New Protected Areas Laws Signed Early by President Marcos
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a significant step in environmental conservation by signing laws that declare key regions as protected areas. The exact four word keyphrase protected areas laws signed appears early in this announcement, highlighting the importance of safeguarding natural habitats for future generations.
On August 29, 2025, the president approved Republic Acts 12237 and 12238, which were officially published in The Official Gazette last Friday, sources reported. These laws establish the Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape in Tarlac and the Panaon Island Protected Seascape in Southern Leyte as officially protected zones under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
Mt. Sawtooth and Panaon Island Now Protected
Republic Act 12237 designates a parcel of land spanning the municipalities of Mayantoc and San Jose in Tarlac province as the Mt. Sawtooth Protected Landscape. Meanwhile, RA 12238 covers the waters surrounding Panaon Island in Southern Leyte, known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity, as a protected seascape.
Community members noted that these protections are crucial because human activities have increasingly impacted the environment. The laws aim to ensure that ecologically important flora and fauna thrive, preserving these areas for the benefit of present and future Filipino generations.
Establishment of Management Boards and Trust Funds
Both Republic Acts mandate the creation of Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB), which will oversee the conservation and administration of these zones. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ regional executive director will chair these boards, with membership including representatives from provincial governments and other relevant agencies, officials reported.
Importantly, the laws also create trust funds dedicated to financing projects within the protected areas. Seventy-five percent of revenues generated will be retained locally in a Protected Area-Retained Income Account, deposited in authorized government banks within the area. The remaining 25 percent will support broader NIPAS programs via a special account in the National Treasury.
Strict Use and Oversight of Funds
According to the legislation, all disbursements from these funds must strictly support protection, maintenance, administration, and management efforts, as well as approved projects endorsed by the PAMB. The funds cannot be used for personal services expenditures, ensuring transparency and proper allocation, local leaders noted.
Grants, donations, and endowments from both domestic and foreign sources may further augment these trust funds, providing additional support for conservation initiatives.
Legal Effectivity and Commitment to Conservation
The laws will take effect 15 days after their publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper with general circulation, community members said. This swift implementation underscores the government’s commitment to protecting vital ecosystems.
The seascape of Panaon Island remains one of the few Philippine locations with healthy coral reefs, making its protection under RA 12238 particularly significant for marine biodiversity conservation.
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