Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Powers and Functions of the PAMB. The PAMB of Mt. Apo Natural Park, being the highest policy-making body, shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Decide and approve matters relating to proposals, work and action plans, guidelines and policies and other activities for the management of the protected area;

(b) Review, approve and adopt the management plans and development programs and their respective implementing rules and regulations;

(c) Recommend and approve the establishment and delineation of zones;

(d) Establish supplemental criteria and guidelines for park fees for activities regulated by this Act or the Management Plan subject to DENR's approval pursuant to Section 10(f) of the NIPAS Act;

(e) Ensure the effective implementation of development activities within the protected area;

(f) Adopt rules and procedures in the conduct of business, roles and responsibilities, and discipline of its board members, including the creation of standing committees;

(g) Evaluate the performance and activities of the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent;

(h) Accept donations, approve proposals for funding and budget allocation and exercise accountability over all funds that may accrue;

(i) Evaluate and recommend compliance to all existing requirements set by the DENR particularly in the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate;

(j) Recognize the rights and privileges of indigenous communities under the provisions of this Act and other applicable laws;

(k) Request assistance from any government agency, office, board, private or public person to achieve the objectives of this Act;

(l) Monitor and evaluate the performance of protected area personnel, NGOs, and the communities in biodiversity conservation and sociocultural and economic development and report its assessment to the DENR; and

(m) Participate in the selection and designation process of the DENR in the appointment of the Protected Area Superintendent.

The DENR, through the REDs, shall ensure that the PAMB acts within the scope of its powers and functions.ℒαwρhi৷ In case of conflict between administrative orders issued by the DENR pursuant to the NIPAS Act and other laws and resolutions issued by the PAMB, the DENR Secretary shall decide whether to apply the rule or withdraw its application.