DENR tapped as lead agency to protect marine ecosystems of Philippine Rise
President Duterte has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to take administrative jurisdiction and control of Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve (PRMRR) to ensure the protection of the marine ecosystems.
The designation of the DENR was contained in Proclamation No. 489 that declares a portion of the Philippine Rise as a marine resource reserve.
“The above areas shall be under the administrative jurisdiction and control of the DENR in accordance with the provisions of the Republic Act No. 7586 and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations),” the proclamation read.
“The DENR shall conduct assessment of the area and develop management plan, including its research framework, in consultation and coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, other concerned agencies,” it added.
Under the proclamation, the President declared a portion covering 352,390 hectares of the Philippine Rise, as protected area under the RA No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected System Act of 1992. The area formerly known as Benham Rise is located in the northeast coast of Luzon.
Within the PRMRR, the proclamation designates 49,684 hectares as “Strict Protection Zone” limited to scientific studies.
The remaining areas of the PRMRR are designated as “Special Fisheries Management Area” for the sustainable development and regulated utilization of the resources as well as to address economic needs of Filipinos without causing adverse impact on environment.
The proclamation also stated that the destruction or disturbance of the marine ecosystems, including but not limited to its coral reefs, wildlife, or any other marine life are prohibited and shall be punished in accordance with the penalties prescribed in the country's environmental laws.
The proclamation was formally signed by the President last May 15 when he visited Casiguran, Aurora, to send off a team of Filipino scientists to explore the Philippine Rise. A copy of the proclamation was released by the Palace on Friday.