NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1342
^ ^enatf
■( tl)f Scnrtsrp
*2 SEP 21 P5:22
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
ADOPTING INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A 
NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE HOLISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT 
AND RESOURCES, ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COASTAL 
GREENBELT ACTION PLAN, OTHER SUPPORTING MECHANISMS 
FOR IMPLEMENTATION, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The management and protection of our coastal environment shoidd be of 
utmost concern. As an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands, the Philippines contains 
enormous coastal and marine areas and is recognized as a global hub for marine 
species. The country's coastline spans more than 18,000 kilometers, and its coastal 
waters have an area of 266,000 square kilometers, with most major cities located 
within ten to twenty kilometers of the coastline.
Coastal environments are among the most productive and biologically diverse 
landscapes known to man. Firstly, ecosystems such as mangrove forests, beach 
forests, and seagrass beds are crucial for managing disaster risk and mitigating the 
effects of chmate change. They operate as a natural barrier against storm surges and 
coastal erosion, hence reducing the adverse effects of natural coastal hazards on 
property damage and human life. Additionally, they act as carbon sinks to lessen 
climate change and as homes for fish with significant economic value.


Secondly, these coastal areas significantly contribute to our economy. Not only 
are they important sources of food, minerals, and raw materials, but they also help 
boost leisure, sports, and other social, cultural, and tourism-related activities. Fishing, 
maritime transportation, tourism, coastal mining, and offshore oil and gas 
development are examples of marine-related economic activities that considerably 
boost our country's gross domestic product and sustain livelihoods and job options 
for coastal residents.
Despite the tremendous benefits that the coastal and marine regions have on 
the daily lives of Filipinos, development planning in the coimtry is still predominantly 
land-focused. The Philippines' maritime territory is seven times as large as its land 
area, yet there is no comprehensive strategy in place to utilize our vast marine 
resources sustainably. As such, the current trends in coastal migration and human 
activities on land, coasts, and seas put pressure on the ability of marine areas to sustain 
themselves.
This bill aims to adopt integrated coastal management as a national strategy to 
ensure the sustainable development of the country's coastal and marine environment 
and resources, as well as the connectivity of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, social 
and ecological systems, and the different human activities that take place there. This 
will encourage the most effective use of resources and sustainable development of 
coastal and marine areas.
For these reasons, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
OREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBOC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
7mitr •{ tt)f ftrcrrtnrp
•a SEP 21 P5 22
SENATE
S. No. 1342
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
ADOPTING INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A 
NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE HOLISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT 
AND RESOURCES, ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COASTAL 
GREENBELT ACTION PLAN, OTHER SUPPORTING MECHANISMS 
FOR IMPLEMENTATION, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
CHAPTER I
2 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
3 
Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Integrated Coastal
4 
Management Act."
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poUcy of the State to ensure sustainable
6 
development of coastal and marine resources in consultation with all stakeholders.
7 
Towards this end, it shall adopt Integrated Coastal Management, hereinafter referred
8 
to as ICM, to address the connectivity of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, social and
9 
ecological systems and the different hmnan activities taking place therein, to promote
10 
sustainable development, to achieve food security, poverty alleviation, gender
11 
equahty, respect for sustainable traditional resource rights of indigenous peoples, and
12 
to reduce vulnerability to climate change and human-induced and natural hazards.
13 
Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. - ICM shall be implemented in aU coastal and marine
14 
areas, addressing the interhnkages among associated watersheds and wetlands, by all


1 
relevant government structures at the national and local levels in consultation and
2 
partnership with all stakeholders.
3 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall
4 
be defined as follows:
5 
(a) "Adaptation" refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in
6 
response to actual or expected climatic stimuh or their effects, which
7 
moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities;
8 
(b) "Biological diversity" or "biodiversity" refers to the variability among
9 
hving organisms from all sources, including, inter aha, terrestrial,
10 
marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of
11 
which they are part. Biodiversity consists of a variety of species, their
12 
genetic make-up, and the communities or populations to which they
13 
belong;
14 
(c) " Climate Change" is defined as a change in climate that can be identified
15 
by changes in the mean and/ or variabihty of its properties and that lasts
16 
for an extended period of time, typically decades or longer, whether
17 
caused by natural variabihty or by human activity;
18 
(d)" Disaster Risk Reduction" refers to the concept and practice of reducing
19 
disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the
20 
casual factors of disasters, through reduced exposure to hazards,
21 
lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land
22 
and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events;
23 
(e) The term "coastal area” or "coastal zone" refers to a band of dry land and
24 
adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land) where terrestrial
25 
processes and uses directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice
26 
versa; its geographic extent may include mangrove swamps, brackish
27 
water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches, and other
28 
areas such as coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom
29 
areas.
30 
(f) "Integrated Coastal Management" refers to a natural resource and
31 
environmental ecosystem-based management framework which
32 
employs an 
integrative, holistic management approach and an


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interactive planning process in addressing the complex management 
issues of the coastal area. The major goal is to attain sustainable coastal 
development, including maintaining the functional integrity of 
ecosystems through effective coastal and ocean governance;
(g) “Mangroves" refers to a community of intertidal plants, including all 
species of trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs found on coasts, swamps, or 
the borders of swamps;
(h) “Municipal Waters" include not only streams, lakes, inland bodies of 
water and tidal waters within the municipaUty, which are not included 
within the protected areas as defined under Repubhc Act No. 7586 or 
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, as 
amended by RA No. 11038, public forest, timber lands, forest reserves 
or fishery reserves, but also marine waters included between two (2) 
fines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline from points where 
the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a 
third fine parallel with the general coastline, including offshore islands 
and fifteen (15) kilometers from such coastline. Where two (2) 
municipalities are so situated on opposite shores that there is less than 
thirty (30) kilometers of marine water between them, the third fine shall 
be equally distant from the opposite shore of the respective 
mimicipafities;
(i) “Watershed" refers to a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of 
water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface run-off;
(j) “Wetland" refers to areas of marsh, peatland, or water, whether natural 
or artificial, permanent, or temporary, with water that is static, flowing, 
fresh, brackish or salt, including adjacent areas of marine water; and
(k) The “State of the Coasts Reporting System" refers to a tool to assist the local 
government units (LGUs) in assessing the progress and benefits of ICM 
implementation. It allows the LGUs to document and measure the 
effectiveness and impacts of policy and management interventions in 
support of sustainable coastal development and evaluate progress


1
2
towards local, national, and international targets for sustainable 
development.
3 
CHAPTER II
4 
INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
5 
Sec. 5. National Coordinating Committee on ICM. - There is hereby established a
6 
National Coordinating Committee on ICM, hereinafter referred to as the National
7 
Coordinating Committee, to coordinate the review and implementation of the
8 
National ICM Framework.
9 
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) shall provide secretariat support to
10 
the National Coordinating Committee.
11 
The National Coordinating Committee shall be composed of the following;
12 
(a) The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
13 
(DENR) or his/her designated representative as Chairperson;
14 
(b) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) or his/her
15 
designated representative as Vice Chairperson;
16 
(c) The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
17 
(DUG) or his/her designated representative as Vice Chairperson;
18 
(d)The Secretary of the CCC or his/her designated representative as
19 
Secretariat;
20 
(e) The Director General of the National Economic and Development
21 
Authority (NEDA) or his/her designated representative as a member;
22 
(f) One (1) representative from the academe who speciaHzes in ICM as a
23 
member;
24 
(g) One (1) representative from non-govemment organizations (NGOs)
25 
dealing with coastal management or fisheries as a member; and
26 
(h) One (1) representative from the private sector as a member.
27 
The designated permanent representatives shall be chosen in a process to be
28 
determined in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
29 
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the National Coordinating Committee on ICM. - The
30 
National Coordinating Committee shall exercise and perform the following powers
31 
and functions:


1 
(a) Formulate, adopt, institutionalize, and amend, if necessary, the National
2 
ICM Framework, in consultation with other concerned agencies, sectors,
3 
and stakeholders within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act;
4 
(b) Identify ICM management areas such as bays, lakes, gulfs, river basins,
5 
watersheds, wetlands, protected areas, and other resources that are
6 
shared by two or more provinces and assign the coordination of the
7 
formulation and implementation of the required Inter-Provincial ICM
8 
Plan to the appropriate Regional Development Council;
9 
(c) Initiate the establishment and consohdation of baseline data on ICM,
10 
especially in relation to biodiversity;
11 
(d) Resolve ICM-related conflicts between or among provinces; and
12 
(e) Recommend to Congress for enactment of legislation or to the
13 
appropriate goveriunent agency for issuance of pohcies.
14 
Sec. 7. National ICM Framework. - The National ICM Framework shall provide
15 
direction, support, and guidance to the local government units (LGUs) and
16 
stakeholders in the development and implementation of their local ICM plans. The
17 
National Coordinating Committee shall finalize the National ICM Framework within
18 
twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act.
19 
The National ICM Framework shall include the following components of the
20 
framework for the sustainable development of coastal areas:
21 
(a) Goals and objectives;
22 
(b) Strategies and action plans;
23 
(c) Required policy or legislation;
24 
(d) Information and public awareness campaign;
25 
(e) Financing mechanisms; and
26 
(f) Capacity building and the National ICM Training Program.
27 
Sec. 8. Elements of the National ICM Framework. - The implementation of ICM
28 
Programs shall take into account the following elements:
29 
(a) An inter-agency, multi-sectoral mechanism to coordinate the efforts of
30 
different agencies, sectors, and administrative levels;
31 
(b) People's participation in the formulation and implementation of the
32 
National ICM Framework;


1 
(c) Coastal strategies and action plans that provide a long-term vision and
2 
strategy for sustainable development of the coastal areas, as well as a
3 
fixed-term program of actions that identify responsible agencies or
4 
institutions for addressing priority issues and concerns;
5 
(d) Public awareness program to increase the level of understanding and
6 
appreciation for the coastal and marine resources of the area; and to
7 
promote a shared responsibility among stakeholders in the planning
8 
and implementation of the National ICM Framework;
9 
(e) Incorporating the National ICM Framework into national and local
10 
government planning and socioeconomic development programs, as
11 
weU as allocating adequate financial and human resources 
for
12 
implementation;
13 
(f) Capacity building programs to enhance required human resource skills;
14 
scientific input to policy and planning processes; and enforcement
15 
mechanisms to ensure compliance with adopted rules and regulations;
16 
(g) Integrated environmental monitoring for the purpose of measuring,
17 
evaluating, and reporting the status, progress, and 
impacts of
18 
management programs against estabtished sustainable development
19 
indicators and for use in decision-making, pubhc awareness, and
20 
performance evaluation;
21 
(h) Opportunities for investment and long-term financing for
22 
environmental protection and improvement, as well as resource
23 
conservation;
24 
(i) Disaster risk reduction and management as well as climate change
25 
adaptation and mitigation programs; and
26 
(j) Knowledge management, research and development programs in such
27 
areas as carrying capacity, limits to acceptable change, and
28 
enhancement of the analytical and predictive value of scenarios for
29 
protecting sustainable futures.
30 
Sec. 9. Coordination of ICM Matters at the Regional Level. - The Regional
31 
Development Councils shall mainstream ICM in the formulation of Regional
32 
Development Plans and Priority Frameworks, among other related documents.


1 
Sec. 10. Coordination of ICM Matters at the Provincial Level. - The Provincial
2 
Development Council established under Section 107(c) of Republic Act No. 7160, or
3 
the Local Government Code of 1991, will coordinate the formulation and
4 
implementation of the ICM Plan at the provincial level. However, instead of the
5 
Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, as
6 
provided in Section 107(c) of R.A.7160, the Chairperson of the Committee on
7 
Environment of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, will serve as the second member of the
8 
Provincial Development Council, which will coordinate the formulation and
9 
implementation of the ICM plan at the provincial level. Aside from the members
10 
mentioned under Section 107 of R.A. Representatives from the Provincial Fisheries
11 
Office or the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Provincial Tourism Office, and
12 
the private sector shall join the Provincial Development Council to coordinate the
13 
formulation and implementation of the Provincial ICM Plan.
14 
In cases where two or more provinces share a common resource such as bays,
15 
gulfs, river basins, lakes, watersheds, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity
16 
corridors, and upland ecosystems, the coordination, support, and assistance for the
17 
formulation, establishment, and implementation of the Inter-Provincial ICM Plan
18 
shall be provided by the concerned Regional Development Council established under
19 
Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996.
20 
This provision, however, does not apply to provinces or common resources
21 
shared by multiple LCDs that have an existing ICM coordinating mechanism at the
22 
time this Act takes effect.
23 
Sec. 11. Additional Functions of the Provincial Development Council. - In addition
24 
to the functions enumerated under Section 109 of R.A. 7160, the Provincial
25 
Development Council shall:
26 
(a) Formulate a Provincial ICM Plan in consultation with all the
27 
municipalities and cities within the province;
28 
(b) Submit the approved Provincial ICM Plan to the appropriate Sanggunian
29 
and recommend the issuance of an ordinance or ordinances to facilitate
30 
the institutionalization of ICM in the local government programs;


1 
(c) Submit the approved Provincial ICM Plan to the appropriate Regional
2 
Development Council for integration with the Regional Development
3 
Plan for submission to NED A;
4 
(d) Coordinate the implementation of die Provincial ICM Plan among the
5 
relevant municipaHties and city or cities within the province;
6 
(e) Coordinate the efforts of provinces by sharing a resource to address
7 
issues that cut across their political boundaries;
8 
(f) Coordinate the establishment and consoHdation of basehne data on
9 
ICM, especially in relation to biodiversity; and
10 
(g) Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among municipaHties or
11 
cities or between an LGU and a body managing a specially administered
12 
area within the province.
13 
Sec. 12. Coordination of ICM Matters at City and Municipal Levels. - The City or
14 
Municipal Development Council estabHshed imder Section 107(b) of R.A. 7160 shall
15 
coordinate the formulation and implementation of the ICM Plan at the city, whether
16 
highly urbanized city (HUC), independent component dty (ICC), or component city,
17 
and municipal levels. However, instead of the Chairperson of the Committee on
18 
Appropriation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Bayan provided in Sec. 107(b)(2) of
19 
R.A. 7160, the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang
20 
Panlungsod or Bayan shall serve as the second member of the City or Municipal
21 
Development Coimcil, which will coordinate the formulation and implementation of
22 
the ICM plan at the dty or munidpal levels. In addition to the members mentioned
23 
under Sec. 107(b) of the R.A. 7160, representatives from the City or Munidpal
24 
Fisheries Office or the Office of the City or Municipal Agriculturist, City or Munidpal
25 
Tourism Office, and the private sector shall join the City or Municipal Development
26 
Council to coordinate the formulation and implementation of the City or Municipal
27 
ICM Plan.
28 
A position for a City Environment and Natural Officer (CENRO) or a
29 
Municipal Environment and Natural Officer (MENRO) shall be created or designated
30 
for the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the ICM-responsive
31 
Local Climate Action Plans (LCCAPs), Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and
32 
Comprehensive Development Plan.


1 
This provision, however, does not apply to cities or munidpaUties that already
2 
have an ICM coordinating mechanism in place at the time this Act goes into effect.
3 
Sec. 13. Additional Functions of the City or Municipal Development Council. - In
4 
addition to the functions enumerated under Sec. 109 of R.A. 7160, the City or
5 
Municipal Development Council shall:
6 
(a) Formulate a dty or municipal ICM Plan in consultation with all the
7 
barangays within the city or municipahty;
8 
(b) Submit the approved ICM plan to the appropriate Sanggunian and
9 
recommend the issuance of an ordinance or ordinances to facilitate the
10 
institutionalization of ICM in the city or municipal government
11 
programs;
12 
(c) Coordinate the implementation of the City or Munidpal ICM Plan
13 
among the relevant barangays;
14 
(d) Coordinate the efforts of barangays sharing a resource to address issues
15 
that cut across their boundaries;
16 
(e) Coordinate the establishment and consohdation of baseline data on ICM
17 
especially in relation to biodiversity; and
18 
(f) Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among barangays or
19 
between a barangay and a specially managed or administered area
20 
within the dty or municipahty.
21 
Sec. 14. Representation of Other Agencies and Stakeholders. - The LGUs must
22 
consider the representation in the development councils of other national agencies
23 
and stakeholder groups that will be affected by ICM issues.
24 
Sec. 15. Assistance from LGUs and/or National Agencies. - The Local Development
25 
Councils may call upon any local offidal or any official of national agencies or offices
26 
within the LGU to assist in the formulation of local ICM plans.
27 
In providing technical assistance and other forms of support related to coastal
28 
management and the implementation of development plans, the national government
29 
agencies shah give priority to LGUs with approved or existing ICM plans.
30 
Sec. 16. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting of ICM Program. - The National
31 
Coordinating Committee shall coordinate the preparation, consohdation, and
32 
submission of an initial State of the Coasts Report one year after the effectivity of this


1 
Act based on available baseline data gathered, and such report shall be submitted to
2 
Congress. Every three (3) years thereafter, the National Coordinating Committee shall
3 
coordinate the preparation, consohdation, and submission of the State of the Coasts
4 
Report to the President and to Congress on the implementation of the local ICM plans
5 
in line with the National ICM Framework. The LCDs shall submit their respective
6 
progress reports on the implementation of their respective ICM plans to the National
7 
Coordinating Committee. Civil society organizations shall be involved in the
8 
monitoring of the implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM
9 
plans.
10 
Sec. 17. ICM Best Practices. - The National ICM Framework and local ICM plans
11 
shall promote the application of best practices which include, among others, the
12 
following:
13 
(a) Coastal and marine use classification, marine spatial planning, and
14 
harmonization of comprehensive land and water use plans as
15 
management tools;
16 
(b) Sustainable fishing and conservation of Uving resources;
17 
(c) Protection and rehabihtation of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass,
18 
estuaries, and other habitats, particularly through the establishment of
19 
marine protected areas, nature reserves, and sanctuaries;
20 
(d) Development of management approaches for the conservation of
21 
upland watersheds, catchment areas, and river basins;
22 
(e) Integrated waste management, including sewage and solid, hazardous,
23 
toxic, and other wastes from major sources;
24 
(f) Management of natural and man-made hazards;
25 
(g) Water use and supply management;
26 
(h) Payment for ecosystem services and equitable cost-benefit allocation;
27 
(i) Integrated and bay-wide law enforcement;
28 
(j) Disaster risk reduction and management in coastal areas;
29 
(k) Qimate change adaptation and mitigation in coastal areas;
30 
(1) Community-led natural resource management; and
31 
(m) Recognition of the concerns of indigenous peoples.
10


1 
Sec. 18. Incentives. - The National Coordinating Committee shall develop a
2 
recognition and reward system for LCDs that;
3 
(a) Regularly update their ICM programs or plans once every five (5) years;
4 
and
5 
(b) Exhibit exemplary performance in the development and
6 
implementation of their respective local ICM plans in accordance with
7 
the National ICM Framework.
8 
The details of the recognition and reward system will be provided in the
9 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
10 
Sec. 19. ICM Office. - Each province may establish an ICM Office to act as the
11 
Secretariat to the Provincial Development Council with regard to ICM matters and to
12 
monitor the implementation of the Provincial ICM Plan in consonance with the
13 
National ICM Framework. This may be an office imder the Provincial Planning and
14 
Development Office focused solely on matters or tasks relating to ICM. Otherwise, the
15 
Provincial Planning and Development Office wiU act as the Provincial Development
16 
Council's secretariat.
17 
Whenever the National Coordinating Committee deems it necessary, a city or
18 
municipahty shall also establish an ICM Office to act as the secretariat to the City or
19 
Municipal Development Council with regard to ICM matters and to monitor the
20 
implementation of the City or Municipal ICM Plan in consonance with the Provincial
21 
ICM Plan and the National ICM Framework. This may be an office under the City or
22 
Municipal Planning and Development Office focused solely on matters or tasks
23 
relating to ICM. Otherwise, the City or Mimicipal Planning and Development Office
24 
shall serve as the City or Municipal Development Council's secretariat.
25 
Sec. 20. Scientific Advisory Group. - Each province shall, as far as practicable,
26 
estabUsh a Scientific Advisory Group which shall ensure that ICM interventions have
27 
a sound scientific basis. It shall be composed of the following:
28 
(a) A representative from the academe who is an expert in ICM or a related
29 
disciphne;
30 
(b) A representative from the Department of Science and Technology
31 
(DOST);
32 
(c) A representative from the DENR;
11


1 
(d) A representative from the CCC;
2 
(e) A representative from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
3 
(BFAR); and
4 
(f) A representative from the Philippine Association of Marine Science
5 
(PAMS).
6 
A city or municipality may also establish a Scientific Advisory Group for the
7 
same purpose and the same composition as that of a province.
8 
Sec. 21. Role of National Government Agencies. - AU concerned national agencies
9 
shall support the implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM
10 
plans and promote ICM best practices that fall within their respective mandates. They
11 
shall identify, prepare, and provide poHcy guidance and technical resource assistance
12 
to the DENR, the development councils, and the LGUs in the implementation of the
13 
National ICM Framework and local ICM plans and in the enforcement of relevant
14 
coastal and marine policies and regulations, as weU as regional and international
15 
commitments or treaties. In the development and implementation of the National
16 
ICM Framework and local ICM plans affecting coastal and marine areas in their
17 
respective locaHties, these agencies shall directly consult with concerned LGUs.
18 
All government contracts entered into and permits issued by the government,
19 
such as foreshore lease agreements, forest management agreements, special land use
20 
permits, and mining permits entered into or issued by the government and its
21 
instrumentahties shall be in conformity with the National ICM Framework and local
22 
ICM plans.
23 
Sec. 22. Consistency of Local ICM Plans and National Programs and Plans with the
24 
National ICM Framework. - LGUs and national agencies shall formulate and implement
25 
their ICM plans and national programs and plans such as the Tourism Development
26 
Plan and Infrastructiu'e Program, respectively, in consonance with the National ICM
27 
Framework. Existing ICM plans shall be reconciled and haimonized with the National
28 
ICM Framework.
29 
Sec. 23. Specially Managed or Administered Areas. - Specially managed or
30 
administered areas such as river basis. Water Quality Management Areas (WAQMAs)
31 
estabhshed under Republic Act No. 9275, special economic zones, freeport zones,
32 
ecotourism zones, and protected areas, whether established under Republic Act Nos.
12


1 
7586 and 11038 or by virtue of an ordinance, shall prepare their management plans in
2 
consonance with the ICM National Framework and relevant local ICM plans. Their
3 
management plans should incorporate ICM principles and best practices, taking into
4 
account the interlinkages between and among associated watersheds and wetlands.
5 
Sec. 24. Review of Existing ICM or Related Programs and Plans. - Provinces, cities,
6 
or municipalities, especially managed or administered areas such as special economic
7 
zones or freeport zones, ecotourism zones, bays, lakes, or marine protected areas
8 
(MPAs) with existing ICM or related programs or plans, shall review, revise,
9 
reconcile, and harmonize the same based on the National ICM Framework within
10 
three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act. Actual use shall be preferred over futiure
11 
or reserve use: Provided, That aU existing locational clearances and zoning permits
12 
issued by the LGUs prior to the effectivity of this Act shall remain valid pending
13 
review of existing programs and plans and zoning ordinances (ZOs), and they shall
14 
not be invalidated solely because the new and approved programs and plans and ZOs
15 
have determined that they should be properly located in a different coastal use zoning
16 
area: Provided, further. That appropriate measures shall be adopted by the LGU
17 
concerned, the landowner, and the developer should any existing structures and
18 
facilities are found to be properly covered by a different coastal use zoning category
19 
in areas where they are currently located: Provided, finally. That existing structures and
20 
facilities within extremely hazardous and high risk danger zones which cannot be
21 
addressed by any mitigating or protective measures shall be required to relocate.
22 
Sec. 25. Role of LGUs. - LGUs shall act as the frontline agencies in the
23 
formulation, planning, and implementation of ICM programs in their respective
24 
coastal and marine areas. The local ICM plan shall be in line with the National ICM
25 
Framework and shall be prepared in consultation with the stakeholders. The LGUs
26 
should regularly update their respective ICM plans to reflect emerging issues and
27 
changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. Also, the LGUs should
28 
ensure that their ICM plans are reflected in their aimual work and investment plans.
29 
The LGUs shall furnish the DENR, within one month from adoption, with copies of
30 
their ICM plans and all subsequent amendments, modifications, and revisions. Local
31 
governments must mobilize and allocate the personnel, resources, and logistics
32 
required to effectively implement their respective ICM plans. Barangays will be
13


1 
directly involved with municipal and city governments in prioritizing coastal issues
2 
and identifying and implementing solutions. Municipal and city governments should
3 
consider ICM as one of their priority programs.
4 
Provincial governments must support municipal and city ICM plans by
5 
providing technical assistance, enforcement, and information management. Inter-
6 
LGU collaboration shall be encouraged in the conduct of activities related to
7 
protecting the country's coastal and marine resources.
8 
Sec. 26. Roles of Civil Society and the Private Sector. - In the development and
9 
implementation of the ICM program, the NGOs, civic organizations, people's
10 
organizations, the academe, the private sector, and other concerned stakeholder
11 
groups shall be engaged in activities such as planning, community organizing,
12 
research, technology transfer, information sharing, investment, training programs,
13 
and monitoring, evaluation, response, and feedback systems.
14 
Sec. 27. Supporting Activities. - The following activities shall be undertaken in
15 
support of the implementation of ICM programs:
16 
(a) ICM Education. - The Department of Education (DepEd) and the
17 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall integrate the concept
18 
and basic principles of ICM into the primary, secondary, and tertiary
19 
education curricula, as well as in the textbooks, primers, and other
20 
educational materials;
21 
(b) ICM Training Program for LG Us. - The CCC, in coordination with the
22 
DENR and DILG, through the Local Government Academy, shall
23 
develop and provide ICM training programs for LGUs. For this
24 
purpose, LGUs may allocate funds for scholarships on tertiary and
25 
graduate courses relating to ICM or source funds for such scholarships
26 
other than LGU funds;
27 
(c) Environmental and Natural Resource Accounting and Valuation for ICM
28 
Planning. - The NED A and the National Statistics Coordination Board
29 
(NSCB) shall incorporate coastal and marine resource accounting as
30 
well as estimates of their carrying capacity in the national and regional
31 
accounts; and
14


1 
(d) Coastal and Marine Environmental Information Management System. - The
2 
DENR shall oversee the establishment and maintenance of a coastal and
3 
marine environmental information management system and network,
4 
in collaboration with other concerned national government agencies,
5 
institutions, LGUs, civil society organizations, and other academic
6 
institutions. The DENR will encourage the documentation and
7 
dissemination of best practices, as well as the replication and scaling up
8 
of ICM programs in the country. The concerned agencies, however, shall
9 
review the coastal and marine data prior to its public dissemination.
10 
CHAPTER III
11 
NATIONAL COASTAL GREENBELT ACTION PLAN
12 
Sec. 28. National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan. - The National Coordinating
13 
Committee shall identify and convene all national government agencies responsible
14 
for foreshore management, mangrove and beach forest protection and utihzation,
15 
coastal land and sea-use planning, coastal tourism development, social welfare of
16 
coastal communities, and other relevant mandates, to prepare an integrated National
17 
Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (NCGAP) not later than twelve (12) months from the
18 
effectivity of this Act.
19 
The NCGAP shall, at the minimum, contain the following:
20 
(a) Spatial representation, or if feasible, quick/rapid inventory of the status
21 
of coastlines and foreshores, including the status of mangroves, beach
22 
forests, settlements, structures, and fishponds within one hundred (100)
23 
meters therein;
24 
(b) Assessment of priority areas to be designated as Coastal Greenbelt
25 
Zones for each coastal province, city, and municipahty. The criteria for
26 
designation of priority area shall be based on its vulnerability to storm
27 
surges, waves, tsunami and the like. This shall be completed within one
28 
(1) year from the adoption of the NCGAP;
29 
(c) Designation of priority areas for coastal greenbelts that are already
30 
included as either as a protected area under RA. No. 11038 or as a fish
31 
refuge or sanctuary under R. A. No. 10654 as amended, otherwise known
15


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5
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10
11
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19
20 
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23
24
25
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27
28
29
30
31
32
as "The Philippine Fisheries Code of The Philippines," or as a local 
marine protected area as may be declared by municipahties and cities 
through ordinances. The designation shall be completed within six (6) 
months from the completion of the assessment. Designation shall also 
be done through a proposal to the appropriate agency, municipahty or 
city as may be deemed necessary. If an area is designated as a priority 
area, no structure shall be allowed therein unless it is approved by the 
DENR or DA through the BFAR;
(d) Operational plan for the rehabihtation, reforestation, or afforestation of 
designated priority coastal greenbelts with ecologically appropriate 
mangrove and beach forest species, not less than one hundred (100) 
meters in width, existing forests or plantations greater than the 
minimum width shall not be reduced. The program for rehabihtation, 
reforestation or afforestation shall be community-based, long-term and 
implemented through the mtmicipaHty or city government. The 
Operation Plan shall indicate that the program for rehabihtation, 
reforestahon and afforestation must cover a minimum target area of 
twenty percent (20%) of the designated priority areas in the first five (5) 
years for maximum protection of the most vulnerable communihes in 
the city or municipahty. The remaining priority areas must be 
completed within ten (10) years from the designation as priority area;
(e) Operational plan for the reversion of ah abandoned fishponds to 
mangroves through natural regeneration or replanting with locally 
appropriate species. The NCGAP shah indicate that the identification 
and recovery of possession from delinquent fishpond lease agreement 
holders shah be completed within twelve (12) months from the adoption 
thereof. Ah fishpond areas to be reverted to mangroves shah form part 
of the minimum target for the first year of implementation of the 
NCGAP;
(f) Operational plan for the removal of ihegal structures (such as, 
breakwaters, permanent residential/commercial structiues, and the 
hke), in the identified priority coastal greenbelts. The NCGAP shah
16


1 
indicate that the declaration and notice to persons responsible for
2 
removal of illegal structures shall be completed within twelve (12)
3 
months from the start of rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation of
4 
these areas shall form part of the minimiun target for the first year of
5 
implementation of the NCGAP; and
6 
(g) Monitoring and evaluation plan, with quantitative and qualitative
7 
targets consistent with subparagraphs (d), (e) and (f) above, appropriate
8 
indicators, and reasonable means of verification. The plan shall become
9 
an integrated part of the NCGAP-responsive LCCAP.
10 
Sec. 29. Designated Areas for Coastal Greenbelt. - In designating areas for coastal
11 
greenbelts, landscape types will be classified into natural, rural, and urban areas,
12 
including mangrove areas, areas previously vegetated with mangroves, or mangrove
13 
areas converted into fishponds and other uses.
14 
Sec. 30. Implementation of the NCGAP. - In addition to the functions of the
15 
National Coordinating Committee on ICM outhned in Section 5 of this Act, the
16 
National Coordinating Committee shall take the lead in implementing the
17 
components of the NCGAP.
18 
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development shall provide
19 
an appropriation for the relocation of the families or individuals who will be affected
20 
by the designated areas. The relocation of the affected famihes or individuals shall be
21 
included in the Local Shelter Plan of the LGUs in accordance with R.A. No. 7160 and
22 
R.A. No. 7279, otherwise known as the "Urban Development and Housing Act of
23 
1992," as amended by R.A. No. 10884.
24 
Other agencies that participated in the preparation of the NCGAP-responsive
25 
LCCAP shall implement their commitments thereto. The actions required of the
26 
National Coordinating Committee are immediately executable based on the agreed
27 
NCGAP-responsive LCCAP and on the existing mandates, programs, or budgets of
28 
the members of the National Coordinating Committee that are aligned with the action
29 
plan, without the need for formulating implementing guidelines, rules, and
30 
regulations for this Act.
31 
All existing laws, rules, and regulations providing protection to coasthnes,
32 
foreshores, and priority areas shall remain in full force and effect, and shall
17


1 
supplement the provisions of this Act, unless otherwise terminated, modified, or
2 
amended.
3 
Sec. 31. Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan. - Each coastal mimidpahty and city
4 
in the identified priority coastal greenbelt areas shall prepare a Local Coastal
5 
Greenbelt Action Plan (LCGAP) which shall be integrated with the LCCAP,
6 
investment program, or other local government's development plans, for the
7 
facihtation of the implementation of mandated actions in the NCGAP. The roles of the
8 
municipahty or city, as provided in the local LCGAP-responsive LCCAP, shall be to:
9 
(a) Facilitate the implementation of the mandates of the national agencies
10 
under Section 29, by providing local data and other supporting
11 
measures;
12 
(b) Implement complimentary programs to assist the local communities
13 
and local businesses that are affected by the actions imder Section 29,
14 
such as relocation sites with basic services such as livelihood and
15 
transportation programs, zoning or re-zoning of the priority coastal
16 
greenbelt areas, as appropriate, and the hke;
17 
(c) Provide the actual inventory of affected families in Designated Areas
18 
and to ensure that a just and humane process of relocation done;
19 
(d)Lead in the actual implementation of rehabilitation, reforestation and
20 
afforestation, through the coastal barangays;
21 
(e) Integrate the identified coastal greenbelts in the LCCAP;
22 
(f) Provide data and quahtative feedback to the Key Implementing
23 
Agencies, as may be relevant.
24 
The provincial government shall provide the technical and budgetary support
25 
to component coastal cities and municipalities sharing a common priority coastal
26 
greenbelt area.
27 
The CCC shall evaluate, review, and assess the LCGAP-responsive LCCAP
28 
submitted by the LGUs which must be consistent with Sections 6 and 29 of this Act
29 
on the elements of the National ICM Framework and National Coastal Greenbelt
30 
Action Plan. The CCC shall also make the necessary recommendations for compliance
31 
by the LGUs on matters pertaining thereto.
18


1 
CHAPTER IV
2 
FINAL PROVISIONS
3 
Sec. 32. Prohibited Acts. - In addition to the acts and omissions prohibited under
4 
existing environmental laws, the following shall constitute prohibited acts:
5 
(a) In addition to the penalties provided under existing law, any person
6 
who obstructs the DENR in the removal of illegal structures, or DA
7 
through the BFAR in the process of reversion of abandoned fishponds,
8 
shall be hable to that agency for an administrative fine of Fifty Thousand
9 
Pesos (PHP 50,000.00) per day that the agency is prevented from
10 
performing its function.
11 
(b) No structures shall be built within the identified coastal greenbelts
12 
without a permit from DENR or DA through the BFAR, consistent with
13 
their mandates. Any person who violates this prohibition shall be liable
14 
to the agency for an administrative fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP
15 
50,000.00) per day from the time the structure was built imtil its removal.
16 
(c) Any violation of the provisions of this Act, including the violations of
17 
the implementing rules and regulations which have been duly
18 
promulgated and published in accordance with Section 37 of this Act,
19 
shall be subject to an administrative fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (PHP
20 
50,000) upon any person or entity found guilty thereof.
21 
Proceeds from the administrative fines under this Section shall be retained by
22 
the agency imposing such fines and used exclusively for the implementation of its
23 
mandate under this Act.
24 
Sec. 33. Appropriations. - All concerned government agencies and LGUs shall
25 
allocate from their annual appropriations adequate funds for the implementation of
26 
the ICM. The concerned offices and units shall appropriate funds in subsequent
27 
budget proposals for program and project development and implementation,
28 
including ongoing ICM capacity building, training, and education in ICM. LGUs shall
29 
pool their resources to establish inter-LGU alliances for the management of shared
30 
resources such as bays, gulfs, lakes, rivers, watersheds, marine biodiversity corridors,
31 
and marine protected area networks within their jurisdiction.
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1 
Sec. 34. Other Funding Optims. - The National Coordinating Committee, the
2 
local development councils, the LGUs, and the national government agencies may
3 
source local and international grants, bequests, and donations in support of ICM
4 
implementation.
5 
The Land Bank of the PhiHppines, the Development Bank of the Philippines,
6 
the People's Credit and Finance Corporation, and other relevant government financial
7 
institutions shall formulate and identify loan and financing mechanisms that will be
8 
made available to support local ICM programs, including alternative hvelihood
9 
projects for small-scale fisherfolk and cooperatives.
10 
Sec. 35. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and
11 
contributions made to the National Coordinating Committee, the local development
12 
councils, the LGUs, the DA, and the DENR that will be actually, directly, or
13 
exclusively used for the implementation of the ICM shall be exempted from the
14 
donor's tax and the same shall be allowed as a deduction from the gross income of the
15 
donor for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor in accordance with
16 
the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.
17 
Sec. 36. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DENR, together with the DA
18 
and the CCC, in consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall
19 
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within one hundred
20 
eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act.
21 
Sec. 37. Annual Report. - The National Coordinating Committee shall submit an
22 
annual report to the Congress and the Office of the President on its compliance with
23 
its functions under this Act, the implementation of the ICM Framework, and the State
24 
of the Coasts Report on or before March 30 of every year following the effectivity of
25 
this Act.
26 
Sec. 38. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There is hereby created a Joint
27 
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of this Act and to
28 
review the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the DA, DENR, and
29 
CCC for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act. The
30 
Committee shall be composed of five (5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be
31 
appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
32 
respectively. The Oversight Committee shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the
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1 
Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change of the Senate
2 
and the Committee on Climate Change of the House of Representatives.
3 
The secretariat of the Committee shall be drawn from existing personnel of the
4 
Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and CHmate Change and
5 
Committee on Climate Change of the House of Representatives.
6 
Sec. 39. Non-impamnent Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
7 
diminish, impair, or repeal the prohibitions contained in existing laws, presidential
8 
decrees, executive orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, and other issuances.
9 
Sec. 40. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
10 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of the Act or any provisions hereof that are
11 
not affected shall remain in force and effect.
12 
Sec. 41. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
13 
order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent or contrary to the
14 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
15 
Sec. 42. Ejfectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
complete pubhcation, either in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers
17 
of general circulation.
Approved,
21