Thursday, July 18, 2024

Green, Green, Green Program: Key to Making Cities Liveable

 Exposure to natural environments significantly reduces stress levels. Living in spaces surrounded by nature—whether the majestic mountains, the tranquil sea, or lush gardens and forests—is a powerful antidote to stress. (https://business.inquirer.net/468670/the-healing-power-of-greenery#ixzz8gIYcdBTm)

Studies have shown that exposure to natural environments significantly reduces stress levels and profoundly impacts our mental well-being. For instance, people living near green spaces report lower stress levels and decreased cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to improved overall health and a more robust immune system. The natural scenery fosters calm and tranquility, a crucial element often missing in urban environments. (https://business.inquirer.net/468670/the-healing-power-of-greenery#ixzz8gIYcdBTm)

Recognizing the important role of the green spaces in creating liveable and sustainable urban centers, the national government has provided an allocation for the “development or enhancement of public open space by creating esplanades, parks, arboretum, or botanical gardens, and building bike lanes, walkways, and green infrastructure (DBM).” Therefore, people in the cities which accounts to “over 50 million Filipinos can look forward to a healthier, more pleasant, and more relaxing life (DBM).”

The program is dubbed as the “Green, Green, Green which is now in full swing and funded under the Local Government Support Fund - Assistance to Cities (LGSF-AC) (DBM).” It assists the Philippines’ 145 cities and their local government units (LGUs) in making their communities more livable, sustainable, and well-connected through the development or enhancement of public open space by creating esplanades, parks, arboretum, or botanical gardens, and building bike lanes, walkways, and green infrastructure(DBM).

The program is a parallel endeavor to the massive national infrastructure development program Build, Build, Build (DBM).

Currently, 100 cities are now processing their project proposals out of the 143 that submitted their expression of interest to avail of the funding (DBM).

Cities are investing in a variety of public open spaces which they have identified as important civic spaces for their citizens. These include: institutional open spaces such as new government centers (10); public squares and plazas (20); mangroves (2); parks (54); waterfronts (25); streets (13). Another 19 cities are still finalizing their proposed site (DBM).

The following are some urban development programs in various cities in the Philippines cited by the DBM in its website:

 ·       Plaza Rehabilitation in San Juan City

·                 ·       Park Redevelopment in Marikina City

·       Park, Plaza, and Port in Dagupan City

·                 ·      Valenzuela City’s Polo Park

·       River esplanades in five cities

·       Wet Park in Iligan City

·       Mangrove Parks in the cities of Mandaue and Masbate

·                 ·    Quezon City’s streetscape project “Gora Lane”

·       Historic Downtown Redevelopment in Antipolo City

·       Redevelopment of waterfront boulevard in Zamboanga City

·       Caloocan City’s nature park



References

Green, Green, Green pushes city governments to build better open spaces. Department of Budget and Management accessed at https://www.dbm.gov.ph/index.php/management-2/758-green-green-green-pushes-city-governments-to-build-better-open-spaces

The healing power of greenery by Ar. John Ian Lee Fulgar. Philippine Daily Inquirer  accessed at (https://business.inquirer.net/468670/the-healing-power-of-greenery#ixzz8gIYcdBTm  / 10:55 AM July 13, 2024

 

 

 

Friday, February 23, 2024

A Productive and Inspiring Week at the Intensive Course in Environmental Planning (ICEP)

 I attended the Intensive Course in Environmental Planning (ICEP) last February 12-16, 2024 conducted by the Planning and Research Foundation, Inc. (PLANADES) in cooperation with the UP-School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP-SURP). The seminar was held at the New SURP Building at UP Diliman.

As a lifelong learner in the environmental planning profession, I consider ICEP as a great learning opportunity with the professors’ par excellence in the country. For me, it was both a refresher and a sort of updating sessions after having been away from my formal classes in Diploma in Land Use Planning (DLUP) which I started in 2017 and finished in 2019.

The five-day course has all the topics that an environmental planner must study to be effective in the profession. It started with the discussion of EnP. Ronnie H. Encarnacion on the history and evolution of planning running thru various epochs and development stages that shaped the emergence of various planning theories and principles. This was followed by the lecture of EnP. Krishna V. Buenaventura on City Growth and Planning Theories which has focused on urbanization principles, theories and trends.  

The ethical standards for environmental planners were succinctly discussed by Dr. Corazon B. Cruz. I was reminded of my responsibilities as a planner and to be proud of being one. I am so delighted to meet her and had a photo with her. I told her that she was our guest of honor during our oath-taking ceremony for new environmental planners in Tagbiliran, Bohol in 2017.

I was again amazed and inspired while listening intently to Professor Ernesto Serote whom we regard as the father of local development planning in the country. His topic was Rationalized Planning System (RPS) which he developed and authored. RPS is considered as the bible of local development planning. The RPS was later on adopted by the DILG as its important material in local development planning. I even bought Prof. Serote’s book Property, Patrimony, and Territory and had him personally autographed and posed a picture with him. The first time I had the chance to listen to Prof. Serote’s lecture on RPS was in 2015 in Tacloban City when I attended the seminar for aspiring environmental planners conducted by Philworld Gateway managed by Enp Nick Tabungar.

A lecture on population and demography came next by Prof. Carmeli Marie Chaves and such topic is crucial in planning as the present number of people and its projected increase in a community are prime consideration in addressing current and future needs.

The succeeding lectures have focused on various development sectors and subsectors. These included Social Development Sector Planning by EnP Maria Veronica Arreza-Arcilla; Economic Development Sector Planning by Dean Dina C. Magnaye; Institutional Development Sector Planning by Atty. Mark Anthony M. Gamboa; Infrastructure and Utilities Development Sector Planning by EnP Ma. Sheila G. Napalang, and; Environment and Natural Resources Development Sector Planning by For. Jose M. Ragunay. Transportation Planning was discussed by Dr. Jun T. Castro; Risk Sensitive Comprehensive Land Use and Development Planning by Dr. Engr. Tabassam Rasa; Area Development Planning by Enp Nick Espina, Jr. and; Project Planning by Prof. Crispin E.D. Diaz.

During the weeklong course, I was so glad to have met and saw in person some of my former professors in UPOU, specifically, Dean Dina Magnaye and Prof. Jonathan John Maldupana whom I had the opportunity to have a picture with. One of the lecturers Prof. Nick Espina was also my former professor.

For those who aspire to join the world of environmental planning and be the best in this field, I advise you to attend the future ICEP.







Friday, February 2, 2024

Local Government and Decentralization

 

Governance is about how local government bodies ensure that they are doing the right things, in the right way, for the right people, in a timely, open, inclusive, honest and accountable manner (p.2). It comprises the systems, processes, and cultures and values by which local government bodies are directed and controlled, and through which they account to, engage with and, where appropriate lead their communities (pp.2-3).

At the heart of local governance is decentralization and local autonomy which is mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution specifically under section 3 whereby the Congress is mandated “to enact a local government code that will institutionalize decentralization.” Hence, came the Local Government Code of 1991 which basically provides under sec 2 Book I that LGUs “shall genuine and meaningful autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities…”

Salient Features of Decentralization

Decentralization refers to the transfer of powers and functions from a higher or central level of authority to a lower level government or field offices of central units. There are basically two modes by which decentralization can be effected. These are through devolution and deconcentration (Cabo:128). 

Deconcentration decentralizes functions from central government agencies to its field units. The transfer of functions takes place within the same administrative machinery of government, from the central office to its field units or offices. Deconcentration is administrative in nature, hence, it is also called administrative deconcentration (p.128).

Devolution is political in character for it transfers powers and functions from the national government to local government. In effect, devolution empowers local governments by giving it wider scope of discretion and decisionmaking powers. The passage of the 1991 Local Government Code is an act of devolution (Cabo, p129). The Local Government Code devolved powers and functions including the delivery of basic services: responsibility to enforce regulatory powers; powers to increase financial resources by broadening their taxing powers, shares from internal revenues, and the exploitation of national wealth; legitimization of participation for civil society in local governance; and authority to engage in entrepreneurial and development activities (Reyes: 359).

Privatization involves the assumption by a business corporate of a service or function performed by government (Cabo:129).

Relevance to the Country

          Decentralization has been adopted to improve the delivery of public services, and the management of public affairs among newly-independent nations (Reyes:167). Brillantes, Jr. asserts that governments have adopted to decentralization because of the merits of facilitating speedy “decisionmaking processes by decongesting central government and reducing red tape” while at the same time increasing citizens’ participation and empowerment to engender a “more open and democratic government” (Brillantes, 2003:324) (Reyes:167). Decentralization brought much optimism to liberate local political units from extreme reliance and dependency on the national government. It “strengthens and empowers the LGUs to be at the helm of forging their futures, especially in the aspects of fighting poverty, engendering development, self-reliance, consolidating good governance practices and reinvigorating democracy (Reyes:176).”

How Decentralization was Implemented

          Decentralization was implemented with the passage of the Local Government Code of 1991. As it is, the LGC covers a vast and bulky enumeration of policies and mandate provided in four books divided into 536 sections to transform local government units into self-reliant communities. It is this a complex codified body of legislation that captures the many facets and aspects of local governance that had been neglected if not conveniently ignored through many attempts because of vested interests in the legislature and in the national government, which has been disinclined to share power and authority (Reyes: 172.)

According to Reyes (2016), based on a rough and preliminary assessment, the following could be identified as some of the recognized salutary gains of the LGC during the last 25 years (Reyes:173-176):

1.     - Grassroots empowerment and greater citizens’ participation in the communities.

2.    - Greater involvement of civil society and people’s organizations and the private sector in policy-making and in the management of public affairs.

3.    - The rise and strengthening of inter-local cooperation thru the establishment of Leagues of Local Government Units and Elective Officials

4.    - Consciousness on the rights of Local Government Units and greater transparency

5.    - Recognition of Best Practices under the Galing Pook Awards (Excellent or Best Localities) Program

6.     - Anti-poverty and development initiatives at the local levels

7.     - Participation in local elections by the citizenry remained strong, if not strengthened

8.     - Women leaders are on the rise

Reyes (2016) further said the LGC should not be regarded as a nostrum or a cure-all, one-size-formula that will correct the many multifarious problems that beset communities. In fact, he listed down the following dysfunctions (Reyes:176-179):

1.     The problematic of the absorptive capacities of LGUs has not matched the demands of responsibilities entrusted by the Code.

2.     The financial capacities of LGUs leave much to be desired

3.     - Many local governments continue to be dependent on their shares of the Internal Revenue Allotment

4.     - The national government continues to hold and control the bulk of productive sources of revenue even in the Post-Code Period (Llanto, 2013)

5.     - There is a wide disparity in the distribution of government personnel between the national government and the LGUs.

6.     - The poverty incidence has not been contained.

7.     - Political dynasties remain well-entrenched in the various provinces, cities and towns of the country.

Brillantes, Llanto, Alm, and Sosmena (forthcoming 2009) conducted many consultations in major regions of the country and have identified the following the key issues and challenges pertaining to the implementation of the LGC drawn from the study (Reyes:371-373).

1.       Local Personnel Administration/Human Resource Development, Organization, and Staffing

The professionalization of the local bureaucracy has been considered as one important issue. More specifically, the study highlights the following issues that emerged: 1.) low compensation of local officials, 2.) low compensation/pay of barangay officials and staff, 3.) certain sector are not given priority at the local level, 4.) need to clarify specific positions at the local level, and 5.) unclear career path of local appointive officials.

2.       National-Local Relations

These are related to 1.) lack of synchronization/harmony between national and local government development planning and action, 2.) NGAs generally bypass local development plan formulated by LGUs; and 3.) unclear conditions concerning the creation and conversion of LGUs.

3.       Local Government Performance Measurement

The study found that there continues to be: 1.) a lack of a well-crafted and functional performance measurement system of LGUs, and 2.) the proliferation of performance indicators and lack of awareness of such indicators by LGUs.

4.       Capacity Building

The main issues here are: 1.) lack of awareness and appreciation of a comprehensive capacity building program for local governments, and 3.) election of local officials who are not ready or prepared to assume the position due to lack of technical skills.

5.       People Participation

Inasmuch as the LGC has created an enabling framework for genuine people participation in local governance, key issues remains including: 1.) unclear relations between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to operationalize their participation, 2.) inability of many LGUs to fill-up the 25% NGOs mandatory representation requirement, and 3.) LCEs do not convene the local development council.

6.       Political Concern

The study validated that: 1.) the current 3-year term of local officials does not allow authentic development work, 2.) Sangguniang Kabataan seems to be highly politicized, and 3.) unclear rules and procedures of Congress in the conduct of referendum.

7.       Federalism

Finally, the study echoed the high hopes and opportunities that federalism may bring as a possible politico-administrative set-up to push decentralization in the Philippines (Brillantes, Llanto, Alm, and Sosmena 2009:52-59).

Reflection

          As for me, the struggle on giving flesh and blood to good local governance thru decentralization is a long marathon. All those issues mentioned above should be addressed to achieve the goals of decentralization. Doing so requires the active participation and engagement of the government, the private sector and the civil society. With federalism being considered by the current leadership to empower local government units, I agree with PA scholars that it should spin-off from the gains and shortcomings of our experiences with the present mode of decentralization as contemplated by the LGC.

In the area of politics, it is very important to develop an educated and responsible citizenry that will elect good leaders that will form a well-performing and responsive bureaucracy. It is equally important for the society to develop values and norms that complements with the demands for high level of ethical standards in public service. Though the Wilsonian doctrine of “administration-politics dichotomy” is the most ideal condition, there remains the fact that the quality of bureaucracy we have depends on our political choices basically on how we elect our leaders and how we participate in policy deliberations.

Effective decentralization means effective and efficient management of the bureaucracy. Professionalization of government positions in the local level must give way to the patronage and spoils tradition. The use of modern technology and communications technology should be fully harnessed to keep up with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to speed up service delivery and to improve transparency, accountability and participation. Sustainability and continuity of good programs of previous administrations and the private sector should be ensured by the present administrators to keep development track on the right direction.

References:

Cabo, Wilhelmina L., P201 Theories and Practice of Public Administration, University of the Philippine Open University, 1997.

Delivering Good Governance and in Local Government Framework edited by Sarah Lloyd. CIPFA The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, 2007, UK accessed at httpsdemocracy.york.gov.ukdocumentss82198CIPFADeliveringGoodGovernanceinLocalGovernmentFramework1.pdf.pdf

Reyes, Danilo dela Rosa. Issues and Problems in Decentralization and Local Autonomy in the Philippines: A Preliminary Assessment of Impact and Challenges. Journal of Politics and Governance, Vol. 6, Special Issue, September – December, 2016 accessed thru httpcopag.msu.ac.thjournalfilesjournal6-Special%20Issue130120175022212.Danilo%20de%20la%20Rosa%20Reyes.pdf accessed on 03-10-2020.

 

Reyes, Danilo, R. History and Context of the Development of Public Administration in the Philippines, Public Administration in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Hongkong, and Macao) edited by Evan MM. Berman (CRC Press 2011) pp. 333-352 accessed at http://blancopeck.net/Public-Administration-in-Southeast-Asia.pdf on 02-07-2020

 

The Local Government Code of 1991

The 1987 Philippine Constitution

 

 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Local Governance: Structure and System

 

Local Governance

According to UNDP, “governance is about the processes by which public policy decisions are made and implemented. It is the result of interactions, relationships and networks between the different sectors (government, public sector, private sector and civil society) and involves decisions, negotiation, and different power relations between stakeholders to determine who gets what, when and how.”

Simply put, governance is the interplay of the government, private sector and civil society organizations. From this meaning, local governance therefore is not solely the function of the local government. It is rather the local government interfacing with the private sector and the civil society organizations within the framework of transparency, accountability and participation towards achieving meaningful local autonomy.

 

A. Local Government Structure and System

The structure of the local government is defined by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the Local Government Code of 1991. These laws, primarily the Constitution (sec. 1, Art. X) have defined the political subdivisions at the local level which is three-tiered – the province, the city/municipality and the barangays. Aside the from this, there is also an established autonomous region in Mindanao which is now called as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). These local government units were given more powers, authority, responsibilities and resources by the national government thru a system of decentralization (sec. 2, LGC).

The provincial government is headed by the provincial governor. The legislative body is the Provincial Board which is composed by the vice-governor and the regular members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,

The city is headed by the city mayor (section 445, LGC). The Sangguniang Panlungsod, the legislative body of the city is composed of the city vice-mayor as presiding officer, the regular sanggunian members, the president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga Barangay, the president of the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, as members (section 457, LGC).

The municipality is headed by the municipal mayor (section 444, LGC). The local legislative body is composed of the municipal vice-mayor as the presiding officer, the regular sanggunian members, the president of the municipal chapter of the liga ng mga Barangay, the president of the pambayang pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, as members (section 446, LGC).

The barangay is headed by the punong barangay (section 398, LGC). The Sangguniang Barangay is composed of the punong barangay, seven (7) barangay kagawad, SK Chairperson, barangay treasurer and barangay secretary, as members (section 387, LGC).

Local Government Supervision

The President of the Philippines exercises overall supervision of the local government unit (sec. 25 (a), LGC). The provincial governor has supervisory function over the municipal mayors (sec. 29, LGC) who in turn have supervisory function over the barangays within one’s jurisdiction (sec. 32, LGC). Component cities are under the supervision of the province (section 452 (b), LGC). Independent component cities and highly urbanized cities are independent from the province (section 451, LGC). The LGUs, thru an ordinance may group as well to achieve a cooperative undertaking (section 33, LGC).

       Local Leagues

There are leagues established in every level of local government authority. At the barangays level, there is the Liga ng mga Barangay (section 491, LGC) and SK Federation (sec. 436, LGC) in the municipal up to the provincial level. There is also the league of councilors/legislators, league of municipalities/cities/provinces (sections 496-504, LGC) These leagues have their umbrella called Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) (Executive Order 351, series of 2004.)

 

B. Private Sector and the Civil Society Organizations and People’s Participation

The Local Government Code and other laws guarantee the important role of the private sector (sec.3 (l) LGC) and the civil society organizations which were then called as people’s organization and non-government organization (sections 34-36, LGC). In fact, it is a mandate for every local government unit to have representatives in their respective local special bodies like the city/municipal/barangay development council (sec. 106-107, LGC), the local health board(sec. 102, LGC), local school board (sec. 98, LGC), peace and order council (sec. 166, LGC), bids and awards committee (sec. 37, LGC), solid waste management committee (RA9003), disaster risk-reduction and management council (RA10121), among others.

The Local Government Code also guarantees the system of recall whereby registered voters may “recall” a local official (sec. 70, LGC), and propose, enact or amend an ordinance thru a system of local initiative and referendum (sections 120-127, LGC).

At the barangay level, the LGC guarantees people’s participation in decision-making thru the conduct of barangay assembly which shall meet twice a year (sec. 397 (a)), LGC).

 

MAJOR ISSUE FACING LOCAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

 

Proposed Shift to Federalism

In so far as the structure of local governance is concerned, the biggest issue that the country now face is the proposed shift from unitary system to a federal system. This shift to federal form of government means adding another layer of government which is the regional or federated states and giving extensive powers to it.

 

According to Abueva, “a federal system, such more than a unitary system, will respond to the long-felt demands of local political leaders and businessmen for their release from the costly time-consuming, stifling, and demoralizing effects of excessive centralization and controls by the national government in the unitary system. The highly decentralized structures and process of the federation will challenge, empower and energize the people and their state and local governments; encourage creativity, initiative, and innovation, enhance the accountability of government leaders and employees, spur inter-state competition, and foster state and local self-reliance.”

 

As of now, this proposal has been stalled as lawmakers are divided into a number of issues like the number of regions or federal states to established and as to the manner of forging this constitutional amendment or revision which is either thru the Congress as a constituent assembly or thru a Constitutional Convention. The public also seems to have misgivings about this proposal due to lack of information and understanding regarding this issue.

 

 

References:

Abueva, Jose V. Towards a Federal Republic of the Philippines http://tacdrup.tripod.com/tacdrup/towards.pdf

A Users’ Guide to Measuring Local Governance. UNDP. accessed at http://www.undp.org/content/dam/aplaws/publication/en/publications/democratic-governance/dg publications-for-website/a-users-guide-to-measuring-local-governance-/LG%20Guide.pdf

Brillantes Jr., Alex. and Sonco, II Jose Tiu. “Decentralization and Local Governance in the Philippines, Public Administration in Southeast Asia”, edited by Evan M. Berman, CRC Press, 2011

Executive Order 351, series of 2004

Local Government Code of 1991

1987 Philippine Constitution

 

Thursday, January 18, 2024

List of National Parks in the Philippines Pursuant to RA 11038

Pursuant to  REPUBLIC ACT No. 11038 also known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018," the following are hereby established as national parks aside from areas that were already declared as protected areas by acts of Congress: 

Region

Protected Area

Province

Area (Has.)

1

1

Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park

Ilocos Norte

3,903.19

2

Libunao Protected Landscape

Ilocos Norte

47.15

3

Bessang Pass Natural Monument/Landmark

Ilocos Sur

581.05

4

Bigbiga Protected Landscape

Ilocos Sur

142.87

5

Lidlidda Banayoyo Protected Landscape

Ilocos Sur

1,042.29

6

Salcedo Protected Landscape (formerly Sta. Lucia Protected Landscape)

Ilocos Sur

196.33

7

Agoo Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape

La Union

10,774.68

8

Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape

Pangasinan

1,938.83

2

9

Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Cagayan

8,048.57

10

Peñablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape

Cagayan

118,653.67

11

Tumauini Watershed Natural Park

Isabela

6,509.38

12

Salinas Natural Monument

Nueva Vizcaya

5,966.05

13

Casecnan Protected Landscape

Quirino, Nueva Vizacaya, and Aurora

86,246.77

3

14

Amro River Protected Landscape

Aurora

6,431.30

15

Dinadiawan River Protected Landscape

Aurora

3,366.54

16

Simbahan Talagas Protected Landscape

Aurora

2,284.30

17

Talaytay Protected Landscape

Aurora

3,598.31

18

Bataan Natural Park

Bataan

20,004.17

19

Roosevelt Protected Landscape

Bataan

950.43

20

Masinloc and Oyon Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape

Zambales

7,558.00

NCR

21

Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), also known as Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park

Las Piñas City and Parañaque City

181.63

22

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Quezon City

23.85

4A

23

Mts. Palay-Palay-Mataas-na-Gulod Protected Landscape

Batangas and Cavite

3,972.70

24

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape

Batangas and Cavite

62,292.16

25

Buenavista Protected Landscape

Quezon

287.24

26

Maulawin Spring Protected Landscape

Quezon

183.15

27

Quezon Protected Landscape

Quezon

1,042.85

28

Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape

Rizal

3.58

29

Pamitinan Protected Landscape

Rizal

609.15

30

Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape

Rizal

26,125.64

4B

31

Marinduque Wildlife Sanctuary

Marinduque

9,758.71

32

Apo Reef Natural Park

Occidental Mindoro

15,799.23

33

Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary

Occidental Mindoro

18,172.69

34

Mts. Iglit-Baco Natural Park

Occidental and Oriental Mindoro

106,655.62

35

Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park

Romblon

15,515.22

5

36

Mt. Mayon National Park

Albay

5,327.15

37

Ticao Burias Pass Protected Seascape

Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon

414,244.00

38

Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area

Camarines Norte

5,918.312

39

Bicol Natural Park

Camarines Sur

5466.35

40

Buhi Wildlife Sanctuary

Camarines Sur

1,620.65

41

Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area

Camarines Sur

443.63

42

Malabungot Protected Landscape

Camarines Sur

147.71

43

Mt. Isarog Natural Park

Camarines Sur

10,090.89

44

Catanduanes Natural Park

Catanduanes

48,924.09

45

Bongsanglay Natural Park

Masbate

518.90

46

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

Sorsogon

3641.47

6

47

North west Panay Peninsula Natural Park

Aklan and Antique

12.009.29

48

Sibalom Natural Park

Antique

6,778.44

49

Northen Negros Natural Park

Negros Occidental

70,826.16

7

50

Albirquerque-Loay-Loboc Protected Landscape and Seascape

Bohol

1,165.51

51

Chocolate Hills Natural Monument

Bohol

13,994.95

52

Panglao Island Protected Seascape

Bohol

2,445.08

53

Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape

Bohol

10,964.64

54

Talibon Group of Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Bohol

6,446.31

55

Camotes Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Cebue

1,436.31

56

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Cebu

1,382.29

57

Tañon Strait Protected Seascape

Cebu, Negros Occidental and Oriental

534,589.05 

58

Apo Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Negros Oriental

691.40

59

Balisasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

Negros Oriental

8,016.05

8

60

Cuatro Islas Protected Landscape and Seascape

Leyte

11,407.46

61

Lake Danao Natural Park

Leyte

2,244.16

62

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park

Leyte

340.82

63

Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape

Eastern Samar

66,725.26

64

Biri Larosa Protected Landscape and Seascape

Northern Samar

32,284.14

65

Calbayog Pan-as Hayiban Protected Landscape

Samar

5,067.93

66

Samar Island Natural Park

Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar

335,105.57

9

67

Basilan Natural Biotic Area

Basilan

4,545.99

68

Aliguay Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Iablea City

1,189.36

69

Turtle Islands Wildlife Santuary

Tawi-Tawi

242,958.29

70

Great and Little Sta. Cruz Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Zamboanga City

1,827.16

71

Pasonanca Natural Park

Zamboanga City

12,102.08

72

Jose Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape

Zamboanga del Norte

474.82

73

Murcielagos Protected Landscape and Seascape

Zamboanga del Norte

100.40

74

Selinog Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Zamboanga del Norte

959.41

75

Siocon Resource Reserve

Zamboanga del Norte

855.59

76

Dumanquillas Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape

Zamboanga del Sur

26,112.21

77

Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape

Zamboanga del Sur

2,244.54

78

Buug Natural Biotic Area

Zamboanga Sibugay

1,261.46

10

79

Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park

Bukidnon

22,225.11

80

Mt. Timpoong Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument

Camiguin

2,203.39

81

Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park

Lanao del Norte

4,236.19

82

Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape

Misamis Occidental

315.50

83

Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape

Misamis Oriental

921.02

84

Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park

Misamis Oriental

8,437.86

11

85

Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape

Compostela Valley

7,292.62

86

Mainit Hot Spring Protected Landscape

Compostela Valley

1,422.63

87

Aliwagwag Protected Landscape

Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley

10,261.06

88

Mati Protected Landscape

Davao Oriental

884.46

89

Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape

Davao Oriental

20,873.43

12

90

Saragani Bay Protected Seascape

General Santos City and Sarangani

210,887.69

91

Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape

South Cotabato and Sarangani

13,947.00

13

92

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Agusan del Sur

40,940.96

93

Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape

Surigao del Norte

283,974.77

94

Tinuy-An Falls Protected Landscape

Surigao del Sur

4,321.75

 



  Exposure to natural environments significantly reduces stress levels. Living in spaces surrounded by nature—whether the majestic mountains...