Lake Danao is a guitar-shaped lake on the island of Leyte, Philippines in the province of Leyte.

The lake is covering an area of 148 hectares (370 acres). It is situated in the 2,193 hectares (5,420
acres) Lake Danao National Park, which also includes the Amandiwin mountain range. The lake is 18
kilometres (11 mi) northeast of Ormoc City, half an hour drive along the San Pablo -Tongonan and
Milagro - Lake Danao roads.
It was originally named "Lake Imelda" and was declared a national park on June 2, 1972 by virtue of
presidential memorandum issued by then President Ferdinand Marcos. Later it was renamed and
declared as Lake Danao National Park on February 3, 1998 through Proclamation No. 1155 and is now
protected by Republic Act No. 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Area System
(NIPAS) Act of 1992.
[1]
The lake supplies potable water to at least seven towns in Eastern Leyte
including Tacloban City
[2]
as well as the source of irrigation for ricelands in some municipalities
like Dagami, Burauen, Pastrana and Tabon-tabon.
At 650 metres (2,130 ft) above sea level, Lake Danao lies on an altitude similar to Tagaytay, making the
area cooler than the average Philippine temperature.
Contents
[hide]
1 Origin
2 Threats
3 References
4 See also
5 External links
Origin[edit source | editbeta]
The lake is volcanic in origin and is probably a graben or depression produced by the Philippine Fault (or
Leyte Central Fault), an active fault traversing the lake area in a N-S direction. Rock formations of the
surrounding mountains include andesitic volcanic rocks of Quaternary origin in the western side, andesitic
and dacitic volcanics of Miocene origin in the southeastern portion, and intermediate volcanic sediments
of Quaternary origin in the northeastern side of the lake.
[1]
There are wetlands found near the lake. The
present lake could be the deepest portion of a much larger lake in the past. It was probably much larger in
the geologic past and could have included the large wetlands and marshes. Sedimentation has probably
transformed this portion of the lake into what it is today.
Threats[edit source | editbeta]
Various sectors of the local community had been studying the lake and its ecosystem. The major threat of
avifaunal species in Lake Danao Natural Park is hunting. Key informants revealed that hunters are not
only the local residents but many of them also come from other places. Birds that are mostly hunted
are hornbills, doves, and pigeons. Slash-and-burn of forest for agricultural cultivation and illegal logging
also has contributed to the degradation of some parts of the protected area.
[1]
Establishment of human
settlements within the park is also a serious threat. There has been recorded illegal settlements within the
vicinity of the lake that could greatly affect its ecosystem.


Locals support new management plan for Lake
Danao National Park



The city government of Ormoc and a group of farmers surrounding the lake were among the local
stakeholders who have expressed support for the updated management plan for the Lake Danao
National Park, it was announced by DENR-Region 8 Executive Director Manolito Ragub.
With the peoples positive gesture, including the support committed by the Ormoc city government, we
are now looking forward to implementing the plan with high hopes of attaining the pre-set goals of
making the Lake Danao National Park a top tourist attraction in this part of the country, Ragub said.
According to Ragub, the regional office initiated the revision and updating of the Lake Danaos
management plan in consonance with the thrust of DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of making
programs and projects on environmental protection and natural resources management more responsive
to current concerns, and to involve a wider participation of stakeholders in the planning process.
He also stressed that the revised plan was designed to transform the 2,193 hectare- national park into a
climate change resilient center of biodiversity, adding that important inputs to the new plan were the
citys Ecotourism Development Plan and the Lake Danao Site Development Plan. The original
management plan was crafted sometime in 2009.
The plan also contains updates on the physical and biodiversity data of the park, new management
structure and the roles of stakeholders, and financing mechanisms to ensure the parks sustainability.
Measures to address climate change concerns, as well as management standards and guidelines were
also identified to attain the plans six goals of biodiversity conservation, improved quality of life, eco-
tourism promotion, sustainability of the park, informed lake users and waste management.
Ormoc City Tourism officer Ira Bantasan said the city government has allotted some P5 million for
infrastructure and other activities at the park, adding that the on-going construction of the view deck
and rest rooms will soon be completed.
She called on the village residents to help in the proper maintenance of the parks surroundings and
facilities to entice more park visitors.


Lt. Col. (Reserve) Manuel T. Escasura is all smiles as he takes his oath as full-fledged Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) before DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje
(right). Escasura started his career as a public servant at then Bureau of Forest Development (now
Forest Management Bureau) in June 1981 as casual forester, and made his way up to his current post as
OIC Regional Technical Director for Ecosystems Research and Development Service in DENR-
CALABARZON Region. Aside from being a licensed forester, Escasura holds a Bachelor of Laws degree
from the Philippine Law School and two master degrees -- Urban and Regional Planning from the
University of the Philippines-Diliman and National Security Administration from the National Defense
College of the Philippines. #



Dark clouds over Lake Danao ecotourism

Lake Danao is decidedly one of the coolest places to be in the country especially during summer
months and hot weekends. Its 148-hectare guitar-like shape lie in the midst of forested mountains
some 700 meters above sea level, and, on any day, its deep and dark mysterious waters never fail to
attract nature lovers, adventure-seekers, hikers and even cyclists who see the place as their mecca of
a long hard climb on lazy Saturdays or Sundays.

This is apparently one of the reasons why the Department of Tourism has selected the lake as one of its
few ecotourist destinations in region 8. Lake Danao has largely maintained its unspoiled look, and
photography enthusiasts among its stream of visitors always manage to bring home souvenir photos,
one of their favorite themes being scenes of its shimmering water ranged against a background of dark
blue forested mountains. These photos eventually find their way to the internet for the entire world to
see. Now one hears of Europeans planning a trip to the place to experience it and bask in its deep
mysteries.

Yet there is an evolving drama arising from among its human stakeholders that could spoil its game
plan as a top ecotourist attraction. These conflicts, if unresolved, might just dampen this plan and
delay its development for several more years. At the moment, the stakeholders have come to a
stalemate, with neither one of the protagonists giving way to the other and nary a resolution in sight.

According to the National Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS) Law enacted in 1998, the
management of the Lake Danao Park is supposed to be under a Protected Area Management Board or
PAMB composed of the DENR, the LGU, Philippine National Oil Company, peoples organizations and the
barangay local government and some NGOs. The law has designated a number of representatives from
each group and the Ormoc City government is entitled to only one seat.

City wants more seats


Since the PAMB was convened some years ago, its DENR representatives have been quite liberal about
the number of participants attending meetings and participating in the groups deliberations until
some weeks ago when top a DENR official from the regional office, Protected Area and Wildlife Division
Chief Cora Makabenta presented the approved list of representatives from the DENR central office per
papers submitted to the office. Now two city kagawads, Jose Alfaro Jr., an avowed environmentalist,
and Sotero Pepito can no longer sit in PAMB deliberations because, according to the DENR document,
the city is entitled to only one representative, not two, much less three.

The city could not accept that, of course, and would not take the issue sitting down. Apparently, it
wants to ensure that its own tourism plans are not compromised. For one, it has already started
widening the circumferential road and putting concrete slabs on a trail near the lake so that,
obviously, trekkers will get no muddy feet afterwards. According to PAMB plans, it was only going to re-
establish a trail, not a pathwalk with concrete slabs.

Earlier, the city hired a private contractor to build a viewing deck near the old DENR office. Whether
or not such a deck was approved by PAMB is now immaterial. The deck exists, looking like a white ghost
of concrete amidst green surroundings. With this deck, the city also constructed a number of comfort
rooms to the tune of more than a million pesos. Now these comfort rooms cannot be used because,
ironically, the place has no water system. Visitors have to pee against trees or hide behind bushes to
unload their gall bladder.

The city has not disclosed its other tourism plans for the lake. It would not do so in a board that is
dominated by POs and NGOs anyway. Its unconcealed bias against NGO presence came out in Kagawad
Alfaros asking why there were more NGOs in the board than LGU representatives. But there are loose
talks of plans to relocate the barangay site to a place outside the lakes immediate vicinity.



Ecoli in the lake

The local residents have been largely, though unofficially, blamed for the presence of ecoli bateria, an
indicator of unsanitary dumping of human wastes to the lake. This is especially alarming to the water
consumers of the eastern part of Leyte who derived their drinking water from this lakes overflow.

The ecoli could likewise result from improper waste throwing by raft users inside a small cubicle that
serve as comfort rooms. The probability of such contamination is not farfetched. Some raft users are
bound to experience gastric discomforts after hours of lazing around and gorging on half-cooked fish or
roasted meat in the comfort of the floating raft.

Fish kills have been likewise reported in the vicinity of the barangay elementary school where a
garbage dump, a hole in the ground, has been seen to overflow on rainy days.

The ecoli argument provides enough ammunition for the city to implementation its hush-hush
relocation scheme, but so far no activity has been seen towards this. This issue is no laughing matter
but one that is politically loaded. It could stir up the dormant wellspring of emotions and muddle up
the issue of ecotourism all the more.

A bit of history

Long before the NIPAS Law was enacted in 1998, several families living near the lake had staked their
claims on the fertile slopes around the lake, clearing its forests and burning felled trees to make way
for small patches of kaingin farms. These claims, though untitled, range from a few hectares to some
400 hectares filed by an old family in the area. Evicting them from the site could be interpreted as
evicting them from their old claims, their sources of income. Apparently, the local government does
not want to touch that sensitive issue. Neither does the DENR or the PNOC for that matter.

And so the rape of the forests around the lake continues almost unperturbed. One simply has to go
beyond the lush exterior of the forest cover to find fresh clearings and new kaingin farms, young and
old trees laid to waste. The city agricultural office can offer them no viable alternative, except urge
them to plant cash crops for the market, using loads of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In lieu of
cash crops, the city wanted the Fiber Development Authority to put up an abaca stripping machine in
the area to encourage the farmers to plant abaca.

The PNOC has likewise latched on to the abaca idea, organizing resident farmers in Lake Danao,
financing their abaca nursery and helping them in their small abaca plantations. With the failure of
cash crops, many farmers have converted their kaingins into profitable abaca plantations, in the
process, cementing their claims on lands that are supposed to be protected conservation sites.

Unresolved issues

Now the DENR feels helpless. The problems of the farmers have made their task more complicated as it
does not have any influence on the barangay residents. Technical director Ricardo Tomol himself has
admitted that the DENR has to partner with the city to manage the Lake Danao natural park. In fact, a
draft of a co-management agreement has been written down but its discussion has been deferred
because of the representation issue brought up earlier by city council representatives Alfaro and
Pepito.

Will Tomol, in his bid for co-management, buckle down to give way to the citys demand for more
representation? Will the city even consider the idea of co-management, knowing that it has its own
tourism plans for the lake? Can there be a viable ecotourism program when the rape of Lake Danaos
forests continues unperturbed?

As it is, dark clouds hang ominously over Lake Danao that could easily prove disastrous to its
ecotourism program. **


List of protected areas of the Philippines
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


The Philippine Archipelago
This is a list of protected areas of the Philippines administered by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992. As of
2012, there are 240 protected areas in the Philippines covering a total area of 35,700 square kilometers 11.9% of the
Philippines' total land area.
[1]

Contents
[hide]
1 History
2 Classification
o 2.1 National Parks
o 2.2 Natural Parks
o 2.3 Natural Monuments
o 2.4 Protected Landscape
o 2.5 Protected Landscape and Seascape
o 2.6 Protected Seascape
o 2.7 Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuaries
o 2.8 Resource Reserves
o 2.9 Managed Resource Protected Areas
o 2.10 Marine Reserves
o 2.11 Watershed Forest Reserves
o 2.12 Natural Biotic Areas
o 2.13 Wildlife Sanctuaries
o 2.14 Wilderness Areas
3 See also
4 References
5 External links
History[edit source | editbeta]
The first important legislation that formed the basis of the current system of national parks and protected areas in the
Philippines is the Philippine Commission Act No. 648 enacted in 1903 by the US Congress. This act authorized the Civil
Governor to "reserve for civil public purposes, and from sale or settlement, any part of the public domain not appropriated
by law for special public purposes."
[2]
A total of eight national reserves had been established in July 26, 1904 pursuant to
this law. These are: Lamao Forest Reserve in Bataan, Mariquina Reserve in Rizal, Angat River Reserve in Bulacan,
Caliraya Falls Reserve in Laguna, La Carlota Reserve in Negros Occidental, San Ramon Reserve in Zamboanga,
Magalang Reserve in Pampanga, and Hacienda San Antonio in Isabela.
[3]
In the same year, the Forest Act of 1904 (Act
No. 1148) was adopted that expanded the scope of protected areas in the Philippines.
[4]
Among the first of such mountain
forest reserves to be declared was Mount Maquiling declared in November 21, 1910.
[5]

On February 1, 1932, the National Parks Act (Act No. 3195) was enacted that formally established the national parks
system in the country.
[6]
Mount Arayat became the first national park in the Philippines established in June 27, 1933
following this act.
A series of acts and legislations were passed in the next decades that aimed to further strengthen these policies, including
the Revised Forestry Code of 1975 (Presidential Decree No. 705) and Forest Administrative Order No. 7. Following
the 1987 Constitution, the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act was enacted which further enhanced the
administration and classification of protected areas, and broadened the mandate of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources in enforcing its provisions.
Classification[edit source | editbeta]
Protected areas in the Philippines are managed according to the following classifications described in Section 4 of the
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (NIPAS Act).
National Parks[edit source | editbeta]
National parks refer to forest reservations essentially of natural wilderness character which have been withdrawn from
settlement, occupancy or any form of exploitation except in conformity with approved management plan and set aside as
such exclusively to conserve the area or preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, wild animals and plants
therein and to provide enjoyment of these features in such areas.
Main article: List of national parks of the Philippines
Natural Parks[edit source | editbeta]
Natural parks are relatively large areas not materially altered by human activity where extractive resource uses are not
allowed and maintained to protect outstanding natural and scenic areas of national or international significance for
scientific, educational and recreational use.


Apo Reef Natural Park


Mayon Volcano Natural Park


Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park


Mount Kitanglad Natural Park


Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park


Mount Apo Natural Park
World Heritage Site or part of a World Heritage Site
Name Location Area Established
Apo Reef Mindoro Occidental
15,792 ha
39,023 acres
1996
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Negros Oriental
8,016.05 ha
19,808 acres
2000
Bicol Camarines Norte-Camarines Sur
5,201 ha
12,850 acres
2000
Bongsalay Masbate
244.72 ha
605 acres
2000
Bulusan Volcano Sorsogon
3,672 ha
9,074 acres
2000
Kalbario-Patapat Ilocos Norte
3,800 ha
9,390 acres
2007
Name Location Area Established
Lake Danao Leyte
2,193 ha
5,419 acres
1998
Mahagnao Volcano Leyte
635 ha
1,569 acres
1998
Mayon Volcano Albay
5,775.70 ha
14,272 acres
2000
Mount Apo Davao del Sur-Cotabato
3,632.74 ha
8,977 acres
2007
Mount Balatukan Range Misamis Oriental
8,423 ha
20,814 acres
2007
Mount Guiting-Guiting Romblon
15,265.48 ha
37,722 acres
1996
Mount Inayawan Range Lanao del Norte
3,632.74 ha
8,977 acres
2007
Mount Isarog Camarines Sur
10,112.35 ha
24,988 acres
2002
Mount Kalatungan Range Bukidnon
21,247.73 ha
52,504 acres
2000
Mount Kanlaon Negros Occidental-Negros Oriental
24,388 ha
60,264 acres
1997
Name Location Area Established
Mount Kitanglad Range Bukidnon
31,235.19 ha
77,184 acres
1996
Mount Malindang Misamis Occidental
34,694 ha
85,731 acres
2002
Northern Negros Negros Occidental
80,454.50 ha
198,807 acres
2002
Northern Sierra Madre Isabela
359,486 ha
888,309 acres
1997
Northwest Panay Peninsula Aklan-Antique
12,009.29 ha
29,676 acres
2002
Pasonanca Natural Park
[7]
Zamboanga del Sur
12,107 ha
29,917 acres
1999
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Palawan
22,202 ha
54,862 acres
1999
Samar Island Eastern Visayas
333,300 ha
823,602 acres
2003
Sibalom Antique
5,511.47 ha
13,619 acres
2000
Tubbataha Reef Palawan
97,030 ha
239,766 acres
2010
Natural Monuments[edit source | editbeta]
A natural monument is a relatively small area focused on protection of small features to protect or preserve nationally
significant natural features on account of their special interest or unique characteristics.


Chocolate Hills Natural Monument
Name Location Area Established
Bessang Pass Ilocos Sur
693.32 ha
1,713 acres
2000
Chocolate Hills Bohol
14,145 ha
34,953 acres
1997
Salinas Nueva Vizcaya
6,675.56 ha
16,496 acres
2000
Timpoong and Hibok-Hibok Camiguin
2,227.62 ha
5,505 acres
2004
Protected Landscape[edit source | editbeta]
Protected landscapes/seascapes are areas of national significance which are characterized by the harmonious interaction
of man and land while providing opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation and tourism within the normal
lifestyle and economic activity of these areas.


Taal Volcano Protected Landscape


Mount Matutum Protected Landscape


Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape


Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape


Mount Mantalingajan Protected Landscape


Mati Protected Landscape


Mount Banahaw Protected Landscape
Name Location Area Established
Aliwagwag Davao Oriental-Compostela Valley
10,491.33 ha
25,925 acres
2011
Name Location Area Established
Amro River Aurora
6,471.08 ha
15,990 acres
2000
Baganga Davao Oriental
114.88 ha
284 acres
2000
Bigbiga Ilocos Sur
135.71 ha
335 acres
2000
Buenavista Quezon
284.27 ha
702 acres
2000
Calbayog-Pan-as-Hayiban Samar
7,832 ha
19,353 acres
1998
Casecnan Cagayan Valley-Aurora
88,846.80 ha
219,545 acres
2000
Central Cebu Cebu
29,062 ha
71,814 acres
2003
Dinadiawan River Aurora
3,371.33 ha
8,331 acres
2000
Hinulugang Taktak Rizal
3.20 ha
8 acres
2000
Jose Rizal Memorial Zamboanga del Norte
439 ha
1,085 acres
2000
Name Location Area Established
Libunao Ilocos Sur
46.70 ha
115 acres
2000
Lidlidda Ilocos Sur
1,157.44 ha
2,860 acres
2000
Magapit Cagayan
3,403.62 ha
8,411 acres
2000
Mainit Hot Spring Compostela Valley
1,374 ha
3,395 acres
2000
Manleluag Spring Pangasinan
1,935.17 ha
4,782 acres
2004
Mati Davao Oriental
914.26 ha
2,259 acres
2005
Maulawin Spring Quezon
149.01 ha
368 acres
2000
Mimbilisan Misamis Oriental
66 ha
163 acres
1999
Mounts Banahaw-San Cristobal Quezon-Laguna
10,900.59 ha
26,936 acres
2009
Mount Mantalingajan Palawan
120,457 ha
297,656 acres
2009
Name Location Area Established
Mount Matutum South Cotabato
15,600 ha
38,548 acres
1995
Mounts Palay-Palay - Mataas-na-Gulod Cavite-Batangas
3,973.13 ha
9,818 acres
2007
Mount Timolan Zamboanga del Sur
1,994.80 ha
4,929 acres
2000
Pamitinan Rizal
600 ha
1,483 acres
1996
Quezon Quezon
938 ha
2,318 acres
2003
Quirino Quirino
164,364.46 ha
406,153 acres
2005
Rajah Sikatuna Bohol
10,452.60 ha
25,829 acres
2000
Roosevelt Bataan
786.04 ha
1,942 acres
2000
Santa Lucia Ilocos Sur
174.16 ha
430 acres
2000
Simbahan-Talagas Aurora
2,266.49 ha
5,601 acres
2000
Name Location Area Established
Taal Volcano Batangas
62,292.14 ha
153,927 acres
1996
Talaytay Aurora
3,526.29 ha
8,714 acres
2000
Upper Marikina River Basin Rizal
26,125.64 ha
64,558 acres
2011
Protected Landscape and Seascape[edit source | editbeta]


Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape


Batanes Protected Landscape and Seascape


Great Santa Cruz Island Protected Landscape and Seascape


Guiuan Protected Landscape and Seascape
Name Location Area Established
Agoo-Damortis La Union
10,513.30 ha
25,979 acres
2000
Alburquerque-Loay-Loboc Bohol
1,164.16 ha
2,877 acres
1999
Aliguay Island Zamboanga del Norte
1,191.89 ha
2,945 acres
1999
Apo Island Negros Oriental
691.45 ha
1994
Name Location Area Established
1,709 acres
Baliangao Misamis Occidental
295 ha
729 acres
2000
Batanes Batanes
213,578 ha
527,763 acres
1994
Biri Larosa Northern Samar
33,492 ha
82,761 acres
2000
Cuatro Islas Leyte
12,500 ha
30,888 acres
2000
Dumanquilas Zamboanga del Sur
25,948 ha
64,119 acres
1999
Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands Zamboanga del Sur
1,877 ha
4,638 acres
2000
Guiuan Eastern Samar
60,448 ha
149,370 acres
1994
Initao-Libertad Misamis Oriental
800.45 ha
1,978 acres
2002
Mabini Compostela Valley
6,106 ha
15,088 acres
2000
Malabungot Camarines Sur
120.62 ha
2000
Name Location Area Established
298 acres
Malampaya Palawan
200,115 ha
494,495 acres
2000
Murcielagos Island Zamboanga del Norte
151 ha
373 acres
2000
Peablanca Cagayan
118,781.58 ha
293,516 acres
2003
Pujada Bay Davao Oriental
21,200 ha
52,386 acres
1994
Selinog Island Zamboanga del Norte
1,294.35 ha
3,198 acres
2000
Siargao Island Surigao del Norte
278,914.13 ha
689,212 acres
1996
Talibon Islands Bohol
6,456.87 ha
15,955 acres
1999
Protected Seascape[edit source | editbeta]


Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
Name Location Area Established
Panglao Island Bohol
385.67 ha
953 acres
2003
Sarangani Bay Sarangani
215,950 ha
533,624 acres
1996
Taon Strait Cebu-Negros Oriental
450 ha
1,112 acres
1998
Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuaries[edit source | editbeta]
Strict nature reserve is an area possessing some outstanding ecosystem, features and/or species of flora and fauna of
national scientific importance maintained to protect nature and maintain processes in an undisturbed state in order to
have ecologically representative examples of the natural environment available for scientific study, environmental
monitoring, education, and for the maintenance of genetic resources in a dynamic and evolutionary state.


Olango Island Bird Sanctuary
Name Location Area Established
Calauit Safari Park Palawan
3,400 ha
8,402 acres
1976
Calavite and FB Harrison Mindoro Occidental
121,983.81 ha
301,429 acres
1920
Name Location Area Established
Lake Buluan Cotabato
6,300 ha
15,568 acres
2006
Lake Malimanga Zambales
12.35 ha
31 acres
1980
Olango Island Cebu
920 ha
2,273 acres
1992
Palawan Palawan
761,416 ha
1,881,500 acres
1967
Resource Reserves[edit source | editbeta]
Resource reserve is an extensive and relatively isolated and uninhabited area normally with difficult access designated as
such to protect natural resources of the area for future use and prevent or contain development activities that could affect
the resource pending the establishment of objectives which are based upon appropriate knowledge and planning.
Name Location Area Established
Siocon Zamboanga del Norte
793.74 ha
1,961 acres
1999
Upper Agno River Basin Cordillera-Nueva Vizcaya
77,561 ha
191,657 acres
2000
Managed Resource Protected Areas[edit source | editbeta]


El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area
Name Location Area Established
El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area Palawan
89,134.76 ha
220,257 acres
1998





MALACAANG
MANILA
PROCLAMATION NO. 1155
DECLARING LAKE DANAO AND ITS VICINITIES SITUATED IN THE CITY OF ORMOC, PROVINCE
OF LEYTE, AS PROTECTED AREA PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7586 (NIPAS ACT OF 1992)
AND SHALL BE KNOWN AS LAKE DANAO NATURAL PARK
Upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and
pursuant to the powers vested upon me by law, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the
Philippines, do hereby set aside and declare Lake Danao and its vicinities situated in the City of Ormoc,
Province of Leyte, as Protected Area under the category of Natural Park, subject to prior private rights, if
any, as described in DENR NIPAS Map No. RO8 3:
Beginning at point marked 1 on DENR NIPAS Map No. RO8-3 is identical to corner 2, Block VII (A&D),
project No. 10-B or about 1,450 m. N., 82 30 from road junction to Brgy. Cabacahan and Cabadyangan;
thence S. 52 00 E., 610.00 m. to point 2;
thence following dry creek upstream in a general southwesterly direction about 670 m. to
point 3;
thence S. 85 00 E., 260.00 m. to point 4;
thence S. 49 00 E., 200.00 m. to point 5,
thence S. 68 00 E., 240.00 m. to point 6;
thence S. 36 00 E., 200.00 m. to point 7,
thence S. 48 00 E., 200.00 m. to point 8,
thence S. 45 00 E., 250.00 m. to point 9,
thence S. 71 00 E., 220.00 m. to point 10;
thence N. 63 00 E., 190.00 m. to point 11;
thence S. 86 00 E., 190.00 m. to point 12;
thence N. 67 00 E., 140.00 m. to point 13;
thence N. 67 00 E., 140.00 m. to point 14;
thence following Hagimit Creek downstream in a general southeasterly direction about
450.00 m. to point 15;
thence S. 89 00 E., 290.00 m. to point 16;
thence N. 26 00 W., 120.00 m. to point 17;
thence N. 08 00 W., 310.00 m. to point 18;
thence N. 70 00 E., 470.00 m. to point 19;
thence following Casulgan River, downstream in a general southeasterly direction about
1,470.00 m. to point 20;
thence following Casulgan River, downstream in a general southeasterly direction about
550.00 m. to point 21;
thence following Casulgan River, downstream in a general southeasterly direction about
2,000.00 m. to point 22;
thence following Binahaan River, upstream in a general southeasterly direction about
960.00 m. to point 23;
thence following Inawasan River, upstream in a general southwesterly direction about
1,180.00 m. to point 24;
thence following Inawasan River, upstream in a general northwesterly direction about
940.00 m. to point 25;
thence following Cumaguisan Creek, upstream in a general southwesterly direction
about 1,360.00 m. to point 26;
thence following Cumaguisan Creek, upstream in a general southwesterly direction
about 900.00 m. to point 27;
thence S. 63 00 W., 140.00 m. to point 28;
thence S. 49 00 W., 350.00 m. to point 29;
thence S. 86 00 W., 410.00 m. to point 30;
thence S. 75 00 W., 280.00 m. to point 31;
thence S. 88 00 W., 300.00 m. to point 32;
thence N. 32 00 W., 240.00 m. to point 33;
thence N. 89 00 W., 280.00 m. to point 34;
thence N. 59 00 W., 220.00 m. to point 35;
thence N. 87 00 W., 160.00 m. to point 36;
thence N. 45 00 W., 320.00 m. to point 37;
thence N. 32 00 W., 340.00 m. to point 38;
thence N. 43 00 W., 200.00 m. to point 39;
thence N. 86 00 W., 280.00 m. to point 40;
thence N. 23 00 W., 300.00 m. to point 41;
thence N. 39 00 W., 300.00 m. to point 42;
thence N. 33 00 W., 220.00 m. to point 43;
thence N. 68 00 W., 220.00 m. to point 44;
thence N. 35 00 W., 260.00 m. to point 45;
thence N. 51 00 W., 280.00 m. to point 46;
thence N. 75 00 W., 120.00 m. to point 47;
thence N. 36 00 W., 120.00 m. to point 48;
thence Due North, 250.00 m. to point 49;
thence N. 65 00 W., 200.00 m. to point 50;
thence N. 45 00 W., 180.00 m. to point 51;
thence N. 22 00 E., 220.00 m. to point 52;
thence N. 70 00 E., 300.00 m. to point 53;
thence N. 20 00 E., 90.00 m. to point 54;
thence N. 20 00 W., 380.00 m. to point 55;
thence following Manislag Creek, downstream in a general northwesterly direction about
650.00 m. to point 56;
thence Due North, 250.00 m. to point 57;
thence N. 78 00 E., 270.00 m. to point 58;
thence N. 14 00 E., 140.00 m. to point 59;
thence N. 69 00 W., 280.00 m. to point 60;
thence Due North, 220.00 m. to point 61;
thence N. 45 00 E., 100.00 m. to point 62;
thence Due North, 320.00 m. to point 63;
thence N. 08 00 E., 280.00 m. to point 64;
thence N. 47 00 E., 250.00 m. to point 65;
thence N. 52 00 E., 330.00 m. to point 66;
thence N. 09 00 W., 560.00 m. to point 1; point of beginning.
Containing an area of TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED NINETY THREE (2,193) HECTARES, more or
less, subject to actual ground survey.
It shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
and shall be administered in accordance with Republic Act No. 7586 and its implementing rules and
regulations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the
Philippines to be affixed.
Done in the City of Manila, this 3
rd
day of February in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-
Eight.
(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
By the President:
(Sgd.) ALEXANDER P. AGUIRRE
Acting Executive Secretary





National Integrated Protected Areas System Law (RA 7586)
Date signed into law : 1992
Summary
:
The NIPAS law is about the classification and administration of all protected areas in the
country. Among its salient features are: the addition of new classifications of protected
areas to those provided in the existing law, for instance, the addition of protected
seascapes and landscapes, natural monuments, natural biotic areas and resource
reserves. The new classification broadens the system and substantially increases its scope
and management option. There is also a strict requirement on management plans. Another
is the delineation of types of activities within a protected area. The law distinguishes
between activities that are generally prohibited and those which may be regulated through
a special permit, license or open access as long as they are consistent with the objectives
of the area and specific management needs as defined in the area?s management plans.
There is also a provision in relation to safeguards to ensure that activities undertaken in
areas immediately adjacent to designated protected areas will not result in negative
impacts within the protected area. The recognition of ancestral land within protected areas
and customary rights over them are also given importance. It also provides for a two-tiered
management plan.
Institutional
Arrangements
:
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); DENR
Protected Area and Wildlife Division in regions where protected areas are established;
Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) composed of representatives from various
local stakeholders formally appointed by the DENR Secretary.
Issues (to be
addressed) :
lack of government willingness to enforce the law; lack of public awareness - ignorance of
requirements and how to meet the requirements; lack of management systems in place for
compliance
Sanctions
:
Fines in the amount of less than five thousand pesos nor more than five hundred thousand
pesos, exclusive of the value of the thing damaged or imprisonment for not less than one
year but not more than six years, or both, as determined by the Court; Provided that if the
area requires rehabilitation or restoration as determined by 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 land and the forfeiture
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 that the DENR
may impose administrative fines and penalties consistent with this Act.



Republic Act 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 provides
the legal framework for the establishment and management of protected areas in the Philippines. The Law defines
protected areas as the identified portions of land and/or water set aside by reason of their unique physical and
biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploration.
The establishment and management of protected areas are part of the international commitments signed by the
Philippine Government such Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, World Heritage Convention,
Convention on Migratory Species, and the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.


The implementation of the NIPAS Act is currently on its 19th year. It is implemented originally through DENR
Administrative Order No. 25, Series of 1992. The said DENR Administrative Order was amended pursuant to DAO
2008-26 dated 24 December 2008. This Administrative Order sets the procedures for the establishment,
administration, management and development of the System.


The NIPAS Act identified 202 initial components comprising of proclaimed national parks, game refuge and wildlife
sanctuaries, nature reserves, wilderness areas, mangrove reserves, watershed reservations, fish sanctuaries,
protected landscapes and seascapes, among others prior to the effectivity of the NIPAS Act. The identified initial
components of NIPAS cover an approximate area of 2.57 million hectares. These areas will be maintained as part of
the NIPAS until such time that they are finally assessed as to their suitability for inclusion to the System. There
are one hundred twelve (112) protected areas formally proclaimed by the President under the System
covering 3.54 million hectares. Seventy (70) out of the 112 are initial components with an area of 1.97 million
hectares and forty-two (42)additional areas with an area of 1.57 million hectares. Of the 112 proclaimed
protected areas, 29 are marine protected areas with a total area of 1.37 million hectares while 83 are terrestrial
protected areas covering an area of2.17 million hectares.


Nine (9) of the initial components and four (4) additional areas have specific laws for their establishment under the
System. These are Batanes Island Protected Landscape and Seascape-R2, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park-
R2, Mts. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape-R4A, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park-R4B, Mt. Kanla-on Natural
Park-R6, Sagay Marine Reserve-R6,Central Cebu Protected Landscape-R7, Mimbilisan Protected Landscape-R10,Mt.
Kitanglad Range Protected Area-R10, Mt. Malindang Natural Park-R10, Mt. Apo Natural Park-R11, Mt. Hamiguitan
Range Wildlife Sanctuary-R11 andBangan Hill Natural Park-R2.


In terms of administration, the NIPAS Act requires the creation of respective Protected Area Management Board
(PAMB) which is a multi-sectoral and decision making body for each of the protected area established under the
NIPAS. As of June 2011, there are one hundred seventy-eight (178)protected areas with organized/appointed
Management Boards: 97 PAs with PAMB are proclaimed under the NIPAS (65 PAs are initial components and 32PAs
are additional areas). Out of the 97 proclaimed PAs with PAMB, 2 are under the management of Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development (PCSD) and City Government of Puerto Princesa, 1 is under the Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau (PAWB). On the other hand, out of the 178protected areas with PAMB, 73 protected areas are
unproclaimed initial components and 8 are proposed areas for proclamation under the NIPAS.


With regard to the financing of the System, there are one hundred and forty-nine (149) protected areas with
established Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF), of which 95 protected areas have active IPAF collections and
utilization. As of June 2011, a total income of Php 204,824,951.22has been generated by the System. On the
same period, a total amount ofPhp 127,212,987.51 was utilized.


Furthermore, there were sixty-eight (68) support policies issued by the DENR including the newly approved Revised
IRR of the NIPAS Act.


In recognition of the importance of the biological diversity of the Philippines, several protected areas have been
designated as World Heritage Sites (Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National
Park), Ramsar Sites (Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Naujan Lake National Park,
and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park), Transboundary Protected Areas (Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary) and the
ASEAN Heritage Parks (Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park and Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park).
Facts and Figures
Maps