Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP IN 
THE PHILIPPINES PRESCRIBING EVERY SECOND SUNDAY OF 
SEPTEMBER A NATIONAL CLEAN-UP DAY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The State provides that it shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its 
archipelagic waters, and territorial sea.  
As an archipelago, the Philippine coastlines stretch to more than 6,200 
kilometers, making it the 5th longest coastline in the world. With this vast 
coastal area and seas, the country is at the epicenter of the Earth’s 
biodiversity. 
The World Bank however reports that the Philippines is third among 20 
countries in terms of mismanaged plastic waste, with 1.88 million metric 
tons per year recorded in 2010.  
Out of the total 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, about 84 
percent or 2.26 million tons are collected and the16 percent or 432,000 tons 
remain uncollected. From this, a total of 521,000 tons are leaked into the 
ocean. 
To help preserve the country’s marine resources, this measure seeks to 
increase consciousness and awareness among the Filipino people on the 
importance of preserving our aquatic resources. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is urgently sought. 
 REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City 
February 14, 2023
3:55 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP IN 
THE PHILIPPINES PRESCRIBING EVERY SECOND SUNDAY OF 
SEPTEMBER A NATIONAL CLEAN-UP DAY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National Coastal 
Clean-Up Day” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State shall protect and advance 
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with 
the rhythm and harmony of nature and to promote consciousness over the 
protection of our marine resources.   
SECTION 3. Observance of the National Coastal Clean-Up Day. – An 
annual program of activities that would promote water pollution prevention 
via coastal clean-ups shall be prepared and implemented by the Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In support thereof, the 
following shall facilitate and encourage the commendation of this day: 
•
Department of Education (DepEd);
•
Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
•
Civil Service Education (CSC);
•
Department of Interior and Local Government (DIL);
•
Philippine National Police (PNP); and
•
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
•
Schools (Public and Private); and
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• National and Local Government Agencies. 
 
In addition, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in coordination with the 
abovementioned 
agencies, 
shall 
ensure 
the 
effective 
information 
dissemination of this Act. 
 
SECTION 4. Funding. – The amount necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the DENR 
under the current General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such sum as 
may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be 
included in the annual GAA.  
 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in 
full force and effect.   
 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, rules, and regulations or part 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation.  
 
Approved,