Section 10Sec./Art. 10

The Protected Area Management Board. - There is hereby created a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) which shall be the sole policy-making and permit-granting body of the NSMNP and its buffer zones.

In addition to the powers enumerated in the NIPAS Act, the PAMB shall decide by a majority vote and shall have the following powers and functions:

(a)Issue rules and regulations in accordance with the management plan to prohibit and regulate acts that may be prejudicial to the NSMNP and its buffer zones pursuant to the policy declarations herein set forth.

(b)Issue land and resource-use permits and all the necessary permits within the NSMNP and its buffer zones in accordance with the management plan and consistent with the nature of the NSMNP as a natural park. This authority may be delegated by the PAMB to the PASu upon prior determination of the conditions and qualifications necessary for the issuance therefor;

(c)Establish criteria and set fees for the issuance of permits for the activities regulated by this Act or the management plan. The PAMB shall only issue permits taking into consideration ecological and sustainability factors based on the policies provided in Sections 2 and 9 of this Act;

(d)Adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of business, including the creation of committees to which the PAMB's powers may be delegated;

(e)Control and supervise the office of the PASu;

(f)Deputize, through the PASu, individuals for the enforcement of the laws, rules and regulations governing conduct within the NSMNP and its buffer zones, and prescribe the necessary qualifications therefor;

(g)Accept donations, approve proposals for funding, budget allocations and exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue to the NSMNP;

(h)Coordinate with the appropriate agencies of the government; and

(i)Retain legal counsel to defend cases against the PAMB and the office of the PASu whenever they are sued in connection with the performance of their duties under this Act.

The DENR, through the regional executive director (RED), shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions. In case of conflict between administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the NIPAS Act and the resolutions issued by the PAMB, the DENR Secretary shall decide whether to apply the rule or withdraw its application within the NSMNP.