Individuals, groups, and companies can again apply for special use agreement of protected areas (Sapa), now that the suspension of its issuance has been lifted, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu announced on Friday. But even with the grant of a Sapa, a protected area retains its status as such, with zoning regulations in place to ensure its regulated and limited use, said Meriden Maranan of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The DENR suspended the issuance of Sapas in 2011 because of the absence of a standard rate for the “development fee” imposed on applicants, Maranan said.

Gascon, M. (2018, May 5). DENR opens protected areas for special private use. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A3.