TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
168
S. No.
25
JL-7 A 9 37
Introduced by: Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING 
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND 
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The ocean is the Earth's life-support system. It regulates climate, sustains 
biodiversity, and supports the global economy. Covering over 70% of the planet's 
surface,1 it absorbs around 30% of all CO2 emissions and over 90% of excess heat 
from the atmosphere—making it the world's largest carbon sink and climate regulator. 
It also produces over 50% of the oxygen we breathe.2
The ocean and marine ecosystem is indispensable for food security, providing 
15% of global animal protein and serving as the primary protein source for over 3 
billion people.3 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that 
the market value of marine and coastal resources, along with emerging ocean-based 
industries, amounts to approximately US$3 trillion annually, representing around 5%
1 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from httDs://oceanservice.noaa.Qov/facts/whv-care-about-ocean.html
2 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.un.ora/en/ciimatechanqe/science/climate-issues/ocean
3 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:
- httDs://www.un.ora/en/desa/5-reasons-vou-should-care-about-our-ocean 
-httDs://openknowiedae.fao.ora/server/api/core/bitstreams/66538eba-9c85-4504-8438-
clcf0a0a3903/content/sofia/2024/executive-summarv.htmi


of the world's total gross domestic product (GDP) supporting over 3 billion people's 
livelihoods.4
The Philippines, with 7,641 islands and over 36,000 kilometers of coastline, is 
a major maritime nation. Its maritime domain spans about 2.2 miliion square 
kilometers, making it one of the most ocean-endowed countries in Southeast Asia 
(NAMRIA).5
As a core part of the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is a global hotspot of marine 
biodiversity—hosting over 460 coral species, more than 2,824 marine fish species are 
listed for the Philippines, and extensive mangrove and seagrass ecosystems.6
From 2018 to 2022, the ocean economy contributed an annual average of P787 
billion, accounting for 4.05% of the GDP. In 2023, fisheries production was valued at 
P328.74 billion, representing 1.4% of GDP. The sector supports over 2.2 million jobs,
or 5.27% of total national employment.7
Despite their importance, our oceans and marine ecosystems are in perii. 
Overfishing, pollution, plastic waste, coastal development, and climate change are 
degrading ecosystems and reducing fisheries productivity. Coral reefs, mangroves, 
and fisheries face alarming declines.
In the 2024 Ocean Health Index, the Philippines scored 59 out of 100, ranking 
197th out of 220 countries and territories—well below the global average of 69. This 
indicates severe stress on marine health and governance.8
Given the magnitude of our marine wealth and the escalating threats to its 
sustainability, the need for a unified, science-based, and forward-iooking framework
4 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:
- httDs://www.un.ora/en/desa/5-reasons-vou-should-care-about-our-ocean
- httn?;://www.imo.ora/en/MediaCentre/SecretarvGeneral/Paaes/Philippine-Maritime-.aspx
- httns://transactions.nast.Dh/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022 RVAzanza.pdf
5 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from httDs://www.phiistar.com/DiliDino-star- 
nnavon/bansa/2Q25/01/27/2417103/pinas-mav-7641-na-isl,
6 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:
-httns://www.theaef.ora/news/coral-trianQie-buildinq-capacitv-marine-protection-local-qovernmen^
units-phiilipines
https://oneocean.ora/flash/philippine biodiversity.html#:~:text=In%201953%2C%20Herre%20recor
ded%20]%2C815%20marine%20fish.reef%2Dassociated%2C%20169%20peiaqic%2C%20and%203.
36%20deenwater%20species.
7 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from
https://web.senate.aov.ph/publications/SEPO/SEPO Policv%20Brief Biue%20Economy final.pdf
8 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from httPs://oceanhealthindex.orq/reqions/philippine^
2


for ocean governance has never been more urgent. The Blue Economy Bill rises to this 
challenge by laying the groundwork for a development paradigm that rejects short­
term exploitation in favor of iong-term stewardship, ecological balance, and national 
resilience.
At the heart of the measure is the creation of a Blue Economy Council to 
harmonize the efforts of national government agencies, locai government units, civil 
society, the private sector, and coastal communities. Through the institutionalization 
of a National Marine Spatial Plan, the bill provides a roadmap for coordinated use, 
conservation, and governance of maritime and coastal resources.The bill further 
mainstreams ecosystem-based management, ocean accounting, and blue finance into 
the country's development agenda, ensuring that economic planning reflects the true 
value of natural capital. It promotes sustainable fisheries, marine renewables, 
aquaculture, ecotourism, and circular economy models, while strengthening 
safeguards for endangered species, critical habitats, and marine protected areas. The 
bill further empowers local governments as lead actors in marine resource 
management and ensures agency coordination to avoid policy overlap, while also 
strengthening research and capacity-building for informed, adaptive governance.
The Blue Economy Bill is a nation-building agenda. It affirms that our seas are 
not merely sites of extraction, but vital ecosystems that nourish our people, anchor 
our culture, and sustain our future. Enacting this measure is not just an act of 
conservation—it is an expression of our collective responsibility to protect the legacy 
of our archipelago and ensure that the bounty of our oceans continues to provide for 
all Filipinos, today and for generations yet to come.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
lorenlegarda


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 168
25 JUL-7 A 9 37
Introduced by: Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING 
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND 
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in session 
assembled:
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CHAPTER I
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GENERAL PROVISION
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SECTION. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Blue Economy Act".
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:
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(a) Adopt biue economy as a framework for sustainable and safe use and
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development of marine wealth within our coastal and maritime domain,
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as a piilar of our nationai economy and patrimony;
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(b) Exercise stewardship of our coasts and oceans, protect and conserve
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the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and
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habitats to promote the weli being, inciusive prosperity and security of
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present and future generations, and expand areas under protection to
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meet the nation's international obligations especially in refugial
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habitats;
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(c) Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the economic, sociai,
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culturai, and historicai vaiue of our coasts and oceans, and foster public


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understanding and respect of the value of our coasts and oceans to 
build a strong foundation for social responsibility;
(d) Enrich scientific understanding of ocean, marine, and coastal 
ecosystems, the benefits we gain from these, their naturally changing 
extent and conditions and the causes thereof; and use the best 
available scientific knowiedge to inform decisions affecting our coasts 
and oceans, and to enhance our capacity to respond and adapt to 
changing ocean environments;
(e) Exercise rights and jurisdiction, and enjoyment of freedom of the high 
seas, in accordance with applicable international laws;
(0 Strategically address the factors that adversely affect the oceans and 
the living and non-iiving resources that comprise our seas, turning 
threats into opportunities and preventing further harm to ali water 
bodies including land-based pollution, biodiversity ioss, reclamation, 
and climate change;
(g) Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive and 
integrated framework for the stewardship of our coasts and oceans to 
faciiitate cohesive action of the National Government, local authorities, 
academe, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local 
communities, and the private sector, to secure our people's safe access 
to, enjoyment of, and opportunities to invest in sustaining their 
benefits from our blue economy;
(h) Uphold marine science as a foundation of maritime governance, 
ensuring that all rules, policies, and plans governing the use of coastal 
and marine resources will be based on sound scientific understanding 
of the marine environment; and
(i) Uphold the value of natural ecosystems and their irreplaceabiiity, 
thereby explicitly excluding reciamation and other activities that 
remove, replace, or destroy coastal ecosystems as activities that 
advance a biue economy.


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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
(a) Aquacuiture refers to fishery operations involving all forms of raising 
and culturing fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish, and 
marine water areas;
(b) AquasHvicuiture refers to a multi-purpose production system that 
allows the production of fish in a mangrove reforestation project;
(c) Blue economy refers to the practical ocean-based economic model 
using green infrastructure and technologies, innovative financing 
mechanisms, and proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the 
twin goals of protecting our oceans and coasts and enhancing its 
potential contribution to sustainable development, including improving 
human well-being, and reducing environmental risks and ecological
scarcities;
(d) Coast refers to the interface where the land meets the ocean, 
encompassing shoreline environments as well as adjacent coastal 
waters. Its components can include river deltas, coastal plains, 
wetlands, beaches and dunes, reefs, mangroves forests, lagoons, and 
other coastal features;
(e) Ecosystem services refer to the benefits supplied by the functions of 
ecosystems and received by humanity and ali elements of living 
systems, which support iife systems on the planet. Ecosystem services 
consist of provisioning, reguiating, maintenance, and cultural services;
(f) Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible use of coastal, 
marine, and freshwater resources that protects the marine ecosystem 
from harmful effects and degradation. Environmental sustainability 
includes stewardship by the government and local communities to
(1) prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the coastai, 
freshwater, and marine environment;
(2) mitigate the impacts of climate change; and
(3) protect biodiversity;


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(g) Fishing refers to the taking of fishery species by passive or active gear 
for trade, business, and profit beyond subsistence or sports fishing, to 
be further ciassified as:
(1) Smaii-scaie commerdai fishing - fishing with passive or active 
gear utiiizing fishing vesseis of 3.1 gross tons (gt) up to 20 gt;
(2) Medium-scaie commerciai fishing - fishing utiiizing active gears 
and vesseis of 20.1 gt up to 150 gt; and
(3) Large commerciai fishing - fishing utiiizing active gears and 
vesseis of more than 150 gt.
(h) Integrated marine and coastal area management refers to coordinated 
and sustainabie management of coastai and marine resources, and a 
participatory process for pianning and decision-making to prevent, 
controi, or mitigate adverse impacts of human activities to the marine 
and coastai environment, biodiversity, and ciimate, and to contribute 
to the restoration of degraded coastai areas, protection of habitats, 
and reduction of conflicts among various stakehoiders in order to 
pursue sustainabie and inciusive growth, support jobs and iiveiihood, 
and enhance food, energy and water security, ciimate resiiience, and 
weii-being;
(i) Investment promotion agencies refer to government entities created 
by iaw, executive order, decree, or other issuance, in charge of 
promoting investments, granting and administering tax and non-tax 
incentives, or overseeing the operations of the different economic 
zones and freeports in accordance with their respective speciai iaws;
(j) Land-based pollution refers to municipai, industriai, and agricuiturai 
wastes and run-off, inciuding, but not iimited to, sewage and waste 
water, persistent organic poliutants (including pesticides), heavy 
metals, oils, nutrients, sediments, and plastic wastes, whether brought 
by rivers or discharged directly into coastal waters;
(k) Marine resources refer to the diverse range of living and non-living 
components found within marine ecosystems, including oceans, seas, 
and coastal areas;


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(l) Marine spatial planning refers to the public process of analyzing and 
allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in 
marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and sociai objectives. It 
is a practical way to create and establish a more rational organization 
of marine space and its uses to balance the demand for development 
with the need to protect marine ecosystems, and to achieve social and 
economic objectives in an open and planned way;
(m) Maritime zones refer to (1) the maritime zones of the Philippine 
archipelago comprising of internal waters, archipelagic waters, 
territorial sea, contiguous zone. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and 
continental shelf; and (2) the respective maritime zones, as 
appropriate, of ail other territories over which the Philippines has 
sovereignty or jurisdiction, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution 
and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention 
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
(n) Ocean accounting refers to a statistical framework that guides the 
compilation and integration of a series of standardized and regular 
measurements of stocks and flows of ocean economic, societal, and 
environmental components through specific accounting table groups 
and comprehensive indicators critical for informed and evidence-based 
decisions;
(o) Ocean-based activities refer to activities that are undertaken in the 
ocean, such as those relating to fisheries and aquacuiture, exploration, 
drilling and production of offshore oil, gas, and ocean energy, mining, 
desalination, shipping and marine transportation, shipbuilding and 
repair, port operations, marine tourism including management of 
tourist resorts, communication, marine construction, maritime 
insurance and law enforcement, or maritime technical services;
(p) Ocean-reiated activities refer to activities that use products from the 
ocean such as seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals 
and salt production, and produce products and services for the ocean 
and for ocean based activities;


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(q) Ocean literacy refers to an understanding of the ocean's influence on 
humans, and human influence on the ocean, as well as the linkage of 
ocean and climate and its effect on humans, water, and ecosystems;
(r) Reclamation refers to any project, permitted or otherwise, that dumps 
fill materials from another place into a coastal or marine area to form 
new land, thereby completely obliterating the marine habitat and 
changing the hydrology of the area, whether pursued for public or 
private purposes; and
(s) Subsistence fishing refers to fishing for personal consumption or 
traditional/ceremonial purposes.
Sec. 4. Scope of Application. - For purposes of this Act, the Philippines shall, in 
accordance with international law, exercise sovereignty, sovereign rights, and 
jurisdiction, as appropriate, in internal waters, archipelagic waters, the territorial sea, 
contiguous zone, EEZ, and continental shelf, herein collectively referred to as "coastal 
and marine zones", including its seabed and subsoil, and any and all maritime features 
within the maritime zones now known or to be known in the future.
CHAPTER II
BLUE ECONOMY COUNCIL
Sec. 5. Blue Economy Council. - The Blue Economy Council, herein referred to 
as the Council, is hereby established to formulate an integrated strategy to strengthen, 
grow, and sustain the Philippines' blue economy, integrated marine and coastal area 
management, and ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources.
Sec. 6. Composition.-The. Council shall be composed of the following:
(a) The Executive Secretary as chairperson;
(b) The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources as co-vice 
chairperson;
(c) The Secretary of Economy, Planning, and Development as co-vice 
chairperson;
(d) The Secretary of National Defense as member;
(e) The Secretary of Foreign Affairs as member;


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(f) The Secretary of Justice as member;
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(g) The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government as member;
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(h) The Secretary of Agriculture as member;
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(i) The Secretary of Tourism as member;
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(j) The Secretary of Transportation as member;
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(k) The Secretary of Trade and Industry as member;
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(I) The Secretary of Energy as member;
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(m) The Secretary of Science and Technology as member;
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(n) The Secretary of Finance as member; and
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(o) The Secretary of Public Works and Highways as member.
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The Department Secretaries may designate an Undersecretary, whose portfolio
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covers matters directly or principally relating to the development or management of
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coastal and marine resources and ecosystems, if applicable, to sit in a permanent
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capacity, and whose acts shall be considered the acts of his or her principal. Majority
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of the members shall constitute a quorum.
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Sec. 7. Mandates, Powers, and Functions of the Blue Economy Council. - The
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Council shall be responsible for formulating a clear, coherent, and comprehensive
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policy framework and strategic action plan on blue economy. It shall;
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(a) Develop the country's policy framework and strategic vision for the
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growth and sustainable development of the country's blue economy;
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(b) Institutionalize an integrated marine and coastal management;
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(c) Enhance the country's ecosystem-based management of coastal and
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marine resources;
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(d) Align Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plans, fisheries
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management plans, coastal resource management plans, climate
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action plans, and marine spatial plans to determine zones, and
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designate allowed, regulated, and restricted activities;
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(e) Strengthen economic and environmental regulations within our coastal
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and marine areas to preserve the value and sustainability of ocean
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resources and protect them from threats;
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(f) Identify climate-resilient and environmentally sound investments,
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infrastructure, and technologies;


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(g) Ensure an enabling environment for the growth and development of
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sustainable investment and finance;
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(h) Identify priority blue economy sectors;
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(i) Institutionalize regular coastal and ocean monitoring and accounting;
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(j) Coordinate the development of marine spatial plans;
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(k) Coordinate with various sectors and agencies to promote poiicy and
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program coherence;
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(i) Coordinate and cooperate with the Maritime Industry Authority
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(MARINA) to ensure that the framework shall be in harmony and not
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overlap with the maritime industry development plan;
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(m) Coordinate with the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee to Facilitate
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the Ratification and Accession to and implementation of Maritime
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Conventions (ICCFRAIMC) and ensure that it will aid in the
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implementation thereof;
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(n) Conduct, support, fund, engage, collaborate, and/or coordinate
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research and development in blue economy;
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(o) Develop, expand, and strengthen investments in capacity building and
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skills enhancement programs for the blue economy, and encourage
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such to be featured In the work plans of governments, the private
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sector, and civil society organizations;
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(p) Review, update, and disseminate the policy framework and strategic
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action plan on blue economy; and
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(q) Perform other functions as may be necessary for the implementation
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of this Act.
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Sec. 8. Secretariat - A Secretariat to the Council shall be established within the
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Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), to be headed by an
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Executive Director III (Salary Grade 28) who shall be appointed by the President of
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the Philippines. The Secretariat shall be under the control and supervision of the
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DEPDev Secretary. The Executive Director III shall have at least seven (7) years of
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experience and practice in the fields of marine science and research, blue economy
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and ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources, environmental
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economics, environmental accounts, and financial analysis.


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The initial staffing structure and complement of the Secretariat shail be
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submitted by the DEPDev to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for
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funding. The DEPDev shall constitute an interim Secretariat within one (1) month from
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the effectivity of this Act, through the temporary detaii of personnel from its member
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agencies.
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The Secretariat shail have the following functions:
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(a) Provide secretariat support to the Councii, including the preparation of
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draft strategies, priorities, and other outputs to be adopted by the
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Council;
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(b) Consult with experts who can offer insights on blue economy and
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ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources
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policymaking and priority setting;
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(c) Coordinate with various agencies of the government, private sector,
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academe, scientific community, civil society organizations, indigenous
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peoples, local communities, and the public;
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(d) Design and implement a blue economy development program and
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promote its use and adoption in the government bureaucracy;
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(e) Develop recommendations for consideration by the Council; and
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(f) Perform other functions as may be directed by the Council.
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Sec. 9. Support Agencies. — The following agencies shail provide material or
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technical support to the Council, as may be necessary:
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(a) Climate Change Commission (CCC);
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(b) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);
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(c) Board of Investments (BOI);
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(d) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);
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(e) Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);
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(f) Nationai Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA);
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(g) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB);
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(h) Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB);
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(i) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR);
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(j) National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI);


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(k) Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA);
(l) Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF);
(m) MARINA;
(n) Philippine Ports Authority (PPA);
(o) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD);
(p) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA);
(q) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
(r) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
(s) Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MG);
(t) Philippine Navy (PN);
(u) National Museum - Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division 
(NM-MUCHD);
(v) Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
(w) Relevant institutions and components of the University of the 
Philippines (UP); and
(x) Investment promotion agencies.
In order to ensure the efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities, 
the Council may create working groups and call upon other departments, bureaus, 
offices, and instrumentalities of the Government, and academic and research 
institutions engaged in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities, to 
participate therein, as it may deem necessary.
CHAPTER III
THE BLUE ECONOMY FRAMEWORK
Sec. 10. PoHq/ Development Framework on Blue Economy. - The Council shall, 
within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, formulate a policy framework on 
blue economy, herein referred to as the Framework. The Framework is a development 
model that aims to help the country define a roadmap for a diversified and sustainable 
ocean economy in a manner that provides long-term economic and social benefits
10


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while building resilience to climate change and without compromising the safety of
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our marine ecosystems. The Framework shall be subject to mandatory review and
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modification every five (5) years.
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Sec. 11. Components of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy. - The
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Framework shall include the following components:
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(a) Review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules, and
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regulations on ocean-based and ocean related activities;
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(b) Adherence to international maritime laws;
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(c) Analysis of current and emerging trends and changes in demography,
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consumption, trade, energy, technology, environmental quality, and
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climate that show the interaction between the economy and the
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environment, present and future threats and pressures on coastal and
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marine environments, and damage estimation;
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(d) Environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets,
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living and non-living resources, and ecosystem services from coastal
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and marine environments, including assessment of losses due to
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degradation or major pollution events such as oil spills;
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(e) The Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM)
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framework to address human impact on marine and coastal biological
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diversity, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of this
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biodiversity. The national IMCAM framework shall consider the
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following elements:
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(1) Capacity-building for stakeholders, at both national and local
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levels, to apply relevant policy instruments to address legal
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issues, institutionalize participatory processes, and develop
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strategies to promote 
multidisciplinary and multisectoral
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ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine
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environments;
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(2) Protection of coastal and marine environments from negative
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impacts, such as:
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(i) Alteration and destruction of coastal and marine habitats, 
particularly areas important for reproduction, coral reef 
systems, sea grass areas, and the sea bed;
(ii) Marine and land-based pollution;
(iii) Improper coastal land use, and the mismanagement of 
watersheds;
(iv) Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, by-catch 
especially of threatened species; and
(3) Establishment of mechanisms and guidelines for research, 
monitoring, assessment, and valuation of coastal and marine 
ecosystems and resources, including indicators to measure 
natural and human-induced impacts;
(f) Priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related 
economic activities, which may include:
(1) Fisheries, including commerdai fishing, seafood processing, and 
commercial research and development, with preference to 
subsistence fisheries, as mandated under Section 7, Article XIII 
of the Constitution;
(2) Aquaculture, mariculture, and aquasilviculture;
(3) Marine and coastal tourism;
(4) Shipping, logistics, and maritime transport;
(5) Shipbuilding and ship repair;
(6) Production of renewable energy from marine sources;
(7) Installation of submarine cables and pipelines;
(8) Bioremediation, marine biotechnology, and bioprospecting;
(9) Desalination; and
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Underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology;
(g) Guiding framework for IMCAM;
(h) Guiding framework for blue finance;
(i) Priority research and development agenda that maximizes 
opportunities created for pollution control, remediation, used water 
economics, and other industries that address threats;
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(j) Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the 
protection of coastal and marine environments;
(k) Enhancement of the capability of the relevant agencies to enforce laws,
rules, and regulations to protect our marine wealth;
(l) Goals, targets, and indicators for growth, resilience, and sustainability 
of priority strategic and sustainable coastal, ocean-based and ocean- 
related activities, including their contribution to gross domestic 
product, job creation, and livelihood;
(m) Scaling up the expansion and management of marine protected areas 
(MPAs) through the protection and conservation of coastal and marine 
ecosystems and resources;
(n) Mainstreaming of circular and resource efficiency approaches on the 
blue economy framework to address the longstanding problem on 
marine litter and microplastics;
(o) Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) 
strategies to help operationalize the country's Nationally Determined 
Contributions (NDC); and
(p) Strengthening of management capacities of national and local 
governments, including relevant sectors, to enhance the protection of 
coastal and marine ecosystems and such other components as may be 
determined by the Council.
CHAPTER IV 
OCEAN ACCOUNTING
Sec. 12. Ocean Accounting. - The PSA shall undertake environmental-economic 
accounting of the ocean, maritime ecosystems, and resources, based on the United 
Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting and in accordance with 
Republic Act No. 11995, otherwise known as the "Philippine Ecosystem and Natural 
Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act". Members of the Council and heads of 
support agencies shall contribute data and submit reports on environmental-economic
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accounts relating to their mandates including damage estimation and sea ievel rise 
projections.
CHAPTER V
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Sec. 13. Marine Spatial Planning. - The Council shall undertake a nationwide 
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) with the participation of key stakeholders to identify 
the spatiai and temporal distribution of priority activities, uses and interactions thereof 
in maritime zones, to reduce conflict among uses; facilitate complementary uses; 
mitigate environmental impacts; prevent marine dead zones; rehabilitate dead zones 
or non-attainment areas, if any; reduce wastage and ensure efficiency in marine 
supply chains; preserve ecosystem services with the national MSP providing the 
guiding principies and overarching delineations, and identifying the spatial and 
temporal distribution of allowed, restricted, and regulated human activities and priority 
uses and the interactions thereof in the coastal and marine zones; and encourage and 
support the development of regional and local MSPs, which can provide a ievel of 
granularity that can be iinked to actionabie investments, regulations and enforcement, 
coastai and marine resource management and conservation measures, and reduction 
of risks from climate change and naturai disasters.
Sec. 14. Blue Economic Zones. - Investment promotion agencies shall 
encourage the establishment of blue economic zones (BEZs) and the transformation 
of existing special economic zones into BEZs. Registered business enterprises engaged 
in ocean-based or ocean related activities as listed under the Strategic Investment 
Priority Plan (SIPP) shall enjoy the privileges, benefits, advantages, or exemptions 
granted to economic zones and freeports in accordance with their respective special 
laws. Republic Act No. 11534 or the "Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for 
Enterprises Act (CREATE)", and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
In addition, registered business enterprises operating within BEZs may also 
qualify for financing under Republic Act No. 11293 or the "Philippine Innovation Act",
as applicable.
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Sec. 15. Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods and Employment - The Council 
shall, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the 
Department of Agriculture-BFAR, and other concerned agencies and stakeholders, 
develop a policy to ensure the enhancement and sustainability of municipal fisheries 
as well as the promotion and generation of sustainable livelihood in the blue economy 
towards the creation of more employment and equal opportunities for all, and to 
strengthen investments in capacity building and skills enhancement programs, in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 10771 or the "Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016".
CHAPTER VI 
BLUE FINANCE
Sec. 16. Pole of the Bangko Sentrai ng Pilipinas. - In the exercise of its 
regulatory powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall provide an enabling 
regulatory environment to promote the development of the country's blue economy, 
in line with its sustainable finance framework and considering international standards 
and best practices.
Sec. 17. Pole of Securities and Exchange Commission. - The SEC shall 
encourage the issuance of blue bonds, the proceeds of which will be exclusively 
applied to finance or refinance, in part or in full, eligible blue Programs, Activities, and 
Projects (PAPs) in accordance with SEC guidelines, and ASEAN Green Bonds Standards 
and Green Bonds Principles, as developed and may be revised from time to time by 
the SEC, the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the International Capital Market 
Association. All designated blue PAPs must provide clear benefits to ocean health and 
the blue economy and must contribute substantially to United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals 6 and 14, which shall be assessed together with compliance with 
environmental laws and standards, and, where feasible, quantified by the corporation 
that will issue the blue bonds.
The eligibility of these blue PAPs shall be subject to the guidelines to be issued 
by the SEC.
Sec. 18. Pole of Government Financial Institutions. - The Land Bank of the 
Phiiippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall provide credit to
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enterprises engaged in strategic and sustainable ocean-based or ocean related 
activities.
CHAPTER VII
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL AND MARINE
RESOURCES
Sec. 19. Protection of Endangered Species. - The Council shall monitor, 
coordinate, and ensure the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of rare, 
threatened, and endangered aquatic species as it may determine, including their 
habitats and migratory routes, in coordination with BFAR and in accordance with 
existing laws, rules, and regulations. It shall recommend to the President and Congress 
the designation of coastal and marine areas as protected areas under Republic Act 
No. 11038 or the "Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018", 
or sanctuaries of local conservation areas under Republic Act No. 8550 or "The 
Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998", as amended, and Republic Act No. 7160 or the 
"Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and in compliance with the relevant 
provisions of international treaties and agreements, such as the UNCLOS, the 
Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory 
Species of Wild Animals, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered 
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Sec. 20. Poiicy Coordination. - The Council shall harmonize the rules and 
regulations of all agencies responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws 
to prevent and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing under Republic 
Act No. 8550, as amended, setting strategic and measurable targets and ensuring the 
best use of technology such as vehicle monitoring system. Further, the Council shall 
act as the coordinating and monitoring arm of the government in ensuring other 
government agencies' compliance with these laws.
CHAPTER VIII
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
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Sec. 21. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs). - Cities and municipalities
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shall continue to exercise jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to Republic Act
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No. 7160, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8550, as amended. Consistent with this
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mandate, LGUs in coastal and marine areas shall act as the frontline agencies in the
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formulation, planning, and implementation of the IMCAM framework in their respective
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jurisdictions. The LGUs shall develop their local Marine Spatial Plan in accordance with
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the National Maritime Spatial Plan, and integrate them in their Comprehensive Land
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Use Plan, Comprehensive Development Plan, and Annual Investment Plan, ICM or
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Coastal Resource Management Plan, Climate Change Action Plan, and Disaster Risk
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Reduction and Management Plan, and opportunities such as the National Sewage and
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Septage Management Plan and the funds under the Republic Act No. 9275 or the
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"Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004".
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Sec. 22. Inter-LGU Cooperation. - Consistent with the provisions of Republic
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Act No. 7160, as amended, LGUs may group themselves and consolidate or coordinate
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their efforts, services, and resources for the accomplishment of the objectives of this
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Act.
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Sec. 23. Local Government Power to Undertake Reclamation. - Notwithstanding
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the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1899 and Republic Act No. 7160, as
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amended, there shall be a presumption against the power of the local governments
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to reclaim land from the foreshore, or oceans and coasts unless such reclamation is
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planned for the purposes as defined under Presidential Decree No. 1899. Such
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presumption can only be overturned if:
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(a) There is an overriding public need and the reclaimed land is not for
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private or exclusive development;
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(b) The public need is cogent and convincing;
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(c) There is no other means to meet the public need, other alternatives
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having been analyzed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
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as required under Presidential Decree No. 1151;
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(d) No private sale of lands is included unless it is to fund the project with
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an overriding public need and buyers are required to continuously and
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regularly pay to the municipality the ecosystem services from the
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marine ecosystem lost to the reclamation; and
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(e) Adjacent LCDs express no objection to the project. SEC. 24. Ecosystem
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Services. - The LCDs that satisfy the acceptability requirements in the
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foregoing section 19 shall pass the necessary ordinances and cause
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the necessary annotations to the titles of all lands privately acquired
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to ensure collection of the payments required under Section 23(d) of
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this Act.
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CHAPTER IX
9 
FINAL PROVISIONS
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Sec. 24. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There shall be a Joint
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Congressional Oversight Committee on Blue Economy (JCOC-BE). The President of the
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Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate five (5)
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Senators and five (5) Members of the House of Representatives, respectively, as
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members of the JCOC-BE: Provided, That the minority in the Senate and the House of
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Representatives shall each have at least one (1) seat in the JCOC-BE. The JCOC-BE
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shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Economic
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Affairs and the House Committee on Economic Affairs. The JCOC-BE shall conduct a
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semi-annual hearing to oversee, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of this Act
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and identify other necessary legislation.
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Sec. 25. Appropriations. - The initial implementation of this Act shall be charged
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against the current year's appropriations of the departments or agencies concerned.
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Thereafter, the amount necessary for its continued implementation shall be included
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in the respective budgets of the concerned departments and agencies in the annual
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General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
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the approval of this Act, the Councii shall issue the implementing rules and regulations:
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Provided, That failure to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the
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executory nature of the provisions of this Act.
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Sec. 27. Construction. - In the implementation of this Act, any conflict with the
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Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, shall be resolved in favor of the latter, to ensure
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the ecological and environmental safeguards therein and with a presumption in favor
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of subsistence fisherfolk.
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Sec. 28. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is deciared
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unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force
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and effect.
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Sec. 29. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
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letters of instruction, proclamations, or administrative regulations that are inconsistent
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with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly:
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Provided, that any inconsistency with Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, shall be
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construed in favor of the said law unless there is a cogent ecological rationale for
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resolving the inconsistency in favor of this Act.
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Sec. 31. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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