Section 13Sec./Art. 13

Tenured Migrants. Tenured migrants shall be eligible to become stewards of portions of lands within the designated buffer and multiple-use zones. The PAMB shall identify, verify and, subject to Section 56 of the IPRA, review all tenure instrument, land claims, and issuance of permits for resource use within the protected area and recommend the issuance of the appropriate tenure instrument consistent with the land classification, proper and allowed use of resources found therein, and zoning provided in the management or successor plans. Farmers who have been cultivating land within the protected area are considered to be occupying such lands and shall be entitled to a tenure instrument limited to cultivation and residence: Provided, That the rights under such can only be transferred to direct descendants.

Nothing herein shall be construed to mean any diminution of accrued rights earned by tenured migrants. If areas occupied by tenured migrants are designated as zones in which no occupation or other activities are allowed, they shall be transferred to multiple-use zones or buffer zones to be accomplished through just and humane means.

In the event of termination of a tenure instrument for cause or by voluntary surrender of rights, the Protected Area Superintendent shall take immediate steps to rehabilitate the area in order to return it to its natural state prior to the cultivation or other act by the tenured migrant.