Regional Executive Director and PAMB chairperson Gwendolyn Bambalan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 emphasized this during the recently PAMB Meeting in Quirino.

 

The Board discussed the protection measures to be intensified in the whole Protected Area to prevent destruction and unwanted activities within the area.

 

“We will harmonize the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan of the Indigenous Cultural Communities and the Protected Area Management Plan of the QPL focusing on biodiversity conservation,” Director Bambalan said.

 

The said directive aims to strengthen the Protected Area (PA) management to ensure that activities implemented in the park are in adherence to rules and regulations provided under RA 7586 or “An Act Providing for the Establishment and Management of National Integrated Protected Areas System”.

 

RED Bambalan also reminded the Board on some provisions in the PA System.

 

“As a general rule, PAs have only two zones: the multiple use zone (MUZ) and strict protection zone (SPZ). Development undertakings will only be allowed within the MUZ while no development activities are done in SPZ except for research and traditional practices,” the regional environment chief underscored.

 

The representatives from Philippine National Police, provincial and municipal local government units and other PAMB members have committed to intensify monitoring of activities within the PA.

 

The PAMB also discussed the rattan harvesting project of Bugkalot-CADT Federation, deputation of Wildlife Enforcement Officers, Cave Management Plan of Busibus Cave, Biodiversity Monitoring System report, and revenues of ecotourism activities.

 

Joining the RED in the meeting were Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Mariam Frances Malana, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers Nelson Acob and Nelson Paguigan, Conservation and Development Division Chief Enrique Pasion, Park Operations Superintendent Nestor Lorenzo, and other PAMB members.#