Section 59135 April 8, 2001, Sec./Art. 5

Powers and Functions of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - In the implementation of this Act, the DENR shall exercise the following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate, develop and implement a national program for the management, protection and conservation of caves and cave resources:

(b) Disseminate information and conduct educational campaign on the need to conserve, protect and manage our caves and cave resources:

(c) Issue permits for the collection and removal of guano and other cave resources which shall be determined in coordination with the DOT, National Museum, concerned LGUs, the scientific community and the academe, with regard to specific caves taking into consideration bio-diversity as well as the aesthethic and archaeological value of the cave: Provided, that the permittee shall be required to post a bond to ensure compliance with the provisions of any permit: Provided further that any permit issued under this Section shall be revoked by the Secretary when the permittee violates any provision of this Act or fails to comply with any other condition upon which the permit was issued: Provided furthermore, That the Secretary cannot issue permits for the removal of stalactites and stalagmites, and when it is established that the removal of the resources will adversely affect the value of a significant cave: Provided Finally, That caves located within a protected area shall be subjected to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Area System Act of 1992;

(d) Call on any local government unit, bureau, agency, state university or college and other instrumentalities of the government for assistance as the need arises in the discharge of its functions;

(e) Enter into a memorandum of agreement with any local government unit (LGU) for the preservation, development and management of cave or caves located in their respective territorial jurisdiction;

(f) Tap the cooperation of people's and nongovernmental organizations as active partners in the conservations and protection of our caves and cave resources; and

(g) Exercise other powers and perform other functions as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.