the Philippines, budgetary constraints notwithstanding, we want to convince ourselves we have come a long way from the days of direct democracy to the present system where votes are counted and consolidated digitally. Playing catch-up. Congress passed Republic Act No. 8436 on December 22, 1997. The law mandated the Commission on Elections to use an automated election system in the May 11, 1998 national or local elections and in subsequent national and local electoral exercises. The declared policy is not only to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections but also to assure the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot in order that the results of these electoral exercises shall be fast, accurate and reflective of the genuine will of the people. To this end, the automated election system, defined as a system using appropriate technology for voting and electronic device to count votes and canvass/ consolidate results, was devised. An advanced technology to count ballots was embodied by a machine that uses and optical scanning/mark-sense reading devise. As if to sound even more technically sophisticated for the tao, we called this the PCOS machine. Parenthetically, optical scanning systems grew in popularity during the past decade, particularly in smaller countries. They work much like a paper ballot but can be more quickly - - and presumably accurately - counted than ballots counted manually. The political interest in e-voting has been heavily influenced by the promises of IT and equipment suppliers that it will deliver more accurate and quicker election results at comparable or lower cost. But Mercuri notes it is a known fact that the computer industry does not have the capabilty, at present, to assure a safe reliable election using only electronic devices. Investigation of supplier claims and failures of performance in actual elections have demonstrated major flaws. She adds that e-voting systems actually provide less accountability, poorer realibility and greater opportuity for fraud that traditional methods. Mercuri also pointed out that websites set up for internet voting could be spoofed and were vulnerable sabotage. The laws of computing, she says, cannot allow anyone to be certain that the complex software needed to support e-voting is either fully secure or error free. Fears were raised after she told US cabinet officials that the voting system is dangerous. We assume that electronic voting is just the same as other technologies we use in everyday life, like banking or airline ticketing, but there are crucial differences. All these other systems have physical data trail, bits of paper that allow us to check that the transactions are accurate. Electronic voting offers none of these safeguards. Machines count votes as a running tally and do not produce an actual ballot that can be recounted or compared to the tally given by the machine. It compromises voter anonymity and auditability. Organizations working on electronic voting technology have dismissed criticisms that it is unsafe and fundalmentally flawed. The Philippine Government towed this line when Republic Act No. 8436 was passed into law. But while we can concede that much has been said about the advantages of automated polls over its imperfections, lesser attention was given to the more important provision of the automated election law itself. Section 25 of R.A. 8436 provides for education not just about automation but why we should have voters education that would inculcate in the electorate values on honest, peaceful and orderly elections. Dr. Azurin, a management professor and columnist, maintains that it is foolish to conclude that just introducing automated technologies into our election processes will mean the elimination of the long-standing problem of election cheating. The incentives to cheat will be as strong as ever. The election rigging infrastructure gangs of operators and collaborating officials will remain in place and ready to perform for the appropriate sums. Professor Jibrin Ibrahim tells us that we need to coin a new term to explain how elections are stolen: digital rigging. He points to an election in Ondo, Nigeria in 1983 where the results reported had literally nothing to do with the election at all. In more recent times, ICT has acted as a ruse, showing that preparations were excellent, but hiding the reality of a stolen election. The election authority is proposing a system that involves an electronic voter register, biomechanical cards, and voting machines that transmit results to the elections commission headquarters. But while the officials promised the most technically sophisticated election in the world, what resulted was wholesale theft of votes. (Turn to page 23)

US Dollar Stronger
(Atty. APA chairs Acyatan & Co., CPAsDFK International is PICPA past president and Hall-of-Famer, past chair of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Awardee).

FX RATES: Conforming what we wrote last month, that the US Dollar will strengthen, we now need P41.50 to buy US1.00. The US economy is gradually, albeit slowly improving as more jobs are being opened. The Obama administration is forcing legislators to pass the necessary laws to stimulate business and create additional jobs. If the approaches succeed, more Americans and immigrants will have jobs and consumer spending will increase. Filipino families with relatives in the US welcome the good news. Hopefully US banks will be able to collect delinquent loans even as their acquired assets can be sold. With such development, newlybuilt residential units can be constructed as more Americans are able to afford better shelter. The time is ripe for the US real estate industry to expand while the interest scenario is maintained at lower rates. FRIENDS: We propose to President Obama and his economists that the US imports more goods from countries ideally allied with USA. More valuable exports from countries like the Philippines to the USA will prop up the exporter countries domestic economy. Once US allies improve their self-sufficiency, they can afford better to stand up to their bullying industrialized neighbors. The Phl does not need US pity, it wants better opportunity!

opinions unlimited
Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
The US should not only concentrate on product-pricing of exports. China (which is now bullying the Philippines) out-prices its small country-competitors because it uses cheap labor. Global consumers should be encouraged to boycott Chinese products as a show of support for the factory workers who are producing the goods under slave-like conditions. US Phil-Ams can support their native country by buying Phl-made products! FLOODING: The MMDA is doing right in the early clearing and cleaning of all drainage canals in preparation for the onset of the rainy season. At the same time, all LGUs must strictly impose the ban on plastic garbage and careless disposal of trash. We should all remember the saying ang itinapon mong basura ang siyang ibabalik sa iyo ng baha. Heavy rains are now in the horizon; the earlier we prepare for floods, the safer our lives can be! Flood prevention measures must also

be implemented by provinces where destructive floods have started to occur. Almost always, floods are caused by trash clogging the waterways. There are also informal settlers housing units that impede floodwater flows posing danger not only to their own families but also to their legit neighbors. With the election period already over coddling of squatters (for their votes) should now be stopped. POLITICS: As the results of the recent elections come to be known many candidates with the same surnames lost. In some Southern Luzon-Bicol provinces and cities, political families turned out losers. This is a strong message to politicians that the voting public no longer favors monarchial approach to positionholding. Examples of this political development happened in Lucena and San Pablo Cities and to a certain extent, in Camarines Sur. This early political pundits are discussing the potential plans of Bicol stars like Gov. Joey Salceda, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Cong. Andaya and Dato Arroyo, and of course, the young CamSur Gov. Migs. On the national front, the battle for the Senate presidency favors Franklin Drilon, as the House baton is safe with Speaker Belmonte of the LPled alliance. Let us pray that P-Noys drive for Tuwid na Daan will be more fluid in the next three years. WISDOM: Love is the obstinate desire for us to do everything for the greater glory of our God!

Final and Official Results of Votes, Political landscape to day & CCT Program Better Be Stopped
Because of the many inquiries, heres the following Final and Official Results of Votes canvassed by the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) of Camarines Sur, Capitol Complex, Pili, Camarines Sur as of 9:00PM, May 15, 2013: TOWNS FUENTEBELLA MUHLACH 1. San Jose 8,579 9,330 2. Garchitorena 5,804 4,171 3. Lagonoy 10,996 12,838 4. Goa 8,474 12,813 5. Caramoan 11,497 7,381 6. Tinambac 12,734 10,476 7. Presentacion 4, 701 5,064 8. Tigaon 9,663 10,257 9. Sagnay 6,284 4,829 10. Siruma 4,102 3,470 TOTAL 82,834 80,629 Total lead of Fuentebella against Muhlach - 2,205 votes There is still an on-going disinformation campaign saying that Aga won inspite of the COMELECs proclamation of Atty. Felix William Wimpy Fuentebella as the winner and that Fuentebella cheated. This is not true. What is their proof? They should prove it. Aga Muhlach was supported by the

from my window
nenita fuentebella-peones
administration at the top and below. He had many watchers and lawyers. After looking at the odds that Wimpy faced, I believe his victory is Gods will. Otherwise, it will not happen. ***** It is not surprising that many of the senatorial candidates in Team P-Noy won because they have the advantage of having Pres. Benigno S. aquino III endorsing them frequently on TV and personally on the crowd. Wherever they went, they enjoyed

the governments resources because they were with the President. The UNAs (United Nationalist Alliance) candidates did not have much fund but Nancy Binay, daughter of VP Binay, the target of so much villification, won and landed in the top five (5th place). Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada, son of former President Joseph Estrada and Sen. Gregorio Honasan also won. Neil Cruz wrote the following in his column in the Daily Inquirer dated May 20, 2013: In the local elections, many of P-Noys anointed candidates lost, including those for whom he personally campaigned, like Herman Braganza who lost by landslide to reelectionist Amado Espino of Pangasinan. Even in his own home province of Tarlac P-Noys candidate lost. Of 46 Congressmen from north and central Luzon, only 17 are LP members. And of the 22 north and Central Luzon governors, only 5 (five) are LP. I like to add former Pres. Joseph Estrada defeated LP reelectionist Alfredo Lim for Mayor of Manila, the capital of the
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The ghost of the past still haunts us

There was somebody to blame for the existence of political dynasties in this country. That somebody was the deplorable condition present during the final years of the Spanish colonial rule. Government posts were for sale, according to some historians. Hard to believe? It was even whispered that the office of the governor general could be had for the right amount. Other offices down to that of the lowly clerk had a price. Moneyed people could easily occupy an office without going through anything resembling a qualifying examination or elective processes. It was further said that the wealthy could buy any office and hire another to perform its functions. The middleman, there is no apt word to describe him,usually got a share in the regular salary. No document could be found to show, however, that somebody who strayed into this country from Spain had become a governor-general by buying the office. But there was a hint that it happened. Who the official was, nobody knew.

A Question of privilege

salvador d. flor

Head, Advertising Associates 0920-533-7766

Lee G. Dullesco II

The people who acquired the office by purchase held on to it , employing money and connections to stay there much longer. The post was usually given to a son or daughter, then to the grandson or granddaughter upon retirement of the family patriarch. That was the little seed of the political dynasty. It germinated from there. There is some variation, however, In todays political dynasty, three or four or half

a dozen family members occupy various public posts through vote-buying, threat and intimidation or murder. The main weapon of the political dynasty is money, lots of it, which it uses to finance a political machinery reaching down to the barangay level. The manner of monopolizing the various elective posts has changed little. You buy the office,use it to further your financial interests, you give the office to your son or daughter or your wife. Or you finance their elections to other positions. During the Spanish period,many officials were said to be unlettered who came to the Philippines as adventurers and found refuge in various government offices.They were Spanish citizens, their best qualification. Corruption and other venalities were the order of the day.The Spanish government in Madrid could not do anything to stop the stink in the Philippines because of the distance. Reforms

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bikol reporter

june 2 - 8, 2013

DA holds Farmers-Fisherfolk festival

our country, as providers of food and job generator. He said that with the various interventions being done by the government through the DA and its attached agencies coupled with the agri- stakeholders active participation in agricultural programs, the agriculture sector is making headway and is now globally competitive. This positive outlook is mirrored in this years theme: Magsasaka at Mangingisdang Pilipino, Kayang-kaya nang Makipagsabayan sa Mundo. Meanwhile, the Barangay Food Terminal Summit is also being held yearly since the inception of this program in 2010 to serve as a venue for the BFT operators/recipients to review and assess the implementation of the program, get updates and enhance their skills on new technologies and practices and provide them opportunity to promote their products and link-up with buyers or markets for their products. BFTs serve as food depot and distribution outlets in the community offering affordable, safe and quality food products and basic commodities. Trading layers are reduced as middlemen are minimized. There are now 119 operational BFTs in the Bicol region. According to Adelina A. Losa, chief of the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Division which oversees the implementation of the BFTs and organized the trade-fair and summit, the 2-day agrifishery trade fair generated a total sale of P288,762 with the province of Masbate getting the highest sale for its dried and processed marine products. Moreover, market matching was facilitated among producers and buyers. -Emily B. Bordado supplementing manpower/ support; closely monitoring cases filed against poachers and illegal settlers; capacitybuilding workshops for field personnel (paralegal); comprehensive info campaign on the National Integrated Protected Areas System; pushing for the co-management of the protected area with the local
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DENR intensifies Bicol . . .

Gilbert Gonzales, DENRBicol regional executive director, said these strategies are aimed at protecting and preserving BNP from threats coming from illegal loggers, kaingin (slash-and burn) farmers and communities residing inside the park. These strategies will provide solutions to various issues that are besetting the BNP which is contributing to further degradation of the protected area (PA), Gonzales said through an official statement released by his office Monday. He said the approaches that DENR-Bicol will be adapting include strengthening of the PA personnel by

DA Regional Executive Director Engr. Abelardo R. Bragas (3rd from left) led the ribbon to formally open the Agri-Fishery trade fair and Bgy. Food Terminal Summit held at the DA compound as a culminating activity for the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month celebration. Assisting him (L-R), RAFC Vice Chair, Alfredo Rillo, Albay PA Ruben Limos, PCA regional director Eduardo Allorde, DA RTD for Research & Regulations Edgar Madrid; NFA Regional Director Alan Borja; DA RTD For Operations Elena delos Santos and other DA officials. Above photo: Dir. Bragas giving his message.

SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR - As a culminating activity to the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolks month, the Department of Agriculture regional office held the Farmers/Fisherfolk Festival and Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) Summit here on May 28 and 29. The event featured agri-fishery trade fair, participated by some 62 BFT operators, farmers and fisherfolk groups and other rural-based organizations from the six provinces of Bicol, techno fora and product demonstration by various agri- suppliers/distributors. Over 2,000 farmers, housewives, consumers, extension workers and even students

trooped to the venue either to participate in the fora on corn production, coffee and cacao, or to buy the agri-products for sale from the various provinces, or simply to watch the product demonstrations and exhibits. Some agriculture stakeholders also took the opportunity to visit the facilities of the DA and consult with the technical personnel of the DA. Local media partners also covered the affair. DA regional executive director Engr. Abelardo R. Bragas, said the festive event was intended to honor and thank the farmers and fisherfolk and other agriculture stakeholders for their contribution not only to agriculture but also to the economy of

bikol reporter
Ni Sonny A. Taugan, Ed.D

etcetera

june 2 - 8, 2013

Ang Wika sa Banyuhay Ngayon

Para sa isang umuunlad na bansa, ang pagkakaroon ng panulukang wika ay tunay na mahalaga. WIKA ito ang tinaguriang tulay tungo sa pagkakaisang diwa.Ito ang lampara na siyang nagbibigay- tanglaw sa mga nagugulumihanang isipan. Ito ang nagsisilbing sinturon upang maitali ang mga mamamayan upang maging isa sila sa kanilang mga diwa, pangarap at kalsadang tinutugpa, at higit sa lahat, ay ang tinig na pumupukol sa mapanghimagsik na damdaming makabayan. Ano nga ba ang kahalagahan ng wika? Paano natin ito maiwawagayway sa buong mundo gayong panahon na ngayon ng tinatawag nating Globalisasyon? Yaon ang mga katanungang bibigyang-tugon sa papel na ito. Sa kahit na sa anumang anyo, sa pamamagitan man ng pagsulat o pagsasalita, ang wika ang pinakamabisang paraan upang maihatid ang mga kaisipan at mapanatili sa madaling hakbang ang kasaysayan at mga tala ng mga sinaunang Pilipino. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, malalaman ng mga kasalukuyang mamamayan ang mga hakbanging ginawa noong una upang maituloy ito sa mabuting paraan at maiwasan ang mga di kaaya-ayang kaganapan noon. Dahil sa pagkakaroon ng Archipelagic Topography ng bansang Pilipinas ay hindi maikakaila na ibat ibang lenggwahe ang namumutawi sa bibig ng mga taong naninirahan sa bawat pulong bumubuo nito. Mahirap na isipin kung walang sariling wika na magiging daan upang magkabuklod-buklod ang mga hiwa-hiwalay na isla ng Pilipinas. Dahilan upang kung minsay dumarating sa punto na hindi na tayo magkaunawaan. Kaya nga naman ay masidhing inudyok ng nasirang Pangulo Pang. Manuel L. Quezon, na magkaroon ng iisang lenggwahe na siyang magiging tinig ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino at gayong magiging badya ng pakakaisang diwa nito ang Wikang Filipino. Dahil sa makasaysayang kontribusyon ng huli ay tinaguriang siyang Ama ng Wikang Pambansa. Malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw na ang wika ay siyang napakahalagang kasangkapan na ginagamit upang maiparating natin ang ating mga naisasaloob na ideya at damdamin. Ang wika ay kumakatawan din sa pangunahing pagpaparating sa iba ng panlipunanag pagkakakilanlan. Sa maikling salita, ang wika ay tumutulong na mapanaliti ang mga damdamin ng kultura, sining at pagkabansa ng isang bayan. Sa banyuhay ngayon panahon ng Globalisasyon at teknolohiya, ang ating wika ay tunay na di magpapahuli. Nakikipagsabayan na rin ito tulad ng mga lenggwahe talamak na makikita sa mga Social Networking Sites. Kagaya na lamang ng sikat na sikat na website na facebook kung saan ay maaari nang gamitin ang Wikang Filipino bilang midyum o lenggwahe sa pakikipagkomunikasyon at upang lubos na maintindihan ng mga Pilipinong gumagamit nito kung paano yaon paganahin. Hindi rin pahuhuli ang twitter na kamakailan lamang ay maaari na ring gamitin sa wikang Filipino. Sa ibayong dagat naman, mahigit kumulang 1.4 milyong tao sa Estados Unidos ang nagsasalita ng Wikang Filipino at ito ang tinaguriang pang-apat na lenggwaheng palagiang ginagamit ng mga tao roon. Hindi rin mawawala ang mga bansang may mga OFW na kung saan natututuhan ng mga banyaga kung paano magsalita sa Wikang Filipino. WIKA ito ang ilaw na magiging tanglaw ng mga Pilipino upang mapabuti pa ang kanilang mga gawain. Ito rin ang nagsisilbing lakas upang maisakatuparan ang mga naudlot na pangarap noong simula pa. Sa paglipas ng panahon, mapatutunayan na ang wika ang siyang pinakamahalagang sandata upang maiparating ng isang bansa sa kanyang mga mamamayan upang maihugos sa kanilang pamahalaan ang kanilang mga hinaing.

Tours and Travel In Focus

The huge potential of our tourism industry has been the envy of many of our neighboring countries in the Asia Pacific Region. Under the present administration we could see for ourselves that it is not only the Department of Tourism which is involved in pursuing activities and programs for the purpose of luring foreign and domestic tourists to come, visit and discover the wonderful attractions found in our 1,107 islands but the private sector itself is very much involved in marketing our tourism potentials here and abroad. For this year 2013 alone, tourism stakeholders have brought up record level of tourists arrivals never before experienced by our people. This is not at all surprising in view of the fact that compared to other countries in the Asia Pacific Region, the Philippines still ranks No.1 in having the best and alluring beaches including other natural attractions. For this God given wonders it is but just proper that the public & private sector must work hand in hand to make our tourism industry work even better than before. Take for instance our lush forest from Aparri to Sulu, it is considered as the natural habitat of a wide diversity of birds and mangroves which are in itself captivating to people who are privileged to see and feel its luster. For this reason alone group tours by land, sea, and air must be harnessed so that tourists whether domestic or foreign would come and visit and see for themselves popular and world renowned tourist havens like Boracay in Aklan, Caramoan in Camarines Sur,Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol. If these tourism destinations with stakeholders specifically of our eco-systems since it provides food and shelter to marine life aside from the fact that it helps protect our coastlines from erosion. The delicate nature of our environment cannot be disputed. It is in this regard that the continued damage that goes on to our natural resources could be detrimental not only to our tourism industry but more importantly to the livelihood of our fishermen. Ultimately, if this will remain unabated, our food supply will be endangered. It is evident that what is needed is the strict enforcement of law protecting our environment. Much has been said about the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Pollution Control law including the land mark Writ of Kalikasan complementing the Green Courts initiative being pursued by our Supreme Court. It would be in conformity with our peoples aspirations therefore if violators of this law are punished. Let us remind those who keep on destroying our natural habitat that our government really means business. The Philippines reputation as a tropical paradise is beyond question. It goes without saying that notwithstanding the benefits that goes with the robust tourism industry the preservation of our God given natural environment should not be sacrificed in the process. Noteworthy is the fact that our country has a very fragile environment. Each and every one must do his part in ensuring a sustainable eco-system because in doing so we could enhance and protect our countrys natural geographic character.

dr. marilissa j. ampuan

President, Bicol Association of Tourism and Hospitality Educators (BATHE)

resort owners & developers will continue to take it upon themselves to keep its natural heritage intact for future generations to enjoy and appreciate we can safely say that tourism will endure as an industry benefitting our people. The Department of Tourism under the able leadership of Secretary Ramon Jimenez Sr. should continue its policy directions aimed at preserving our natural resources in view of the wanton abuse committed by misguided elements of our society who are only after the profits that goes with the destruction of our eco-systems. According to concerned environmentalists the hotel and resort constructions frenzy in the past several years coupled with the steady influx of travellers has led to the decline specifically of our coral reefs. For this we must always take it upon ourselves that the reefs contribute to the preservation

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FRANCIA V. VIAS

bikol reporter

june 2 - 8, 2013

865 new classrooms up for construction in Bicol

By Marlon A. Loterte LEGAZPI CITY -- The government will construct at least 865 new classrooms in the Bicol region within the year under the regular school buildings program (RSBP) for calendar year 2013 of the Department of Education (DepEd). Program supervisor Casiano B. Pendegones Jr. of the DepEd Bicol said that the construction of the school buildings is still under procurement stage, but is expected to be completed within the year. Pendegones added that the target completion for the one-storey school buildings is on September 2013 while two-storey buildings will be on November to December this year. Breakdown of the classrooms up for construction includes 69 in Albay, 75 in Camarines Norte, 267 in Camarines Sur, 33 in Catanduanes, 212 in Masbate, 163 in Sorsogon, while 12 in Naga City, 10 in Iriga City, 11 in Masbate City and 13 in Sorsogon City,. Pendegones noted that this city and the cities of Ligao and Tabaco are not included in the program since other school building programs are being undertaken in the areas by Philippine Gaming Corporation or Pagcor-assisted

4-H FAMILY FORUM

members of the four rural-based organizations gathered for the 2013 Bicol Farm Family Forum cum 4H Regional Achievement. Danilo Ochoa (inset), assistant director of ATI gives the welcome remarks. Aloha Gigi Baaria (inset, right), FYDP Coordinator Bicol briefed the participants.

DSWD calls for vigilance vs fake 4Ps takers

NAGA CITY -- Two days after the mid-term polls, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office in Bicol, received reports that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps was used by politicians in Camarines Sur to gain vote from their constituents. The persistent report and feed backs prompted DSWD 5 regional director Arnel Garcia to issue a press statement denying the allegations, saying that there were no such activities coordinated in their office. Barely a week after the election, Garcia reiterated his call that private individuals, organizations or any entities are not allowed to issue registration forms for the 4Ps, much more enlist them as members under the said program. In a statement released to the media, Garcia said that if there are registration forms that continue to circulate in some municipalities, they definitely did not come from the DSWD. Garcia emphasized that the identification of qualified beneficiaries for 4Ps is generated solely through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) and payouts are only done through the schedules and modes approved by the Department. For the record the DSWD is not the source of the alleged registration forms, we are not conducting community assemblies to recruit new beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the Partido area or anywhere else in the region at the

school building project and through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. He further explained that RSBP is a joint project of DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which intends to address the shortage of classrooms in the country. Under the program, the DPWH will construct the classrooms, following the prescribed DepEd designs, while the latter will also be in charge of other school facilities such as construction of restrooms and providing classroom furniture. Pendegones furthered that the construction of class(Turn to page 22)

moment and no payouts are being conducted since March 29, 2013, Garcia stressed. It will be recalled that a month before the election, Garcia met with the local members of the media in Camarines Sur and launched its Bawal ang EPAL Dito. This endeavors to inform the public that only DSWD has the sole authority to select new beneficiaries, delist noncompliant recipients, impose penalties for violated rules and warn political epals not to use the poverty allegation program to further their political interests. The DSWD is committed to protect the integrity of its poverty reduction programs and the safety and independence of its workers for the best interests of the poor and marginalized, Garcia said in closing.

Padangat nindo an pilay!

Salamat Po!

Nathan Sergio

City Councilor

bikol reporter

june 2 - 8, 2013

DENR: Over 21M tree seedlings ready for planting

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is shifting its tree-planting program into a high gear by making available over 21 million tree seedlings for planting under the Aquino administrations National Greening Program (NGP). DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the department and its partners will take advantage of the rainy season to plant some 21.58 million seedlings more than half of these consist of tree species that are indigenous to the Philippines like narra, molave and lauan on different NGP sites nationwide. The tree-planting season is timed to coincide with the high precipitation prevailing in the country, and planting early in the rainy season will give the planted seedlings plenty of time to get their roots as deep as possible before the weather goes dry by next year, Paje said. He added that seedling production is expected to be more robust in the months ahead to ensure that planting materials are enough to meet the NGPs target for 2013. The DENR is eyeing to plant a total of 170 million

seedlings on 300,000 hectares this year. Of the 21.58 million seedlings produced so far, some 13 million seedlings consisting of native and fast-growing timber species like mahogany, gmelina and falcate come from all 16 regional offices of the DENR. Meanwhile, around 7.6 million native seedlings were provided by the DENRs Ecosystems and Research Development Bureau (ERDB) and 723,535 by the 17 state universities and colleges (SUCs) tapped by the department as NGP partners. For this year, the ERDB and the SUCs seek to produce 32.5 million and 1.02 million indigenous seedlings, respectively. The Forest Management Bureau (FMB) and its field offices have also been tasked

PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT

Jessel Basanta

Stakeholders led by DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales (in white shirt) and Commodore Manuel Abinuman of Naval Forces Southern Luzon brandish their signed pledge of commitment to ensure a sound marine ecosystem in the region. Shown with them are Regional Technical Director Felix Mendoza (in yellow) of the Protected Areas Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Service, officers of the NAVFORSOL, Phil. Coast Guard, Phil. National Police (PNP) Maritime Group and the DENR Mascots Booky the Fish and Ciany the Diver.

to allot a significant portion of their 2013 seedling production target of 136.4 million for native tree species.

ALSAlternative Learning System Good News for Parents and Children Facing Difficulty in Pursuing Education
By Elsa T. Orbon Teacher 3/District Coordinator Iriga South District, Iriga City There should be no more reason to fret. For parents and children who are burdened with the difficulty of pursing education, the Department of Education ALS program or the Alternative Learning System could be the best news that has come to them along the way. Now the burden is eased out and education can be had easily except for some few serious consideration like one has to come to school just like all other students but not as rigid as coming five times a week and from early 8:00 in the morning and dragging on until 5:00 in the afternoon or even beyond. Coming to the class for the ALS means the student can have his choice of the days he has to come only for two days in a week and on either morning or afternoon only. If this is not a big ease, what is not. It means a lightening the pocket since ALS education is free except for the students who live some distance away from school who are forced to fork out for their transportation and for light snacks (this last one is at the whim of the student). It does not come as a surprise to see married men and women in their thirties and even forties coming to school and merging with seventeen and eighteen and other teen-year students and not having to adjust since they are accepted as they are. After the ALS term is over, the ALS students having passed the examination given by DepEd which test papers have to be sent to Manila for checking, a Certificate of Pass is given the students that now serves as an Official Record of the Acceleration and Equivalency (A&E)Test Taker equivalent to the Form 138 (Report Card) of the formal school system. I am very personally proud to be a part of the ALS Teachers and happily seen through men and women who have come to our fold with an expression of joy and hope as they get back to school aware they would eventually be gifted with a complete secondary education that has eluded them in the past. It could have been financial difficulties that constrained them from pursing a secondary education in their younger days or maybe, it could have been just time. There is no happier face than for one to have finished a secondary education with no costs at all and easily achieved with lesser time than regular schooling, thanks to the Alternative Learning System. Year in and year out, men and women will be turned over via the ALS study system and expectedly form part of the nations educated population. EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the sole and only heirs of the late HENRY S. BONOT, who died intestate on January 10, 2010, without leaving any debts, at Del Carmen, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, at the time of his death left certain real properties situated in at Del Carmen, Calabanga, Camarines Sur; that the parties all of legal ages and with full capacity to contract agree to divide, partition and adjudicate among themselves in pro-indiviso equal shares the described property; that all the legitimate children do hereby WAIVE ALL THEIR RIGHTS OVER THE SAID PROPERTY in favor of their mother, NENITA A. BONOT who shall be the sole owner thereof; as acknowledged before Notary Public Attorney Corazon A. Tordilla, Doc. No. 526, Page No. 106, Book No. 2, Series of 2013. BIKOL REPORTER Published: June 2, 9 and 16, 2013.

By Alejandro N. Loquias, Ph.D. Master Teacher II Rinconada National Technical Vocational School Sto. Domingo, Iriga City The Philippines is a country of good English speakers. That is one advantage Filipinos looking for employment find over other nationals. And that could be credited to our educational system where the medium of instruction is basically English. It is a fact that mostly all subjects in school from the lowest educational ladder are taught in English. It is ironic that even Filipino as a subject needs sometimes to be instructed in English for easier comprehension, probably because of our varied regional languages and dialects where in some cases, English is better understood than Filipino (or Tagalog as it used to be known in the past). The matter of being proficient is not a simple requirement of one who teachers English. Of course, it is necessary for an English teacher to have that particular skill in the use of the language otherwise he may not have any business teaching English in the first place. But even other teachers or all teachers for that matter need to be proficient in English. The admitted fact is Mathematics, Science, Music, History, Health, Physical Education and other subjects are taught in English. This is why the need for proficiency language is imperative for everyone in the educator sector. Proficiency in the English language demands correct pronunciation, inflection, diction and intonation. It likewise demands correct use of tenses and prepositions, correct word us. It a nutshell, it is a near to perfect use and understanding of the parts of speech. Or else how can one be able to communicate properly and effectively unless one has the correct knowledge of the English mechanics. There is no denying that the English language has been Filipinized. Maybe it is necessary to give the language a shot in the arm so to say to give that sense of nationalism, is it correct? So, we have English only fellow Filipinos can understand. We have given electricity its brown color, we have used salvage to mean exactly its opposite, we have TY for thank you and CR for all the rest rooms and toilets in this Philippine world. And we can understand among ourselves. But this is not to prevent us from learning English the way it should be learned and used, orally and in writing. I am very happy because I just attended a 3-day Gabay Guro Proficiency in English Training, a project of the PLDT-Smart Foundation and the PLDT Managers Club, Inc. and LGU Iriga City extended invitation to only thirty (30) teacher-participants who were lucky to undergo an intensive training in both effective oral and written communication conducted by Ms. Anne S. Laurenio, a highly skilled professional trained abroad specifically to help educators achieve proficiency in the English language and thus become effective teachers not just in English subject but in all subjects. It could be that Filipinos have that knack for the English language usage, no wonder our call centers are beaming with young men and women providing them with good pay and contributing to the economic development of the country. Proficiency in Englishit could be had by every teacher regardless of the subject he is teaching. It is not a tall order.

Proficiency in EnglishNot Just for English Teachers

The internationally acclaimed Indie film Director Brillante Mendoza was in town recently. He received a plaque of recognition from SM City Naga Mall Manager Wesley Villanueva during the launch of his film Captive which had special screenings at SM Cinemas.

Director Brillante Mendoza during the Meet and Greet with students before the simultaneous screenings of his renowned film Captive at the SM Cinemas. More than a thousand students from Ateneo De Naga University, Universidad De Sta. Isabel and the University of Nueva Caceres viewed the film.

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june 2 - 8, 2013

Deriquito visits CamNorte for Brigada Eskwela

By Rosalita B. Manlangit DAET, Camarines Norte -- Undersecretary Mario A. Deriquito of the Department of Education (DepEd) visited three schools in Camarines Norte to join and personally give his thanks to the volunteers who participated in the Brigada Eskwela here Wednesday (May 22). He visited the Daet Elementary School and Camarines Norte National High School in Daet and D. Q. Liwag National High School in Vinzons town. Daet Elementary School and D.Q. Liwag National High School were commended for their display of exemplary performance in mobilizing community participation for the Brigada Eskwela in 2011 together with the Gonzalo Aler National High School in Capalonga town. Earlier that day before his visit, he was the guest during the Talakayan sa PIA of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Camarines Norte together with Regional Director Orfelina O. Tuy, Schools Division Superintendent Arnulfo Balane and Assistant SDS Norma B. Samantela. USec Deriquito said that Brigada Eskwela has been 10 years now and the stakeholders are very responsive to this call of volunteerism like the parents, barangay officials, national and local government agencies, business sector and the non-government organizations. He said that the DepEd do its part to provide the need for classrooms, books and tables as well as teachers wherein there are some 61,510 items for the latter throughout the country in response to the full implementation of K-12 which was signed into law by Pres. Benigno Aquino III last May 15. DepEd Regional Director Orfelina O. Tuy on the other hand stressed that in this years Brigada Eskwela will not only focused on the cleaning and repair of classrooms but also in response to the order of Sec. Bro. Armin Luistro that there should be a gulayan sa paaralan that need to be prepared and started by the volunteers. The gulayan sa paaralan will be for the children and teachers in order to attain balance diet and to avoid them from eating meat. She also said that the
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LEGAZPI CITY BOULEVARD

Legaspi Bureau) FPV/ron

The pathway to the massive new urban center development being pursued by the city government of Legazpi, also provides a place for jogging or simply walking for health conscious people.

BI: Stricter rules on safety of foreigners needed

By Joseph John J. Perez LEGAZPI CITY -- Tourism is more fun in the Philippines but stricter measures for the safety of foreign tourists must be pursued. This is the reaction of Bicols Bureau of Immigration chief Josephus Ojano on the recent climbing incident that involved a Russian national on the restricted area of Mayon Volcano. Our government immediately gives assistance to foreigners in need but our compatriots overseas do not experience the same treatment, Ojano said. Mark Yuchyugyaev, age 28 a Russian tourist scaled Mayon 10:30 am on Sunday (May 19) alone despite the warnings of the locals and the existing prohibition of mountaineering activities within the volcanos six-kilometer permanent danger zone imposed by the Provincial Government of Albay in the wake of the recent deaths of four German nationals and a local guide and injuring 8 others due to the unexpected phreatic explosion of Mayon last May 7. Yuchyugyaev made a distress call at 8:02 pm Tuesday (May 21) to Jerry Delana, a resident of Barangay Busao in Daraga town whom he met while taking some pictures at Cagsawa ruins, informing him that he broke his leg and suffering from cold tempera-

A TEACHER partylist gains seat in Congress

Ranking 2nd as the most voted Party-list in the country, Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reforms, Inc, also known as A Teacher looks forward for another term with a renewed vigor to serve its constituents. In a message relayed to Elaine Orong, A Teacher Bicol Regional Media Coordinator, Hon. Mariano Nonoy U. Piamonte Jr. and Hon. Juliet R. Cortuna thanked their supporters for giving them another mandate to continue their program and help the education sector, in particular. The almost solid votes from Bicol, particularly from the province of Camarines Sur, and the cities of Naga Iriga is an overwhelming testimony that A Teachers programs are significantly helping uplift the lives of our people. To date, A Teacher have already co-authored 8 Republic Acts (signed into law), authored 9 House Bills and 2 House resolutions and coauthored 14 house bills and 53 house resolutions. With another mandate, we will expect more of these, Orong said in an interview. Among the laws authored and co-authored by A Teacher include Republic Act (RA) 10157 or the Kindergarten Educations Act, RA 10154 otherwise known as an Act requiring all concerned government agencies to ensure the early release of the retirement pay, pensions and gratuities and benefits of retiring government employees, and RA 9547 or the Special Program for Employment of Students Act of 2008, among others. Fully aware of the scarcity of classrooms, A Teacher made possible the building of 330 new public school classrooms, multi-purpose buildings, including classrooms repaired for public schools, put up 7 water systems built for public schools, provided electricity for 7 barangays, helped 2 barangays with their flood control system and provided 2,700 educational assistance and scholarship grants for High School, College and TESDA students. A Teachers also subsidized 180 educators seminars and workshops and 150 medical missions including health and wellness seminars and the distribution of medicines to its beneficiaries. Aside from these accomplishments, a Teacher pledges to continue building more school edifice, including granting of financial and educational assistance, specifically through scholarship grants to underprivileged but deserving students and the creation of more laws and bills that would strengthen their advocacy for better and quality education. With the wide margin they got after the recently concluded mid term elections, A Teacher will definitely continue to serve as the Voice of Educators in Congress.

ture. Delana notified the Bureau of Fire Protection that alerted the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) which in turn organized a search and rescue team that was ready to start the operations by 10:00 pm on that same night. The team though after assessment, took off at 6:00 am the following day due to the critical and risky terrain since Yuchyugyaev took the Mi-isi trail, a route not usually taken by mountaineers. Earlier reports cast doubts on the real nationality of Yuchyugyaev but Ojano dispelled the rumors.
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ERRATUM
In the story BPO company to venture in Naga published last May 5, 2013 on page 6, the second sentence of the last paragraph read: It employs almost 4,000 employees based in different parts of the globe. It should have read more than 400,000 employees. Our apologies to IBM Philippines.

JOG, RUN OR WALK

The Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Naga city has formally opened to public its clean lanes especially to joggers and fitness buffs. The grand launch graced by Eternal Gardens Manager Richard Brias and Home Radio Nagas station Manager Butch Villante was held on May 19, 2013 and which was participated

by the members of Caceres and Basilica Joggers and walkin joggers. Eternal Gardens invites everyone to jog and feel the serene ambience of the park while enjoying a fat-burning exercise with family and friends. The park is now open to all from 5 AM to 7 PM. Burn those calories and jog for fitness.

bikol reporter
Republic of the Philippines SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur

june 2 - 8, 2013
endeavor to harmonize local policies and/or programs in order to (a) apply these in spearheading and undertaking actions for the protection, sustainable development, conservation of forest lands and watersheds, including grazing in pasture lands, swamp and wetland areas, (b) promote reforestation / afforestation program and rehabilitation of critically denuded/degraded forest reservations, improvement of water resources use and sustainable development, wilderness areas and other natural reserves, sustainable development of trees/forest plantations, including rattan, bamboo and other minor forest resources, (c) rationalization of the wood-based industries, (d) regulation in the utilization and exploitation of forest resources, including wild flora and fauna, and(e) ensure continued supply of forest goods and services, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code. i. Land Management. The Provincial Government in consonance with the mandate of Paragraph 2, Section I, of the 1987 Constitution, Commonwealth Act No. 141, otherwise known as the Public Land Act, and the Republic No. 9176 (Amending Sec. 45, Chapter VII of Commonwealth Act No. 141) shall facilitate the acquisition, ownership, use and disposition of real properties and its increments in a way regulate the same in order to promote social justice. j. Mineral Resources Management. Pursuant to Section 465 of Republic Act No. 7160, which empowers the Local Chief Executive to adopt adequate measure to safeguard and conserve its mineral resources, it is hereby declared the policy of the Province to promote mineral resources rational exploration, development, sustainable utilization and conservation, to enhance economic growth in a way that it will not create adverse effect to the environment. k. Promotion of Organic Farming and Environment-friendly Pest Management Program. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to maximize utilization and production of compost organic materials as an alternative way of farming practices and adopts environmentally-compatible strategies such as integrated pest management technologies to economize farm inputs and implements thereby reducing economic burden and difficulties to the farmers. l. Public Disturbance. The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur in consonance with the mandate of the Local Government Code and the Civil Code of the Philippines shall enforce abatement proceedings of all forms of nuisance acts and behavior that threaten the peaceful and normal living conditions of people in the community. m. Safe Use and Handling of Harmful Chemicals. The Provincial Government recognizes the harmful effects of pesticides and other chemicals to human, plant and animal life as well as to the surrounding environment. Henceforth, it declares it a policy to regulate the usage and application, transport, storage and disposal of chemical bottles and containers as precautionary measures against toxic and poisonous effects. It is also declared a policy to prohibit the repacking or disposal of such chemicals without due approval by the authorized agency of the government and to the fertilizer and pesticide authority. n. Solid Waste Management. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to improve and maintain an effective enforcement of solid waste management system and services consistent with the policies on general hygiene and sanitation thereby ensuring public health and environmental protection consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003 known as the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Philippine Sanitation Code of 1975. o. Water Pollution. Consistent with Presidential Decree No. 856, governing sewage, sewerage treatment, collection and disposal of waste water and the Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275), the Provincial Government shall advance appropriate and effective strategies to ensure the protection of water and water sources for public welfare. p. Water Resources Management. The Provincial Government shall adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve all water resources within the province pursuant to the mandate of Republic Act No. 7160 and applicable provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as the Water Code of the Philippines. q. Wetland Management. It is hereby declared the policy of the province to ensure protection and conservation of wetlands, which has played a significant role in maintaining ecological balance, conservation of water resources and protection of wildlife within the province consistent with Republic Act No. 9147 and Ramsar Convention of which the Philippines is a signatory, not to mention the importance of wetlands as economic, social and cultural resources. Section 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Code, the following terms shall be defined as follows: a. Alien species refers to, with respect to a particular ecosystem, any species, including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that is not native to that ecosystem. b. Alienable and Disposable (A and D) Lands refers to those lands of the public domain excluding national and mineral lands which have been declared by law as not needed for forest purposes. c. Ancestral Domain refers to all areas generally belonging to indigenous peoples (IPs) comprising lands, inland waters and natural resources therein, held under a claim of ownership, occupied or possessed by IPs themselves or through their ancestors, communally or individually since time immemorial, continuously to the present. d. Aquaculture fishery operations involving all forms of raising and culturing fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish and marine areas. e. Aquatic Resources includes fish, all other aquatic flora and fauna and other living resources of the aquatic environment. f. Arboretum refers to a place where trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes. An arboretum differs from a botanic garden as the latter being a place for the exhibition and scientific study of collected, growing plants, usually in association with greenhouses, herbariums, laboratories, etc. g. Biological Diversity means the variability among living organisms including genetic, species and ecosystems. h. Buffer zones are identified areas outside the boundaries of and immediately adjacent to core zones of designated and protected areas that need special development control in order to avoid or minimize harm to the protected area. i. Civil Society refers to the private sphere of society and includes individuals and organizations that are autonomous and independent form the State. It includes NGOs, peoples organizations (POs), Church, private firms, academe, media and others. j. Climate Change refers to the average global warming which is an evidence of variations in climatic patterns. Other subsystems and processes within the climate system are expected to change with increasing global temperatures, wind directions, seasons, cyclones and storms, sea levels, ocean currents, etc. k. Coastal Area/Zone is a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa; its geographic extent may include areas within a landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from the shore-line at high tide to include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobaths to include coral reefs, algal flats, sea grass beds and other soft-bottom areas. l. Co-Management refers to a management arrangement where stakeholders establish a common governance mechanism to implement policies and plans and enforce commonly agreed rules and standards of practice. m. Commercial Fishing is the taking of fishery species by passive and active gears for trade and business beyond subsistence and sports fishing. It comes in two categories: 1. Small-scale fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing vessels of not less than three (3) gross tons but not exceeding twenty (20) gross tons; 2. Medium-scale fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing vessels of not less than twenty (20) gross tons but not more than one hundred fifty (150) gross tons. n. Communal forest refers to a tract of forest land set aside for a municipality by law or through a valid proclamation or order for the use of the residents of a municipality from

EXCERPTS FROM THE JOURNALS OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN OF CAMARINES SUR HELD AT THE SESSION HALL, LEGISLATIVE BUILDING, PROVINCIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX, CADLAN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR ON DECEMBER 14, 2012 Present: Hon. Fortunato C. Pea - Vice Governor & Presiding Officer Hon. Ruperto R. Alfelor - Board Member Hon. Emmanuel F. Llaguno - Board Member Hon. Warren A. Sear - Board Member Hon. Charina F. Pante - Board Member Hon. Darius S. Nopra - Board Member Hon. Wilfredo Rex C. Oliva - Board Member Hon. Angel G. Naval - Board Member Hon. Rudito P. Espiritu, Jr. - Board Member Hon. Alexander James D. Jaucian - Board Member, Ex-Officio(PCL Pres.) On Official Business: Hon. Romulo O. Hernandez Hon. Rosito T. Velarde Hon. Domingo U. Briones Leave: Hon. Ronnel C. Estampa - Board Member - Board Member - Board Member, Ex-Officio(LnB Pres) - Board Member, Ex-Officio(SK Pres.)

ORDINANCE NO. 034 Series of 2012 THE REVISED CAMARINES SUR ENVIRONMENT CODE OF 2012

BE IT ORDAINED, by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur in session assembled, that: CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE I TITLE, POLICIES, PRINCIPLES AND TERMINOLOGIES Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known as the Camarines Sur Environment Code of 2012 and shall hereinafter be referred to as the Code. Section 2. Declaration of Policy. The province of Camarines Sur consistent with the constitutionally declared policy which states that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm of nature (Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution), adopts the principle mandated under the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), particularly Section 3 (i) which states that the Local Government Units, shall share with the National Government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 and national policies. Pursuant to these policies, the Province shall: Continuation of Ord. 034, series of 2012 (a) ensure, for the benefit of the people of Camarines Sur, the practical exploration, sustainable development, judicious utilization and efficient conservation of the Provinces forest, mineral, land, waters, fisheries, wildlife, offshore areas and other natural resources consistent with the necessity of maintaining a sound ecological balance and protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment and the objective of making the exploration, development and utilization of such natural resources equitably accessible to the different segments of the present as well as the future generations; (b) recognize and apply a true value system that takes into account the social and environmental cost implications relative to the utilization, development and conservation of our natural resources; and (c) ensure the attainment of an environment-quality, diversity and sustainability that is conducive to a life of dignity and well-being. In view of the aforementioned, the Province shall carry out the following mandates: a. Air Pollution Control. The Provincial Government consistent with Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, shall ensure the proper management and maintenance of air quality standards within its territorial jurisdiction and shall create local policies, laws and regulations for the protection of public health and its environment. b. Biodiversity Conservation and Cultural Resource Preservation. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to intensify biodiversity protection and cultural resource preservation in accordance with the provisions prescribed under existing policies and promotion of peoples participation in the conservation effort of such resources cited under Letter of Instruction No. 1312, series of 1983; Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991; Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, and Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997; Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001; and Republic Act No. 9072, otherwise known as the Cave Resources Conservation and Management Act of 2002, respectively. c. Sustainable Ecotourism Development and Management. The Provincial Government hereby declares the policy to adopt ecological tourism as a major strategy for the sustainable development, conservation and preservation of existing and potential ecotourism attractions, cognizant to Presidential Executive Order No. 120-A, Executive Order No. 111 (Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines) and Section 17 (xii), Chapter II, Book I of Republic Act No. 7160. d. Energy. It is declared the policy of the Provincial Government to promote, develop and utilize the conventional and non-conventional energy resources to complement the ever increasing demand for electric power brought by industrialization, urbanization and population growth in the province. e. Engineering and Infrastructure Management. The Provincial Government shall ensure the integration of environmental safety and protection in all engineering works and infrastructure development projects consistent with Presidential Decree No.1594 (DPWH Standard Specifications) and Presidential Decree No. 1586 (Environmental Impact Assessment System). f. Environmental Assessment and Monitoring. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to enforce and implement Environmental Impact Assessment System as provided under Presidential Decree No. 1586 over small and medium enterprises engaged in the utilization, production, development and processing of natural resources which have adverse effects to the environment. g. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Protection and Management. It is hereby declared a policy of the province to ensure protection and conservation of the municipal waters towards sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource management consistent with the mandate of Republic Act No. 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fishery Code of 1998. h. Forest Resources Protection and Management. This Code, consistent with the National Policies concerning the management and rehabilitation of forest resources shall

bikol reporter
which said residents may establish forest plantations and/or tree farm, cut, collect and remove forest products for their personal use in accordance with the existing laws and regulation. Each municipality is entitled to a maximum of 5,000 hectares of communal forest as provided in Section 17 (b) (2) (ii) of Republic Act No. 7160. o. Community-Based Forest Management refers to the national strategy of involving and empowering communities on forest management in order to ensure the sustainability of forest resources and the equitable distribution of access to and benefits from them. p. Controlled Dumpsite refers to a disposal site at which solid waste is deposited in accordance with the minimum prescribed standards of site operation. q. Critically Endangered Species refers to a species that is facing an extremely high risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range r. Cultural Resource Inventory an inventory of an areas cultural resources, including sites of historic, religious, economic and cultural significance, populations and habitats of species with high social importance, recreational trails and infrastructure, and other areas of cultural importance. s. De Facto refers to open access conditions resulting from an inability of a resource owner or manager to enforce its ownership and authority by the way of effectively excluding or regulating non-owners from the use thereof, thereby rendering the utilization of the resource under open and unregulated conditions as if there is no owner or manager. The failure of regulatory controls by resource owners or managers inevitably results in the destruction of the resource and overall losses in public welfare. t. Disposal Site refers to any designated area where the solid wastes shall be discharged, deposited and dumped. u. Ecosystem refers to the complex of a community of organisms and their environment. v. Ecotourism a purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people. w. Emission refers to the act of releasing or passing into atmosphere an air contaminant, pollutant, gas stream and unwanted sound from any known sources. x. Endangered Species refers to a species that is facing a very high risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. y. Environment refers to all conditions, circumstances, and influences surrounding, and affecting the development of an organism or group of organisms, including all factors that are critical determinants of the quality of life. In the broader context, it encompasses all the factors that direct the lives of humans, such as economic, social, cultural, political, and historical. z. Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) refer to those socially, ecologically and geologically sensitive areas declared by law or valid proclamation as: (a) areas for natural parks, watershed reserves, wildlife preserves and sanctuaries; (b) areas set aside as scenic/aesthetic and potential tourist spots; (c) areas which are the habitat of endangered species; (d) areas possessing unique historic, archaeological or scientific interest; (e) areas traditionally occupied by the indigenous communities; (f) areas with critical slope; (g) areas frequently visited by natural calamities; (h) prime agricultural lands; (i) recharges areas of liquefiers; (j) water bodies; (k) mangroves areas; (l) coral reefs; (m) mossy and virgin forest; (n) river banks; and (o) swampland and marshland. Technically, it may also validly refer to environmentally critical projects. aa. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) refers to a document that provides a set of conditions issued by the DENR, as the case may be, pursuant to law, in favor of the proponent, after a project has been reviewed and evaluated and proven that such project will not bring about unacceptable environmental impacts and that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of Presidential Decree No. 1586 and Proclamation No. 2146, which declares certain areas and types of projects as environmentally critical and prescribes the review and approval process thereof. bb. Fauna refers to all species of animals. cc. Fine Mesh Net net with mesh size of less than three (3) centimeters measured between two (2) opposite knots of a full mesh when stretched or as otherwise determined by the appropriate government agency. dd. Fish Cage refers to enclosure which is either stationary or floating made up of nets or screen sewn or fastened together and installed in the water with opening at the surface or covered and held in place by wooden/bamboo posts or various types of anchors and floats. ee. Fisherfolk people directly or personally and physically engaged in taking and/or culturing and processing fishery and/or aquatic resources. ff. Fisherfolk Organization an organized group, association, federation, alliance or an institution of fisherfolk which has at least fifteen (15) members, a set of officers, a constitution and by-laws, an organizational structure and a program of action. gg. Fishing the taking of fishery species from their wild state or habitat, with or without the use of fishing vessels. hh. Fishing with Noxious or Poisonous Substances the use of any substance, plant extracts or juice thereof, sodium cyanide and/or cyanide compounds or other chemicals either in a raw or processed form, harmful or harmless to human beings, which will kill, stupefy, disable or render unconscious any fishery species and aquatic resources and capable of damaging and altering the natural habitat. ii. Fish Pen an artificial enclosure constructed within a body of water for culturing fish and fishery/aquatic resources made up of poles closely arranged in an enclosure with wooden materials, screen or nylon netting to prevent escape of fish. jj. Fishpond a land-based facility enclosed with earthen or stone material to impound water for culturing and growing fish, crabs, and shrimps. kk. Flora refers to all species of plants. ll. Forest refers to an ecosystemor assemblage of ecosystems dominated by trees and other woody vegetation with overlapping crowns having at least twenty percent (20%) canopy closure and a minimum area of 0.5 hectare. mm. Forest Lands lands of the public domain classified as such under the land classification program of the DENR and all unclassified lands of the public domain. Included in this definition are the public forests, the permanent forests or forest reserves, and the forest reservations. nn. Forest Lease Agreements a privilege granted by the State to a person, group or corporation to utilize forest resources within forestland of the public domain with the right of possession and occupation in consideration of a specified rental thereof to the exclusion of others, except the government, but with the corresponding obligation to develop, protect and rehabilitate the same in accordance with the term and conditions set forth in said agreement. oo. Forest Products refers to timber, pulp wood, firewood, bark, tree top, resin, gum, wood, oil, honey, beeswax, nipa, rattan, or other forest growth such as grass, shrub, and flowering plants, associated water, fish, game, scenic, historical, recreational and geologic resources in forestlands (Presidential Decree No. 705). pp. Global Warming refers to the forced changing of climate resulting from the rapid increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), perflourocarbons (PFCs), hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SHF), and water vapor. qq. Greenbelts refers to areas around the town, cities and other centers of the population reserved as such by the President wherein the development is strictly controlled for the purpose of providing the residents of the community with a healthy and wholesome environment. rr. Greenhouse Effect a natural phenomenon, which is similar to the situation that occurs inside a greenhouse where certain heat-trapping gases in the earths atmosphere, referred to as greenhouse gases or GHG, act like a greenhouses glass roof creating a climate which enables life on this planet to thrive. ss. Guano refers to accumulated droppings or excrements of bats and birds in caves and does not include phosphate rocks. tt.

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Guano Permit a document granted by the Provincial Governor to any qualified individual to extract and utilize loose and unconsolidated guano materials in a specific caves and/or for confined sites with localities in any portion of a municipality where he has established domicile. uu. Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit an instrument granted by the Provincial Governor to any qualified person for the extraction of sand and gravel and other loose or unconsolidated materials that necessitate the use of mechanical processing covering an area of not more than five (5) hectares at any time. vv. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) refers to the document required of proponents describing the environmental impact of, and mitigation and enhancement measures for, projects or undertaking located in an environmentally critical area, including areas outside the coverage of the Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment System pursuant to Section 132 of this Code. ww. Inland Fishery the freshwater fishery and brackish water fishponds. xx. Invasive Species - means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species are non-nativespeciesthat disrupt and replaceindigenousspecies. yy. Lake an inland body of water, an expanded part of a river, a reservoir formed by a dam, or a lake basin intermittently or formerly covered by water. zz. Leachate refers to the liquid produced when waste undergo decomposition and when water percolate through solid waste undergoing decomposition. aaa. Lease a privilege granted by the State to a person to occupy and possess, in consideration of specified rental, any land of the public domain in order to undertake any authorized activity therein. bbb. License refers to the privilege granted by the State to a person to utilize natural resources within any land, without any right of occupation and possession over the same to the exclusion of others, or establish or operate a manufacturing plant, or conduct any activity involving the utilization of the natural resources covered by the license. ccc. Mangrove is the term applied to the type of forest occurring on tidal flats along the sea coast, extending along streams where the water is brackish consisting of a community of plants including trees, shrubs, vines and herbs. ddd. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) also referred to as aCooperative Agreement, it is adocumentwritten between parties tocooperateand/or collaborate on an agreed upon project or meet an agreed objective. The purpose of the MOA is to have a written understanding of the agreement between parties. eee. Material Recovery Facility includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a composting facility and a recycling facility. fff. Minerals refer to all naturally occurring inorganic substance in solid, gas, liquid or any intermediate state including state excluding energy materials such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials and geothermal energy. ggg. Mining Permit includes exploration, quarry, sand and gravel (commercial, industrial and exclusive), gratuitous (government or private), guano, gemstone gathering, and small-scale mining permits. hhh. Mining Right means a right to explore, develop or utilize mineral resources. iii. Municipal Waters include rivers, streams, lakes, subterranean, tidal waters and other inland waters within the territorial jurisdiction of a municipality that are not subject to private ownership and not included within protected areas, public forests, timberlands, forest reserves or fishery reserves; and covers marine waters included between two (2) lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a third line parallel with the general coastline including offshore island and fifteen (15) kilometers from such coastline; where two (2) municipalities are so situated that there is less than thirty (30) kilometers of marine waters between them the third line shall be drawn equidistant from the opposite shores of the respective municipalities. jjj. National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) is the classification and administration of all designated protected areas to maintain essential ecological processes and life-support system, or preserve genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible as provided in Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the NIPAS Act of 1992. kkk. Noise means an erratic, intermittent or statistically random oscillation, or any unwanted sound. lll. Nuisance anything that injures health, endangers life, offends the senses or produces discomfort to a person or group of persons. mmm. PAGASA refers to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geological and Astronomical Services Administration. nnn. PAMB refers to the Protected Area Management Board. ooo. Permit is a short term privilege or authority granted by the State to a person to utilize any limited natural resources or undertake a limited activity within a piece of land without any right of occupation or possession therein. ppp. Person includes natural as well as juridical entities. qqq. Production Forests refer to areas with slope from 0-50 percent developed to supply commercial timber and non-timber products such as bamboo, rattan, horticultural crops, e.g. fruit trees, nut trees, mangrove, gums and resins, spices, fiber trees, vines, palms or a combination thereof. rrr. Protected Areas refer to identified portions of land and water set aside by reason of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. sss. Protection Forests refer to areas regardless of slope which are highly erodible or too rocky for establishment of production forests, developed for the primary objective of establishing vegetative cover to prevent erosion, conserve and produce water, and nurture wildlife. ttt. Public Consultation refers to a stage of public participation at which information is disseminated and opinions gathered in public in order to ensure that public concerns are fully integrated into the process of environmental impact assessment. uuu. Quarry Permit refers to a document granted to qualified person for the extraction utilization of quarry resources on public or private lands. vvv. Quarry Resources shall mean those included in the enumeration set forth in Ordinance No. 008 Series of 1995 such as ordinary stone, sand, gravel, earth, marl, marble, granite, volcanic cinders, basalt, tuff, rock phosphate, limestone for lime, clay talc, gypsum, barnite, bentonite, feldspar, gemstone, pyrite for fertilizers, perlite and silica extracted from public lands, or from the beds of seas, lakes, rivers, stream, creeks, and other public waters within the territorial jurisdiction of the Province. www. Rare Species refers to any species with very low occurrences in its normal distributional range and/or habitat, as a result natural factors or human actions. xxx. Recreation Forest refers to a tract of public forest land, forested or non-forested, and may contain both production and protection forests, developed for the additional or primary purpose of providing non-destructive recreational pursuits such as, but not limited to, camping, bush walking, bird watching, mountaineering, and nature observations/studies. yyy. Sand and Gravel Permit (a) a document granted by the Provincial Governor to any government entity or instrumentality to extract sand and gravel, quarry or loose unconsolidated materials needed in the construction of building and/or infrastructure for public use or other purposes over an area of not more than two (2) hectares for a period coterminous with the said construction project; and (b) a document granted to a qualified person to extract and remove sand and gravel or other loose unconsolidated materials which are used in their natural state without undergoing processing from an area of not more than five (5) hectares.

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zzz. Scoping refers to the second step in the process or procedures for the conduct of the EIA where the information requirement is established. This stage is considered to be important as it can provide to the proponent a clear direction for the EIA work. aaaa. Small-scale Mining refers to mining activities which rely heavily on manual labor using simple implements and methods and do not use explosives or heavy mechanized equipment; bbbb. Solid Waste refers to all discarded household materials (excluding human excrement), commercial waste, non-hazardous institutional and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste, and other non-hazardous/nontoxic solid waste such as but not limited to food waste, rubbish, ashes, dead animals, abandoned vehicles, sewage treatment sludge in non-liquid form, incinerator ash and residue, hospital wastes, and funeral waste; and special wastes, whether combustible or non-combustible such as paper, rags, cartons, woods, tin cans, lawn clippings, glass, or litter of any kind. cccc. Species means a group of organisms all of which have a high degree of physical and genetic similarity, generally interbreed only among themselves, and show persistent differences from members of allied groups of organisms. dddd. Sustainable Development refers to a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts: (a) the concept ofneeds, in particular the essential needs of the worlds poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and (b) the idea oflimitationsimposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environments ability to meet present and future needs. (Brundtland Commission) eeee. Sustainable Use refers to the utilization of natural resources in a way that does not lead to the decline of resources in the long-term. ffff. Swamp is a type of wetland often near rivers or streams featuring temporary or permanent inundation of large areas of land, by shallow bodies of water, that is dominated by woody plants (shrubs and trees) and other typical vegetation, but has limited potential for cultivation. gggg. Threatened Species refer to species that are facing a certain degree of risk throughout its range and is likely to become extinct within the foreseeable future if no action is taken to protect it. hhhh. Tree Park a relatively small area established and situated in conspicuous area of the community occupied with natural or planted trees and other ornamental plant species maintained and developed for recreational and educational purposes. iiii. Utilization refers to the extraction and/or disposition of natural resources for personal or commercial purposes. jjjj. Vulnerable Species refers to a species that is facing a high risk of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range kkkk. Waste includes both solid and liquid wastes. llll. Watershed refers to a land drained by a stream or fixed tributaries having a common outlet for surface runoff. Small watershed areas specifically refer to those that are identified by local government or the proper agency as sources of water supply for communities, which shall be closed to all human activity except for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or religious use by indigenous communities. mmmm. Wetlands refers to areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters (RAMSAR Convention). Definition of other terms, not herein specifically defined, may also be based upon accepted definitions through usage or scientific understanding. ARTICLE II MANDATE AND AUTHORITY Section 5. Mandate. Pursuant to Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare of its constituents as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. Within its territorial jurisdiction, the Provincial Government shall ensure and support among other things, programs, policies and measures geared towards the promotion of health and safety, the enhancement of the peoples lives in a balanced ecology, the encouragement and development of appropriate environment-friendly technologies, improvement of public morals and social justice and the preservation of the comfort and convenience of its inhabitants. Section 6. Authority. Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act. No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, particularly Sections 2(a), 2(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f) up to 3(m), 5(a), 5(c), 16,17, 26, 27, 33, 34, 35, 36, 129, 186 and 289, thereof; including Sections 389(b) (9), 444 (b) (3)(vii), 455(b) (3) (v), 465 (b) (3) (v) which mandate the Municipal Mayor, City Mayor, and Provincial Governor, respectively, to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources; Section 447 (a) (1) (vi), Section 458 (1) (vi),and Section 468 (a) (1) (vi), which provide for the authorities of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan, respectively, to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment such as dynamite fishing and other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources, products and endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes, or ecological balance, this Code is hereby enacted. The Provincial Government shall also be mandated to impose payments for environmental services on the use and development of natural resources by public, private, non-government, and other entities in Camarines Sur. ARTICLE III OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES Section 7. Objectives. This Code is enacted for the following objectives: A. To promote the principles of ecologically sustainable development 1. that the utilization, development, conservation, and protection of the environment and natural resources should be the primary mandate and responsibility of the Local Government Units in a manner and at a rate that enable the people and communities to provide for their economic, social and physical welfare and secure their health and well-being, while a. sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; b. safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of air, water, land and ecosystems; c. avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment; and 2. that proper weight should be given to both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, -social and equity considerations in deciding all matters relating to natural resources, -sustainable use, protection, restoration, and enhancement. B. To ensure that all reasonable and practicable measures are taken by the LGUs in order to 1. restore, enhance, and protect the quality of the environment by giving high regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development; 2. prevent, reduce, minimize, and, where practicable, eliminate harm to the environment and its ecological components; 3. regulate activities, consumption of products and substances, and delivery of services that generate wastes that cause harm to the environment, including the generation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of wastes in an integrated, systematic, and cost effective manner;

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4. coordinate activities, policies and programs necessary to prevent, reduce, minimize or eliminate environmental harm to ensure effective environmental protection, restoration and enhancement; 5. facilitate adoption and implementation of environment protection measures agreed on by the national government and the local government units in the Province under the aegis of inter-LGU arrangements for greater uniformity and effectiveness in environmental protection; 6. apply the precautionary approach to the assessment of risk of environment quality relating to pollution and waste, including ecosystem sustainability and valued environmental attributes; 7. require persons, natural or juridical, engaged in pollution activities to progressively make environmental improvements including reduction of pollution and wastes at source as many improvements are practicable through technological and economic developments; 8. equitably allocate the costs of environmental protection and restoration in a manner that encourages the responsible use of land, reduce harm to the environment with polluters bearing an appropriate share of the costs arising from their activities, products, substances and services; 9. provide for monitoring and reporting on environmental quality and of the state of the environment on a regular basis to ensure compliance with environmental laws, rules and regulations and the maintenance of a record and documentation of trends and best practices in environmental quality; and 10. promote (a) industry and community education, involvement and decisions about the protection, restoration and enhancement of the environment, and (b) disclosure of, and public access to, information about significant environmental incidents and hazards. Section 8. Purposes. This Code is enacted for the following purposes: 1. To make operational the powers and responsibilities of the Local Government Units in Camarines Sur in the delivery of general welfare services particularly in environment and natural resources management and provide guidance to municipalities and barangays in the exercise of their powers; 2. To establish the framework for a local government-driven, inter-agency, and multisector system of environmental management in the Province; 3. To ensure ecologically-sound and sustainable development in Camarines Sur through collaborative efforts between concerned government agencies, non-government agencies, communities, business sector, other relevant stakeholders; 4. To regulate, control, and guide future growth and development of the local government units in the pursuit of their common vision of progress through agro-forestry and ecotourism within the context of wise management and sustainable development of the natural, biophysical, cultural and historical heritage of the Province; 5. To develop well-defined policies and mechanisms for the protection, preservation and management of the Provinces natural resources and environment, and to properly inform the constituents about the environment and natural resources management policies and mechanisms of the Province 6. To ensure the strict enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, policies and issuances; 7. To establish a mechanism for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Code giving consideration to socio-cultural interests and strong peoples participation. Section 9. Operative Principles. (a) It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, its component city and municipalities, in cooperation with concerned non-government agencies, non-government organizations, peoples organizations, civic and private organizations, and other relevant entities, to use all practicable means consistent with other essential considerations of national policy, in promoting the general welfare of all constituents to the end that the Province shall: 1. recognize, discharge and fulfill the responsibilities of every generation as trustee and guardian of the environment for the benefit and satisfaction of the succeeding generations; 2. assure the constituents of a safe, wholesome, healthful, productive, and aesthetic environment; 3. encourage the optimum level of sustainable use of the environment and natural resources in the Province without causing degradation or endangering human life, health and safety or creating conditions adverse to agriculture, commerce and industry, and productivity; 4. preserve important, historic, and cultural heritage of the Province of Camarines Sur; 5. attain a rational and sustainable balance between population and resource use; 6. increase the exploration, adoption and application of renewable energy and ensure the efficient and sustainable use of non-renewable resources; and 7. encourage research on and grant incentives for the efficient and sustainable application of renewable energy. (b) It shall also be the responsibility of the Province to formulate and implement policies and measures for the protection of the environment, sustainable use of natural resources, and the promotion of healthful ecology, which shall be guided by the following principles: 1. A system that will promote and sustain relevant, efficient strategies and modern technologies for the protection of the environment and natural resources, primarily in the areas of research and management, shall be developed and enhanced; 2. Relevant and effective policies and strategies that will ensure proper implementation of environmental programs and projects as well as the strict enforcement of pertinent laws, rules and regulations shall be formulated; 3. An accountable, efficient and dynamic organizational structure and operating mechanism that will plan, implement, direct, assist, coordinate, monitor and/or evaluate all environmental laws, policies, programs and projects in Camarines Sur shall be developed; 4. Vesting of duties, responsibilities and accountabilities on personnel shall be complemented with the provision of reasonably adequate resources to enable the proper and efficient discharge of powers and functions; 5. A partnership of local government units, government agencies, other government agencies, non-government organizations, peoples organizations, and other stakeholders within the territorial jurisdiction of Camarines Sur shall be encouraged for purposes of ensuring the effective protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources; 6. An institutional mechanisms that will sustain or reinforce the implementation of this Code, pertinent existing laws and issuances and promote proper and mutual consultation with the people on matters involving the utilization, development and conservation of natural resources shall be instituted; 7. A meticulous adherence to the basic fundamentals of co-management approach allowing multi-sector participation in the management and sustainable development of natural resources, and in the discussion and resolution of environmental issues; and CHAPTER 2 NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE IV FOREST RESOURCES Section 10. Scope and Coverage. This section covers the conservation, protection, development and sustainable utilization of all forest resources within forestland areas and alienable and disposable lands in the province. Section 11. Authority. In addition to the power of the Province to adopt measures to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts inimical to the environment, such as illegal logging, smuggling of logs, illegal trade of wildlife, trafficking of natural resources including endangered species of flora and fauna, in-situ collection of wildlife, cutting of forest for charcoal, and slash-and-burn farming, the Provincial Government shall reinforce the authority of the DENR by carrying out the following:

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a. enforce forestry laws and regulations pertaining to illegal logging, extraction of forest products, unlawful occupation of forest areas, destruction of forest lands, prevention of forest fire, and kaingin, and on community-based forestry projects as devolved to the province pursuant to Section 17(b) (3) (iii), RA 7160, particularly in municipal/city communal forests, integrated social forestry areas, community-based forest management areas, and small watersheds.; b. apprehend violators of forestry laws, rules and regulations, confiscation of illegally extracted forest products in situ and assist in the preparation and filing of criminal complaints in courts; c. impose appropriate penalties for illegal logging, illegal trade of wildlife, smuggling of natural resources including endangered species of flora and fauna, and other unlawful activities; d. recommend for the forfeiture of confiscated lumber, assist the DENR in confiscating, , and disposing of illegally cut and transported forest products, conveyances, equipment and other implements used in the commission of offenses penalized under existing forestry and wildlife laws; e. strictly monitor the operation of wood processing enterprises, legitimate log and lumber dealers, furniture shops, and other related establishments to ensure they conform with applicable laws, rules and regulations; and f. establish communal forests, watersheds or sub-watersheds, local conservation areas and wildlife sanctuaries, and implement Integrated Social Forestry and Community-Based Forest Management as people-oriented forest conservation and protection strategies. In performing the functions stipulated in Section 11 (c), (d) and (e), the Provincial Government shall closely coordinate and collaborate with the DENR, which is the government agency mandated by law to exercise authority on forestry matters. Section 12. Governing Laws. The pertinent forestry provisions of this Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws: 1. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 2. Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code), as amended; 3. Presidential Executive Order No. 263, series of 1995, (Community-based Forest Management Strategy); 4. Letter of Instruction No. 1260 (Integrated Social Forestry Program); 5. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992); 6. DENR Administrative Order No. 78, series of 1997, (Interim Guidelines on the Cutting/Gathering of Narra and other Premium Species); 7. Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001); 8. DENR Administrative Order No.78, series of 1992 (Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation of DENR Functions Devolved to the Local Government Units); and 9. Joint DENR-DILG Memorandum Circular No. 98-01 (Manual of Procedures for DENR-DILG LGU Partnership on Devolved and other Forest Management Functions). Section 13. Operative Principles. In consideration of the multiple economic, ecological, aesthetic, scientific and educational services that forest resources provide and in recognition of the increasing demand for timber, water, recreation forest, and conservation of biological diversity, it is hereby declared to authorize the Governor to fully exercise his powers and initiatives to ensure the perpetual existence of adequate natural forest areas and resources for the sustainable use and enjoyment of the people through efficient and judicious management of natural resources. Forest management initiatives of the various local government units of the Province shall be consistent with the following principles: 1. the timber needs of the people of the Province must, as far practicable, be supplied through a rational and integrated timber production scheme that is capable of ensuring a stable and long-term wood supply in the Province: 2. the water requirements of the people of the Province shall not be jeopardized and the indefinite supply for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and navigational requirements for growth and progress shall be ensured through the establishment of a Watershed Management System in the Province; 3. the natural forests, wildlife, and landscape shall be managed for scientific research, education, recreation, and ecological stability the efficient management of which shall serve as the major catalyst for the conservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage of Camarines Sur; and. 4. an adequate swamp and mangrove forest resources shall be maintained to preserve the productive capacity of coastal and inland freshwater fisheries in the Province. By virtue of their mandates and authority, the City and Municipal Governments shall implement the following: a. community-based and socialized forestry programs and similar projects, pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160, except those located in protected areas and critical watersheds; b. establishment and maintenance of communal forests with an area not exceeding fifty (50) square kilometers, pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160; provided, that the concerned local government unit shall endeavor to convert into a community based forestry projects; c. rules and regulations pursuant to Section 12 of Executive Order No. 263, and other DENR guidelines; d. regular reforestation projects, including those located in protected areas, critical watersheds and recognized ancestral domains, provided that only indigenous species will be planted in these specified areas; e. community-based reforestation and afforestation projects and other similar projects subject to policies and procedures prescribed by existing laws and regulations; f. Forest Land Management Agreement and/or Community-Based Forest Management Agreement in accordance with the policies promulgated by the DENR and guidelines set by Executive Order No. 263; g. establishment of locally-based forest management programs patterned after the Barangay Forest Protection and Management Scheme, a project under the Provincial Co-Management Model; h. management, protection, rehabilitation and maintenance of small watersheds that are sources of local water supply as identified or to be identified by the DENR and the LGU concerned; i. establishment, protection and maintenance of tree parks, greenbelts, pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160 and Joint DENR-DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2003-01, and other tourism related areas identified and delineated by the DENR and/or LGU, except those within protected areas and delineated ancestral domains, and collect fees for services rendered and the use of facilities established therein; j. regulation of extraction, utilization and introduction of flora and fauna outside National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAs), including industries and businesses engaged in their propagation and development, such as orchidaria and nurseries, as well as exportation and importation of the same; provided, that such businesses and industries are registered with the DENR and have complied with the guidelines set by Republic Act No. 9147, for monitoring purposes; and provided further, that the flora and fauna shall not include species listed as threatened under globally defined criteria; k. Rehabilitation In Conservation Hotspots (RICH) and Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species (CRES) activities in areas identified and delineated by the DENR and/or by LGU concerned, except within protected areas; and l. implementation of Soil Resource and Conservation Projects. By virtue of its mandate and authority, the Barangay Government shall implement the following: 1. protection and management of forests within its jurisdiction; 2. establishment and maintenance of community-based nurseries; 3. creation of Barangay Forest Protection and Law Enforcement Council, (BFPLEC) through a Barangay Resolution and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to be headed by the

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Barangay Chairman with the following as members: Peoples Organizations (PO), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), if indigenous people are involved; and Tribal Council, if the same is present in the area; provided that in protected areas, the BFPLEC shall be accredited by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB); 4. Pass Ordinances on Barangay Forest Protection; 5. Implement tree planting activities; and 6. Monitor projects on the ground. In carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Provincial Government shall enhance the capacity of component city and municipal governments to provide forest management services to constituent barangays which in turn provide direct guidance and support to the initiatives of peoples organizations, government agencies, and individuals and households; provided, that the Governor shall implement the forestry provisions of this Code in close collaboration with concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities, particularly the DENR, and the private sector. Section 14. Operationalization of Devolved Production Forest Management Functions. The Provincial Government, upon consultation and coordination with the DENR, shall assist the component city and municipal governments in establishing, operating and managing their communal forests, community-based forestry projects, reforestation projects, and related programs as provided under section 17 (b) (2) (ii), Republic Act No. 7160, including the establishment of small watershed areas pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 1992. Section 15. Forest Resources Conservation and Management Framework. Within twelve (12) months after the effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall adopt a Provincial Forest Resources Management and Protection Framework to serve as a guide for component city and municipal governments in preparing their forest resources management and protection plans. The FRMPF shall outline the strategic direction of how forest resources in the province shall be conserved, managed, protected and preserved how the city and municipal governments may promote investments, create jobs, and generate local government revenues through production, protection and recreational forestry programs or projects. Furthermore, the Framework shall be formulated, adopted, and implemented in collaboration with National Government Agencies, particularly the DENR and the private sector in accordance with law; subject however, to the condition that the framework shall be in conformity with the Provincial Physical Framework Plan (PPFP). Section 16. Promotion of Production and Plantation Forests. In order to ensure adequate raw material to meet increasing demands of household, infrastructure, agriculture, and industries for timber, fuelwood, and other forest products, the following strategies and programs shall be implemented: (a) Camarines Sur Tree Farming Program (CSTFP). The CSTFP is hereby established as a regular program of the Provincial Government, and as such, shall be integrated into the provinces its development and investment plans. The CSTFP shall be the primary strategy to address the issues of natural resources conservation, ecosystem management, climate change mitigation, and environment-friendly livelihoods in the province. The CSTFP shall be community-based and shall be provided support in terms of appropriate policy, technical assistance, education, capability building, law enforcement, loan assistance, and tenurial security services; provided, that the Program shall be implemented in close collaboration with the DENR and that harvesting, processing, and marketing of products from the CSTFP shall be in accordance with pertinent forest laws and regulations; provided, further, that the CSTFP shall be under the supervision of the EDMERO. (b) Camarines Sur Tree Enterprise Development Program (CSTEDP). The CSTEDP shall be established as a strategy for ensuring a sufficient supply of commercial timber to address the need of the wood industry, such as furniture and handicraft making, wood processing, lumber business, construction, and other similar enterprises in the province. The areas for the CSTEDP shall be properly designated and shall be outside of established protected areas, CSTFP areas, tree planting sites, El Verde program sites, and areas utilized for environmental rehabilitation and reforestation projects. The local government units may provide sites for the CSTEDP as a joint venture with the private proponents through a Memorandum of Agreement or a Lease Agreement for a duration of fifteen (15) years and renewable for another 15 years. The proponents shall secure a permit from the DENR for the tree enterprise project and shall be subject to monitoring by the DENR, and harvesting and transport regulations, as provided for by existing laws. Provincial Government may invest and operate its own tree enterprise for revenue generation, commercial purposes, and developing suitable working models; provided, that, the issuance of tenurial instruments and usufruct permits shall remain under the jurisdiction of the DENR, in accordance with law. (c) Establishment of Nurseries for Seedling Production. There shall be established in every local government unit (city/municipality/barangay) site-based nurseries for seedling production to supply the requirement for planting materials of the CSTFP and the CSTEDP, provided that, the seedlings propagated in the nurseries shall be of dipterocarps, indigenous, native, and other naturally growing tree, species; provided, further that, the nurseries shall also cater to the seedling requirements of public and private tree planting and tree plantation projects or programs. Section 17. Implementation of Community-Based Forestry Programs. a) Integrated Social Forestry (ISF) and Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM).Pursuant to Executive Order No. 263, the Provincial Government shall actively promote the implementation of forest management programs that involved and participated in by communities and the Local Government Units. It shall encourage agro-forestry and other income generating support programs for the ISF and CBFM stakeholders and shall periodically conduct monitoring and evaluation of the performance of ISF and CBFM projects and beneficiaries. The establishment of on-farm production forests and mangrove plantations in ISF and CBFM areas shall be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement with the beneficiaries; Provided, that, regulation and monitoring of ISF and CBFM areas shall be the responsibility of city and municipal LGUs and shall include developing the capacity of barangay councils to eventually administer these projects; Provided, further, that issuances of applicable tenurial instruments shall remain under the jurisdiction of the DENR in accordance with law. The implementation of the Integrated Social Forestry and Community-Based Forest Management projects shall be in accordance with existing laws and policies that call for the effective partnership between the DENR and LGUs, Republic Act No. 7160, DENR Administrative Order No. 92-30, DENR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 9801, DENR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2003-01, and Executive Order No. 263. b) Establishment and Operationalization of Community-Based Forest Management Programs. The Provincial Government shall promote and encourage the city/municipal governments, non-government organizations, civic societies, and the private sectors to assist and support communities in establishing and operationalizing communal forests, community based-forestry projects, and similar other forest management initiatives. Section 18. Total Log Ban and Regulation of Chain Saws. a) Enforcement of Total Log Ban. The Provincial Government, in coordination with the DENR and the LGUs, shall enforce a total log ban in natural forest lands alienable and disposable lands, public lands, and private lands; Provided, that, the ban shall only cover naturally-growing trees, threatened tree species, trees with historical significance, and trees in designated firebreak and buffer zones. b) Registration and Regulation of Sawmills, Lumber Dealers and Wood-Processing Plants. The Provincial Government, in coordination and collaboration with the DENR and LGUs, shall strictly regulate the establishment of sawmills and wood processing plants to ensure that only timber products coming from the CSTEDP areas shall be processed. Likewise, the Provincial Government shall develop a system for registering and meticulous issuance of licenses or business permits for the establishment and operation of sawmills, lumber dealers, and wood-processing plants. Appropriate guidelines for its regulation shall be promulgated therefor.

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c) Registration and Monitoring of the Use of Chainsaws. The Provincial Government, after a thorough review and assessment by the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) of the permit application, shall issue clearance prior to registration of chainsaws by the DENR. In coordination with the DENR, it shall monitor the usage of chainsaws in the province, and all acts emanating from the operation of unregistered chainsaws shall be meted with appropriate penalties in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9175, otherwise known as the Chain Saw Act of 2002. Section 19. Limited Production Forest in Protected Areas. The Governor shall actively support the promotion of limited production forests in multiple use zones within protected areas and buffer zones as stipulated in RA 7186 (NIPAS Act), and the issuance of the necessary tenurial instruments relative to this scheme; Provided, that, the timber species to be planted in these zones shall consist only of indigenous and native species and exclude introduced and exotic species. Section 20. Timber Inventory in Alienable and Disposal Lands. (a) Within one (1) year upon the effectivity of this Code, the component City and Municipal Mayors shall complete One Hundred Percent (100%) inventory of alienable and disposal (A and D) lands, in order to rationalize the issuance of clearances, business permits, collection of fees and charges, and associated local government support services for the utilization of timber and minor forest products in A and D lands, and to protect timber resources in government-owned lands, including protected areas, from unauthorized harvest; Provided, that the imposition of fees and charges is authorized under appropriate city and municipal ordinance(s);and, (b) upon completion of the 100% inventory or after one (1) year from the effectivity of this Code, whichever comes first, the City/Municipal Mayor may, subject to an ordinance enacted for the purpose by the concerned Sanggunians, impose appropriate penalties, fees and/or charges for such clearances, business permits, and/or local government support services covering unregistered timber on A and D lands; Provided, that the Provincial Government shall provide technical assistance and services to concerned city and municipal governments upon request; Provided, further, that the Provincial Government shall be responsible in securing the cooperation and participation of national government agencies, most particularly the DENR, nongovernment organizations, and peoples organizations in the conduct of the timber inventory; Provided, finally, that the data gathered from the municipal inventory shall be integrated into the provincial Forest Resources Information Database for investment promotion purposes, as provided in Section 26 of this Code. Section 21. Incentives for the Development of Production Forests. The Provincial and Municipal Sanggunians may enact ordinances and appropriate funds for the purpose of providing incentives such as, but not limited to, tax rebates, tax holidays, cash awards, free seedlings, soft loans, and training for private entities for investments in the development of commercial forest-based enterprises, both in public and private lands. Section 22. Maintenance of Timber Within Production Forests for Protection Purposes. All trees in A and D lands situated on slopes of at least thirty percent (30%) over fifty percent (50%) and elevations below 400 meters above sea level, including those on the banks of rivers within twenty (20) meters from the waters edge and within ten (10) meters of both sides of roads and highways shall be retained for protection purposes; Provided, that, the regulated and threatened tree species which are outside of the prescribed area, shall be also given due consideration in this activity. The Provincial Government shall provide assistance to component city/municipal Sanggunians in the formulation of appropriate ordinances required to implement this provision. Section 23. Conservation of Timber from Natural Forests on A and D Lands. Subject to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 705, DENR Administrative Order No. 78 and other existing national laws, naturally growing timber and minor forest products found within A and D may be commercialized upon inventory and registration with the component city / municipal governments; Provided, that adequate measure shall be provided for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitats, including the non-extraction of regulated species, and other species that are important in maintaining balanced and healthy ecosystems. Within six (6) months upon effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall recommend measure to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the protection and conservation of endemic flora and fauna within natural forests within A and D lands. Section 24. Management of Protection Forests. All measure shall be adopted by the Provincial Government to actively share responsibility with the National Government, particularly the DENR, in the management of protection forests including the securing of the continuous existence of all native plants and animals in the province. 1. Protected Areas. The Governor shall adopt measures to assist the DENR in enabling and strengthening the Protected Area Management Boards (PAMBs), as provided under Republic Act No. 7586, particularly in the immediate delineation, establishment and operationalization of strict protection zones, habitat management zones, cultural zones, recreation zones and other zones in accordance with the approved General Management Plan of the concerned protected area. 2. Forest Protection and Law Enforcement. The Governor shall provide effective leadership in the operation of inter-agency, inter-municipality, and multi-sectoral effort in forest protection and law enforcement in close collaboration with the DENR and/or the Protected Area Management Boards and other law enforcement agencies. 3. Municipal Watershed. Subject to national and provincial policies, component city and municipal government shall be responsible in the proper management of their respective watershed, if there be any. For this purpose, all component city/municipal government units shall identify and delineate their municipal watershed within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code; provided that area identification and delineation shall be undertaken in coordination with the DENR pursuant to Sec. 17, Republic Act No. 7160 and section 3.1 (c), DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 1992 for areas within public forest lands and National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) pursuant to Presidential Executive order No. 224 dated July 16, 1987, as in the case of Buhi-Barit watershed. The establishment of watersheds within alienable and disposable lands shall be properly coordinated with the Departments of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform and/or the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. 4. Protection and Conservation of Mangroves. For the purpose of protecting the livelihood and well-being of the artisanal fishing population, the sustained productivity of coastal habitats of marine flora and fauna shall be secured through the provision of assistance to the municipal government in establishing adequate safeguard and control on human activities within declared mangrove forest reserves, marine parks, and fish sanctuaries, such as, but not limited to, the formulation of a Provincial Coastal and Lake Resources Management Framework, as prescribed in Section 79 of this Code. Section 25. Development of Recreation Forest. Upon request, the Governor shall assist municipal governments in the establishment of revenue-generating community-based forest recreation projects, such as, but not limited to, forest park, botanical gardens, and camping ground. Section 26. Forest Resources Information Database. The Provincial Government shall establish and maintain a database containing information on all forest resources in the province. The information database shall, in the minimum, consist of thematic maps, directory of forest areas and forest resources for conservation and investment, timber stand inventory, critical ecological systems, demographic management issues, areas covered by tenurial instruments, ancestral domains, protected areas. The FRID shall be the basis in making policy decisions, management and investment planning, monitoring, and evaluating protected area and forest resources management programs. The information database shall also be used in promoting public and private sector investments in the undertaking of production, protection and recreation forest and forest-based industries in the province. Upon request, the Provincial Government shall provide technical assistance to interested LGUs in the development of and maintenance of their Forest Resources Information Database. Section 27. Information and Education Campaign (IEC). The Provincial Government through the EDMERO shall, in coordination with the City/Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers, DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer/Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer and other concerned offices and agencies shall periodically conduct IEC activities to promote awareness and involvement in forest protection and conservation activities in the province. Section 28. Prior Consent of the Sanggunian. For the purpose of implementing the provision of this Code and pursuant to Section 26 and Section 17, Republic Act No. 7160, National Government

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Agencies and intsrumentalities are hereby required to consult with Local Government Units and obtain prior consent of the concerned sanggunians in the implementation and development of investment programs or projects affecting forest resources. Henceforth, no forest resources management, development, utilization of processing project, lease, license, agreement or usufruct permit shall be issued by national government agencies without prior consultation and consent of the Local Government Units, particularly the Barangays. Section 29. Annual Investment Plan. Upon effectivity of this Code, the municipal and provincial budget allocation for forest and protected areas management shall be included in the Annual Investment Plan; provided that such investment are in accordance with Forest Resources Conservation and Management Framework as prescribe under section 15 of this Code. Section 30. Organization. There is hereby created a Forest Resources Management Council (FRMC) to be coordinated by the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) under its Ecosystem Management and Conservation Unit, as provided in Section 166 of this Code. The component city and the municipal governments are hereby instructed to formulate their respective Forest Resources Conservation and Management Plans, integrate forest resources management and protection in their programs and plans and to designate personnel to perform forestry services and protection functions. . The FRMC shall provide assistance to component city and municipal governments in: (a) the preparation of Municipal Forest Resources Conservation and Management Plans; (b) the design, preparation and monitoring of forestry related projects; (c) strengthening of municipal forest resources conservation and management capability; (d) the establishment of support linkages and network systems; (e) the formulation of municipality-specific forest policies and incentives system; and (f) tenurial security issuance, strengthening and enforcement.. Section 31. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. Prohibited and punishable acts under this Code shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. the cutting of trees in both private and public lands; 2. the collecting, destroying, or mere possession of any plants, animals or other forest products, both living and non-living, and of species considered threatened and conservation important, pursuant to existing laws, policies and international conventions either in live, raw, preserved or processed state; 3. hunting of wildlife in all forms; 4. the trade of flora and fauna, most particularly endemic and threatened species; 5. introduction of invasive and exotic species of flora and fauna; 6. the deliberate setting of fire to forest areas in both private and public lands that may lead to the destruction of forests, wildlife, infrastructures and other properties or loss of human lives; and 7. pasturing of cattle, goats and other livestock in forest areas. ARTICLE V BIODIVERSITY RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION Section 32. Scope and Coverage. This section covers all ecosystems, managed forests including protected areas, forests in private lands, communal forests, plantation forests and other areas with high biodiversity richness, identified biodiversity hot spots and critical for biodiversity conservation and protection in accordance to and consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147, Republic Act No. 7586, Republic Act No. 8371 and Letter of Instruction No. 1312. Section 33. Governing Laws. The pertinent forestry provisions of this Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws: 1. Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001); 2. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992); 3. Republic Act No. 8371 (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997); 4. Republic Act No. 8485 (Animal Welfare Act of 1998); 5. DENR Administrative Order No. 2001-01 6. DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15, which establishes the list of threatened species and their categories, and the list of other wildlife species pursuant to Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Management Act of 2001; 7. DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55, in which the DENR streamlines procedural guidelines pursuant to the Joint DENR-DA-PCSD implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Management Act of 2001; 8. DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-18, which amends Section 8 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55 re: Issuance of Non-Cites Export/Import/Re-export Clearance by the Concerned Regional Executive Director for the Export/Import/ Re-Export of NonCITES Wildlife Specimens. Section 34. Authority. The Provincial Government, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, shall adopt measures to protect the Provinces biodiversity resources and their habitats and impose appropriate penalties for acts that endanger wildlife species, such as hunting, illegal trade, smuggling of threatened species of flora and fauna, and destruction of wildlife habitats. The Province shall: 1. Enforce Republic Act No. 9147 (the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001); 2. Implement RA 7586 (the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992), in collaboration and coordination with the DENR and the PAMB; 3. Implement Republic Act No. 8371 (the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997), in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous People; 4. Apply DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15 (Establishing the List of Terrestrial Threatened Species and their Categories); 5. Implement DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55 (Streamlining Procedural Guidelines Pursuant to the Joint DENR-DA-PCSD Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9147); 6. Apply DENR Administrative Order No. 2008-18 (Amending Section 8 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-55); 7. Issue ordinances in order to prevent and penalize the hunting, collecting, possessing, and trading of wildlife species, and the introduction of exotic species in the Province. Section 35. Biodiversity Resource Inventory and Mapping of Significant Sites and Species. The provincial and municipal governments shall undertake biodiversity resource inventory and mapping of significant sites for data-basing purposes and provide technical basis for management planning. The EDMERO and the respective MENROs shall actively participate in the conduct of research and other scientific studies geared toward biodiversity protection and preservation. The results of the resource inventories shall be announced by the EDMERO in partnership with the Provincial Tourism Office, Provincial Information Office and other agencies. Section 36. Wildlife Rescue Center. Consistent with Section 30 of RA 9147 and in coordination with the DENR, the Provincial Government shall establish a wildlife rescue center to serve as temporary holding and caring facility for confiscated, injured, abandoned and/or donated wildlife in the province. It shall hire qualified veterinarian(s) to ensure the proper care and secure the welfare of wildlife and must encourage the LGUs to share responsibilities in the rehabilitation, feeding and caring of wildlife species held at the rescue center. The Governor shall sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DENR in the establishment of the wildlife rescue center. The Governor, in consultation with the DENR, and with advice and assistance of technical experts and specialists, shall formulate guidelines for the caring and eventual release back of wildlife species held at the rescue center to their natural habitats. Section 37. Protection of Wildlife Species and Habitats outside Protected Areas. The Provincial Government, upon the effectivity of this Code, shall establish and implement the Rescue for Important Conservation Hotspots (RICH) Program to protect and conserve species of wild flora and fauna, with emphasis placed on those that are classified as rare, threatened and endangered, and their habitats found outside protected areas. In selecting the sites for the RICH program, the following shall be given priority consideration: (a) biological importance or ecological significance, economic importance, usefulness to ecosystem research. The Provincial Government, through the EDMERO, shall conduct suitability assessment of the proposed RICH sites; and

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(b) ethnic and cultural diversity on the basis of their sustainable traditional ecosystem and natural resource management practices which sustained the natural ecosystem and ensure maintenance of area diversity and landscape features of outstanding natural beauty including caves; Upon the effectivity of this Code, the Provincial Government shall provide personnel management support to the DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) or the regional or local offices for the protection, regulation and conservation of established RICH project. The provincial and municipal governments shall identify and declare more ecologically and culturally significant sites as RICH or local protected areas as deemed necessary. Section 38. Community Awareness on Resources and Environment (CARE). Consistent with the government effort of raising the awareness of the community in protecting and preserving the environment and its natural resources, the provincial and municipal governments shall formulate and spearhead awareness program and activities supporting the proliferation of chosen trees, ornamental flowers, birds and other terrestrial and aquatic species as an officially adopted species of the municipality under the CARE projects/program. Section 39. Establishment of an Arboretum. The Provincial Government shall establish an Arboretum in Camarines Sur as part of its mandate to educate the public about plants and promote plant conservation. In its entirety, the Arboretum shall have the following functions: (a) source of genetic materials for breeding and propagating plants, and for studying plant relationships; (b) repositories for plants whose existence in the wild is precarious; (c) resources for evaluating the medicinal properties of plants; (d) facilities for promoting awareness and educating the public about plants and their importance; (e) demonstrations of garden design and varietal performance; and (f) afford the Provincial Government institutional leadership in plant conservation efforts. Section 40. Protected Area Management. It is the responsibility of the Governor to ensure that the biodiversity and natural ecosystems in the province are effectively conserved and managed. As such, he shall assist the DENR in strengthening the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and provide resources for the operation of law enforcement task forces particularly in Mt. Isarog Natural Park. Likewise, he shall ensure regular attendance in all meetings of the PAMB by designating his representative and to give full support to the person, and direct relevant offices of the Province Government to actively participate and collaborate in the implementation of all programs, projects, activities and initiatives related to protected area management in the province. Section 41. Invasive Alien and Exotic Species. The Provincial Government, consistent with Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9147 and in collaboration and coordination with the DENR, shall not allow the possession, introduction, and propagation of alien and exotic species in the province. Any invasive alien and exotic species that has been brought into the province shall be confiscated and subjected to mandatory quarantine procedure under the strict supervision of the DENR and qualified government veterinarians; Provided, that, the confiscated alien and exotic species shall have to be disposed of properly afterwards. The use of alien and exotic species for rehabilitation purposes shall not be allowed in protection forests such as timberlands, protected areas, natural forests, forest reserves and watersheds but may be allowed in production forests subject to stringent criteria and guidelines. Within three months after the approval of this Code, the Governor, with assistance from the DENR and province-based wildlife experts and specialists, shall prepare and release a list of invasive and alien species, which shall be the basis for the formulation of preventive, regulatory and enforcement policies in the province. As such, the Governor is herein authorized to mobilize appropriate and responsible offices and/or agencies as members of a Provincial Task Force to carry out regulatory and enforcement functions that deal with invasive alien and exotic species in Camarines Sur. Section 42. Prohibited Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully and knowingly exploit wildlife resources and their habitats, or undertake the following acts: 1. injuring, killing and/or destroying wildlife species, their active nests, nest trees, and/or host plants; 2. cutting, logging, gathering, collecting, prospecting, hunting, and/or possessing wildlife species, their by-products and derivatives; 3. introducing, propagating and possessing invasive alien and exotic species into wildlife habitats; 4. engaging in, participating and/or promoting illegal trade of wildlife; 5. dumping of garbage and solid wastes in critical habitats of wildlife; 6. illegal occupation and/or squatting of any portion of wildlife habitats; 7. burning and/or starting fire in critical habitats of wildlife; 8. exploring for, extracting, and quarrying of sand, soil and other materials in habitats of wildlife; 9. destroying, defacing and/or vandalizing wildlife habitats, including caves; 10. conducting prospecting activities and unauthorized survey and research in wildlife habitats; and 11. pasturing of livestock and other animals in wildlife habitats. ARTICLE VI WETLANDS MANAGEMENT Section 43. Scope and Coverage. This Chapter shall cover the wetlands in Camarines Sur, which are complex terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems for protection and preservation including the habitats and vegetation occurring within protected areas, in coordination with the DENR and the Protected Area Management Board. Section 44. Governing Laws and Policies. 1. Republic Act No. A 9147 (Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2001) 2. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992) 3. Republic Act No. 8371 (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997) 4. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) 5. Republic Act No. 8550 (Fisheries Code of 1998) 6. Presidential Decree No. 705 (Forestry Code of 1975) 7. Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) 8. Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) 9. Presidential Decree No. 1586 (Environmental Impact Assessment System) 10. Commonwealth Act No. 141 (Public Land Act) 11. Republic Act No. 386 (Civil Code of the Philippines) 12. Presidential Decree No. 1067 (Water Resources Code of the Philippines of 1975) 13. Republic Act No. 9275 (Clean Water Act of 2004) 14. DENR Department Administrative Order No. 97-05 (Procedures in the retention of areas within certain distances along the banks of rivers, streams, and shores of seas, lakes and oceans for environmental protection) 15. DENR Department Administrative Order No. 2005-24 (Guidelines on the grant of coastal area special use agreement) 16. DENR Department Administrative Order No. 93-19 (Coastal Environment Program) 17. DAO 87-76 (Establishes buffer zones in coastal and estuarine mangrove areas) 18. DENR Memorandum Circular 97-17 (Criteria for the Identification of Wetlands Critical to Biodiversity Conservation) 19. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) Section 45. Inventory of Wetlands in the Province. Upon approval of this Code, the Provincial Government shall coordinate with the DENR to undertake an inventory of all wetland areas that are critical to the conservation of biodiversity in Camarines Sur. Section 46. Management, Protection and Rehabilitation of Wetlands in Camarines Sur. The Provincial government under a co-management strategy with the DENR, the concerned municipal governments and other sectors shall intensify the implementation of wetland management and protection through the implementation of integrated programs and projects and strong law enforcement functions and shall engage in rehabilitation program and related activities for the protection and preservation of the marshes and other wetlands in the province. Section 47. Setting of Boundaries of Important and Critical Wetlands. The Provincial Government, the concerned LGUs, and the DENR shall assess all wetland areas in the province and de-

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clare those that are found to be ecologically and economically important as Locally Protected Wetlands (LPWs). Afterwards, they shall conduct a thorough delineation of the LPWs and demarcate the boundaries with very conspicuous markers. Section 48. Cabusao Wetlands Management and Protection. The Provincial Government, in partnership with the concerned LGU, shall ensure the conservation and protection of the Cabusao wetlands. It shall work to rationalize and harmonize all existing management and environmental strategies and programs which shall be implemented through a co-management agreement with the LGU and the Provincial Government. Section 49. Cabusao Wetland Conservation and Management Council. The Cabusao Wetland Conservation and Management Council (CWCMC) shall be created to be the responsible body to manage and protect the Cabusao Wetland. The CWCMC shall be composed of the municipality of Cabusao, the Provincial Government, the DENR, non-government organizations, educational institutions, private sector, peoples organizations, and the barangays where the wetland is located. The CWCMC shall coordinate and work closely with the Sangguniang Bayan to pass an ordinance declaring the Cabusao Wetland as a Bird Sanctuary, as the primary strategy to conserve, protect and manage the wetland. Section 50. Fund Support. Subject to Commission on Audit (COA) regulations and existing laws with regard to allocation of funds, the Provincial Government and concerned municipal governments shall respectively allocate funding in their annual budget for the effective implementation of plans and programs for the Cabusao wetlands and other protected wetlands. Section 51. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. The prohibited acts are as follows: 1. hunting, inflicting injury, killing and/or destroying birds and other wildlife species; 2. cutting and destroying the mangrove forest, and/or collecting of mangroves and other associated products; 3. throwing, dumping or otherwise disposing of any waste products detrimental to wetlands; 4. using any motorized seacraft and equipment in designated critical habitats; 5. mutilating, defacing or destroying objects of natural beauty, or burial grounds, religious sites, artifacts or other objects in wetlands; 6. conducting mineral exploration, extracting and/or quarrying of sand, soil and other materials; 7. illegal occupation and/or squatting, and constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosures; 8. burning and/or starting fire in any section of the wetlands; 9. pasturing of livestock and other animals; and 10. conducting unauthorized survey and research; ARTICLE VII MINERAL RESOURCES Section 52. Scope of Power. In addition to the power of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to adopt adequate measure to safeguard and conserve land, minerals, marine, forest, water and other resources pursuant to the provision of Republic Act No. 7160, the Governor is given the power to: 1. Enforce Republic Act No. 7076 (the Small-scale Mining Law of 1991); 2. Issue permit for collection of guano pursuant to Section 3.4 (b), DENR Administrative Order No. 30, Series of 1992 and the extraction of quarry resources on privately-owned lands and/or public lands for building and construction materials pursuant to Section 43 of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Sec. 138 of Republic Act No. 7180 (General Appropriation Act of 1992); and 3. Verification and adjudication of conflicts and collection of fees and charges for guano collection and the extraction of sand, gravel and other quarry resources. Section 53. Governing Laws. The pertinent mineral resources provisions of this Code shall be governed by, but not limited to. The following national laws and regulations: 1. Republic Act No. 7160 ( Local Government Code of 1991); 2. Republic Act No. 7942 ( Philippine Mining Act of 1995 ) ; 3. Republic Act No. 7076 ( Small-scale Mining Law ) 4. DENR Administrative Order No. 40, series of 1996, as amended, (Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.); and, 5. Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 24, series of 1994, (Ordinance Requiring Transporters of Forest, Mineral and Aquatic Products to Bring the Necessary Documents During Transport of Said Products Within the Province and Providing Penalty Thereof). Section 54. Operative Principles. It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial Government to regulate the mining, quarrying and utilization of mineral resources in the Province and monitor compliance of mining and quarrying operations to applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Notwithstanding the revenue generation and livelihood potentials of mineral resources, it shall also regulate the increasing domestic and external demands for the utilization of minerals for infrastructure development and industrial raw materials and its impact on public welfare as a consequence of unregulated mining and quarrying particularly from the adverse effects of soil erosion, water pollution, destruction of heritage items and unique landscapes, loss of biological diversity, and deterioration of coastal fisheries. Section 55. Provincial Mining Regulatory and Monitoring Board. Pursuant to Section 24 of Republic Act No. 7076, there is hereby created a Provincial Mining Regulatory and Monitoring Board (PMRMB), which shall be the implementing body of the Provincial Government on all matters related to mining in the Province. It shall exercise the following powers and functions: 1. formulate and implement guidelines and regulations related to mining in the Province; 2. review all applications for mining operation in the Province; 3. regulate the mining, quarrying and extracting of mineral resources; 4. monitor and regulate the operation of mining in the Province; 5. review and award contracts to small-scale miners; 6. ensure compliance of permittees and/or licensees to pertinent mining laws, rules and regulations; 7. arbitrate the preliminary settlement of disputes, conflicts or litigations over conflicting claims in small-scale mining areas; and 8. perform such other functions as may be necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of this Code. Section 56. Composition of the Provincial Mining Regulatory and Monitoring Board. The Provincial Mining Regulatory and Monitoring Board shall be composed of the following: 1. Governor, as Chairman; 2. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, as Vice Chairman; 3. Component city and municipal mayors; 4. Department of Trade and Industry; 5. Department of Interior and Local Government; 6. Small-scale mining associations; 7. Big-scale mining operators; 8. Non-government organizations; 9. Academic institutions; 10. Fisheries sector; 11. Religious and civic organizations; and 12. Cause-oriented groups. Section 57. Regulatory Provisions. Any person, natural or juridical, shall have a prior permit or license duly issued by the Governor or appropriate agency having authority and jurisdiction thereof, to be able to undertake quarrying and mining of mineral in the Province.; Provided, that no license, lease agreement, and/or permit shall be issued by and/or consent of the concerned barangay and municipality officials or Sanggunians, as the case may be, pursuant to Sec. 74(b), DENR Administrative Order No. 40, series of 1996; Provided, further, that such prior clearance shall not apply to a private landowner who cannot be forced by the government or any law, except by way of eminent domain, to permit entry and quarrying over his/her land; except those declared by laws as protected areas, provided, further, that mining and quarrying activities within the Province shall be subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment System; provided, further, that no extraction of removal of materials shall be allowed within a distance of one (1) kilometer from the boundaries of

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reservoirs established for public water supply, archaeological and historical sites and any public or private works or structures, unless prior area clearance of the agency or owner concerned is obtained. No extraction or removal of materials shall likewise be allowed in offshore areas within five hundred (500) meters distance from the coast and two hundred (200) meters from the mean low tide level along the beach, pursuant to Section 791 of DENR Administrative Order No. 40, series of 1996. Section 58. Utilization of Quarry Resources. Sand, gravel and other resources within the Province may be utilized only through a permit issued exclusively by the Governor pursuant to the ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Section 43, Republic Act No. 7942 and Section 138, Republic Act No. 7160, to a qualified person who have complied with all the requirements in accordance with existing regulations, provided, that all individuals, partnerships or corporation engaged in the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources or in the construction of infrastructure projects shall be required to restore or rehabilitate areas subject thereof or affected thereby to their original condition, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1198. Section 59. Organization. There is hereby created a Mineral Resources Management Group (MRMG) under the EDMERO, which shall be responsible for the effective implementation of the mineral management responsibilities of the Provincial Government. Section 60. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. The provisions of the Provincial Tax Ordinance relating to the operation of mining, quarrying and extracting of mineral and quarry resources and the transportation, within the Province, of mineral products pursuant to Ordinance No. 24 series of 1994, are hereby adopted as Integral provisions of this Code. ARTICLE VIII WATER RESOURCES Section 61. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources, the Province shall encourage the establishment of mini-hydroelectric projects for local purposes; and initiate inter-municipal waterworks, drainage and sewerage, flood control, irrigation system, and lake development, conservation and protection. Section 62. Governing Laws. The water resources provisions under this Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws; 1. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 2. Presidential Decree No. 1067 (Water Code of the Philippines of 1976); 3. DENR Administrative Order No. 35, series of 1990, (Revised Water Usage and Classification/Water Quantity Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 National Pollution Control Commission Rules and Regulations); 4. DENR Administrative Order No. 35, series of 1991, (Revised Effluent Regulations of 1990 Revising and Amending the Effluent Regulations of 1982); 5. DENR Administrative Order No. 05, series of 1997 (Procedures in the Retention of Area within Certain Distance along the Banks of Rivers, Streams and Shores of Seas, Lakes and Ocean for Environmental Protection); 6. Republic Act No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990); 7. Presidential Decree No. 984 (National Pollution Control Decree of 1976); 8. Presidential Decree No. 825 (Providing Penalties for Improper Disposal of Garbage and other Forms of Uncleanliness and for Other Purposes); 9. Presidential Decree No. 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines of 1975); 10. Presidential Decree No. 1198 (Requiring All Individuals, Partnerships or Corporations engaged in the exploration, development and exploitation of natural resources or in the construction of infrastructure projects to restore or rehabilitate their original condition); and 11. Presidential Decree No. 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act). Section 63. Operative Principles. Water resources in the province shall be managed: (a) for the primary purpose of meeting indefinitely the basic requirement for potable water of all residents of the Province and for sustained agricultural production; and, (b) for the secondary purpose of securing the availability of adequate supply of water for the growing industrial, recreational and commercial development activities through water resources pricing, institution of local water pollution control legislation, and establishment of the Camarines Sur Network of Watersheds, as provided under Section 65 (1) of this Code. Further, it is hereby declared the policy of the Provincial Government that water resources in the Province shall be equitably shared and that no municipality shall be deprived of safe and clean water, Section 64. Establishment of Water Resources Trust Fund. There is hereby created a Water Resources Trust Fund for the sole purpose of supporting municipal programs or projects for the rehabilitation of water production areas within the CSNW as provided under Section 65 of this Code. The Trust Fund which shall comprise all amounts denominated as share of national wealth from the operation of water utilities by National Government Agencies and instrumentalities, shall be managed and administered by the Governor upon recommendation of the multi-sectoral Water Resources Committee, as provided under Section 67 of this Code. Henceforth, all other unexpended amounts and future allocations shall accrue to the Water Resources Trust Fund. Section 65. Creation of Camarines Sur Network of Watersheds. Pursuant to Section 13 (2) of this Code, the Camarines Sur Network of Watersheds (CSNW) is hereby created to be composed initially of the various watersheds, which shall be managed and governed, by provincial laws, rules and regulations, subject to national laws, for the purpose of securing the water requirements for sustainable development of Camarines Sur. 1. Establishment and Extent of CSNW. Within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code, the Provincial Government shall, in close collaboration with the DENR and concerned municipal governments, barangay councils, and Protected Area Management Boards, study and review each watershed initially composing the CSNW as to its sustainability or non-suitability for the purpose of determining the specific areas strictly needed for water production purposes. 2. Designation of Priority Watersheds for Protection. Upon completion of the study and review, the Governor shall submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan a map and legal description of boundaries of each of the water production areas in each watershed together with his recommendations for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to declare, set aside and maintain the aforesaid areas as strict protection zone for the purpose of water production. For the purpose of this Code, only the strict water production areas in each of the aforementioned watershed shall comprise the Camarines Sur Network of Watersheds and therefore excludes all other lands within the component watersheds that are not needed for water production. 3. Additional Areas to the CSNW. The Governor shall propose to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan the inclusion in the CSNW of those watersheds established by the municipal governments in accordance with Section 24 (3) of this Code, including additional watersheds which the Governor deems to require strict protection for water production purposes. 4. Disestablishment of Watersheds. When upon the recommendation of the majority members of the concerned Sangguniang Bayan and, if applicable, the members of the concerned Protected Area Management Board (PAMB),a certain watershed within the CSNW or portions thereof should be withdrawn or disestablished, or its boundaries modified, the disestablishment thereof shall take effect pursuant to act of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. 5. Buffer Zones. When necessary, there may be established peripheral Buffer Zones off the strict water production area to protect the same from activities that will directly or indirectly harm it; provided that the establishment of peripheral buffer zones shall be in the same manner as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan establishes the strict water production area. Section 66. Water Resources Management Plan. The Governor shall, together with the Municipal Mayors concerned, Protected Area Management Boards, National Government Agencies, Local water districts, and private sector Groups formulate a strategic management plan for the Camarines Sur Network of Watersheds. Upon recommendation of the multi-sectoral Water Resources Committee (WRC), as provided in Section 67 of this Code, the Governor may undertake preparation of the Plan either by administration or by commissioning qualified professional consultancy services in accordance with law.

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The Plan shall be based, among others, on the following: 1. Inventory and classification of water resources in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1067 and DENR Administrative Order No. 34, series of 1990 for the purpose of determining appropriate uses, protection measures needed and water quality standard to be applied; 2. Characterization of the status of priority watersheds in terms of water-producing capacity, water quantity and use; 3. The measures to be implemented to improve water quality and production capacity of the watershed; 4. The appropriate institutional arrangements to be established for managing the watersheds; 5. The investment requirement, duration and revenue-generating measures to be implemented; and 6. Appropriate policy incentives and regulations to ensure that the concerned Local Government Unit and Protected Area Management Board manage the watershed in a sustainable manner. Section 67. Water Resources Committee. Within six (6) months upon effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall organize and maintain the continuous and effective operation of a multi-sectoral Water Resources Committee (WRC) to be composed of the Governor, as Chairman; with EDMERO Department Head and one representative each from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA); DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), National Power Corporation (NPC); Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Department of Agriculture (DA); Camarines Sur Water Districts Association; and Provincial Health Office (PHO), as members. Also to be included are two (2) representatives of non-governmental organizations who shall be appointed by the Governor. The Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 1. coordinate with the DENR, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other relevant agencies and offices in order to establish the number and location of provincewide water sampling stations based on proximity to human settlements and possible sources of pollution. The sampling sections shall include coastal areas, estuaries, rivers, community deep wells, artesian wells, aquifers, and similar bodies of water as determined by the Committee; 2. coordinate with the EMB and BFAR for the conduct of regular water sampling and the analysis of samples collected using the parameters, standards, and procedures established by national laws. The priority parameters to be measured shall include Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and total coliform; 3. furnish copy of the results of monitoring to relevant offices and agencies, particularly to the municipalities and barangays concerned and post monitoring information in areas easily accessible to the public; 4. in coordination with the Provincial Mining Regulatory and Monitoring Board, monitor the impact on water resources of all mining operations in the Province; 5. coordinate national government agencies in the enforcement of anti-pollution laws including Presidential Decree No. 984, DENR Administrative Order No. 34 (Revised Water Usage and Classification Water Quality Criteria) and DENR Administrative Order No. 35 (Revised Effluent Regulations of 1990 ) and Republic Act No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990); 6. convene industrial and commercial firms, government agencies, academic and research institutions, business establishments, in the Province for sharing water pollution reduction and control techniques, working as a group with government and non-government organizations on pollution reduction; and 7. advise the Governor on policy requirements to safeguard water resources in the Province; 8. recommend to the Governor the allocation of the Water Resources Trust Fund as provided under Section 64 of this Code; and 9. recommend to the Governor the Annual Work and Financial Plan for the operation of the Committee. Section 68. Protection of Public Water Infrastructure. The Governor shall identify the component watersheds of the CSNW, which are presently supporting small hydroelectric projects, intermunicipality watersheds and irrigation system as well as those which are potential sites of similar projects and assist municipal governments prepare management plans thereof. The Governor shall ensure that engineering works and infrastructure projects within the Province do not adversely impact on water quality. Section 69. Protection of Riverbanks, Basements, Right-of-Way, and Greenbelts. The Governor shall adopt adequate measures for establishing clearance and greenbelts along river banks, lakesides, seashore areas as prescribed by law, to recover easements as provided in DENR Administrative Order 05, series of 1997 and Presidential Decree No. 1067 which provide that banks of rivers, streams, lakes, and the shores of the seas throughout their entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along margins are subject to easement for public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage. Section 70. Drainage System. The Governor shall adopt necessary measures to ensure that adequate municipal and barangay drainage system are established and maintained to prevent the negative effects of all types of effluents on both surface and underground water quality. The Governor shall also provide assistance to municipalities for the purpose of ensuring that solid wastes are properly disposed of for the protection of water resources. Section 71. Soil and Water Conservation. The Governor shall assist municipalities in the implementation of community-based forestry projects for the purpose of instituting improved soil and water conservation techniques and generate resources to implement the measures. Likewise, the Governor shall promote the application of organic farming techniques among farmers and use all its powers to enforce the laws governing the use of prohibited agricultural chemicals. Section 72. Health and Sanitation Measures. The Governor shall adopt appropriate measures to assist municipal governments improve their environmental sanitation program by expanding the use of sanitary toilets for waste disposal. Such assistance shall if necessary, include, but not limited to, direct investments in public health education and strict enforcement of the Building Code. Section 73. Water Usage and Classification. The provision of the DENR Administrative Order No. 34, series of 1990, otherwise known as the Revised Water Usage and Classification, and amendments thereto, are hereby adopted. Section 74. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in consultation with the various municipal/city sanggunians of the province and the DENR, shall, within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code, enact a unified ordinance for the purpose of defining the penalties and/or sanctions for acts in violation of the provisions of this Code, such as, but not limited to, the following: 1. No person shall operate and maintain any collection system, sewage disposal system, treatment facility or wastewater treatment facility unless the same is provided with adequate and effective treatment and covered by a current and valid permit issued by the municipal Mayor or City Mayor, as the case may be; 2. No industrial or domestic sewage shall be discharged into Class AA and Class SA waters, as defined under DENR Administrative Order No. 34, series of 1990; 3. In order to avoid deterioration of the quality of a receiving water body, no industrial plant with high waste load potential shall discharge into a body of water where the dilution or assimilative capacity of said water body during dry weather conditions is insufficient to maintain its prescribed water quality according to its usage and classification; 4. No person shall discharge, wholly or partially, untreated or inadequately treated industrial effluents directly into bodies of water through the use of bypass canals and/or pumps and other unauthorized means; 5. No industrial or manufacturing plant shall be operated without control facilities of wastewater treatment system in good order or in proper operation; 6. No industrial or manufacturing plant or source of pollution shall be operated at capacities beyond the limits of operation or capability of wastewater treatment facility in order to maintain the effluent quality within the standards or pertinent conditions required by law and/or as stipulated in the permit to operate;

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7. No person shall build, erect, install or use any equipment, contrivance or any means the use of which will conceal and/or dilute an effluent discharge and which otherwise constitute a violation of the provisions of this Code; 8. The construction of houses and other physical structures within the seashores or banks of rivers and lakes shall be governed by existing laws; 9. No person shall develop a stream, lake, marshland or pond for recreational or commercial purpose without first securing a permit from the National Water Resources Council and the Local Government Chief Executive, in addition to an Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR in accordance with existing laws; 10. No person shall raise or lower or close the raising or lowering of the water level of a stream, river, lake, marsh or pond, nor drain the same without the necessary government clearances and/or permits; 11. Impounding of water in large amounts such as to prejudice downstream users shall be prohibited; 12. No person shall drill a well without a permit from the National Water Resources Council and the Local Government Chief Executive, and the Governor in the case of subterranean waters; provided, that in no case shall groundwater be extracted if this will result to the deterioration of critically important surface waters; Provided, further, that the Governor through the proper national government agency shall reserve the right to revoke or cancel any permit for the extraction of groundwater if this is found to be detrimental to its sustainability or inimical to other higher priority water uses. 13. The construction or setting up of any structure, temporary or otherwise, that would destroy the scenic value of natural waterways or result to the disruption of water flows shall be prohibited; and 14. Dumping of tailing and sediments from mining and quarrying operations, as well as farm water carrying pesticide residues, is hereby banned and, therefore, prohibited. ARTICLE IX COASTAL AND FRESHWATER RESOURCES Section 75. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources, the Provincial Government shall also provide the following coastal and lake resources management services and facilities: 1. Assistance to fishermens cooperatives and other collective organizations as well as transfer of technology; 2. Enforcement of community-based (mangrove) forest management laws and other laws on the protection of the environment; 3. Coastal and lake tourism development and promotion programs; 4. Implementation of Cease and Desist Orders issued by the Pollution Adjudication Board; and 5. Enforcement of laws and policies on wetlands. Section 76. Governing Laws. The provisions of this Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws: 1. Article XIII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution; 2. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 3. Presidential Executive Order No. 240, series of 1995, (Creation of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils); 4. Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998) with its Implementing Rules and Regulations); 5. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992); 6. Presidential Decree No. 705 (Forestry Code of 1975), as amended; 7. Presidential Decree No. 1067 (Water Code of the Philippines of 1976); 8. Presidential Decree No. 601 (Tasking the Philippine Coast Guard in Marine Environment Protection); 9. DENR Administrative Order No. 05, series of 1997, (Procedures in the retention of Area within Certain Distance along the Banks of Rivers, Streams and Shores of Seas, Lakes and Ocean for Environmental Protection); 10. Republic Act No. 6975 ( Local Government Act of 1990,Creating the PNP-MARICOM under the DILG); 11. Republic Act No. 5173 (Philippine Coast Guard Act of 1957); and 12. Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001). Section 77. Operative Principles. The Constitution mandates that the State, through the component coastal and lakeside municipalities, shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local communities, to the preferential use of communal marine and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall also protect its marine wealth and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens. The Provincial Government recognizes the various municipal waters that are presently under de facto open access conditions which threaten the food security, long-term livelihood, use and enjoyment of our fishing population, in particular and the constituents, in general. Through this Code, it is hereby declared the policy of the Provincial Government to strongly and irrevocably supports governments and communities of coastal and lakeside municipalities in the full exercise of their powers, duties and responsibilities towards proper management of inland and municipal waters. It is also hereby declared a policy that, considering the trans-boundary character of the issues and problems confronting our inland and municipal waters, the Provincial Government shall exercise its full powers through the provision of active leadership, technical assistance, appropriate policy, and effective law enforcement for the conservation of our freshwater and marine resources. Section 78. Delineation of Municipal Waters. Within two (2) years upon effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall adopt all measures to encourage the municipal officials, coastal and lakeside residents, and concerned national government agencies to complete the delineation, establishment, management, and maintenance and protection of their municipal waters. It shall be incumbent upon the concerned Municipal Mayor or City Mayor, as the case maybe, to measure, delineate, demarcate, zone, and produce maps of their respective territorial boundaries, employing in the process a certified geodetic engineer; Provided, that the delineation of municipal territorial waters shall be undertaken jointly by contiguous municipalities to avoid future controversies in boundary lines; Provided, further, that the amicable settlement of boundary disputes between municipal waters shall be governed by Section 118 and Section 119 of Republic Act No. 7160; provided, finally, that after two(2) years upon effectivity of this Code, no fishery privileges shall be issued, pursuant to Section 149 of Republic Act No. 7160, until the measurement, delineation, demarcation, zonation and mapping of municipal waters has been duly completed. The Governor is hereby authorized to issue the appropriate implementing rules and regulations, circulars, directives and memoranda, including sanctions for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Section. Section 79. Coastal and Lake Resources Management Framework. In consideration of the trans-boundary character of the issues, challenges, and problems confronting our municipal waters and pursuant to the general welfare clause of Republic Act No. 7160, the Governor shall develop a Coastal and Lake Resources Management Framework (CLRMF) for the province to serve as a guide for coastal and lakeside municipalities in undertaking, among other, the delineation, establishment, management, and maintenance and protection of their municipal waters within twelve (12) months upon effectivity of this Code. At the minimum, the CLRMF shall include working guidelines for conducting the following: 1. Delineation of boundaries of municipal waters; 2. Preparation of zoning and management plans covering municipal waters; 3. Registration of fisherfolk and strengthening the fisherfolk organizations; 4. Organizational and institutional mechanism; 5. Procedures for dealing with pollutions (from liquid and solid wastes ); 6. Regulations governing recreational, educational and scientific use of municipal waters; 7. Investment promotion, revenue-generation and livelihood enhancement, fish cages and fish pen; 8. Procedures for dealing with abandoned, unproductive and illegal fishponds; 9. Rehabilitation of mangroves;

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10. Development of alternative livelihood; 11. Formulation, promulgation, and enforcement of fishing laws, rules and regulation; 12. Reclamation of infrastructure; and 13. Establishment of fish sanctuary, particularly for sinarapan. Section 80. Conservation of Biological Diversity and Preservation of Heritage Items. Biological diversity and heritage items shall not be jeopardized in the utilization, development and management of our municipal waters. Unique marine and in-land fresh water body features and productive habitats shall not be destroyed. Section 81. Community Participation and Integration of National Government Agencies. Management of the coastal and lakeside resources and municipal waters shall be undertaken by communities close collaboration with the concerned municipal government and barangay councils, national government agencies and instrumentalities, peoples organizations, non-governmental organizations, Protected Area Management Board and the private sector in general in order to engage the services and facilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of the Department of National Defense, Maritime Command (MARICOM) of the Philippine National Police, Marine Industry Authority (MARINA) and Philippine Ports Authority of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and Technology, Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Department of Public Works and Highways, in the DENR and the implementation of CRM laws, lakes management and development programs and /or projects in the Province. Section 82. Coastal and Lakes Zoning and Management Guidelines. In addition to the CLRMF cited in Section 79 of this Code, the Governor shall formulate provincial coastal and lake zoning and management planning guidelines, which will serve as the basis in formulating Municipal Coastal and Lake Resources Management Plans. The Plans shall be based on co-management approach where the municipal governments shall work with resource users and build upon existing laws, particularly in the institutionalization of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs) pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 240, series of 1995 and Republic Act No. 8550, series of 1998, and the Protected Area Management Boards pursuant to the NIPAS Act. 1. Zoning. The Zoning Component of the Plan shall classify municipal waters into four (4) zones, namely; Strict Protection Zones, Recreation and Ecotourism zones, Rehabilitation Zones, and Sustainable Use Zones. The Zoning Plan shall pursue the following purpose: a. Provide basis for the provisions of tenure to qualified coastal and lakeside zone residents as a means to prevent incidence of squatting and/or unplanned settlements; b. Allocate, delineate and set aside appropriate areas for industries to secure the environmental requirements for the growth and development of coastal communities, such as, but not limited to, the identification of areas for settlements, agriculture, aquaculture institutions, infrastructure, commerce, recreation, ecotourism, natural reservations and sanctuaries and areas of cultural and historical significance; c. Declare critical areas as sanctuaries and delineate no-fishing zones, fishing gear restriction zones, and critical breeding and feeding areas of ecologically important organisms, such as sinarapan and other endangered species; d. Delineate natural areas for the exclusive use of specific user groups, such as, but not limited to, areas for recreation, ecotourism, research and education; e. Delineate mangrove areas to be covered under stewardship agreements and other applicable tenurial instruments; and f. Delineate areas where construction is prohibited pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1067 and DENR Administrative Order No. 05, series of 1997. 2. Management Planning. The Management Component of the Plan shall complement the Zoning Plan. To be holistic, the Management Plan shall incorporate the following strategies: a. Assessment of the type, status, quality and quantity of coastal and lake resources; b. Develop a Community-based Coastal Resource Management (CBCRM) as well as Community-based Lakes Resource Management (CBLRM) approach for each municipality and provide active and continuing support to Coastal and Lakes Resources Management (CLRM) activities at the barangay and municipal levels; c. Develop clear resource protection strategies and active law enforcement activities as provided for in Republic Act No. 8550 and other existing policies; d. Create territorial use rights in fisheries and devolve these to organized resource users for management; e. Develop resources of alternative and/or supplemental livelihood, particularly micro-enterprise development, while technical and financial supports are obtained for plan implementation; f. Conduct information and education campaign to build awareness on CLRM-related issues, government regulations on coastal and lakes resources and inculcates environmentally-sound resource extraction practices among coastal and lakeside communities; g. Develop a research framework and installation of a municipal database for coastal and lake resources; h. Develop community-based ecotourism enterprises and biodiversity conservation measures acceptable to the local communities; i. Undertake community organizing and social preparation measure in implementing CLRM activities; j. Provide guidelines and procedures in identifying resource hot spots and areas within unique characteristics, unspoiled natural state, and cultural, historical, social and ecological importance; and k. Provide a workable institutional arrangement to rationalize the authorities and activities of various government and non-governmental organizations involved in coastal and lake management. The Provincial Government shall coordinate with the Department of Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and any other appropriate institutions to undertake skills inventory of coastal and lakeside barangays and implement a province-wide NonFormal Education (NFE) and skills training program among the deserving members of the fishing households to increase their employment potential in non-fishing but gainful occupations. Section 83. Environmental Impact Assessment. The Coastal and Lake Zoning and Management Plans shall be subject to Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). The Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall not authorize appropriation of public funds for this purpose if the Plan has not been subjected to an EIA. Section 84. Provision and Tenurial Security and Management Rights. All zones within municipal waters or portions thereof shall be covered by applicable tenurial and/or management rights and the issuances thereof shall be in accordance with law; provided that the Governor, Municipal Mayor, and the concerned National Government Agencies provide adequate measures for the recognition of customary management use rights. Pursuant to Article XIII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution, the State, through the component coastal cities and municipalities, shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local communities, to the preferential use of communal marine and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall also protect its marine wealth and exclusive economic zone and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to the Filipino citizens. Section 18 of Republic Act No. 8550 shall govern commercial fishing and municipal waters. As such, the municipal or city government may, through its Local Chief Executive and pursuant to an appropriate ordinance, ban commercial fishing provided prior consultations, thru public hearing, with the Municipal/City Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council (M/CFARMC) have been conducted. Section 85. Marine and Fresh Water Quality Monitoring. The Governor, through the multisectoral Water Resources Committee as provided in Section 67 of this Code, shall monitor the quality of its waters in coastal and lake zones. Section 86. Promotion of Conducive Policies and Complementary Province-wide Fishery Ordinances. The Governor shall assist the component municipal and city governments in reviewing and systematizing the ordinances pertaining to the coastal and lake zones to identify the ordinances needed, reconcile conflicting provisions in the existing ordinances, and attain rational complementation of ordinances among municipalities/cities and between the provincial and municipal/city ordinances; provided, that the Governor shall initiate measures towards the promulga-

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tion of a nature of marine resources and the trans-boundary character of the issues and problems on coastal and lake resources management. Section 87. Public Beaches and Lakesides. The LGUs with coastal and lakeside areas shall conduct an inventory of beach and lake areas and, in coordination with the DENR, set aside sites for public beach and lakeside purposes. Section 88. Gathering, Extraction, and/or Removal of Beach, Coral and Lakeside Resources. The gathering, extraction, and/or removal of beach and lakeside resources, pebbles, sand and gravel, and boulders for whatever purpose is hereby prohibited except those expressly allowed by law. Section 89. Coastal and Lake Resources Management Fund. The provincial/municipal/city/ barangay governments shall allocate funds every year from its Internal Revenue Allotment to support multi-year coastal management activities; Provided, that such investments are in accordance with the Municipal Coastal and Lake Resources Management Plans and programs as described in Section 82 of this Code. Section 90. Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council. Pursuant to Presidential Executive Order No. 240, series of 1995 and Republic Act No. 8550, the Governor shall adopt all measures for the purpose of organizing a province-wide federation of Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) within one (1) year upon effectivity of the Code, and to assume the responsibilities of coordinating the enforcement of the fishery laws, rules and regulations. Bantay-Dagat Task Force is hereby created; provided, that the Governor shall exert efforts for the deputation of all members of the Bantay-Dagat Task Force and FARMCs as fishery wardens, in accordance with law; provided, further, that the Governor shall include in the Annual Investment Plan specific budget provisions for the implementation of the Bantay-Dagat Task Force and FARMCs federation activities. Section 91. Coastal and Lake Resources Management Unit. Pursuant to Section 166 of this Code, the Coastal and Lake Resources Management Unit (CLRMU) is hereby created as a component of the EDMERO. It shall be composed of its technical staff who have expertise and experience in coastal and lake resources management and protection. Section 92. Functions of the CLRMU. Specifically, the CLRMU shall have the following functions: 1. Assist the component municipal and city governments in the formulation and implementation of their municipal/city coastal and lake resource management plans, including the organization and federation of FARMCs; 2. Assist in the physical delineation and legislation of the boundaries of municipal waters; 3. Provide technical, logistic and training support to concerned municipal/city governments and coastal and lakeside communities particularly on coastal resource management, planning, monitoring, community organizing and law enforcement; 4. Formulate incentive system to enforce coastal and lake management policies to complement community-based initiatives; 5. Help municipalities formulate strategies which will enable communities manage their coastal and lake resources; 6. Review, modify or amend policies based on the lessons gained from the implementation of coastal and lake resource management projects by municipalities/city and local communities; 7. Develop participatory and replicable strategies in planning for coastal management; 8. Assist municipal governments set up a permitting system for use of resources within municipal waters, including a rationalized revenue generation system; 9. Through the One-Stop Shop scheme provided under Section 161 (8) of this Code, facilitate issuances of applicable tenurial instruments to qualified resources users or managers; and 10. Integrate coastal and lake resource management programs with other environmental programs. Section 93. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall, within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code, enact model fishery and aquatic resources ordinances for the component city and municipalities within the jurisdiction for the purpose of defining the penalties and/or sanctions for acts violative of the fishery provisions of this Code, such as, but not limited to, the following: 1. The gathering, taking, or transporting of corals, giant clams, spawning fishes, and the capture of dolphins, whales, sea turtles (pawikan), manta rays, whale sharks, sabalos, seahorses, starfishes and other marine flora and fauna as identified in Republic Act No. 9147 and the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora for commercial, educational, scientific research or private purposes without CITES permit shall be banned and, therefore, prohibited; 2. The construction of tourist facilities directly in the waters edge where such facilities would result to the loss, degradation, and/or alteration of feeding, breeding and nursery grounds of fishes shall be prohibited; 3. The conversion of wetlands into fish/prawn farms, and the extraction of freshwater in coastal areas that may result in the intrusion of saline water into freshwater table shall be regulated through a system of permits issued by the Local Government Chief Executive having territorial jurisdiction thereto, subject to existing national laws, rules and regulations; 4. The use of destructive and highly mechanized fishing gears or methods shall be banned and prohibited; and 5. It shall be prohibited and punishable for any officer, member of the crew, or passenger of any ship, boat, or sea craft of any kind coming to dispose, dump or throw away garbage or wastes at any port and waters within the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Camarines Sur. Likewise, it shall be punishable under this Code for owners and masters of shipping companies who dispose or tolerate any personnel under his/her supervision and control to throw garbage and other waste into the seas/lakes within the jurisdiction of the Province. Article X ECOTOURISM Section 94. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest, and other resources, the Provincial Government shall formulate ecotourism development and promotion programs. Section 95. Governing Laws. The provisions of this portion of the Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws; 1. Executive Order No. 111 (Establishing the Guidelines for Ecotourism Development in the Philippines); 2. Executive Order No. 120 (Reorganizing the Ministry of Tourism, Defining its Powers and Functions, and for Other Purposes); 3. Article II, Section 16 and Article XII, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution; 4. Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Management Act of 2001); 5. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992); 6. Republic Act No. 9072 (An Act to Manage and Protect Caves and Cave Resources and for Other Purposes); 7. Joint DENR-DOT Memorandum Circular No. 98-02; and 8. National Ecotourism Strategy. Section 96. Operative Principles. Pursuant to Article II Section 16 and Article XII Section 1 of the Constitution, the Provincial Government shall adopt ecological tourism as a major strategy for the conservation of biological diversity and preservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage of Camarines Sur, creation of local employment opportunities and generation of municipal revenues. It shall be the priority of the Provincial Government to ensure equitable distribution of benefits from the utilization of our heritage and, as such, there is hereby established a system of local community entrepreneurship in the operation and management of ecotourism sites. Section 97. Community-Based Ecotourism. The Governor and the Municipal Mayors shall adopt adequate measures to ensure that the biodiversity and natural ecological systems in areas identified for ecotourism are effectively conserved, preserved and protected; and that local communities within ecotourism sites shall be the primary beneficiaries of opportunities for gainful livelihood and

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generation of municipal revenues. For this purpose, the respective Local Government Units are hereby instructed to develop well-defined and comprehensive ecotourism strategies and the municipal and barangay legislative councils required to enact appropriate legislations, such as, but not limited to, the regulation and control of the number and frequency of visitors, on-site pollution control measures, provision of proper visitor services, amenities and facilities, site protection, and law enforcement. Section 98. Authorized and Unauthorized Sites. In order to regulate the ecotourism industry in the Province, protect heritage resources and site destinations from adverse impact, maintain ecology-friendly and favorable visitor services and facilities, and secure the well-being of local residents and visitors, the Governor, in coordination with the concerned Mayors, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Protected Area Office as the case maybe, and other concerned National Government Agencies and instrumentalities, shall, from time to time, determine, authorize and prescribe ecotourism sites for visitation and/or development within one (1) year from effectivity of this Code. Thereafter, access, visitation and/or development, as the case may be, to any unauthorized sites shall be prohibited and penalized. The Governor shall, in the same manner as ecotourism sites are determined, submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan his legislative agenda for this purpose. Section 99. Ecotourism Plan. Within one (1) year from effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall, together with the concerned mayor, national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, Provincial Government Departments/Offices and private sector representatives, formulate the Provincial Ecotourism Development Plan for the following purposes: 1. Prioritize ecotourism zones and areas for sustainable development in consideration of market potential, infrastructure investment requirements, economic viability, strategic position for tourism expansion, community participation and benefits, and ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation advantage; 2. Determine the appropriate strategies for sustainable development and ecosystem management for each of the priority areas. The partnership of community, private sector, local government and civic society implementing the ecotourism program shall be adopted as the standard management system to ensure sustainability; and 3. Regulate and control the growth of ecotourism activities in the Province through establishment of site-specific plans that place high premiums on effective and efficient management and conservation of biodiversity and the natural ecosystems. Section 100. Preparation of Ecotourism Framework Plan. No ecotourism site shall be authorized for operation, sustainable development or visitation if it does not have an approved Ecotourism Framework Plan. In the best interest of sustainability and ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, the Governor shall issue the necessary circulars and guidelines for the preparation of Ecotourism Framework Plans, including the provision of technical and/or financial assistance to the concerned LGUs in the preparation of the plans. At the minimum, the Ecotourism Framework Plan shall elaborate on the following: specific sites to be developed, proposed development approaches, schedule of development, support facilities and services, description of how local communities participate in and benefits from the program, capability building requirements, institutional arrangements, policy requirements, and explanation on how the ecotourism program contributes to the income of the LGU. Section 101. Incentives. The Governor shall work with Municipal Mayors in promulgating a range of tax and non-tax incentives to investors on ecotourism projects. Priority shall be given to those incentives structures for the development of authorized ecotourism sites that require sizable investments in supportive infrastructure, services and amenities. Section 102. Environmental Standards. The Governor shall issue the appropriate circulars establishing the environmental standards for ecotourism in accordance with law. The standards will take into consideration the following: 1. Water and air quality, noise regulation, operating quality and efficiency, and sanitation as established by the DENR, DOH, DOT, and municipal governments, respectively; 2. Environmental aspects critical to the sustainable operation of ecotourism projects such as waste management, energy water conservation, maintenance of air quality and noise minimization, and the use of fossil fuels, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), pesticides and herbicides and hazardous materials; 3. Measure that minimize the use of energy, water and on-site materials; and 4. Measures that minimize the generation of waste, including reduction, reuse, and recycling of resources being used. Section 103. Sensitive Areas. The Governor shall issue appropriate directives, circulars, and advisories for the purpose of regulating the behavior of visitors in environmentally and culturally sensitive areas including the Protected Areas (PAs), particularly native forest, caves, dive sites, mangrove areas, ancient churches, ancestral houses and other sites as determined by the Governor from time to time. Section 104. Provisions for Accreditation. The Governor shall, in coordination with the DENR Protected Area Office (PAO), institute a system for accreditation of tourist guides, mountain guides, drivers, escorts, promoters, service providers, coaches and conveyances, including a system of rules and regulation governing the issuance and renewal of licenses, and the related fees and charges therefore, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a high degree of professionalism, quality service, and the Bicolano hospitality to visitors. After one (1) year from the effectivity of this Code, unaccredited and unlicensed guides, drivers, escorts, promoters, service providers, coaches and conveyances shall be subject to prosecution for violation of Provincial Ordinance which shall be recommended by the Governor and enacted for this purpose by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Section 105. Provincial Ecotourism Council. The existing organization and functions of the Provincial Ecotourism Council are hereby affirmed. Section 106. Functions of the Provincial Ecotourism Council. In addition to the existing functions of the Council, It shall also perform the following: 1. Coordinate ecotourism promotion, investments, and development activities in the Province; 2. Establish ecotourism performance, development, accreditation, planning, investment, and environmental criteria and standards; 3. Monitor compliance to ecotourism standards, law, rules and regulation; and 4. Recommend ecotourism-related legislative agenda to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Section 107. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. Prohibited and punishable acts under this Code shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. Developing a stream, lake, marshland or pond for recreational and commercial purposes without first securing a permit from the National Water Resources Council and the Local Government Chief Executive, in addition to an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the DENR in accordance with existing laws. CHAPTER 3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ARTICLE XI SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Section 108. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources, the Provincial Government shall adopt measures for the enforcement of the pollution control laws and other laws on the protection of the environment. The type of waste covered under this Code includes household wastes, commercial-industrial wastes, farm-agricultural wastes, institutional wastes, and miscellaneous and specialized wastes, such as residues of sewage treatment plants, ash from incinerators , residues from combustion, street sweepings, debris caused by disaster and dead animals. 1. Enforce Republic Act No. 9003 (the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000); 2. For barangays, services and facilities related to general hygiene and sanitation, beautification and waste collection, pursuant to Section 17(b) (1)(1)(v), Republic Act No. 7160; 3. For the Municipal Governments of the Province, waste disposal systems or environmental management systems and services related to general hygiene and sanitation, pursuant to Section 17 (b) (2) (vi), Republic Act No. 7160;

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4. For the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, enforcement of pollution control laws and other laws on the protection of the environment pursuant Section 17 (b) (3) (iii), Republic Act No. 7160; and 5. For the component City Government, all the services and facilities of the municipalities and Province mentioned above. Section 109. Governing Laws. The initiatives of the Provincial Government on Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) shall be consistent in existing national laws, namely: 1. Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), which enumerates the prohibited acts related to solid wastes under Section 48; 2. Presidential Decree No. 825 (Garbage Disposal Law of 1975) prohibiting littering in public places and making it the responsibility of residents, institutions, and commercial and industrial establishments to clean their surroundings, including streets and canals adjacent to their properties. It further provides for penalties for the improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness; 3. Presidential Decree No. 856 (Sanitation Code of the Philippines), prescribing requirements for refuse collection and disposal system by food establishments in cities and municipalities; 4. Presidential Decree No. 984 (Pollution Control Law of 1976); 5. Presidential Decree No. 1152 (Philippine Environment Code of 1977). It requires the preparation and implementation of a waste management program in all cities and municipalities. Specifically, it provides that waste disposal shall be at sanitary landfill, composting and other methods, as maybe approved by a competent government authority; 6. Republic Act No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990); 7. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), which provides for the devolution of certain environmental powers and responsibilities to the Local Government Units, including the preparation of the community in the enforcement of their respective waste management programs; 8. Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by Republic Act No. 7718 (Build-Operate-Transfer Law), which provides that infrastructure and development projects normally financed and operated by the public sector, such as that for waste management, may wholly or partially implemented by the private sector; 9. DENR Administrative Order No. 49, series of 1998, (Technical Guidelines for Municipal Solid Waste Disposal); 10. DENR Administrative Order No. 50, series of 1998, (Adopting the Landfill Site Identification and Screening Criteria for Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Facilities); and, 11. Section 2238 of the Revised Philippine Environment Code which stipulates the general powers of City and Municipal Sanggunians to enact ordinances and make such regulations on health and safety for the comfort and convenience of the community and the protection of property therein; Section 110. Operative Principles. The Provincial Government recognizes that the steadily increasing level of economic activities and population growth in the urban and rural areas would lead to an increase in the volume of wastes which may cause adverse impact on the health of our population and the Provinces fragile ecosystems. As guide for interventions, the Provincial Government hereby adopts the Ecological Solid Waste Management Framework as stipulated in Section 111 of this Code, which shall have the following general functional elements: 1. Waste Generation. Includes activities that lead to the identification and understanding of the sources, amounts, nature, type and characteristics of wastes generated. This component covers the reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs) of waste at source; 2. Handling and On-site Storage. Handling of waste after generation includes sorting, shredding, composting , baling and compaction and placement of waste materials into their corresponding storage containers and the movement of these stored wastes to the collection points; 3. Collection, Transfer and Transport. This involves gathering of waste and hauling them to transfer stations or to final disposal sites; 4. Processing and Recovery. Includes size reduction, magnetic separation using air classifier and other processes and operations designed to recover and produce usable materials like compost or energy such as electricity; and 5. Disposal. This is the final step of the IWM system. The most common and widely accepted final disposal is the use of the sanitary landfill. Section 111. Ecological Solid Waste Management Framework. Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Code, the Governor shall order the formulation of an Ecological Solid Waste Management Framework (ESWMF) for the province of Camarines Sur. The ESWMF shall consider and include: 1. the analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends projections of solid waste management at the provincial and municipal levels; 2. the identification of critical solid waste facilities and local government units which will need closer monitoring and/or regulation; 3. the characteristics and conditions of collection, storage, processing, disposal, operating methods, techniques and practices, and location of facilities where such operating methods, techniques and practices are conducted, taking into account the nature of the waste; 4. a waste diversion goal pursuant to Section 20 of Republic Act No. 9003; 5. a schedule for the closure and/or upgrading of open and controlled dumps pursuant to Section 37 of Republic Act No. 9003; 6. the methods of closing or upgrading open dumps for purposes of eliminating potential health hazards; 7. the profile of sources, including industrial, commercial, domestic and other sources; 8. the practical applications of environmentally sound techniques of waste minimization such as, but not limited to, resource conservation, segregation at source, recycling, resource recovery, including waste-to-energy generation, re-use and composting; 9. a technical and economic description of the level of performance that can be attained by various available solid waste management practices which provide for the protection of public health and the environment; 10. an appropriate solid waste facilities and recovery systems; 11. a recycling programs for recyclable materials, such as but not limited to glass, paper, plastic and metal; 12. the venues for public participation of all sectors at all phases/stages of the waste management program/project; 13. information and education campaign strategies; 14. a description of levels of performance and appropriate methods and degrees of control that provide, at the minimum, for protection of public health and welfare: 15. the minimum criteria to be used by the local government units to define ecological solid waste management practices. As much as practicable, such guidelines shall also include minimum information for use in deciding the adequate location, design, and construction of facilities associated with solid waste management practices, including the consideration of regional, geographic, demographic, and climatic factors; and 16. the method and procedure for the phase out and the eventual closure of existing open dumps and/or sanitary landfills located within an aquifer, groundwater reservoir or watershed area in the province. Section 112. Role of LGUs in Solid Waste Management. Pursuant to the relevant provisions of Republic Act No. No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, the LGUs shall be primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003 within their respective jurisdictions. Segregation and collection of solid waste shall be conducted at the barangay level specifically for biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes; Provided, that the collection of non-recyclable materials and special wastes shall be the responsibility of the municipality or city. (a) Province. The Provincial Government shall promote the practice of waste segregation, waste reduction at source and recycling. Specifically, it shall perform the following functions:

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1. Assist municipal governments in the preparation of a multi-year Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan; 2. Facilitate establishment of supportive linkages between municipal government units and other government, agencies and private sector organizations; 3. Assist municipalities which may decide to group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for the purpose of establishing a common Ecological Solid Waste Management system or facilities; 4. Facilitate the establishment of a model municipal unit that demonstrates an effective and efficient Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, in coordination with the National Ecological Solid Waste Management Council, National Ecology Center, the DENR, NGOs, and the League of Municipalities and Cities,; 5. Train personnel of the Provincial Government to be able to provide technical assistance services, particularly in Ecological Solid Waste Management and EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) to city and municipal local government units; and 6. Install a monitoring system to ensure compliance to the provisions of national policies and this Code for the effective implementation and sustainability of Ecological Solid Waste Management Programs. (b) Component City, Municipalities and Barangays. Pursuant to Section 17of Republic Act No. 7160, the city, municipalities and barangays shall be responsible in providing services related to solid waste disposal. Accordingly, the city and municipal governments shall adopt accepted guidelines provided in Republic Act No. 9003 and consider the following processes for the establishment of their own Solid Waste Management Programs: 1. Establish waste stream through the conduct of a baseline survey on current solid waste practice; 2. Conduct consensus building with communities in order to generate support and participation from the private sector; 3. Prepare a Solid Waste Management Program based on the current situation of solid waste management in their respective jurisdictions and the review of options identified with the community; 4. Promulgate a Solid Waste Management Ordinance that shall contain the following parts, namely: Definition of Terms, Solid Waste Generation and Storage, Solid Waste Processing and Resource Recovery, Collection and Transportation of Solid Waste, Disposal of Solid Wastes, User Fees for Solid Waste Management Services, Violation and Penalty and Penal Provisions; and 5. Appoint a Solid Waste Management Coordinator to oversee the implementation of their respective Solid Waste Management Plans. Section 113. Provincial Solid Waste Management Board. Pursuant to Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9003, a Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) shall be established in the province, to be chaired by the Governor. Its members shall include: 1. All the mayors of its component city and municipalities; 2. One (1) representative from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be represented by the Chairperson of either the Committees on Environment or Health or their equivalent committees, to be nominated by the presiding officer; 3. The Provincial Health and/or General Services Officers, whichever may be recommended by the Governor; 4. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer; 5. The Provincial Engineer; 6. Congressional representative/s from each congressional district within the province; 7. A representative from the NGO sector whose principal purpose is to promote recycling and the protection of air and water quality; 8. A representative from the recycling industry; 9. A representative from the manufacturing or packaging industry; and 10. A representative of each concerned government agency possessing relevant technical and marketing expertise as may be determined by the Board. Provided, That representatives from the NGOs, recycling and manufacturing or packaging industries shall be selected through a process designed by themselves and shall be endorsed by the government agency representatives of the Board. The Provincial Solid Waste Management Board may, from time to time, call on any other concerned agencies or sectors as it may deem necessary. Section 114. Functions of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board. The Provincial Solid Waste Management Board shall have the following functions and responsibilities: 1. Develop a Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan from the submitted Solid Waste Management Plans of the respective City and Municipal Solid Waste Management Boards. It shall review and integrate the submitted plans of all its component city and municipalities and ensure that the plans complement each other, and have the requisite components. The Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan shall be submitted to the National Solid Waste Management Commission for approval. The Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan shall reflect the general program of action and initiatives of the Provincial Government in implementing a solid waste management program that would support the various initiatives of its component city and municipalities; Provide the necessary logistical and operational support to its component city and municipalities in consonance with subsection (f) of Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991; Recommend measures and safeguards against pollution and for the preservation of the natural ecosystem; Recommend measures to generate resources, funding and implementation of projects and activities as specified in the duly approved solid waste management plans; Identify areas within its jurisdiction which have common solid waste management problems and are appropriate units for planning local solid waste management services; Coordinate the efforts of the component city and municipalities in the implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan; Develop an appropriate incentive scheme as an integral component of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan; Convene joint meetings of the Provincial, City and Municipal Solid Waste Management Boards at least every quarter for purposes of integrating, synchronizing, monitoring and evaluating the progress and implementation of Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan; Represent any of its component city or municipality in coordinating its resource and operational requirements with agencies of the national government; Oversee the implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan; Review every two (2) years or as the need arises the Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan for purposes of ensuring its sustainability, viability, effectiveness and relevance in relation to current developments in the field of solid waste management; and,

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11.

12. Allow for the clustering of LGUs for the solution of common solid waste management problems. Section 115. City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Board. It is hereby created a City or Municipal Waste Management Board, which shall be responsible in the preparation, submission and implementation of a Solid Waste Management Plan for the safe and sanitary management of solid wastes generated in areas under the jurisdiction of the city or municipal LGUs. The City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Board shall be composed of the City or Municipal Mayor as head with the following as members: 1. One (1) representative of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or the Sangguniang Bayan, preferably chairpersons of either the Committees on Environment or Health, who will be designated by the presiding officer; 2. President of the Association of Barangay Councils in the municipality or city; 3. Chairperson of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation; 4. A representative from NGOs whose principal purpose is to promote recycling and the protection of air and water quality;

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5. A representative from the recycling industry; 6. A representative from the manufacturing or packaging industry; and 7. A representative of each concerned government agency possessing relevant technical and marketing expertise as may be determined by the Board. The City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Board may, from time to time, call on any concerned agencies or sectors as it may deem necessary. Provided, that representatives from the NGOs, recycling and manufacturing or packaging industries shall be selected through a process designed by themselves and shall be endorsed by the government agency representatives of the Board. Section 116. Functions of the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management. The City or Municipal Solid Waste Boards shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Develop the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan that shall ensure the longterm management of solid waste, as well as integrate the various Solid Waste Management Plans of the barangays in its area of jurisdiction. In the development of the Solid Waste Management Plan, it shall conduct consultations with the various sectors of the community; 2. Adopt measures to promote and ensure the viability and effective implementation of solid waste management programs in its component barangays; 3. Monitor the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan through its various political subdivisions and in cooperation with the private sector and the NGOs; 4. Adopt specific revenue-generating measures to promote the viability of its Solid Waste Management Plan; 5. Convene regular meetings for purposes of planning and coordinating the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plans of the respective component barangays; 6. Oversee the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan; 7. Review every two (2) years or as the need arises the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan for purposes of ensuring its sustainability, viability, effectiveness and relevance in relation to the current developments in the field of solid waste management; 8. Develop the specific mechanics and guidelines for the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan; 9. Provide the necessary logistical and operational support to its component cities and municipalities in consonance with subsection (f) of Section 17 of the Local Government Code; 10. Recommend measures and safeguards against pollution and for the preservation of the natural ecosystem; and 11. Coordinate the efforts of its component barangays in the implementation of the City or Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan. Section 117. Creation of a Solid Waste Management Unit. In addition to the services of the Water Resources Committee as provided in Section 67 of this Code, the Governor shall establish a Solid Waste Management Unit under the EDMERO pursuant to Section 166 of this Code. The Unit shall be composed of solid waste management specialists whose primary task is to extend technical assistance services to the component city and municipalities of the province, particularly in devising approaches to enhance their waste management capability, in particular on, 1. the disposal of non-biodegradable debris, dredge materials if such are contaminated with industrial wastes, as well as the disposal of plastics and litter in beaches and the sea itself is prohibited. Dumping of plastic debris such as discarded fishing nets and lines, packing bands, straps, synthetic ropes, plastic bags, bottles, sheets,, other containers and even medical equipment shall likewise be prohibited for it will not only reduce amenity of the marine/lake environment but all pose threat to the safety of many marine/water mammals and birds that are prone to ingest such debris; 2. construction of local dumpsites or industrial settlement pits and waste treatment plants less than one (1) kilometer away from the sea, lakes and/or rivers shall be banned and, therefore, prohibited pursuant to existing laws; and 3. the dumping or disposal of wastes into the sea, lake and any body of water, including shorelines and riverbanks, where such wastes are likely to be washed into the water, provided, that the dumping of waste and other materials into the sea or any navigable waters shall be permitted in extreme cases where immediate or imminent danger to life and property is possible, subject to existing national laws and regulations. Section 118. Public Education and Information. The Provincial Government shall, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), cause-oriented organizations, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), LGUs and the local media outlets conduct a sustained education and information campaign on solid waste management. Such education and information program shall: 1. aim to develop public awareness of the ill-effects of and the community-based solutions to the solid waste problem; 2. concentrate on activities which are feasible and which will have the greatest impact on the solid waste problem in the province, like resource recovery, recycling, segregation at source, re-use, reduction and composting; and 3. encourage the general public, accredited NGOs and peoples organizations to publicly endorse and patronize environment-friendly products and packaging materials. Section 119. Prohibited Acts. The following acts are prohibited under this Code: 1. Littering, throwing, dumping of wastes in public places, such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks, and establishments, or causing or permitting the same; 2. Open burning of solid wastes; 3. Causing or permitting the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste; 4. Squatting in open dumps and sanitary landfills; 5. Open dumping, burying of biodegradable or non-biodegradable materials in flood-prone areas; 6. Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons; 7. The mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box, container or receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal; 8. Establishment or operation of open dumps in the province, or non-closure of said dumps in violation of Section 37 of Republic Act No. 9003; 9. Transport and dumping in bulk of collected domestic, industrial, commercial and institutional wastes in areas other than the approved facilities as prescribed in Republic Act No. 9003; 10. Site preparation, construction, expansion or operation of solid waste management facilities without the requisite Environmental Compliance Certificate pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586 and Republic Act No. 9003 and not conforming with the land use plan of the LGUs; 11. The construction of any establishments within two hundred (200) meters from open dumps or controlled dumps or sanitary landfills; and 12. The construction or operation of landfills or any waste disposal facility in any aquifer, groundwater reservoir or watershed area and or any portions thereof; Section 120. Administrative Sanctions. Local government officials and officials of government agencies concerned who fail to comply with and enforce rules and regulations promulgated relative to Republic Act No. 9003 and this Code shall be charged administratively in accordance with Republic Act No. 7160 and other existing laws, rules and regulations. Article XII AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION MANAGEMENT Section 121. Scope of Powers. The powers on air and noise pollution control are vested in the Provincial, City and Municipal Governments, pursuant to Section 17 (b) (3) (iii) and Section 17(b) (4) of Republic Act No. 7160, respectively, and refer to enforcement of pollution control laws and other laws on the protection of the environment. Section 3.3 of DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 1992, also provides specific powers, as follows: 1. Enforcement of the following pollution control and environmental laws, rules and regulations: (a) monitoring of Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for projects and businesses; and, (b) apprehension and testing of smoke-belching vehicles and collection of appropriate fees and charges;

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2. Abatement of noise and other forms of nuisance; and 3. Implementation of Cease and Desist Order issued by the Pollution Adjudication Board. Section 122. Governing Laws. This portion of the Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws: 1. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 2. Republic Act No. 8749 (The Philippine Clear Air Act of 1991); and 3. DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 1992, (Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation of DENR Functions Devolved to Local Government Units). Section 123. Operative Principles. The Provincial Government recognizes that, unless appropriate proactive measures are in place, the agro-industrial development of the Province will be associated with the production of increased amount of air and noise pollutants thereby inevitably threatening the health and well-being of the people of Camarines Sur, particularly from the increased utilization of fossil fuels by automotive vehicles and industries. Pursuant to Section 17 of Republic Act No. 7160, the Provincial Government reaffirms its authority to enforce pollution laws and take over the testing and apprehension of smoke belching vehicles and abatement of noise and nuisance in accordance with law. Section 124. Vehicle Emissions Control. The Governor, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the DENR, shall establish a permitting system to ensure that the emission of vehicles and industries operating within the Province are in accordance with standards provided under Republic Act No. 8749 otherwise known as The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. The Provincial Government shall allocate funds for the acquisition and maintenance of emission testing equipment. Section 125. Industrial Pollution Control. The Governor, in close collaboration with the DENR, shall ensure that the industrial firms operating within the Province comply with the air quality standards, periodically test the emission of industrial firms, and establish adequate capability, to respond positively to related citizen complaints on air and noise pollution. Section 126. Zoning Clearances and Building Permits. The Municipal Governments shall be responsible in evaluating the noise-generating potential of infrastructure projects as part of the processing of zoning clearance and building permits. All projects, which generate potential noise and vibration levels contrary to ambient noise level standards established by the Department of Health, shall be required to install sound proofing devices to eliminate vibration. Section 127. Ambient Air Quality and Noise Level Monitoring. When necessary, the Governor, in close collaboration with the DENR, shall establish, operate and maintain noise and ambient air quality sampling and monitoring stations, the result of which shall be released to the public particularly to communities living near and around emission sources. Section 128. Information and Education. The Governor shall implement a continuing program of education and information dissemination on air and noise pollution as an integral part of the pollution control policy of the Provincial Government. Section 129. Industry Group. Pursuant to Section 67 of this Code, the multi-sector Water Resources Committee shall organize industries for the purpose of sharing air pollution reduction and noise abatement techniques, work as a group with the government and non-governmental organizations on pollution and noise minimization and advise the Governor on the policy requirements to promote clean air in the Province. Section 130. Prohibited and Punishable Acts. The prohibited and punishable acts under this Code shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. Causing, permitting, suffering or allowing the emission of particulate matter from any source whatsoever, including, but not limited to, vehicular movement, exportation of materials, construction, alteration, demolition or wrecking or industry related activities as loading, storing or handling without giving reasonable precautions to prevent the occurrence of such condition. Neither shall such person cause or permit the discharge of visible fugitive dust emissions beyond the boundary line of the property from which the emission originates; 2. Storing, dumping, handling, processing, unloading or using in any process or installation, volatile compounds or organic solvents without applying known vapor emission control devices or systems deemed necessary and approved and ordered by the Governor and the appropriate national government agency; 3. Operating plant or source at capacities that exceed the limits of operation or capability of a control device to maintain the air emission within the standard limitations as provided under the existing national laws, rules and regulations; 4. Building, erecting, installing or using any article, machine, equipment or other contrivance, the use of which will conceal emission, which would otherwise constitute a violation of any of the provisions of this Code; 5. Any person intending to build, erect, install or later any chimney, from or through which air impurities may be emitted, shall obtain a prior approval from the Governor. This requirement shall not apply for the chimney serving a private residence; 6. It shall be unlawful for any operator of a vehicle to allow it to discharge air pollutants at levels greater than the acceptable concentration standards prescribed by the DENR; 7. Causing, allowing or permitting the discharge of air pollutants that cause or contribute to an objectionable order; 8. Building, erecting, constructing, installing, or implanting any new source, operate, modify, or rebuild any existing source, or by any means cause or undertake any activity, which would result in ambient noise level higher than the emitted noise greater in volume intensity or quality than the levels prescribed by the DENR for tolerable noise without first securing a clearance from the Municipal Mayor; and 9. Causing or permitting the creation of any unnecessary noise through the use of any device on any street adjacent to any hospital, school, or court of justice. Article XIII ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Section 131. Scope of Power. The implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment by Local Government Units refers to the powers, duties and functions of the Provincial Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources. Section 132. Governing Laws. The pertinent laws governing Environmental Impact Assessment are: 1. Presidential Decree 1152 (Philippine Environmental Code); 2. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 3. Presidential Decree No. 1586 (Environmental Impact Assessment System); and 4. DENR Administrative Order No. 37, series of 1996, (Revising DENR Administrative Order No. 21, series of 1992, to Further Strengthen the Implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System). Section 133. Operative Principles. The Provincial Government recognizes the need for an effective instrument for ensuring environmental soundness of agro-industrial, power generation, mining, infrastructure, housing and residential, and ecotourism projects thereby maintaining a rational and orderly balance between economic growth and community development in the Province and thereby adopts the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) System provided under Presidential Decree No. 1586. Specifically, the following basic processes for ensuring environmental soundness of all development projects as identified under Presidential Decree No. 1586 are hereby adopted: 1. Scoping. As defined in Section 4 (zzz) of this Code. 2. EIS Preparation and Approval. The stage in the EIS system wherein an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is undertaken and data are gathered using accepted scientific methods to clarify key issues and concerns characterizing the environmental setting of the project, predicting the impact of the project on the setting, and measuring the social acceptability of the project. The DENR EIA Review Committee will review the resulting EIA documents and their comments will serve as basis in reviewing the application for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). The ECC may be granted under certain conditions and includes the implementation of an environmental management plan. 3. EIA Monitoring. There is hereby created a multipartite EIA Monitoring Team, which shall be organized by the Governor and to be headed by the EDMERO Department Head. The members shall include the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Environment Committee Chairman, one representative each from the host municipality where the proposed project will be located, DENR, concerned Provincial Government Department/ Offices, and two (2)

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on-call members from the private sector as determined by the Governor on a projectspecific basis. Section 134. Functions of the EIA Monitoring Team. The Team shall monitor compliance of project Environmental Management Plans, conditions set by the ECC and permits issued to the project by the DENR; gather relevant information to determine the cause of damage and respond to public complaints about the project; prepare, integrate and disseminate monitoring status reports; and, undertake community information and education dissemination. Further, the Team shall: 1. Participate in scoping activities; 2. Validate scoping sessions, as provided in this Section 135 of this Code; 3. Participate in preparation of EIS document, pursuant to Section 136 of this Code; 4. Review the EIA and IEE documents as provided in Section 137 of this Code; 5. Participation in public consultation and hearing, as provided in Section 138 of this Code; 6. Participate in law enforcement, as provided in Section 139 of this Code; 7. Conduct regular inventory of establishments, as provided in Section 140 of this Code; and, 8. Submit written periodic status reports to the Governor. Section 135. Validation of Scoping Sessions. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code, shall review the documentation of the scoping session and as required by law, validate its authenticity by signing it. Likewise, the Governor shall assist the EIA preparers in identifying the stakeholders who should be involved in the scoping sessions. Section 136. Participation in the Preparation of EIS Document. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code, shall participate in the preparation of the EIS document by identifying the potentially affected population, assessing the demand of needs of the affected population, providing the EIA preparers with pertinent data, attending meetings and workshops organized by the EIA preparers, articulating the potential impact which may affect public interest, and ensuring that the proposed project is consistent with the provincial policies and plans. Section 137. Review of EIA and IEE. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code, shall review all the EIA and IEE done in the province. Upon recommendation of the Team, the Governor may procure the services of the experts to validate the findings of the study or conduct another EIA. Section 138. Participation in Public Consultation and Hearing. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code, shall attend public consultation and public hearing on the conduct of EIA, be informed of new issues which may arise, and articulate the views and concerns of the Provincial Government. Section 139. Law Enforcement. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code and the DENR, shall work together to enforce the law, including the closure of establishments and projects and the prosecution of offenders. Section 140. Inventory of Establishments. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code and the DENR, shall conduct an annual inventory of existing establishments and projects within the Province to ascertain whether these have complied with the IEE as required under this Code and the EIA and ECC requirement as defined by law. Section 141.IEE Compliance for Projects Not Covered by the EIA System. All Projects defined under Presidential Decree No. 1586 which are proposed to be undertaken in the Province, including those not required by national law to secure ECC and, therefore, not covered by the EIA System pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586, shall be subject to an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), in addition to submission of additional environmental safeguards pursuant to DENR Administrative Order 37, series of 1996; provided, that the Governor shall issue a circular identifying those projects not covered by the EIA System which shall be subject to IEE in accordance with this provision; provided, further, that the Governor shall also submit his proposed measure for legislative enactment to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including recommendations for sanctions, penalties, and/or charges for violation of this provision, within six (6) months upon effectivity of this Code. Section 142. Environmentally Critical Areas. Within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code, the Governor, in close collaboration with the DENR and the Environment Management Bureau (EMB), shall identify the location of Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA), as defined in DENR Administrative Order No. 37, series of 1996, and other national laws for the purpose of integrating the identified ECA in the Provincial Physical Framework Plan. Section 143. Training. The members of the EIA Monitoring Team shall be required to undergo training on the different aspects of monitoring work as prescribed by law. Section 144. Environmental Guarantee Fund. The Governor, through the EIA Monitoring Team as provided in Section 133 (3) of this Code, shall participate in the negotiation and review of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the project developer and concerned parties as prescribed by law for the establishment of an Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF) for projects creating significant public risk. ARTICLE XIV LAND USE AND ZONING Section 145. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall review the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and zoning ordinance of component cities and municipalities and adopt a Provincial Physical Framework Plan (PPFP) subject to existing laws. The provisions contained herein present the extent to which the Provincial Government can influence the preparation of Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plans (MCLUPs) for the purpose of integration of environmental conservation in the formulation of CLUPs at the provincial, city and municipal levels. Section 146. Governing Laws. The legal basis for undertaking the preparation of CLUPs at the provincial, city and municipal levels stem primarily from the specific provisions of the following national laws: 1. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 2. Presidential Executive Order No. 72, series of 1993, which reaffirms the specific provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 on the need for LGUs to prepare their CLUPs and prescribes the review and approval process thereof; 3. Proclamation No. 2146, which declares certain areas and types of projects as environmentally critical and, therefore, within their CLUPs and prescribes the review and approval process thereof; and 4. Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992). Section 147. Basic Policies. In consideration of the provisions of (a) Republic Act No. 7586, or the NIPAS act of 1992; (b) the need to improve the forest cover; (c) the conservation of mangrove forests and coastal areas of the Province; and (d) the protection of lakes and lakelets of the Province, the Governor shall issue circulars or directives for the purpose of incorporating in the municipal CLUPs the corresponding forest, and coastal and lakeside land use and zoning plans, including municipal waters, for the establishment and management of production and recreation forests, maintenance of productivity of municipal waters and protected areas for sources of water, conservation of biological diversity and natural heritage areas, and maintenance of forest cover, respectively. As such, the Mayors shall actively engage the cooperation of the DENR in the preparation of their CLUPs. Section 148. CLUP Formulation. Henceforth, the preparation and formulation of Comprehensive Land Use Plans shall be undertaken with the full participation of community residents and other stakeholders. To achieve this end, no CLUP shall be approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unless such plans are endorsed in writing through a resolution by the Municipal Development Council (MDC) of each municipality. The Governor, upon recommendation of the Provincial Land Use Committee, shall include a budget request in the Annual Investment Plan as may be deemed necessary, for the provision of technical assistance to municipalities in the formulation of their respective CLUPs. Section 149. Compatibility of Provincial and Municipal/City Land Use Plans. The Governor, upon recommendation of the Provincial Land Use Committee, shall issue pertinent guidelines for the purpose of rationalizing the provincial and municipal/city Comprehensive Land Use Plans. The guidelines shall direct the Local Government Units to have clear and defined activities and programs on the protection, sustainable management and conservation of timberlands and environmentally critical areas in their respective jurisdictions.

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Article XV CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION Section 150. Scope of Powers. In addition to the powers, duties and functions of the Governor to adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, freshwater, forest and other resources, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall require the preparation and review of Climate Change Action Plans and adopt comprehensive Provincial Climate Change Action Plan and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program, subject to existing laws. Section 151. Governing Laws. The provisions of this portion of the Code shall be governed by, but not limited to, the following national laws: 1. Article II Section 15 and 16 of the Constitution; 2. Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991); 3. Presidential Memorandum Order No. 33, series of 1992 (Directing the Integration of Philippine Agenda 21 into the Updated Medium-term Philippine Development Plan and into the Plans of Local Government units and Operationalization of the Goals and Objectives of Sustainable Development as embodied in the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development); 4. Presidential Memorandum Order No. 399, series of 1996, (Directing the operationalization of Philippine Agenda 21 and monitoring its implementation); 5. Presidential Executive Order No. 15, series of 1992, (Creating the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development); 6. Presidential Executive Order No. 370, series of 1996, (Strengthening the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development); 7. Presidential Executive Order No. 1181 (Providing for the Prevention, Controls and Abatement of Air Pollution from Motor Vehicles and Other Purposes); 8. DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 1992, (Guidelines for the Transfer and Implementation of DENR function devolved to the Local Government Units); 9. Administrative Order No. 220, series of 1991, (creating the Inter-agency Committee on Climate Change); 10. Philippine Clean Air Act of 2000; and 11. National Framework Strategy on Climate Change. Section 152. Operative Principles. It shall be the responsibility of the Provincial Government, component city and municipalities within the Province and in cooperation with concerned government agencies and the private sector, to: 1. Integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation concerns in the Provinces development plans and programs; 2. Develop adaption responses to climate change impacts; 3. Design mitigation measures; and 4. Capitalize on the consensus among the various sectors of society in order to mobilize them for the implementation of the Provincial Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Action Plan. In carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Governor shall enhance the capability of the component City and Municipal Governments to: 1. Develop their capacities in assessing their respective areas vulnerability to climate change particularly in four key areas: agriculture, water, coastal, energy and transportation; 2. Assist them in developing response measures and implementing strategies to address the adverse effects of climate change in their areas through a climate change local action planning process; and 3. Develop their project development capabilities as part of their strategy of governance. Section 153. Climate Change Strategy. All measures shall be adopted by the Provincial Government to actively share responsibility with the National Government, particularly with the DENR, the PAGASA, the Department of Agriculture, the Land Transportation Office, the Provincial Development Council, the civil society, the non-government organizations and the private sector, in formulating the strategic Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Action Plan (CCAMAP) to prevent the rapid increase in the concentration of heat-trapping gases, referred to as greenhouse gases or GHGs in the atmosphere, which result to global warming and causing drastic changes in the global climate. Section 154. Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation Program. The Provincial Government shall adopt and pursue natural resources management as a strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In particular, it shall initiate and focus study on the vulnerability of coastal, water, agricultural, energy, transportation, health and forestry sectors to climate change impacts. Based on the identified vulnerable areas, the Provincial Governments response mechanism shall be developed in close collaboration with concerned government agencies and instrumentalities. Further, the Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation Program Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism is hereby institutionalized and action plans are expected to be developed and implemented. Section 155. Climate Change Monitoring. There is hereby created a multipartite Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation Team (CCMET), which shall be organized by the Governor and headed by the EDMERO Department Head with the Chair of the Environment Committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, one representative each from DENR-Environment Management Bureau, Department of Transportation and Communications, PAGASA, Department of Agriculture, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Coast Guard (CG), the academe, non-government organizations, electric cooperatives, and Camarines Sur Water Districts, as members. The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide and it should be the primary concern of the CCMET including those that result from human activities or anthropogenic emissions because the overall warming can promote and cause sudden and drastic changes in climate patterns and other atmospheric and geological phenomena. Section 156. Function of Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation Team. The Team shall have the following functions and responsibilities: 1. Initiate and monitor climate change-related projects/programs within the Province; 2. Integrate Climate Change Initiatives into development plans; and 3. Conduct climate change briefing and/or dissemination of important information relative to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures to component city and municipalities. In addition, the Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation Team shall be tasked to conduct local studies on climate change as a consequence of the increased emission of GHGs that include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SHF). Section 157. Training. The EDMERO staff and the Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation Team shall be required to undergo training on the different aspects of climate change monitoring and evaluation work as prescribed by law. Section 158. Information and Education. The Governor shall implement a continuing program of education and information dissemination on Climate Change as an integral part of Provincial Governments policy on environment and natural resource management. Section 159. Policy Integration. In order to fully institutionalized Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation and the Local Government Units Response Mechanism, the Climate Change Local Action Planning (CCLAP) and the Climate Change Adaption and Mitigation Program (CCAMP) are hereby established as regular plans and programs of the Provincial Government and, as such, they shall be integrated into the regular budgeting process; provided, that the CCLAP and CCAMP funds shall be intended for the provision of assistance to component city and municipal governments in the promotion and conduct of Climate Change Local Action Planning and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program and implementation of related projects as well; provided, further, that the plan and program shall be implemented in close collaboration with concerned components city and municipalities, non-government and private sector organizations. CHAPTER 4 ADMINISTRATION Article XVI ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

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Section 160. Creation of the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO). For the purpose of Section 463 and 484 of Republic Act No. 7160, the coastal, lake, mineral, forest, and water resources management, solid and liquid waste management, air and noise pollution control, environmental impact assessment, functions of the various offices and departments of the Provincial Government, including applicable appropriations, records, equipment, property, and the associated personnel as may be necessary, are hereby merge into a single office to be known as the Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office, referred to in this Code as the EDMERO. Section 161. Jurisdiction of the EDMERO. The EDMERO shall have jurisdiction and authority over all environment and natural resources in the Province, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, Republic Act No. 7586, Republic Act No. 9147, and all other applicable national laws, rules and regulations. Pursuant to Section 16, Republic Act No. 7160, it shall share responsibility with the municipal governments, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Protected Area Office and other cognizant national government agencies for the effective protection, sustainable development, management, rehabilitation, and conservation of environment and natural resources in the Province; the regulation and supervision of the operation of licensees, leasees and permittees for the extraction or utilization of natural resources; the implementation of local government-directed coastal, forest, mineral, ecotourism, water resources management, including solid waste management and the control of air and noise pollution; enforcement of environment and natural resources laws, rules and regulations; and shall perform the functions prescribed in Section 484 of Republic Act No. 7160. Specifically the EDMERO shall undertake the following: 1. Organizational Development. Assist the municipal/city governments and barangay councils including environmental organizations, through the provision of technical assistance such as, but not limited to, the recruitment and training of environment specialists, and guidance in the formulation and implementation of environmental laws; 2. Program Development. Develop a multi-year environment and natural resources management framework and plan for the promotion of local government-driven community based and livelihood-oriented initiatives particularly in forest plantation, ecosystem management, watershed management, ecotourism, coastal resources management, solid waste management, and participatory land use planning; 3. Networking and Linkaging. Establish an operational internal linkage and networking system that will maintain and expand local government-driven environmental initiatives; 4. Promotional Campaigning. Develop and implement environmental programs through the promotion of best practices, methods, processes, and approaches by establishing showcases within the Province for the LGUs to adopt in their respective jurisdictions; 5. Fund Sourcing. Establish linkages with national and international institutions for purposes of fund sourcing, network building, research, and the creation of environment and natural resources information database; 6. Policy Advocacy. Encourage the component city and municipalities to appoint and/or designate City/Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (C/MENRO), pursuant to Section 484, Article XIV of Republic Act No. 7160. Organize a network of green lobby/advocacy groups by maintaining a provincial network of environmental organizations; 7. Organizing Environment-Related Activities and Programs. Facilitate and coordinate the holding of Provincial Environment summits to be held in June of each year where a diverse selection of community representatives and environmental advocates and practitioners will resolve issues with regards to natural resources utilization and management and spearhead the observation of Earth day and Environment Month; 8. One-Stop Shop. Install one-stop shop and quick response desk that will be manned by an interdisciplinary, interagency and multi-sectoral team whose task will be to facilitate calls for fact-finding missions, monitoring and investigation of environment- and disasterrelated concerns and/or issues in the Province; 9. LGU Clustering. Encourage and organize the municipalities to form clusters in order to facilitate faster response to and address common environmental and natural resources concerns, such as law enforcement in forest areas and municipal waters, protection of freshwater systems, watersheds, and wildlife, ecosystem rehabilitation, pollution control as stipulated in Section 3 (f) of Republic Act No. 7160 and climate change adaptation and migration; 10. Periodic Review. Conduct periodic review and evaluation of all environment-related projects and activities of the Provincial Government; 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Provide technical assistance and guidance in the formulation of the IRR for the Camarines Sur Environment Code of 2012 and recommends to the Governor the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to draft the IRR as provided in Section 197 of this Code; and 12. Perform such other functions that are necessary to carry out its mandate. Section 162. Department Head. No person shall be appointed EDMERO Department Head unless he/she is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, a resident of Camarines Sur, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in environment, forestry, agriculture or any related course from a recognized and reputable college or university, with at least five (5) years experience in environmental management or related field, and with a first grade civil service eligibility or its equivalent. The Department Head shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty Six (26) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto. Section 163. Supervision and Control. The EDMERO shall be under the direct supervision and direction of the Provincial Governor. Section 164. Review. All actions and decisions of the EDMERO Department Head are subject to review, motu propio or upon appeal by any person aggrieved thereby, by the Governor whose decision shall be final and executory after the lapse of thirty (30) calendar days from receipt by the aggrieved of said decision. Section 165. Regulation. Upon the recommendation of the EDMERO Department Head and in accordance with Section 161 (11) herein, the Governor, in consultation with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement effectively the provisions of this Code. Section 166. Creation of Functional Groups. For the effective implementation of the programs of the EDMERO, the following groups and units are hereby created: Group Unit 1. Administrative and Support Service a. Electronic Data Processing b. Records / Data Bank c. Property and Maintenance d. Finance 3. Natural Resources Management a. Ecosystem Management and Conservation b. Protected Area and Sanctuary Management c. Biodiversity Conservation d. Coastal and Lake Resources Management e. Water Resources Management 4. Mineral Resources Management a. Mines and Quarry 5. Environmental Management a. Solid Waste Management b. Air and Noise Pollution Control c. Environment Impact Assessment The EDMERO shall tap the participation of other relevant units for services such as research, planning, engineering and providing technical assistance. The Governor may, upon recommendation of the EDMERO Department Head, reorganize or create divisions, groups or other sections or units as may be deemed necessary and appoint and/or designate the personnel thereto.

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Section 167. Budget. In order to pursue and sustain the operation of the EDMERO, the Governor shall submit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the proposal Annual Budget of the Office incorporated into the Proposal General Budget of the Province. The Annual budget shall be adequate enough in order not to hamper its operation to cover the required personnel, maintenance and other operating expenses, equipment and facilities. Section 168. Performance Evaluation. The EDMERO Department Head shall devise a system, to be approved by the Governor, to evaluate the performance of the staff, project implementers and holders of permits, if there be any. Section 169. Camarines Sur Sustainable Development Council (CSSDC). There is hereby created the Camarines Sur Sustainable Development Council, herein referred to as the Council, which shall establish policy guidelines and recommend policy reforms to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the sustainable development of natural resources of Camarines Sur. The council shall be composed of the Governor as Chair; and Chairpersons of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committees on Environment, Tourism, Investment, Agriculture, Engineering and Public Works; the Department Heads of concerned offices of the Provincial Government-accredited environmental organizations; the Provincial Heads of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Health, Tourism, Public Works and Highways, and Land Transportation Office; the City Mayors; the Presidents of the Leagues of Municipalities, Vice-Mayors, and Councilors; the Chairmen of Protected Area Management Boards; the President of Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Heads of Liga ng mga Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan, College and High School Student Councils, Senior Citizens, church, women, fisher-folk, lowland farmers, upland farmers, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) operating in the Province, the representatives of tribal organizations and the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP), Congressmen or their designates, the Camarines Sur Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts, and Presidents or Chairpersons of Transport Groups and vendors associations as members, who shall all be appointed by the Governor, provided, that gender equality shall be highly considered in the selection of members, as may deemed necessary. A full Council meeting shall be convened by the Governor at least twice a year or upon request of the majority of the members or when critical issues need the immediate action of the Council upon which the Governor shall call for emergency meetings. The Council may adopt other mechanisms such as the formation of an Executive Committee or other Technical Working Groups as it deems necessary. The Environment, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) shall serve as the full-time secretariat of the Council. Section 170. Environmental Management System. The EDMERO, through the Camarines Sur Sustainable Development Council, shall ensure the institutionalization of an environmental management system in all levels of governance and organizations in the province. Article XVII PENALTIES Section 171. The penalties for violation of Section 31 of this Code shall be as follows: 1. Violators of Section 31 (1) and (2) of this Code shall be penalized by a Fine in the amount of not less than Three Thousand Pesos (PhP3,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or an imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not to exceed one (1) year, or both at the discretion of the Courts. 2. Violators of Section 31 (3), (4) and (5) of this Code shall be penalized by a Fine in the amount of not less than One Thousand Pesos (PhP1,000.00) but not to exceed Three Thousand Pesos (PhP3,000.00) or an imprisonment of not less than thirty (30) days but not to exceed six (6) months, or both at the discretion of the Courts. 3. Violators of Section 31 (6) and (7) of this Code shall be penalized accordingly, to wit: First Offense - Fine of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) but not more than Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) and community service in a manner as may be provided by law. Second Offense - Fine of Four Hundred Pesos (P400.00) but not more than Six Hundred Pesos (P600.00) and community service in a manner as may be provided by law. Third Offense - Fine of Seven Hundred Pesos (P700.00) but not more than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than thirty (30) days but not to exceed forty five (45) days or both at the discretion of the Courts. The use of any equipment and/or tool in the commission of the prohibited acts under Section 31 shall constitute an aggravating circumstance and shall add to the penalty to be imposed for violations. The equipment and/or tool being used shall be confiscated. Section 172. Penalties. Violators of Section 42 (1) of this Code shall be imposed the following penalties and/or fines: i. imprisonment of a minimum of ten (10) months and one (1) day but not exceeding one (1) year and/ or a fine of Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) to Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00), at the discretion of the Courts, if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Critically Endangered; ii. imprisonment of eight (8) months and one (1) day to ten (10) months and/or a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) to Four Thousand Pesos(P4,000,00), at the discretion of the Courts, if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Endangered; iii. imprisonment of six (6) months and one (1) day to eight (8) months and/ or a fine of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) to Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00), at the discretion of the Courts, if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Vulnerable; iv. imprisonment of four (4) months and one (1) day to six (6) months and /or a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) to Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00), at the discretion of the Courts, if inflicted or undertaken against other threatened species; and v. imprisonment of two (2) months to four (4) months and/or a fine of not less than Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) but not more than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00), at the discretion of the Courts, if inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife species. For illegal acts under Section 42 (2), (3) and (4), the following penalties and/or fines shall be imposed: i. imprisonment of five (5) months to six (6) months and/or a fine of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php2,500.00) to Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Critically Endangered; ii. imprisonment of four (4) months and one (1) day to five (5) months and/ or a fine of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) to Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P2,500.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Endangered; iii. imprisonment of Three (3) months and one (1) day to Four (4) months and/ or a fine of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P1,500.00) to Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against species listed as Vulnerable; iv. imprisonment of Two (2) months and one (1) day to Three (3) months and/or a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) to One Thousand Five Pesos (P1,500.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other threatened species; and v. imprisonment of one (1) month to two (2) months and/or a fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) to One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00), if inflicted or undertaken against other wildlife species. For illegal acts under Section 42 (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10) and (11), the following penalties and/ or fines shall be imposed: i. imprisonment of one (1) month to three (3) months and/or a fine of Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) or both at the discretion of the court. Section 173. Violators of Section 51 of this Code shall be fined an amount of not less than Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P2,500.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,,000.00), exclusive of the value of the thing damaged, or be imprisoned for not less than three (3) months, but not more than six (6) months, or both at the discretion of the court. The offender shall also be required to restore or compensate for the restoration of the damage; Provided further, that the court shall order the eviction of the offender from the wetland and the forfeiture in favor of the government

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of all mineral, timber or any species collected or removed including all equipment, devices and firearms used in connection therewith, and any construction or improvement made thereon by the offender. If the offender is an association or corporation the president or manager shall be directly responsible for the act of his employees and laborers. Provided, finally that, the Provincial Government and/or DENR may impose administrative fines and penalties consistent with the provisions of applicable laws. Section 174. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in consultation with the various Sangguniang Bayans and the DENR, shall, within one (1) year upon effectivity of this Code, enact a unified ordinance for the purpose of defining the penalties and/or sanctions for acts violating the provisions of Section 60 of this Code. Section 175. Violators of prohibited acts under Section 74 of this Code shall be penalized and fined the amount of not less than Two Thousand Pesos (PhP2,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than thirty (30) days but not to exceed one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court. Section 176. Violators of Section 93 of this Code shall be penalized as follows: 1. Anyone who violates Section 93 (1) shall be fined the amount of not less than Three Thousand Pesos (PhP3,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not to exceed one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court; 2. Anyone who violates Section 93 (2) and (3) shall be fined the amount of not less than Three Thousand Pesos (PhP3,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not to exceed one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court; The offender shall also be required to restore or compensate for the restoration of the damage; Provided further, that the court shall order the eviction of the tourist facility constructed at the waters edge and any construction or improvement made thereon by the offender. If the offender is an association or corporation the president or manager shall be directly responsible for the act of his employees and laborers. 3. Anyone who violates Section 93 (4) and (5) shall be fined the amount of not less than Six Hundred Pesos (PhP600.00) but not to exceed One Thousand Pesos (PhP1,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not to exceed one (1) years or both at the discretion of the Court. Section 177. Violators of Conservation of biological diversity and preservation of heritage items under Section 107 of this Code shall be penalized and fined the amount of not less than One Thousand Pesos (PhP1,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) days but not to exceed one (1) year or both at the discretion of the Court. Section 178. Penalties for violation of Section 119 of this Code shall be as follows: 1. Any person who violates Section 119 (1) shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than One Hundred Fifty Pesos (P150.00) but not more than Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) or render community service in a manner as may be provided by law or ordinance in an LGU where such offense is committed, or both; 2. Any person who violates Section 119 (2), shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Two Hundred Fifty Pesos (P250.00) but not more than Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) or imprisonment of not less than one (1) day but not more than five (5) days, or both; 3. Any person who violates Section 119 (3), (4), (5) and (6) shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Three Hundred Pesos (P300.00) but not more than Seven Hundred Pesos (P700.00) or imprisonment of not less than three (3) days but not more than seven (7) days, or both; 4. Any person who violates Section 119 (7) and (8) for the first time shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P1,500.00). An additional penalty of imprisonment of a minimum period of one (1) month, but not to exceed three (3) months at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed for second or subsequent violations of Section 119 (7) & (8). 5. Any person who violates Section 119 (9) shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of not less than Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) but not more than Four Thousand Pesos (P4,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than three (3) months but not more than six (6) months, or both; 6. Any person who violates Section 119 (10), (11) and (12) shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine not less than Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than one (1) year, or both. Section 179. Penalties for violations of Section 130 of this Code shall be as follows: 1. Violators of Section 130 (1), (2), (3) & (4) of this Code shall be penalized and fined the amount of not less than One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP1,500.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than thirty (30) days but not to exceed one (1) year or both at discretion of the Court. 2. Violators of Section 130 (6), (7), (8) & (9) of this Code shall be penalized and fined the amount of not less than One Thousand Pesos (PhP1,000.00) but not to exceed Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) or imprisonment of not less than fifteen (15) days but not to exceed one (1) year or both at discretion of the Court. Section 180. Violators of any provision of this Code to which no specific penalty is imposed or commission of any of the prohibited acts which do not carry a specific penalty, shall be penalized by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Pesos (PhP500.00) but not more than Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) at the discretion of the Court. CHAPTER 5 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ARTICLE VIII SPECIAL EVENTS AND DAYS OF ACTION Section 181. Special Events and Days of Action. The Provincial Government shall observe/celebrate/commemorate special events and days of action in coordination with all local government units, concerned government agencies and Civil Society Organizations, to raise the level of environmental awareness and consciousness among the people of Camarines Sur. A) EL VERDE TREE PLANTING DAY Section 182. Province-Wide EL Verde Tree Planting Day. There shall be a regular observance of a province-wide annual synchronized tree planting day activity every third week of February every year to be spearheaded by the Provincial Government in coordination with other local government units, national government agencies, academe, civil societies and business communities in any of the established or identified communal or community-based forest projects in the province. Section 183. Lead Agency. The EDMERO shall be the lead agency in the conduct of the ProvinceWide El Verde Tree-Planting Day. B) EARTH DAY Section 184. Observance. Pursuant to the United Nations Resolution of 1972, the Provincial Government shall take the lead in the celebration of Earth Day every 22nd day of April of every year. C) ENVIRONMENT MONTH Section 185. Observance. The Province shall observe the month of June every year as the Environment Month and synchronizing all efforts in the protection, preservation and conservation of the Provinces natural resources and ecosystems. Section 186. Activities. The Provincial Government, through the EDMERO, shall conduct and/or undertake various activities in the observance of the Environment Month. D) ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MONTH Section 187. Observance. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9512 or the National Environment Awareness and Education Act of 2008, the Province shall observe November as Environmental Awareness Month to promote awareness on the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance to achieve sustainable development. E) WORLD WATER DAY Section 188. Observance. The Province shall celebrate World Water Day every 22nd of March every year with appropriate and meaningful activities.

june 2 - 8, 2013
F) INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE OZONE LAYER Section 189. Observance. The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer shall be celebrated within the Province every September 16 of every year with activities that will highlight concern and awareness for the protection of the ozone layer. G) CLEAN AIR MONTH CELEBRATION Section 190. Observance. The whole month of November of each year is hereby declared as Clean Air Month Celebration with appropriate activities. H) WORLD WETLANDS DAY Section 191. Observance. The World Wetlands Day is celebrated globally on the 2nd day of February each year with appropriate activities. I) WORLD OCEAN MONTH Section 192. Observance. The month of May of each year is the World Ocean Month. As such, the Province shall celebrate the event with activities that highlights the status and importance of the worlds oceans. Section 193. Other Celebrations. Other days/events not provided herein shall be observed subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. Article IX TRANSFER AND VESTED RIGHTS Section 194. Transfer of Environmental Offices, Programs and Projects to the EDMERO. The EDMERO shall assume all the existing programs, responsibilities, facilities and appropriations of the different provincial government offices engaged in watershed management, solid waste management, small scale mining, quarry regulation, integrated social forestry, eco-tourism, water supply development and other concerns included in this Code. The personnel of the above-mentioned offices, projects and programs shall be seconded to the EDMERO and become an integral part of its organizational structure and operations. Section 195. Vested Rights. Rights and obligations existing on the date of effectivity of this Code and arising out of contracts shall be governed by the original terms and conditions of said contract or the law in force at the time such rights were vested. Article X FUNDING AND IRR Section 196. Appropriation. The Provincial Government shall appropriate funds to ensure effective enforcement of this Code. Section 197. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Governor, through a Technical Working Group, shall formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) necessary to effectively carry out the provisions of this Code within six (6) months from its approval. Article XI TRANSITORY PROVISIONS Section 198. Rules of Interpretation. Under this Code, authority is vested on both the Governor and the Province. Whenever the Code mentions the Governor as the authorized person, the authority is exclusively vested on the Governor. However, if the Code mentions the Province as the authorized person, this authority may be exercised by the Governor himself or may be delegated to his duly authorized representative. Section 199. Prior Consent of Sanggunians. Private entities, government agencies and their instrumentalities are hereby required to secure prior consent of the concerned Sanggunians in the implementation and development of investment programs or projects affecting the environment in the Province. Natural resources development, utilization or processing, lease, license or agreement or usufruct permit shall not be issued by the Provincial Government or other government agencies without prior consultation with, and consent of, local government units, affected communities and stakeholders in the Province. Section 200. Applicability Clause. All other matters not covered by this Code shall be governed by pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Section 201. Conflicting Provisions of Sections. If the provisions of the different Sections are in conflict with each other, the provisions of the Section which is the last in point of sequence shall prevail. Section 202. Special Provision. The Governor, through a Technical Working Group (TWG), shall order the mandatory review of this Code after two (2) years of its effectivity and proposals for amendment of the same shall be submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in order to pass the provisions to amend this Code. Section 203. Repealing Clause. All Ordinances, Executive Orders, Resolutions, Circulars, Memoranda or Rules and Regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Code are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly. Section 204. Separability Clause. If, for any reasons, any provision of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid, all the other provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. Section 205. Effectivity Clause. This Code shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in any newspaper of general circulation within the Province of Camarines Sur. ENACTED. December 14, 2012 CERTIFIED BY: NIMFA B. CAS Acting Provincial Secretary

AUTHORED/SPONSORED BY:

ANGEL G. NAVAL Board Member CO-SPONSORS: FORTUNATO C. PEA Vice Governor CHARINA F. PANTE Board Member

EMMANUEL F. LLAGUNO Board Member DARIUS S. NOPRA Board Member

ALEXANDER JAMES D. JAUCIAN Board Member NOTED: WILFREDO REX C. OLIVA Chairman- Comm. on Rules, Internal Government and Public Accountability ATTESTED BY: FORTUNATO C. PEA Vice Governor & Presiding Officer

APPROVED: LUIS RAYMUND F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. Governor

BIKOL REPORTER Published: June 2, 2013

22 bikol reporter
He is indeed a Russian national however of Mongolian descent and his entry to our country is documented, Ojano said. Yuchyugyaev arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 16 on board Cathay Pacific via Beijing, China. He is allowed to stay in the Philippine soil until June 5, Ojano said. According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 5, Yuchyugyaev was airlifted at 4:00 pm on May 23 in a Philippine Air Force (PAF) chopper that they coordinated to transport the victim. Yuchyugyaev was located at 10:00 am Wednesday (May 22) through his mirror signals to the rescuers. He was found stuck at the Mi-isi Gulley and later brought to Camp 2 for initial medical attention. We are spending resources as part of our culture of being hospitable to visitors, Ojano said. Aside from reimbursing the government on the expenses on the rescue operations, the appropriate fines and penalties must be sanctioned to foreign nationals who violated local ordinances and laws, Ojano said. Unfortunately, not a single barangay, municipal out from the protected forest. He said they will also consider the implementation of management zoning in the PA classified as the strict protection zone and the multiuse zone. The DENR executive explained that the strict protection zone refers to areas with high bio-diversity value, which shall be closed to human activity -- except for scientific studies and/or ceremonial or religious use by indigenous communities. The multi-use zone, meanwhile, pertains to areas where there is settlement and traditional or sustainable land use -- including agriculture, agroforestry, extraction activities and other income-generating or livelihood activities, Gonzales explained. He also directed Regional Technical Director Felix Mendoza, Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service head, to further study the plans for the BNP and for the provincial environment and natural resources officers of Camarines provinces to adopt initial measures of intensifying mobile patrolling and and the conduct of checkpoints along the various entry and exit points straddling the forest. The Bicol Natural Park is a protected area with an expanse of 5,201 hectares and an elevation of 100-538 meters above sea level. It is located in the Camarines provinces, sprawling along the towns of Basud and San Lorenzo Ruiz at the side of Camarines Norte and Lupi and Sipocot at the border of Camarines Sur. -Samuel M. Toledo

june 2 - 8, 2013
BI: Stricter rules on safety . . .
or provincial ordinance was passed yet imposing penalties to violators of climbing restrictions at Mayon as an articulation of the executive order issued by Governor Joey rooms is under the Basic Education Facilities Fund for 2013, wherein some P629,189,000 will be allocated for the fund for construction of classrooms alone which will be administered by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). RSBP specifically targets schools which are categorized under the Red Zone or those which have a ratio of 56 or more students to one classroom; and the Black Salceda, Ojano said. Thus, Yuchyugayeavs stiffest penalty as of the moment is a broken leg. What is important is that he is lucky to be found alive and he can say that there is more fun in the Philippines. Zone, or schools which make use of makeshift classrooms and facilities. Pendegones said that this project mainly aims to provide the students in both elementary and high school an improved environment conducive for learning. With better-equipped learning environment, students are able to focus more on their studies and learn more effectively, Pendogones added.

865 new classrooms up . . .

Daet to celebrate 430th . . .

Second Pinyasan dog show at the same venue. There will be an opening parade to be participated in by government agencies, military and schools with best marching band and CAT drill competition and an opening of the Pinyasan Trade Fair and Pinyasan party night. The Pinyasan Festival is in celebration of the Formosa sweet variety Queen pineapple, one of the provinces major products. Sarion said that in this years Pinyasan Festival will coincide with the Metro Manila Councilors Conference slated on June 20-22 to be held in Daet wherein the invited guests are Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano and also Senator Teofisto TG Guingona III. He said that celebrities like Kalil Ramos, Karylle and Erik Santos will also be invited for the Pinyasan Star Express on June 22. The activities on June 16 will include the Pinyasan walk from Daet Heritage Center to Bagasbas Beach, Pinyasan beach football tournament, beach events like the paraw regatta, sand carving, beach volleyball, palo sebo and Pinyasan party night. On June 17 will be the flag raising ceremony to be followed by the presentation of candidates of Miss Pinyasan, Miss Daet and Miss Tourism; Daet at 430th forum with Prof. Danilo Gerona; Pinyasan mural painting and party night. A Pinyasan Food Fair and Jobs Fair will be held on June 18 together with the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Pinyasan Village Dedication Day, Pinyasan Master Chef Competi-

a question of privilege . . .
introduced in Spain could not reach this country on time. There were instances when those who were severely chastised for their misdeeds were no longer around when the order arrived. Filipinos who gained the trust of the Spanish officials and who got appointed to high positions could not do anything,it was said, Besides, they were benefitted by the corruption of the Spanish administrators. So, why rock the boat? The social ills were highlighted in The Twilight of Spanish Rule, a chapter in the book, The Philippines, A Unique Nation by Sonia M Zaide . There was a man, Juan de la Cruz who was arrested for double murder, June 7, l896, and thrown to jail without trial. When the Americans came on May l, l898, they found the man still in jail. The Americans set him free. The worst practice handed down by the Spanish era is the political dynasty. It is keeping our country in the doldrum. In that period, the term political dynasty was not yet in the dictionary. But it was there by another name. Selling public office is a little different from vote-buying. But you can describe it as same animal with a different collar. Filipinos love the system so much they do not want to let it go.

tion, Pinyasan Little Angels and party night. To give tribute to our elders there will be a Senior Citizen Ballroom dancing competition on June 19 to be followed by a party night while on June 20 will be the Pinyasan Mayors Cup Regional Shootfest; pinya carafest, kadang kadang and sangkayaw; race with the Miss Pinyasan candidates, Got Talent and Pinyasan night. The 5th Mayors Cup National Dart Tournament will be on June 21-23 while the remaining activities will be Search for Miss Pinyasan, Miss Daet and Miss Tourism Beauty pageant; horseback raising competition; street dancing; fun run; float competition; barangay night and awarding ceremonies; and fireworks display. On June 24 will be the town fiesta wherein a whole day pontifical mass will be celebrated in honor of Saint John the Baptist.

General Luna St., Naga City

24K PAWNSHOP

AUCTION SALE on JUNE 14, 2013 of all unredeemed articles pledged from NOVEMBERDECEMBER 2012 at 8:30 a.m.
BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2, 2013

R. GUINHAWA PAWNSHOP
General Luna St., Naga City

AUCTION SALE on
BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2, 2013

DENR intensifies Bicol . . .

governments; empowerment of the peoples organizations and issuance of resource utilization permit; and intensifying the implementation of no charcoal making policy in the BNP by patrolling and non-issuance of permit. Only by doing these (strategies) will we be ensuring that the BNP is wellprotected from instances of encroaching by illegal settlers Gonzales stressed, as he quickly cited the need for the forest occupants to clear

JUNE 28, 2013 of all unredeemed articles pledged from NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Province: Camarines Sur City/Municipality: Libmanan

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0026-2013 R.A. 10172 In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that RIONEL MANAIT EJE has filed with this office a Petition for correction of entry in sex from Male to Female in the certificate of live birth of RIONEL MANAIT EJE at LIbmanan, Camarines Sur and whose parents are GREGORIO EJE and NELIA MANAIT. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than JUNE 15, 2013. (Sgd.) EMILIE S. AGNES-DAIRAO Municipal Civil Registrar

BIKOL REPORTER Published: June 2 and 9, 2013 Republic of the Philippines LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Province: Camarines Sur City/Municipality: Libmanan

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

CCE-0024-2013 R.A. 10172 In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JUEDHIL GATACILO MALACA has filed with this office a Petition for correction of entry in sex from Female to Male in the certificate of live birth of JUEDHIL GATACILO MALACA at LIbmanan, Camarines Sur and whose parents are ALBERTO A. MALACA and RITA A. GATACILO. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this office not later than JUNE 15, 2013. (Sgd.) EMILIE S. AGNES-DAIRAO Municipal Civil Registrar BIKOL REPORTER Published: June 2 and 9, 2013

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Name of Deceased ELMER C. CLEDERA SR REYNAN LL. DOMOGMA VIRGILIO F. SABALLEGUE ANTONIO P. SAN JOAQUIN FELIP A. AGREGADO SR. FELICIANA S. ENVERGA ANITA TANG OTELIA H. COBILLA EXPECTACION S. BANCASO MARIO M. FERNANDO CATALINA L. BALANG ROGELIO N. DULCE MARIETTA M. CARULLO

Date of Interment May 7, 2013 May 11, 2013 May 15, 2013 May 18, 2013 May 23, 2013 May 23, 2013 May 25, 2013 May 26, 2013 May 29, 2013 May 28, 2013 May 28, 2013 May 28, 2013 May 31, 2013

23 bikol reporter
from my window . . .
Philippine Islands. Is it possible that the ghost of former presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr. and Sec. Jesse Robredo campaigned for Senator-elect Grace Poe and Representative-elect Leni Robredo respectively? The overwhelming result of their election surprised even them. I hope they will do what they said during the campaign so that their (FPJs and Jesses) souls will be in peace. ***** The Biz News Asia magazine dated May 6-20, 2013 reported the following: The National Statistics Coordination Board reported that twenty eight (28) Filipinos out of every one hundred (100) remains poor. Since 2010, President Aquino has poured some P100 billion into his so called Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program also known as Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), a monthly cash dole-out of P500 to P1,400 is given to poor families chosen by the DSWD on the condition that the family keeps its school age children in school and takes them for regular check-up and deworming to a health center. The program is an amazing corruption of the adage, If you want a man to eat fish, dont give him fish, but teach him how to fish. This has created a culture of dependence among its beneficiaries/victims without lifting them from poverty or teaching them any trade. Because of this program, they will continue to eat fish without ever having to go to the river, the brackish pond or the sea. This program promotes mendicancy and laziness and has not improved the lives of the poor. During the recent election, it was used by the administration for bribing and dole-out to voters here in the 4th district of Camarines Sur. Aga Muhlach, the congressional candidate of the LP, distributed registration papers for Conditional Cash Transfer for dole-outs to voters. The P100B for this program can better be used for other projects and needs on agriculture, health, education, livelihood, etc. The CCT Program better stopped since it h as not lifted beneficiaries from poverty and is used for politicking.

june 2 - 8, 2013
HOCUS PCOS . . .
Carlo Binda of the National Democratic Institute in Nigeria emphatically said that elections are not an event, theyre a process. To illustrate, he pointed out that Yemen recently held an election that went off without a hitch . . . but thats not where the shenanigans took place, and the election led to no change at all. If ICT is not the silver bullet, then what does it take to end poll deceit so that the next electoral exercises will not only be fast and accurate but also reflective of the genuine will of the people? Or perhaps is not just electoral fraud. Could there be other, more deeply-rooted problems such as in our values that we fail to identify and address? Notably, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines did not indorse individual politicians or any political parties. It allowed the laity to choose their temporal leaders using their conscience in the recently concluded mid-term polls. (Sounds like a detergent effective in washing away the sins of the likes of Garci) I want to believe that the Holy Church knows that the PCOS machine is just like Pandoras box, filled with more problems that solutions. But there is nothing magical in it. Perhaps we only confuse the means with the end that remains as nebulous to most of us. The past might offer us a solution that we may find our future as a people Historian Renato Constantino offered a very practical solution when he quoted what Senator Claro M. Recto said in 1969 about conscience vote, thus: Today, we shall have a few moments of solitude. Shielded from the poisonous blasts of lying propaganda, insulated from the raucous display of adolescent hysterics, sheltered from the insistent shower of gifts, money, and jobs from unscrupulous vote-buyers, and protected from the coercive arm of political machines, each one of us will at last be free to act as his conscience dictates. My countrymen, as you hold your blank ballots in your hand, pause for a while. That moment is your moment of absolute power. You hold your countrys destiny in your hand. Remember that you are voting not only for candidates but for the policies and principles that they represent. You are choosing your future and that of your children with your ballot. Shall it be a future of poverty and subservience? Or, shall it be future of freedom and dignity, of complete political and economic emancipation? The conscience of the true Filipino will tell him that his allegiance must be to the cause of Filipinism. It is on this Filipino conscience, on the instinctive nationalism of our countrymen that we x x x place our reliance and our hope. In the solemn moment of choice, the Filipino will be true to the nationalist traditions of his liberty-loving forbears.

Deriquito visits CamNorte . . .

school should continue planting trees and the advocacy to avoid cutting of trees to attain the green environment. RD Tuy also cited that using a mother tounge-based instruction is very effective according to the result of a pilot testing wherein children in just one month were able to read. SDS Arnulfo Balane on the other hand said that he believed that education is everybodys concern, not only for school but also for the parents to be involved in activities like the Brigade Eskwela. Asst. SDS Norma Samantela explained that they are also implementing what is best for the children here especially with the mother tounge-based instruction wherein they used either tagalog or bicol in schools and they are preparing a module using Daet language. She added that they are also conducting series of trainings for teachers in preparation for the K-12 implementation in the province. The said talakayan was hosted by ICM Rosalita Manlangit of PIA and attended by members of the tri-media in Camarines Norte: Hello Bicol of STV6, DZMD-AM, DWSR-FM, DWSL-FM, Nation News and Bicol Insights Weekly; and also some teachers who are undergoing the training for the K-12 implementation.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE SPEED PAWNSHOP, JR. Bichara Complex, San Antonio Poblacion, Calabanga, Camarines Sur, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ROWENA ASPE PAWNSHOP, P. Burgos St., corner J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at E. BOY ASPE PAWNSHOP, Prieto Street, Filabel Arcade, Dinaga, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE EXPLORER PAWNSHOP, Ground Floor, Bichara Complex, Abella St., Igualdad, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE IGUALDAD PAWNSHOP, Cor. Igualdad Ext. & J. Hernandez Ave., Igualdad, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

caceres

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at R. M. ASPE PAWNSHOP, Cor. Panganiban & Elias Angeles Street, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE CROWNJEWEL PAWNSHOP & JEWELRY STORE, Bichara Mall corner J. Hernandez & Gen. Luna Sts., Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE SUPERPAWN PAWNSHOP Crown Jewel Holdings Inc., Elias Angeles St., San Francisco, Naga City, pawned from JANUARY 02-31, 2013 whose terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on JULY 01, 2013 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON. Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the abovementioned date will be honored until JUNE 28, 2013 only. THE MANAGEMENT BIKOL REPORTER Published: JUNE 2 and 9, 2013