[ DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2009-09, August 20, 2009 ]
STANDARD DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION OF SIGNS, BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE THAT MAY BE INSTALLED AND/OR CONSTRUCTED WITHIN PROTECTED AREAS
SECTION 1. Objectives. This Order shall have the following objectives:
1. To establish uniform signs for protected areas, including appropriate and distinctive symbols for each category in consultation with other concerned agencies;
2. To provide the designs and specifications including the materials to be used for buildings, facilities and any infrastructure within protected areas;
3. To set standards for the planning of ecotourism facilities within buffer zone and multiple use zone of a protected area and other ecotourism areas; and
4. To enhance visitor management program for ecotourism and conservation purposes.
SECTION 2. Scope and Coverage. This Order shall apply to all signs, buildings, facilities and any infrastructure that may be installed or constructed within multiple-use zone and buffer zone of a protected area and other ecotourism areas.
The following are the different signs and infrastructure that may be allowed within the protected area;
2.1 Signs
a. administrative sign - includes the construction of a protected area information board, boundary markers and signs for facilities
b. directional sign - to be installed in strategic places
c. interpretive sign - the use of different signs such as drawings of species, unique natural features should be in accordance with international or national standards. The use of local dialect as a sub-interpretation may be allowed.
d. restrictive sign - should be visible in areas highly for protection and conservation particularly in strict protection zone.
2.2 Infrastructure/Facility
a. Protected Area Information Center
b. Entrance/Exit Gates
c. Ticket Booth
d. Guard Station
e. View Deck
f. Board walk
g. Lodging Facility/Cottage
h. Toilets
i. Parking Area
j. Trails
k. Camping Facilities
l. Materials Recovery Facility
m. Water pumps/catchment/facility
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Order, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
3.1 Administrative sign - a sign inscribed with the information on the protected area, its boundaries and facilities
3.2 Built-up trail - a type of route or walkway with improvement
3.3 Directional sign - a sign inscribed with the symbols showing the location and direction of the different facilities and important featured sites in a protected area.
3.4 Fa ade - the front or any side of the building facing a public way or space
3.5 Facilities - man-made structures provided for in the operation of protected area; includes trails, camp grounds, provision for water supply, garbage disposal, fences, signs and the like
3.6 Foot trail - a beaten path formed through time by use of pedestrians
3.7 Infrastructure - vertical or horizontal structures designed and constructed using specified materials with a certain purpose and lifespan
3.8 Interpretive sign - a sign in a written, visual or interactive way which relates a story or a message to improve the visitors understanding and appreciation of the features of a particular area.
3.9 Landscaping - refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land for aesthetic or practical purposes
3.10 Marker - a sign used to indicate a location, boundary or distance
3.11 Protected Area Information Board - an administrative sign near the gate, containing the name and other pertinent information on a protected area.
3.12 Restrictive sign - a sign inscribed with symbols for limiting the activities or access of visitors in a protected area or some places within it
3.13 Sally port - a pole or barrier installed at the gate that can be raised or lowered with the use of chains or rope to control the entry and exit of vehicles to and from the protected area
3.14 Sign - any letter, word, numerical or pictorial presentation, illustration, decoration, emblem, device, symbol or trademark, flag, banner or any other figure of similar character that is attached to, painted on or in any manner represented on a building or structure, used to announce, direct attention to or advertise, and is visible to the public.
SECTION 4. Procedures for the Establishment of Uniform Signs
4.1 General Considerations - In establishing uniform signs for protected areas, the following should be considered:
4.1.1 It should follow the standards of design, construction/installation and maintenance in the interest of public safety, convenience and good viewing such as those provided under Annex A[*] of this Order;
4.1.2 There should be harmonious and aesthetic relationship of all units;
4.1.3 The message should be limited to 10 items of information, especially on administrative, directional and restrictive signs.
4.2 Specification and Requirement for the Installations of Signs. The following are the prescribed specification and requirement for the installation of different signs within the protected area.
4.2.1. Administrative Signs
a. Protected Area Information Board: (Annex A[*] )
(i) The Protected Area Information Board should contain the name of the protected area printed in white capital letters. The legal basis for its establishment, area, elevation, municipalities and province/s covered should be in yellow paint. The name of the managing agency should be in white font with logo in white silhouette. These should be printed in Arial font with a reading distance of least 30.00 meters.
(ii) Design should be a rectangular panel or board (portrait) with a standard size of 1.20 m x 2.40 m at the maximum using any durable, long-lasting material such as concrete, metal, wood, polyvinyl chloride, etc.
(iii) To enhance its appearance, the sign should be painted green with a yellow band measuring 12.50 cm painted at the topmost portion of the panel or board.
(iv) The minimum vertical clearance should be 1.80 m if it is hang from a support.
b. Boundary Markers. Boundary markers can be monuments, buoys and markings (i.e., historical tree, big rocks/stones), installed or painted for protected area and buffer zone boundaries.
(i) Description of monument and establishment procedures:
The monument shall have a minimum dimension of 15.00 cm x 15.00 cm x 60.00 cm. The materials to be used should be Class A (1:2:4) concrete, longitudinally reinforced with single 10.00 mm diameter standard deformed steel bar, properly embedded on the center (o.c.). The boundary markers for protected areas should have the letter PA or BZ in the case of buffer zones. The letters should be 5.00 cm high in Arial font and shall be engraved on the top of the said monument. A 1.00 cm diameter point (.) at the center of the top of the marker shall be engraved. Said markers should be installed vertically and as accurately as possible where the corner points of the protected area are located on the ground. The buried length is 45.00 cm and the exposed length is 15.00 cm.
(ii) Description of buoys and establishment procedures:
If the corner points are located on the sea or any water body, the use of red buoys with 30.48 cm minimum diameter can be used provided that the letters PA or BZ (5.00 cm high, Arial font) are engraved on a metal plate resistant to sea water firmly attached at the top. The said buoys should be properly chained and anchored, however, damage to underwater resources such as corals, seagrass, and the like should be avoided. The geographic coordinates of each corner marked by buoy should be recorded.
(iii) Description and procedures for alternative markers:
If corner points are located in spots where the use of concrete monument is not applicable, permanent features on the grounds such as boulders or rock surface can be marked with letter PA or BZ as the case may be (5.00 cm high, Arial font) using red paint in at least three (3) coatings. Moreover, a 15.00 cm x 15.00 cm square box (enclosing the said letters) and a point (.) at the center should be marked using the same paint and coatings. The geographic coordinates of each corner should be recorded.
c. Administrative Signs for Facilities. The standard size of the board or panel should be 0.40 m x 0.60 m at the minimum. The board or panel should be painted green, with yellow band measuring 10.00 cm painted at the topmost portion of the board or panel. The name of the protected area should be written in black on the yellow band. The name of the facility should be printed in yellow capital letters in the green field of the board or panel. The letters should be in Arial font with a reading distance of at least 30.00 m. The name of the managing agency (white font) with logo in white silhouette should be placed at the bottom. The board should be mounted vertically with a minimum clearance of 1.00 m.
4.2.2 Directional Signs
The standard size of the board or panel is 0.40 m x 0.60 m at the minimum. The board or panel should be painted green, with yellow band measuring 10.00 cm painted at the topmost portion of the board or panel. The name of the protected area should be written in black on the yellow band. The name of the facility, and natural features and distance in meter should be printed in yellow capital letter in the green field of the board or panel. The letters should be Arial font with a reading distance of at least 30.00 m. The name of the managing agency and arrow sign should be white font. The logo in white silhouette should be placed at the bottom. The board should be mounted vertically with a minimum clearance of 1.00 m.
4.2.3 Interpretive Signs
The standard size of the board or panel is 0.40 m x 0.60 m at the minimum. The board or panel should be painted green, with yellow band measuring 10.0 cm painted at the topmost portion of the board or panel. The name of the protected area should be written in black on the yellow band. The message should be printed in yellow capital letters in the green field of the board or panel. The letters should be in Arial font with a reading distance of at least 30.00 m. Illustrations like sketch maps, drawings of species, unique natural features, international symbols and signs for recreational areas and activities should also be included. The name of the managing agency (white font) with logo in white silhouette should be placed at the bottom. The board should be mounted vertically with a minimum clearance of 1.00 m.
4.2.4 Restrictive Signs
The standard size of the board or panel is 0.40 m x 0.60 m at the minimum. The board or panel should be painted green, with yellow band measuring 10.00 cm painted at the topmost portion of the board or panel. The name of the protected area should be written in black on the yellow band. The park regulations should be printed in yellow capital letters in the green field of the board or panel. The letters should be in Arial font with a reading distance of at least 30.00 m. The restrictive or warning symbols should be in black and white with red slash . The name of the managing agency (white font) with logo in white silhouette should be placed at the bottom. The board should be mounted vertically with a minimum clearance of 1.00 m.
In case of horizontal panel/showcase/platform, it should be installed 1.0 m above the ground.
SECTION 5. Design and Specification of Buildings, Facilities and Other Infrastructure
5.1 General Considerations. In designing and constructing any infrastructure for protected areas and other ecotourism areas, the following should be considered.
5.1.1 Infrastructure should comply with the following laws: P.D. 1096, the National Building Code of the Philippines, P.D.1586, The Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System Law , BP 344 An Act to Enhance the Mobility of Disabled Persons by Requiring Certain Buildings, Institutions, Establishments and Public Utilities to Install Facilities and Other Devices, R.A. 7277, Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, R.A. 386 New Civil Code of the Philippines and other applicable provisions of existing laws and local ordinances, including existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) if any
5.1.2 Design Requirements
(i) In designing facilities and infrastructure consider minimal cost for operation and maintenance.
(ii) Any Infrastructure must integrate harmoniously with the natural and cultural environment. The natural contour of the landscape should not be significantly altered in the design of any infrastructure.
(iii) Flooring of vertical infrastructure shall be of suspended type and style, elevated by at least 1.00 m from the ground, for flat areas. The flooring shall adjust to the contour in the case of sloping ground. There shall be no alteration of ground contour to accommodate floors of structures on sloping ground.
(iv) The fa ade should blend with the surrounding area to complement the natural landscape. The emphasis on the design is that the structure should harmonize with the area and its cultural resources in proportion, color and texture.
(v) Architectural design should blend with the surroundings. It should adapt to the specific site and conditions.
(vi) Color used on exterior of the structures and facilities should blend, not contrast with the colors of the natural environment.
(vii) Major facilities should be placed only in appropriate management areas prescribed by the management plan and after consideration of carrying capacities.
(viii) The main characteristics of the landscape (site topography) should be recorded. The nature of site boundaries with the characteristics of adjoining development will determine the points of access to the site and will influence the road planning and laying out of infrastructure within the site. They will also determine the degree to which the site can be linked to or separated from adjoining development.
(ix) Any infrastructure should follow the policies on easements, i.e. they should be at least 40.00 m away from the highest high water mark; 20.00 m. from the edge of the riverbank or 3.00 from the edge of any existing creek.
5.1.3 Construction and Installation
(i) Construction of high structures should be avoided. The maximum height of any building or structure shall be 10.00 m from the Natural Ground Line (NGL) to the roof top or highest part of the building/structure. Said structure should not interfere with the profile of the landscape.
(ii) Construction processes should combine traditional and modern technologies.
(iii) Excavation of septic tank, foundation/footings, compost pit and the like shall be limited to a maximum depth of 3.00 m below NGL.
(iv) New construction should, as much as practicable, take place in areas where infrastructure already exist or previously existed or in areas with degraded vegetation to avoid opening up of new spaces.
(v) The materials to be used should be indigenous, durable and fire resistant, however, concrete with simulated finish and steel reinforcement shall be considered when necessary.
5.2 Specific Considerations. Basic facilities within protected areas are constructed to meet the needs of visitors but with minimum negative environmental impact. These structures should be designed in such a way that they are environmentally sensitive, practical and sustainable.
In the specification and classification of structures, the following shall be considered:
5.2.1 Protected Area Information Center. The Protected Area Information Center shall be used as the Office of the Protected Area Superintendent (PASU) and Staff. It should have ample space for the following:
(i) Office for PASU and Staff
(ii) Reception area
(iii) Display/exhibit area
(iv) Audio-visual room (optional)
(v) Utility area (laundry, kitchen, toilet and bath)
(vi) Sanitary system
Specification:
- Location. The Protected Area Information Center should be constructed at a strategic point within the multiple use zone of the protected area, preferably near the main access points for easy reach of visitors and clients.
- Size/Space. The area of the building shall depend on its intended use and the number of the expected occupants. An ideal office floor area is 2.70 sq m (1.50 m x 1.80m) per staff. The size of the other rooms could be adjusted according to its use.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.2 Entrance/Exit Gates. There should be provision of entrance/exit gates to control the vehicles and pedestrians. Sally ports could also be provided for the gates. Security lighting should be provided if electric power is available.
Specification:
- Location. The entrance/exit gate should be located preferably at the boundary line of the protected area.
- Size/Space. The width of the entrance gate should be at least eight (8.00) m for two-way traffic. However, if the ticket booth would be placed in the middle of the entrance gate, the width of each lane should be 4.00 m at the minimum. If an arch would be constructed it should have a vertical clearance of 4.00m to 6.00 m.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.3 Ticket Booth. The ticket booth is for the issuance of tickets to and, if necessary, collection of identification papers from incoming protected area visitors, as well as collection of ticket stubs and return of identification papers to outgoing protected area visitors and clients.
Specification:
- Location. It should be placed along the entrance gate of the protected area after the guard station or in the middle of the entrance gate where incoming and outgoing visitors and vehicles can be easily monitored.
- Size/Space. A floor space of at least 2.70 sq m should be allocated for each ticket booth occupant plus additional space for cabinets, safe deposits boxes and lockers for the ticket collectors. The booth should be well illuminated and ventilated. Toilet facilities should also be provided.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.4 Guard Station. The guard station serves as an observation post for security guards for incoming and outgoing protected area visitors. This should be properly lighted.
Specification:
- Location. The location of the guard station should be at a point where the guard can control entry and exit of pedestrians and vehicles, preferably at the entrance gate before the ticket booth.
- Size/Space. The size would depend on the number of expected guard/s on duty; allocating 1.50 m x 2.00 m per occupant
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.5 View deck. A view deck maybe constructed to afford the protected area visitor a better view of a subject area or attraction.
Specification:
- Location. For protected areas with plain or flat terrain, the elevated or tower type view deck may be considered. For protected areas with hilly topography, the veranda type view deck is suggested so as not to alter the natural profile of the area.
- Size/Space. The recommended size of a tower or veranda type view deck will depend on the carrying capacity of the area; however, it should not be so big or too imposing as to attract attention to itself.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.6 Boardwalk. A boardwalk is a facility with an elevated path for pedestrian that run along or across a wetland, or an ecologically sensitive or delicate area. A boardwalk is essential for minimizing impact of protected area usage on the plants, animals or other ecologically sensitive resources.
Considerations in the construction of boardwalk:
- It should be above the highest high water level during high tide or flood period.
- Wave action (this depends on the fetch or length of water over which the wind acts) and storm surge should also be considered especially if it occurs during the highest tide.
- For caves which have been classified as Class 2 and 3 (Refer to DENR MC 2007-04 on Procedure in Cave Classification), it should be located where construction will not damage the stalagmites, stalactites or other cave resources.
Specification:
- Location. Boardwalks are usually constructed in wetlands, beaches and over other ecologically sensitive environment.
- Size/Space: The cross-section of each plank should be 50.8 mm x 152.4 mm (2 inches x 6 inches) using treated good lumber with a length of 1.50 m.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.7 Lodging Facility/Cottage. Lodging facilities or cottages are structures that are rented out to guest and visitors for overnight or extended stay within the protected area. The bed rooms could be for single or double occupancy or even multiple occupancy or dormitory type facilities. It should have provision for utility area either built-in for cottage type or detached for dormitory type.
Specification:
- Location. This should be placed at strategic locations but not in ecologically sensitive areas, accessible to protected area visitors via motor or animal-drawn vehicles or even on foot. It should have access to water and other basic utilities Access to electric supply is optional.
- Size/Space. Minimum sizes of rooms and their least horizontal dimensions should be as follows:
For a plain cottage:
- The living room should have a minimum area of 6.00 sq m.
- Bedroom. There should be one (1) room for men and one (1) room for women, with a minimum area of 6.00 sq m per bedroom. A bath and toilet should have minimum area of 1.20 sq m.
- Dining area and kitchen should have a minimum area of 3.00 sq m.
For Dormitory Type (10-20 beds):
- The living room, common for both men and women should have a minimum area of 18.00 sq m.
- Bedroom. There should be one (1) room for men and one (1) room for women with a space allocation of 2.00 sq m per bed.
- Toilet. There should be one (1) urinal, one (1) toilet bowl, one (1) lavatory and one shower separate from toilet bowl (optional) for every (5) men; and one (1) unit of toilet bowl, one (1) lavatory and one (1) shower separate from toilet bowl (optional) for every three (3) women.
- Dining area should be 1.5 sq m per person.
- Other rooms may be provided subject to the actual requirements as determined by the designer.- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.8 Toilets. The toilets should be with good water supply, illumination and ventilation. Sanitary system with two-chamber septic tank should be provided for cottages or lodging facilities that are not located in coastal areas. Cottages or lodging facilities located in coastal areas should be provided with three (3)-chamber septic tank.
Specification:
- Location. The toilet must be installed at strategic places within the protected area and accessible to persons with disability and should provide the comfort required by visitors.
- Space/Size. For a one (1) unit toilet, the minimum size is 2.00 m x 2.00 m. There should also be two (2) toilet bowls and one (1) lavatory for women s rooms; and one (1) toilet bowl, one (1) lavatory and one (1) urinal for the men s room. For differently-abled persons, wall mounted handrails (50.8 mm diameter stainless) should be installed. Toilet units can be constructed in proportion to the number of expected visitors.
- Classification. Vertical structure
5.2.8 Parking Area. The parking area is an allocated space intended for vehicles and other mode of transportation.
Specification:
- Location. Parking spaces should be allocated near the entrance gate or provided as adjunct to lodging facilities. Parking areas can be designated in other locations depending on the size of the protected area and if vehicles would be allowed inside.
- Size/Space. The regular space per parking slot is 3.20 m x 6.50 m and 3.70 m x 5.00 m for differently-abled persons. For bus and trailer-van, 4.0m x 15.0 m should be allotted. The overall length, width, height and minimum turning radius of the vehicle(s) should be considered.
- Classification. Horizontal structure.
5.2.8 Trails. Trails should be designed for safe and convenient access, and as a means for environmental and cultural interpretation aside from other recreational purposes. It also directs foot traffic over a designated route away from ecologically sensitive areas.
The trail can be foot or a built-up trail. In areas where trails are present, it shall be maintained to avoid creating new trails. Introduce built-up trails for areas where there are heavy flow of visitors or heavy traffic.
The following factors should be considered in the establishment of trails:
- Attractions (views, wildlife observation, etc.) and sensitivity (least impact) should be the primary determining factors.
- It should also be offered for differing levels of physical ability, wherever possible.
- It should incorporate erosion and flood control in the design.
Specification:
- Location: The trails should preferably pass through natural places of attraction.
- Size/Space: Trails (both foot trail and built-up)should at the maximum be 1.50 m, wide enough for two people to walk abreast
- Classification: Horizontal structure
5.2.10 Camping Area. Camping area should be provided where there are no lodging facilities or as an alternative for such facilities.
Some considerations in establishing camping area
- The area should be away from natural drainage system and not flood prone.
- It should be near or adjacent to toilet, laundry and kitchen facilities.
Specification:
- Location: variable depending on the other considerations
- Size/Space: Variable depending on the need
- Classification: Horizontal Structure
5.2.11 Landscaping. Landscaping enhances the appearance of facilities and infrastructure as well as soften the overall impact of development.
Some considerations in landscaping
- The use of native perennial species of evergreen trees and shrubs and that can be more attractive and functional with age should be considered.
- Nursery should be provided to sustain the source of planting materials.
- The use of waste water from shower drainage and kitchen sinks should be considered for watering plants. This way, water is recycled and conserved.
Specification:
- Location: Where there is development
- Size/Space: Subject to site assessment or evaluation
- Classification: Horizontal structure
5.2.12 Solid Waste Management. Solid waste management should be practiced to ensure the protection of the health of protected area visitors as well as the sanitation of the site. Possible options include provision of solid waste containers, Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for temporary storage of recyclable materials, and compost pit for biodegradable wastes.
(i) Solid Waste Containers. Solid waste containers (garbage receptacles) with cover should be placed where people pass through. These should be properly marked or identified as biodegradable (all capital letters in green), and non- biodegradable (all capital letters in black). Garbage from the containers must be regularly collected for recycling or composting of biodegradable.
(ii) Material Recovery Facility (MRF) should be installed depending on the threshold or volume of waste generated. It should be fenced and roofed with compartment for recyclable segregated materials.
(iii) Compost pit should be fenced and provided with cover.
(iv) Transfer or delivery of non-biodegradable to a properly managed site outside the protected area shall be arranged with the concerned local government unit.
Specification:
- Location: The MRF and the composting facilities should be located in areas not prone to flooding, far from water supply to prevent its contamination, and should be kept in such a way that it will not create an eye-sore.
- Size/Space: The size of MRF should depend on the volume of wastes generated inside the park; the diameter of compost pit should not be more than 2 meters; depth will depend on the volume of waste generated.
- Classification: Vertical Structure
5.2.13 Energy Conservation System. The design of any infrastructure in protected areas should consider the following energy conservation measures:
- Low energy consumption technologies for lighting (e.g. compact fluorescent lamps, smart light bulbs with time switches) should be used.
- Fossil fuel-powered generators should be considered as back-up only.
- Solar energy and/or biogas should be considered as source of energy.
- The potential for passive ventilation and natural lighting (skylight) should be maximized to avoid the need for air conditioning and excessive artificial lighting.
Specification:
- Location: Major facilities e.g. administrative building
- Size/Space: Depending on the floor area of the building
- Classification: Horizontal Structure
5.2.14 Water Supply System. Water supply system should be provided, for general use and for drinking.
Some design considerations:
- Location of the water source and its proximity to the facilities should be considered.
- Water sources can be surface (lakes and rivers), ground (aquifer) or rainwater.
- Water extraction will depend on the depth of aquifer.
- The available water supply is important. Some water sources are permanent while others are intermittent.
- The average water consumption per person per day is 52 liters. Given this data, the volume of water supply needed by current and future users can be determined. In case of limited supply, a provision for water storage facility should be considered.
- Other considerations as required by local water utility companies.As much as practicable, the natural sources of water such as springs should be tapped for washing and general use. Other alternative sources of water are rainwater catchment and the installation of mechanical pump.
Specification:
- Location: Water system should be provided in the basic facilities to provide water for washing/drinking.
- Size/Space: For mechanical pump, ordinary size (e.g. artesian wells) should be mounted on a concrete slab 1.00m x 1.00 in size as flooring.
- Classification: Horizontal Structure
SECTION 6. Monitoring. The PASU, shall conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation in coordination with the CENRO, and concerned stakeholders, and shall submit reports to the Office of the RED for proper action. The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau shall establish the monitoring parameters.
SECTION 7. Transitory Provision. Existing and on-going installation of approved infrastructure and signs shall be maintained. However, any repair or renovation of structures, facilities and signs that are existing prior to the issuance of this guideline shall comply with the standard design and specification as stipulated in this Order.
SECTION 8. Penalties. Non-compliance with any of the provision of this Order shall be penalized in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. The provisions of this Order are hereby declared separable, and in the event that the said provision or any part thereof are declared invalid, the validity of all other provisions shall not be affected thereby.
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. All existing rules and regulations issued which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed and superseded accordingly.
SECTION 11. Effectivity. This Order takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgement of a copy by the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).
Adopted: 20 Aug. 2009
(SGD). JOSE L. ATIENZA, JR.
Secretary
[*] Text Available at Office of the National Administrative Register, U.P. Law Complex, Diliman, Quezon City.