By Genalyn D. Kabiling
President Duterte has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to take administrative jurisdiction and control of the Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems.
The designation of the DENR was contained in Proclamation No. 489 that declares a portion of the Philippine Rise as a marine resource reserve.
“The above areas shall be under the administrative jurisdiction and control of the DENR in accordance with the provisions of the Republic Act No. 7586 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations,” Duterte said in the proclamation.
