Assessment of the Protection and Law Enforcement Program of Naujan Lake National Park.

Abstract

The study aimed to achieve the following objectives: (1) to evaluate the different interventions to protect the natural resources of the Naujan Lake National Park (NLNP); (2) to review the enabling policies and legislation pertaining to the management of the park; (3) to identify issues and gaps in policies and program implementation; (4) to determine the critical impacts of the program to the community; and (5) to develop a strategy for improved management of the Naujan Lake National Park. The enabling policies and legislation pertaining to the management of NLNP were reviewed and analyzed for their relevance and applicability to the present-day prevailing conditions. Specifically, the enabling legislation were the Wildlife Act of 2001 (R.A. 9147), National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) of 1992 (R.A. 7586) and Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 02 Series of 1975 (Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Fishing by Small Fishermen in Naujan Lake National Park). The Wildlife Act provides for the conversation and protection of wildlife resources and their habitats and appropriating funds thereof and other purposes. Meanwhile Republic Act No. 7586 or NIPAS Act of 1992 enunciates the establishment and management of the National Integrated Protected Area System defining its scope and coverage, and for other purposes. The Department Administrative Order No. 02 Series of 1975 defines the implementing rules and regulations of Presidential Decree No. 705 otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines on fishing by small fishermen in NLNP. The Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997 (R.A. 8371 was also assessed. The impacts of the full implementation of intensive resource protection and law enforcement program for the lake based on the provisions of the above acts were also identified in this study.

The study found that the proliferation of violators could be attributed to the lack of Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) personnel to implement laws, rules, and regulations in the lake, lack of transportation and communication equipment and other logistical support and non-cooperation of the general public in providing vital information to the CENRO regarding illegal and unwarranted activities within NLNP. The study further revealed remedial measures in the CENRO. These measures included strengthening of the linkages between the CENRO and other government agencies and non-government organizations, consistent law enforcement imposition of penalties to violators and strengthening of information, education and communication programs.

The implementation of laws, rules and regulations governing Naujan Lake National Park as an integral part of its protection and law enforcement program was found to be only moderately effective. The level of effectiveness of law enforcers particularly the DENR-CENRO in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro could be attributed to several factors such as inadequacy of personnel at CENRO to enforce the laws, rules and regulations, lack of transportation and communication equipment and other logistical support in the conduct of resource protection and law enforcement activities and non-cooperation of the general public in providing information to CENRO regarding illegal and unwarranted activities being undertaken within the park.

Furthermore, the study revealed remedial measures undertaken by CENRO. These measures included strengthening of the linkages between CENRO and other government agencies and non-government organizations, consistent imposition of penalties to violators and strengthening of information, education and communication program.