TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE​
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​
) 
First Regular Session​
​
​
) 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2683 
Introduced by Representative JAIME EDUARDO MARC D. COJUANGCO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Republic of the Philippines, by its very nature, is an archipelagic and 
maritime State, a characteristic deeply embedded in its Constitution. This 
geographical reality, coupled with numerous activities related to the sea, is 
fundamental to the country's identity and crucial for safeguarding its maritime 
interests. The nation is exceptionally rich in marine resources, encompassing 
over 1,400 species of fish and crustaceans, more than 900 species of seaweeds, 
unique marine animals, and extensive untapped resources. Philippine waters are 
recognized globally as having one of the richest marine fauna and flora, including 
the second highest and largest mangrove and seagrass areas in terms of 
biodiversity, and some of the world's finest beaches. The Philippines is also 
strategically located within the Coral Triangle, a global hub of marine life, hosting 
76% of all known coral species and 37% of the world’s total coral reef fish. 
Despite these immense advantages, current national and local laws, policies, 
and programs have not fully leveraged the country's archipelagic and 
maritime potential, nor have they adequately addressed the associated concerns. 
There is a compelling need for a fortified National Marine Policy to protect, 
conserve, preserve, and enhance maritime assets, economy, and territorial 
resources. Furthermore, the Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to 
climate change, frequently enduring the onslaught of typhoons that severely 
impact infrastructure and the economy. 
The adoption of the "blue economy" as an economic model of 
development is deemed perfectly suited for the Philippines. This approach 
recognizes the immense potential of harnessing vast marine and aquatic resources 
to directly create livelihoods, alleviate poverty, achieve food security, and 
enhance the quality of life for the Filipino people. It is anticipated to unlock 
opportunities for developing marine-related industries and services, thereby 
strengthening the country's competitive standing in the global economy. The 
fundamental challenge lies in continuously balancing economic development 
with environmental protection and conservation. 
To address these critical needs, this Act seeks to establish a strategic 
framework for the blue economy. This framework will serve as a guide for 
crafting a National Action Plan and will be underpinned by a combination of key 
factors, 
including 
aligned 
policies, 
proactive 
institutional 
arrangements, 
well-devised financing mechanisms, and appropriate infrastructure. The legislation 
proposes the creation of a Blue Economy Council (or the renaming and 
July 30, 2025
4:19 pm


reconstitution of the National Coast Watch Council as the National Maritime 
Council), which will be responsible for formulating and implementing strategies, 
plans, and programs for the Blue Economy. 
In light of these pressing needs and the comprehensive strategies proposed, 
the approval of this bill is earnestly sought to unlock the full potential of the 
Philippines' marine wealth for sustainable development and national prosperity 
JAIME EDUARDO MARC D. COJUANGCO 
Representative 
1st District of Tarlac 


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE​
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​
) 
First Regular Session​
​
​
) 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2683 
Introduced by Representative JAIME EDUARDO MARC D. COJUANGCO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING  
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL  AND 
MARINE 
ECOSYSTEMS 
AND 
RESOURCES, 
REORGANIZING 
AND  
RENAMING THE NATIONAL COAST WATCH SYSTEM AS THE  NATIONAL 
MARITIME 
MONITORING 
SYSTEM, 
AND 
PROVIDING  
FUNDS 
THEREFOR  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I  
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Blue Economy 
Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It shall be the policy of the State to: 
(a) Adopt blue economy as a framework for equitable and sustainable
development and safe use of marine wealth within our maritime zones,
as a pillar of our national economy and patrimony;
(b) Exercise stewardship of our seas and coasts, and protect and conserve
the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and
habitats, through strong institutional mechanisms for maritime
monitoring and regulatory enforcement, to promote the well-being,
prosperity and security of present and future generations;
(c) Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the social, cultural, and
historical value of our seas and coasts, and foster public understanding
and respect of the value of our seas and coasts to build a strong
foundation for social responsibility;
(d) Enrich scientific understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems, the
benefits we gain from these ecosystems like carbon sequestration, their
changing conditions and the causes thereof, and use the best available
scientific knowledge to inform decisions affecting our seas and coasts
and to enhance our capacity to respond and adapt to changing
maritime environments;
(e) Foster international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement,


and exercise rights and jurisdiction in accordance with applicable 
international laws, including on freedom of navigation;  
(f) Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive, integrated 
framework for the stewardship of our seas and coasts to facilitate 
cohesive action of the National Government, local authorities, 
academe, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the 
public; and  
(g) Promote, support and monitor science, technology and innovation 
programs of public and private academic and research institutions to 
strengthen interdisciplinary research in marine science, and to develop 
emerging technologies to catalyze growth of new maritime sectors.  
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Aquaculture refers to fishery operations involving all forms of raising 
and culturing fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish, and 
marine water areas;   
(b) Aquasilviculture refers to a multi-purpose production system that 
allows production of fish and other aquatic species in a mangrove 
reforestation project;   
(c) Aquatic resources refer to fish and other living resources of the aquatic 
environment that have or will have commercial value when utilized;   
(d) Blue economy refers to the integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral, and  
cross-stakeholder approach for the sustainable, resilient and inclusive 
use,  governance, management and conservation of oceans, seas as well 
as marine and coastal resources and ecosystems for economic growth, 
leveraging green  infrastructure and technologies, innovative financing 
mechanisms and proactive institutional mechanisms, and improving 
human well-being and social equity, and reducing environmental risks 
and ecological scarcities;   
(e) Blue carbon refers to organic carbon that is captured by marine and 
coastal ecosystems, such as algae, seagrass, mangroves, and other 
plants growing in salt marshes and coastal wetlands;   
(f) Commercial 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 classified as: small scale commercial fishing, or 
fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing vessels of three and 
one-tenth (3.1) gross tons (GT) up to twenty (20) GT; medium scale 
commercial fishing or fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of 
twenty and one-tenth (20.1) GT up to one hundred fifty (150) GT; and 
large commercial fishing or fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of 
more than one hundred fifty (150) GT;   
(g) Contiguous zone refers to the contiguous zone of the Philippines to the 
waters beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea and up to the extent of 
twenty four (24) nautical miles from the baselines from which the 
breadth of the territorial sea is measured;   
(h) Continental shelf refers to the seabed and subsoil of the submarine 
areas of the Philippines that extend beyond its territorial sea 
throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer 
edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of two hundred (200) 


nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the 
territorial sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental 
margin does not extend up to that distance;   
(i) Ecosystem services refer to the flow of benefits which humans gain  from 
ecosystems, through biological processes and climate, hydrological and 
biochemical cycles, and experiences that contribute to intangible 
culture; 
(j) Environmental-economic accounting refers to a systematic way to 
measure and report on stocks and flows of natural assets and resources 
– both biotic and abiotic, renewable and non-renewable – and 
ecosystem services, to determine the contribution of the environment 
to the economy and the impact of the economy on the environment;  
(k) Environmental-economic accounts refer to statistical information, in 
physical or monetary terms, about the extraction of natural resources, 
their use within the economy, natural resource stock levels, the 
changes in those stocks during a specific period, and such other 
economic activities related to the environment;  
(l) Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) refers to the waters beyond and adjacent 
to its territorial sea and up to the extent of two hundred (200) nautical 
miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea 
is measured, as established by Presidential Decree No. 1599, otherwise 
known as the “Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone of 1978”, and to the 
extent consistent with the other provisions of this Act and with the 
provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the 
Sea (UNCLOS);   
(m) Fisheries refer to all activities relating to the science and act of 
business of fishing, culturing, preserving, processing, marketing, 
developing, conserving, and managing of aquatic resources, and 
environment;   
(n) Integrated coastal management (ICM) refers to a holistic and 
integrative management that incorporates the following components: 
(1) connectivity of various ecosystems – environment and resources; (2) 
various sectors and stakeholders; (3) institutional arrangements that 
are relevant; and (4) assessment of drivers of coastal ecosystem 
degradation, management planning and implementation, including 
research 
and 
education, 
to 
address 
coastal degradation and 
biodiversity losses, and to improve the well-being of communities in 
coastal and interconnected areas;   
(o) Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) refers to a 
participatory process for decision-making to prevent, control, or 
mitigate adverse impacts from human activities in the marine and 
coastal environment, and to contribute to the restoration of degraded 
coastal areas;  
(p) Internal waters refer to waters on the landward side of the archipelagic 
baselines not forming part of archipelagic waters under Section 4 of 
this Act and delineated in accordance with Article 50 of the UNCLOS; 
and waters on the landward side of the baselines of the territorial sea 
of territories outside of the archipelagic baselines, drawn in accordance 
with Article 8 of the UNCLOS;  
(q) Investment promotion agencies (IPA) refer to government entities 


created by law, executive order, decree or other issuance, in charge of 
promoting investments, granting and administering tax and non-tax 
incentives, and overseeing the operations of the different economic 
zones and freeports in accordance with their respective special laws. 
These include the Board of Investments (BOI), Bangsamoro Board of 
Investments, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bases Conversion 
and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark 
Development Corporation, John Hay Management Corporation, Poro 
Point Management Corporation, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, 
Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority, PHIVIDEC 
Industrial Authority, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport 
Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Tourism 
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and all other similar 
existing authorities or that may be created by law;  
(r) Mariculture refers to the sea farming of aquatic plants and fishes;   
(s) Marine scientific research refers to any research activity, which is 
conducted for exclusively peaceful purposes, for the purpose of 
increasing scientific knowledge about the marine environment, 
including all-natural resources, toward the benefit of mankind and 
according to the UNCLOS;  
(t) Maritime domain awareness refers to the effective understanding of any 
activity that could impact upon the security, safety, economy or 
environment;  
(u) Maritime spatial planning refers to a process by which human 
activities in maritime zones are analyzed and organized, based on best 
available scientific knowledge, to achieve economic, ecological and 
social objectives;  
(v) Maritime zones refer to the maritime zones of the Philippines 
comprising the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, 
contiguous zone, EEZ, and continental shelf;   
(w) Ocean-based activities refer to activities that are undertaken in the 
ocean, such as fisheries and aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, mining, 
ocean energy, desalination, shipping and marine transportation, 
marine tourism, marine construction;  
(x) Ocean-related activities refer to activities that use products from the 
ocean such as seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals, 
salt, and produce products and services for the ocean and ocean-based 
activities such as ship building and repair, ports, tourist resorts, 
communication, maritime insurance and law, maritime technical 
services;   
(y) Subsistence fishing refers to fishing for personal consumption or 
traditional/ceremonial purposes;  
(z) Ocean literacy refers to an understanding of the ocean’s influence on 
humans and human influence on the ocean.  
SEC. 4. Scope of Application. – For purposes of this Act, the Philippines 
shall exercise sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, in accordance with 
commitments under the UNCLOS and other related treaties which the Philippines 
has ratified, in internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous 
zone, exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, herein collectively referred to 


as “Maritime Zones”, including its seabed and subsoil, and any and all maritime 
features within the Maritime Zones and where appropriate, the relevant airspace 
above the territorial sea, internal waters and archipelagic waters now known or to 
be known in the future.  
 
CHAPTER II  
NATIONAL MARITIME MONITORING SYSTEM  
SEC. 5. National Maritime Monitoring System. – The National Coast 
Watch System, established under Executive Order (EO) No. 57, series of 2011, is 
hereby renamed as the National Maritime Monitoring System.  
SEC. 6. National Maritime Council. – The National Coast Watch 
Council, created under EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby renamed and reconstituted 
as the National Maritime Council, herein referred to as the “Council,” and its 
functions expanded to include the formulation of an integrated strategy to promote 
blue economy and ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources.   
In addition to the powers and functions of the Council enumerated in 
Section 3 of the same Executive Order, the Council is likewise further mandated to:  
(a) Steer the development, research, and sustainable resource explorations 
in maritime zones, especially in areas with high economic potential 
such as the Philippine Rise and the West Philippine Sea;   
(b) Coordinate the maritime regulation or licensing and law enforcement 
for strengthened preparedness and responsiveness to potential security 
threats or concerns in the country's maritime areas and zones; and   
(c) Build capacities in monitoring, including the use of digital and 
innovative technologies for security and surveillance activities.   
The Council is likewise authorized to convene committees or sub 
committees to oversee the above-mentioned functions. In this way, all strategic 
maritime zones will be covered and will reduce the call for the creation of new 
bodies or authorities to manage the same.  
SEC. 7. Composition of National Maritime Council. – The Council is 
composed of the Executive Secretary as Chairperson and the Secretaries of the 
following national agencies as members:  
(a) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);  
(b) Department of Environment and Natural Resources;  
(c) Department of National Defense;   
(d) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);  
(e) Department of Justice;  
(f) Department of the Interior and Local Government;  
(g) Department of Agriculture;  
(h) Department of Tourism;  


(i) Department of Transportation;  
(j) Department of Trade and Industry;  
(k) Department of Energy;  
(l) Department of Science and Technology;  
(m) Department of Finance;  
(n) Department of Education (DepEd);   
(o) Department of Information and Communications Technology; and   
(p) National Security Council.  
Department Secretaries may designate an alternative representative, 
whose portfolio covers matters directly or principally relating to the development 
or management of coastal and marine resources and ecosystems, if applicable. 
They shall sit in a permanent capacity, and their acts shall be considered the acts  
18 of their principals.  
SEC. 8. National Maritime Secretariat. - The Coastal Watch Council 
Secretariat, established under Section 4 of EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby 
renamed as the National Maritime Secretariat and shall continue to provide 
technical and administrative support to the Council and perform its functions 
under the same Executive Order.  
SEC. 9. National Maritime Coordination Center. – The National Coast 
Watch Center, established under Section 5 of EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby 
renamed as the National Maritime Coordination Center and shall continue to be 
the operational support unit of the National Maritime Monitoring System and 
perform its functions under the same Executive Order.   
SEC. 10. Support Agencies. – In order to ensure the efficient and 
effective  discharge of its responsibilities, in addition to the agencies enumerated 
under Section 6 of EO 57, series of 2011, the Council may call upon other 
departments, 
bureaus, 
offices and instrumentalities of the Government, 
representatives from maritime industries, and academic and research institutions 
engaged in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities to 
participate in working groups, as it may deem necessary.  
 
CHAPTER III  
POLICY FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY  
SEC. 11. Policy 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 Policy Framework. The Policy 
Framework shall serve as the basis for marine spatial planning, determination of 
investments to develop modern physical infrastructure and build an enabling 
environment for blue economy to prosper, and enhance maritime domain 
awareness, and enforcement of economic and environmental regulations within our 
maritime zones. The Policy Framework shall be subject to mandatory review and 
modification every five (5) years.  
SEC. 12. Components of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy. – 
The Policy Framework shall include the following components:  


(a) Review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and 
regulations on ocean-based and ocean-related activities in our 
maritime zones, including seafood processing and storage, and 
commercial research and development (R&D) activities for biomass 
resource and fish stock estimation, artificial intelligence for forecasting 
fish stocks and supply;  
(b) Compliance to local and international maritime laws;  
(c) Analysis of current and emerging trends in demography, consumption, 
trade, technology and climate that show the interaction between the 
economy and the environment, and present threats and pressures on 
coastal and marine environments;  
(d) Environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets and 
resources, and ecosystem goods and services from coastal and marine 
environments;  
(e) Priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related 
economic activities within our maritime zones, which may include the 
following:  
(1) ​Fisheries, including commercial fishing, but with preference to 
subsistence fisheries, as mandated by Section 7, Art. XIII, of the 
Constitution;  
(2) Aquaculture, mariculture and aquasilviculture and support 
industries, including seafood processing and storage, and 
aquaculture feed milling;  
(3) Marine and coastal tourism;  
(4) Shipping, logistics and maritime transport;  
(5) Ship-building and ship repair;  
(6) Production of renewable energy from marine sources; 
(7) Installation of submarine cables and pipelines;  
(8) Marine biotechnology and bioprospecting;  
(9) Desalination;  
(10) Underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology; and 
(11) Commercial R&D activities and commercialization of new and 
emerging technologies developed from locally-undertaken R&D.  
(f) Principles and indicators to guide environmental impact assessment of 
ocean-based and ocean-related economic activities, taking into account 
the environmental-economic accounting of marine resources and 
ecosystem services that will be affected;   
(g) Adoption of integrated marine and coastal area management; 
(h) Strategies to promote blue finance;   
(i) Priority research and development agenda, including development of 
innovative technologies, and human capital to support the blue 
economy;  
(j) Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the 
protection of coastal and marine environments;  
(k) Enhancement of capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 
civilian 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 ocean-based and ocean-related 
activities, including its contribution to Gross Domestic Product and job 
creation;  
(m) Such other components as may be determined by the Council as a 
result of its periodic review, to ensure that the Policy Framework is 
continually updated and adapted to the needs of the times.  
CHAPTER IV  
COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL MARITIME 
INSTRUMENTS  
SEC. 13. International Maritime Instruments. – The Council shall 
establish mechanisms for the full and effective implementation and enforcement of 
international maritime instruments and their subsequent amendments, including:  
(a) 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;  
(b) Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora 
and Fauna;   
(c) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 
(UNESCO) Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural 
Heritage; 
(d) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as 
amended, and its Protocol of 1988 (SOLAS 74);  
(e) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and 
its Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL 73/78);  
(f) Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions 
at Sea, 1972, as amended (COLREG 72);  
(g) International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 and its Protocol of  1988, 
as amended (LL 66); 
(h) International Convention on the Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 
(TONNAGE 69);  
(i) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of 
Maritime Navigation, 1988 (SUA) and its Protocol;  
(j) International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and 
Co-operation 1990 (OPRC 1990);  
(k) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ 
Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004);  
(l) Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of  
Wastes and Other Matter, 1972, as amended, and its 1996 Protocol 
(LCP);   
(m) Special Trade Passenger Ships Agreement, 1971 (STP 71);  
(n) Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization, as 
amended (IMSO 1976) and its Operating Agreement (INMARSAT);  


(o) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification  and 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, As Amended (STCW 78);   
(p) International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling  
Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001);  
(q) Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International Convention on Civil 
Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969;  
(r) Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on the 
Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil 
Pollution Damage, 1971; and  
(s) Other relevant maritime treaties, conventions, or instruments as may 
be agreed upon in the future.  
SEC. 14. Application. – Unless otherwise indicated, the international 
conventions enumerated in the preceding section shall apply to:  
(a) All ships, whether seagoing or coastwise, which are registered under 
the Philippine flag;  
(b) All persons, partnerships, corporations, firms and other entities that 
engage in ocean-based or ocean-related enterprise, or those acting on 
their behalf; and   
(c) All foreign ships that are within the waters, ports, harbors and offshore 
terminals of the Philippines regardless of whether or not they are 
registered in, or belong to, State Parties to the conventions sought to be 
implemented by this Act.   
SEC. 15. Reciprocity. – The rights and privileges of foreign vessels and 
aircraft in Philippine archipelagic waters here provided are recognized under 
conditions of reciprocity and mutual respect. The President of the Philippines is 
hereby authorized to institute countermeasures and other appropriate steps as 
may be recommended by the DFA in response to foreign states that do not abide by, 
or that act inconsistently with the UNCLOS, or which do not ensure that vessels 
and aircraft under their authority comply with their rights and obligations under 
the convention.  
 
  
CHAPTER V  
ENVIRONMENTAL-ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING  
SEC. 16. Environmental-Economic Accounting. – The Philippine 
Statistics Authority shall include the environmental-economic accounting of 
marine ecosystems, as part of the Philippine ecosystem and natural capital 
accounting system, in the generation of the Philippine ocean economy satellite 
accounts.  
CHAPTER VI  
INTEGRATED MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT  
SEC. 17. Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management. – The 
IMCAM shall be the framework to address human impacts on marine and coastal 
ecosystem, and for promoting its conservation and sustainable use. The Integrated 
Coastal Management Framework, principles, and mechanisms shall be aligned and 
shall be an integral part of the IMCAM framework to be developed under this Act.  


SEC. 18. Elements of the National IMCAM Framework. – The Council 
shall develop and implement the National IMCAM Framework within one (1) year 
from the effectivity of this Act to provide direction, support and guidance to 
relevant member and support agencies, local government units and other 
stakeholders, according to the Elaborated Programme of Work on Marine and 
Coastal Biological Diversity contained in the Annex to Decision VII/5 of the 
Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Environmental Programme 
Convention on Biological Diversity.   
Accordingly, the National IMCAM Framework shall consider the following 
elements:  
(a) Build capacity of stakeholders, in both national and local levels, to 
apply 
relevant 
policy 
instruments 
to 
address 
legal 
issues, 
institutionalize participatory processes, and develop strategies to 
promote 
multidisciplinary 
and 
multisectoral 
ecosystem-based 
management of coastal and marine environments;   
(b) Direct action to protect coastal and marine environments from negative 
impacts, such as:  
(1) Identification, protection, prevention of alteration and 
destruction, and restoration of coastal and marine habitats, 
particularly areas important for reproduction, inter alia, coral 
reef systems;  
(2) Prevention, reduction or control of marine pollution;  
(3) Protection of coastal and marine environments from land based 
sources, including proper coastal land use and watershed 
management;  
(4) Establishment of closed fishing areas, and closed seasons, in 
accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 8550, also known as the 
“Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998,” as amended by RA 10654;  
(5) Reduction of by-catch.  
(c) Establish mechanisms and guidelines for research, monitoring and 
assessment of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, including 
indicators to measure natural and human-induced impacts; and  
(d) Establish guidelines and mechanisms on green and blue businesses.  
 
 
  CHAPTER VII  
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL AND MARINE 
RESOURCES  
SEC. 19. Protection of Endangered Species. – The Council shall 
spearhead the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of rare, threatened and 
endangered aquatic species as it may determine, including their habitats. It shall 
recommend to the President of the Philippines and Congress the designation of 
coastal and marine areas as protected areas under the Expanded National 
Integrated Protected Areas System or under RA 8550, as amended, and in 
compliance with the relevant provisions of international treaties and agreements 
such as, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 


Flora and Fauna, the UNCLOS, and Convention on Biological Diversity.  
SEC. 20. Policy Coordination. – The Council shall harmonize rules and 
regulations of all relevant agencies responsible for the implementation and 
enforcement of laws to prevent and eliminate illegal fishing such as RA 8550, as 
amended.  
CHAPTER VIII  
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING  
SEC. 21. Maritime Spatial Planning. – The Council, in consultation 
with relevant agencies, regional bodies and local government units (LGUs), shall 
undertake a nationwide maritime spatial planning to identify the spatial and 
temporal distribution of priority activities and uses and the interactions thereof in 
maritime zones, in order to reduce conflict among uses, facilitate complementary 
uses, mitigate environmental impacts, and preserve ecosystem services.  
SEC. 22. Industry Development Plans. – The Council, through working 
groups created for the purpose, shall prepare five-year and ten-year development 
plans for priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related industry, 
in accordance with the Policy Framework and in consideration of the existing 
development plans and strategies formulated by agencies involved in coastal and 
marine protection and development. The Council shall also ensure the integration  
of the framework in existing industry plans.   
SEC. 23. Integration with Area and National Development Plans. –  
The NEDA shall integrate the maritime spatial plan and industry development 
plans into the Philippine Development Plan, the National Priority Plan, the 
National Physical Framework Plan, and Area Spatial Development Framework.  
SEC. 24. Inclusion in Strategic Investment Priority Plan. – The 
Council shall recommend to the BOI the inclusion of identified priority strategic 
ocean-based and ocean-related activities in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.  
SEC. 25. Blue Economic Zones. – Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) 
shall encourage the establishment of blue economic zones and the transformation 
of existing special economic zones into the same: Provided, That Registered  
Business Enterprises (RBEs) engaged in ocean-based or ocean-related activities in 
these blue economic zones, duly registered by an IPA, may be entitled to the 
incentives under Title XIII (Tax Incentives) of the National Internal Revenue Code 
of 1997, as amended.  
In addition, the incentives provided under this Act shall be without 
prejudice to the following laws:   
(a) RA 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management 
Act of 2000”;   
(b) RA 9275, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act of  2004”;   
(c) RA 9513, otherwise known as the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008”; and  
(d) RA 10771, otherwise known as the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016”.   
The RBEs operating within blue economic zones may also qualify for 
financing provided under RA 11293, otherwise known as the “Philippine 
Innovation Act,” as applicable.  


CHAPTER IX  
BLUE FINANCE  
SEC. 26. Role of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). – In the 
exercise of its regulatory powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall mandate 
banks and quasi-banks to adopt the United Nations Environment Programme 
Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles as a foundation of corporate 
governance and risk management.   
SEC. 27. Role of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). – The 
SEC shall encourage the issuance of blue bonds where proceeds will be exclusively 
applied to finance or refinance, in part or in full, eligible Blue Economy activities, 
in accordance with SEC Guidelines, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
(ASEAN) Green Bonds Standards and Green Bonds Principles, as developed and 
may be revised from time to time by the SEC, ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, and 
the International Capital Market Association, respectively. All designated Blue 
Projects or Activities must provide clear benefits to ocean health and the blue 
economy or must contribute substantially to United Nations Sustainable 
Development Goals (UN SDG) 6 or 14, which shall be assessed and, where feasible, 
quantified by the Issuer.  
SEC. 28. Role of Government Financial Institutions. – The Land Bank 
of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall provide 
credit to strategic and sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related enterprises.  
 
CHAPTER X  
MARINE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION (STI) AND 
OCEAN LITERACY  
SEC. 29. Marine Scientific Research. – The State recognizes marine 
science as a foundation of maritime governance, insofar as rules governing the use 
of coastal and marine resources must be based on the sound scientific 
understanding of the marine environment. In accordance with UNCLOS, the 
Philippines has the exclusive rights to regulate, authorize and conduct marine 
scientific research in our internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial sea; 
whereas, the Philippines has rights to regulate, authorize and conduct maritime 
research in our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf: Provided, That the 
marine scientific research activities shall not unjustifiably interfere with other 
legitimate uses of the sea and shall not constitute the legal basis for any claim to 
any part of the marine environment or its resources.   
Marine scientific research by foreign states and competent international 
organizations may only be conducted with the express consent of and the 
conditions set forth by the Council, in accordance with the UNCLOS.  
SEC 30. Marine Technology and Innovation. - The State recognizes 
that science, technology, and innovation have a critical role in harnessing ocean 
resources for the blue economy while ensuring sustainability. Marine technology 
and innovations are needed to address technical and logistical constraints that 
impede the development of Philippine blue industries. Among these technologies 
are advanced materials, subsea engineering and technology, sensors and imaging, 
big data analytics, autonomous systems, biotechnology, nanotechnology, marine 
spatial planning, and circular blue economy. The government shall also support the 
development and adoption of locally-developed marine-related technologies.  


  
SEC. 31. Ocean Literacy Framework. – The DepEd, Commission on 
Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and 
other government agencies implementing sector-specific literacy programs, in 
consultation with relevant members of the Council or support agencies, shall 
integrate into the curricula of K-12, the Alternative Learning System, general 
education programs of higher education institutions, technical and vocational 
education and training, and other community-based training programs, the 
essential principles and fundamental concepts of ocean sciences to develop the 
following competencies:  
(a) Understanding the economic, socio-cultural, spiritual, scientific and 
political importance/significance of the ocean to humankind in general 
and the Filipinos in particular;  
(b) Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way; and  
(c) Making informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its 
resources.  
CHAPTER XI  
FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION  
SEC. 32. Archipelagic Sea Lanes. – The Council shall designate sea 
lanes and air routes thereabove, suitable for the continuous and expeditious 
passage of foreign ships and aircrafts through or over the archipelagic waters and 
the adjacent territorial sea, and shall, where necessary as regards the safety of 
navigation, require foreign ships exercising the right of innocent passage to use 
such lanes and traffic separation schemes in accordance with the UNCLOS.  
CHAPTER XII  
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS  
SEC. 33. Role of Local Government Units. – Cities and municipalities 
shall continue to exercise jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to RA 7160, 
otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991,” as amended, and RA 
8550, as amended subject to the jurisdiction and authority of national government 
agencies as stated in the provisions of special laws as the case may be. Consistent 
with this mandate, LGUs shall act as the frontline agencies in the formulation, 
planning and implementation and enforcement of the law of IMCAM in their 
respective jurisdictions. The LGUs shall integrate the National Maritime Spatial 
Plan in their Comprehensive Development and Annual Investment Plans.  
SEC. 34. Inter-LGU Cooperation. – Consistent with the provisions of RA 
7160, as amended, LGUs may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their 
efforts, services, and resources for the accomplishment of the objectives of this Act.  
CHAPTER XIII  
FINAL PROVISIONS  
SEC. 35. Joint Congressional Oversight. – For the effective 
implementation of this Act, a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee is created, 
to be known as the Blue Economy Oversight Committee, which shall be composed 
of five (5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the Senate 
President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The 
Minority shall be entitled to pro rata representation. The Blue Economy Oversight 


Committee shall be jointly chaired by the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on 
Economic Affairs and the Chairperson of the House Committee on Economic 
Affairs.  
SEC. 36. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriations of the Office of the President. Thereafter, such amount shall be 
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.   
SEC. 37. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Council shall 
issue the necessary rules and regulations to efficiently carry out the provisions of 
this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.  
SEC. 38. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in 
full force and effect.  
SEC. 39. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, decrees, executive orders, 
and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are repealed or modified accordingly.  
SEC. 40. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
APPROVED,