DEC.

24, 2011 DATE

NR # 2627
REF. NO.

House passes bill establishing an Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program

In order to conserve and protect biological diversity and promote ecological sustainable development, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure establishing an Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program. House Bill 5421 seeks to address major inhibiting factors to widen private sector participation in conservation by providing not only incentives but also a strong sciencebased framework that will guide programs and activities. According to Minority Leader Edcel Lagman (1st District, Albay), principal author of the bill, the Philippines has enacted various laws to protect the countrys threatened species, including Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act and Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act and a number of existing laws aimed at protecting specific threatened species but unfortunately, all have yet to achieve their intended conservation impact. These are primarily due to problems in implementation, poor coordination of various species protection efforts among NGOs, universities and the government, a dearth of appropriate monitoring mechanisms and a lack of interest and participation by local communities and the private sector, Lagman said. Lagman said despite these conservation efforts, population estimates for some notable species, including the national bird of the Philippines, the Philippine Eagle and the largest mammal endemic to the country, the Tamaraw still continue to decline. The measure cites the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The bill provides the establishment of Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program to be implemented in all appropriate areas of the country with the active participation, involvement and assistance of local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (POs), civil society and private individuals. The bill further provides for the prevention of species extinction and promotes the protection of threatened species and their habitats and encourages the conservation of threatened species and their habitats through the active participation of the private sector and all other sectors of society.

DEC. 24, 2011 DATE

NR # 2627
REF. NO.

Under the measure, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) shall be executed by and between the adopting entity or individual and the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), or the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), or the Chairman of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) stipulating the terms and conditions of the adoption in accordance with R.A. 9147. The bill grants tax exemption on any donation, contribution, request or grant which shall be made to the Adopt-A-Wildlife Species Program by the adopting entity or individual from donors tax and shall be considered as an allowable deduction from gross income in the computation of the donor's income tax. The bill mandates the DENR, DA, and the PCSD in consultation with the Department of Finance (DOF) to jointly formulate the rules and regulations to implement the relevant provisions of this Act. Co-authors of the measure include Reps. Francisco Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), Joseph Emilio Abaya (1st District, Cavite), Hermilando Mandanas (2nd District, Batangas) and Nancy Catamco (2nd District, North Cotabato). (30) lvc