Section 6Sec./Art. 6

Administration and Management. - The Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the DENR through the PAMB. Pursuant hereto, the following institutional arrangement is hereby adopted:

(A) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). - The Secretary of the DENR shall have supervision over the management of Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, hereinafter referred to as the Protected Area (PA), and is empowered to perform any and all of the following acts:

(a) Cause the boundary demarcation of the PA;

(b) Conduct of studies on various characteristics, features and condition of the PA;

(c) Adopt and enforce land-use scheme and zoning plan in adjoining areas that may threaten the ecological balance in the PA;

(d) Certify that the PA Management Plan conforms to all national rules and regulations on protected area management, and to communicate objections, if any, to the PAMB within sixty (60) days upon receipt thereof, otherwise the PA Management Plan is considered approved;

(e) Coordinate with other government agencies, academic institutions, etc., for collaborative programs, projects and activities affecting the PA;

(f) Submit to the Office of the President and to Congress the annual report of the PA; and

(g) Formulate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

(B) The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). - There shall be a Protected Area Management Board which shall serve as the highest policy-making body of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. It shall be composed of the following: the Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR Region XI who shall act as PAMB Chairman; the Provincial Governor of Davao Oriental or his authorized representative; the Provincial Planning and Development Officer or his authorized representative; the municipality/city mayors of Mati, San Isidro and Governor Generoso or their respective authorized representatives; all barangay captains within the Mt.

Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary; three (3) representatives from people's organizations and non-government organizations from the municipalities of Mati, San Isidro and Governor Generoso; representatives from other departments or national government agencies operating within the protected area which can potentially contribute to protected area management; and other stakeholders who can potentially contribute in the protection, preservation and conservation of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.

Specifically, the PAMB shall exercise the following powers and functions:

1. Review, approve and adopt a management plan for the PA;

2. Review the deputation of individuals/groups to augment the PA's protection personnel and thereafter indorse the list to the regional executive director for approval;

3. Fix and impose administrative fees for the use of the PA and fines for violations of prohibited acts in the PA;

4. Approve contracts and agreements consistent with the purpose of this Act except international contracts and agreements;

5. Accept donations and grants in the form of contributions and endowments;

6. Review and approve a work and financial plan for the PA;

7. Coordinate with other government agencies, academic institutions, etc., involved in the management, development and conservation of the PA;

8. Submit an annual report to the DENR Secretary;

9. Delegate authority to the PAMB Executive Committee;

10. Prepare or cause the inventory of protected flora and fauna;

11. Permit, control or regulate the following within the PA:

a. Infrastructures;

b. Public utilities;

c. Occupancy of appropriate management zones;

d. Dumping of waste;

e. Use of motorized equipment;

f. Business enterprise;

g. Other use of the PA such as mountain climbing, research/study; and

h. Recreational activities.

12. Promulgate rules and policies for the conduct of its business; and

13. Initiate and file suits against entities whose existence and/or operations have detrimental effect on the PA.

(C) The DENR Regional Executive Director (RED) for Region XI. -

a. As chairman of the PAMB, sign/approve contracts and agreements consistent with this Act except international contracts and agreements; and

b. Approve the deputation of field officers.

(D) The Protected Area Superintendent's Office (PASO). - There is hereby created a Protected Area Superintendent's Office which shall be supported by a sufficient number of personnel who shall perform day-to-day management, protection and administration of the PA. The head of the office shall be the chief operation officer of the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary and shall be accountable to the RED of the DENR-Region XI and the PAMB.