FEB 7, 2016

NR # 4103B

Bill declares Dampalit Sea Snake Island as protected area

A lady lawmaker has filed a bill declaring Dampalit Sea Snake Island as Protected
Area under the category of wildlife sanctuary and as an important critical habitat in the
Province of Masbate.
Rep. Maria Vida E. Bravo (1st District, Masbate) filed House Bill 6363 mandating
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area
Superintendent Office (PASu) under the general supervision of the Protected Area
Management Board (PAMB) to prepare a 25-year management plan in consultation with
local government units, local communities, concerned government agencies and experts
who may extend their services.
The bill seeks to provide the policy framework and long-term mechanism that will
protect this valuable ecological wealth and defer its further deterioration that threatens the
sustainability of these resources and ultimately the survival of the local inhabitants,
Bravo said.
The State is mandated under to protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,
according to Bravo.
Bravo said the Dampalit Sea Snake Island Wildlife Sanctuary and Critical Habitat
cover all the lands and waters comprising within the Barangay of Halabangbaybay,
Municipality of San Pascual, Masbate.
Under the bill, the local government units (LGUs) through their representation in
the PAMB, shall participate in the management of the Dampalit Sea Snake Island Wildlife
Sanctuary and Critical Habitat and its buffer zones.
Livelihood activities requiring the use of natural resources derived from the
protected area shall be allowed only when sustainable, consistent with the management
and action plans, and after prior PAMB approval.
The PAMB is authorized to impose regulatory measures such as hunting
moratoriums, closed hunting season and other restrictions on the use of resources within
the protected area and its buffer zone to ensure the sustainability of the species and the
ecosystem. (30) lvc