President Marcos declares Paoay Lake protected area

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has signed a law declaring Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte a protected area to ensure its conservation, protection, management and rehabilitation.

Republic Act 12230, signed on Aug. 4, said the declaration of the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape was “in recognition of the richness of biological resources, both flora and fauna, that are native and distinct to Paoay Lake as well as their aesthetic and ecological importance.”

The law underscored the state’s policy to secure the perpetual existence of all native plants and animals for present and future generations through the declaration of protected areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System.

A Protected Area Management Board will oversee the management of the protected area; approve policies, plans and programs for its management, and approve and harmonize a management plan with the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan.