Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Republic Act 12230, which designates an area in Ilocos Norte as the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape to ensure improved management and appropriate funding.

According to Philippines News Agency, the law signed by President Marcos on August 4 recognizes the diverse biological resources unique to Paoay Lake, including both flora and fauna, and emphasizes the area's ecological significance. The legislation aligns with the state's policy to preserve native plants and animals for current and future Filipino generations through the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

The establishment of a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is part of the new law, which will include representatives such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional executive director, the provincial governor, senators from Ilocos Norte, and other local officials. The PAMB is tasked with overseeing the management of the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape, approving relevant policies and plans, and aligning management strategies with the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan.

In addition, a Protected Area Management Office will be formed to handle the daily administration and protection of the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape. The law also calls for the creation of the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape Integrated Fund, which will finance the protection and management of the area under NIPAS, along with projects approved by the PAMB.

The fund will be open to augmentation through grants, donations, and endowments from both domestic and international sources, and will be maintained as a special account in the National Treasury.