Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Formation of the Balanga. Wetland and Nature Park Development Council. A multi-sectoral council to be known as the "Balanga Wetland and Nature Park Development Council", hereinafter referred to as the Council, shall be created. It shall be composed of the following members:

(a) The Mayor of the City of Balanga as Chairperson;

(b) The head of the City Tourism Office of the City of Balanga as Vice-chairperson;

(c) The head of the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office of the City of Balanga;

(d) The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Bataan;

(e) The Barangay Chairman of Barangay Tortugas;

(l) The Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB);

(g) The Chief Operating Officer of the TIEZA;

(h) The Regional Director of DOT-Region 3;

(i) The Regional Director of DENR-Region 3;

(j) The Regional Director of DPWH-Region 3;

(k) The DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Bataan;

(l) The Chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council of the City of Balanga;

(m) One (1) representative from an academic institution, preferably from a university or college in the Province of Bataan, with proven track record in or related to wetlands and/or waterbird management;

(n) One (1) representative from the private sector, preferably a resident of the Province of Bataan, who is distinguished in a profession or field of interest relevant to wetlands and/or waterbird management; and

(o) One (1) representative from either NGO or peoples organization (PO), duly accredited both by the DENR and the provincial government of Bataan. The NGO or PO represented should have been in existence for at least five (5) years with track record in or related to wetlands and/or waterbird management.

The ex officio members of the Council by virtue of their elective or appointive government positions as specified in the immediately preceding subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), and (l) shall serve for the duration of their respective terms of office in their respective elective or appointive government positions.

The members of the Council specified under subparagraphs (m), (n), and (o) of this Section shall be elected by the ex officio members of the Council in a transparent and fair selection process.1шphi1 They shall each serve a term of three (3) years and may be reappointed for another term.

The members of the Council shall serve without compensation, except for the actual and necessary travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, either in their attendance in meetings of the Council or in connection with other official business authorized through a resolution of the Council, subject to existing rules and regulations. Each member shall have the full capacity and accountability for decisions binding to the members sector.

The members of the Council duly elected or appointed prior to the effectivity of this Act shall continue their term until the expiration of their term or appointment. Thereafter, members of the Council shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That at least forty percent (40%) of the members of the Council shall be women pursuant to Republic Act No. 9710 or "The Magna Carta of Women".

A member of the Council may be removed for any of the following grounds:

(a) More than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings of the Council;

(b) Commission of acts prejudicial to the development and management of the BWNP as embodied in existing rules and regulations governing the BWNP;

(c) Disassociation from the office or organization being represented;

(d) Termination of relationship with the office or organization being represented; or

(e) Conviction by final judgment of any criminal act.

The local government of the City of Balanga shall provide a Secretariat for the Council including the funding necessary to cover the expenses for the performance of its official functions and activities.