Guimaras’ Taklong and Tandog islands now a national park under new law

GUIMARAS — Reinforcing the country’s commitment to environmental preservation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially designated the Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras as a national park, a status that ensures its inclusion under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

The area is comprised of coral reef (fringing) mangroves, sea grass, algal bed and deep water habitat.

Signed into law on July 9, Republic Act No. 12225 provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of these ecologically significant islands. With the enactment of the law, the area will now be called Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands Natural Park, marking a new chapter in the province’s environmental stewardship.

Previously, the area is known as the Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMAR), one of the 372 designated marine protected areas in the Philippines. It was declared as a protected landscape and seascape in 1990 under Presidential Proclamation No. 525

TINMAR covered an area of 1,143.45 hectares, making it the biggest among the 13 marine protected areas in Guimaras.

“As such, the State shall ensure the conservation, protection, management, and rehabilitation of the area. It is likewise recognized that effective administration of this area is possible only through cooperation among the national government, local government units (LGUs), concerned non-governmental organizations (NGOs) private entities, and local communities,” the law states.

The legislation outlines a clear commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity protection, stressing that, “The use and enjoyment of this area must be consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable development.”

To ensure proper oversight, a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will be established. This multi-sectoral body will include representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Congress, relevant government agencies, local government units, indigenous peoples, and nongovernment organizations.

Financing for conservation projects within the park will be sourced from a dedicated trust fund. Seventy-five percent of revenues generated from the area will be retained and deposited in a Protected Area-Retained Income Account held in an authorized government bank within the province. Additional funding may come from grants, donations, and endowments.

“The fund shall be deposited in full as a special account in the National Treasury and disbursements therefrom shall be made solely for the protection, maintenance, administration, and management of the NIPAS and duly approved projects endorsed by the PAMB in accordance with existing accounting, budgeting, and auditing rules and regulations,” the law further provides.

The law also prohibits the use of the fund for personal services expenditures, reinforcing its strict focus on environmental and administrative functions.

With its rich marine biodiversity and stunning coastal landscapes, the Taklong and Tandog Group of Islands is expected to benefit from strengthened conservation efforts while offering sustainable opportunities for eco-tourism and scientific research./PN