October 29, 2021
Dear Almira Louise Lazana,
Greetings!
In response to your request dated 25 October 2021 regarding the Magsaysay Park in Riverside Bilar, Bohol, we are pleased to provide the following relevant information:
1. The Magsaysay Park is within the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), a legislated Protected Area by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 1992, as amended by RA No. 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018.
2. The RSPL has a total area of 10,964 hectares which is dominated by a limestone forest and is a major watershed that supports the surrounding municipalities. It is formerly an uplifted marine sediment that formed into a plateau-like landform. Within the RSPL is the Magsaysay Park with an estimated area of 1.2 hectares located at the lower south western part of the RSPL with geographical location of 9°42’19.81”N 124°07’24.96”E. It is generally low-lying landmass with an average elevation of around 200 to 400 masl.
3. The Magsaysay Park is popular to travelers and visitors for its various ecotourism features that are perfect for hiking, camping, and bird watching, among others. Facilities within the park include the PA Information and Nature Center, Entrance station, and Wildlife Rescue Centers, among others.
4. For existing policies/guidelines governing its management, you may refer to RA 11038, DENR Administrative Order 2019-05 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations of ENIPAS Act, DENR Administrative Order No. 2009-09 or the Standard Design and Specification of Signs, Buildings, Facilities and Other Infrastructure that may be Installed and/or Constructed within Protected Areas and the BMB - Technical Bulletin No. 2016-03 or the Standard and Climate-Resilient Design of Protected Area Information Center and Signs and Markers. These are available at the DENR-BMB’s website at https://bmb.gov.ph/index.php/e-library/laws-and-policies.
5. The Protected Area Management Office and its Management Board implements the PA Management Plan and Ecotourism Management Plan, among other local plans.
6. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is the on-site policy making body of the protected areas. It consists of representatives from the local government units within the boundaries of the PA, Other Government Agencies, active NGOs, POs, and IP communities, among others. Section 11 of the NIPAS Act, as amended, provides for the specific compositions of the PAMB including its duties and responsibilities.
7. For additional information, you may contact and email the following key personnel of the RSPL at
[email protected]:
i) Allan P. Hilot, Assistant Protected Area Superintendent (APASu)
ii) Maila Apor, Information Officer
Thank you.
Respectfully,
National Parks Division Decision Maker
FOI Receiving Officer
