f°
Republic of the Philippines iS aE es
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 3919

Introduced by TUCP Partylist Representative
HON. RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The bill seeks to adopt integrated coastal management (ICM) as a national
strategy to ensure the sustainable development of our country’s coastal and marine
environment.

As an archipelagic state, the Philippines is endowed with vast coastlines,
spanning over 30,000 kilometers, and gifted with rich coastal and marine resources
since our country was ranked 11th in marine capture production worldwide in a 2020
report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

However, the 2021 study of the Coastal Resources and Ecotourism Research,
Development, and Extension Center (CRERDEC) of the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) discovered microplastics in at least 20 marine study
sites in the Philippines. The highest concentration of which was found in the largest
marine protected area in the country - the Tafion Strait Protected Seascape.

In response, we need to adopt ICM to address both environmental and
socioeconomic issues in a comprehensive and integrated manner. ICM serves as an
effective planning and management approach to sustainable coastal and marine
development with demonstrated benefits in enhancing economic growth, ecosystem
protection, promotion of social equity, and the quality of life of the people, such as by
addressing concerns on pollution, fishing, shipping, and tourism, among many others.

This bill mandates that a National ICM Framework shall be developed by the
DENR, in consultation with concemed agencies, sectors, and stakeholders, to guide
local government units (LGUs) in formulating and implementing their local ICM

programs.

‘The National ICM Framework shall include principles, strategies, and action
plans identified after balancing national development priorities with local concerns,
define national ICM targets, and develop a national ICM coordinating mechanism.

These ICM programs shall promote the best practices on coastal and marine use
zonation, sustainable fisheries, integrated waste management, and integrated

= DATE 20 aut
TIME
e. ey _ eli

3S


management of port safety, health, security and environmental protection, among
others

This bill also provides for support mechanisms for the implementation of ICM
programs such as ICM education and training initiatives, environmental and natural
resource accounting and valuation, and coastal and marine environmental information
management system.

For the welfare of over a million of our hard working fisher folks and workers
in the coastal and marine industry and for the good of our environment, The passage of
this bill is earnestly sought.

DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA
TUCP Partylist Representative


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.3919

Introduced by TUCP Partylist Representative
HON. RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA

AN ACT
ADOPTING INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A NATIONAL
STRATEGY FOR THE HOLISTIC AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF
COASTAL AND RELATED ECOSYSTEMS AND THE RESOURCES
THEREIN FROM RIDGE-TO-REEF, 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 Philippines in
Congress assembled:

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Integrated Coastal
Management Act.”

SEC. 2. Policy Statement, — It shall be the policy of the State to ensure the
sustainable management of the country’s coastal and marine environment and
resources by looking at the interconnectivity of ecosystems from the watersheds to the
coastal and marine areas. Towards this end, it shall adopt Integrated Coastal
Management as a framework in regulating different human activities, restoring or
rehabilitating ecosystems, and ensuring a multi-stakeholder participation and
ridge-to-reef approach to ecosystem management, with due consideration to ecological
connectivity and their impact on social and ecological systems. The framework shall
support the country’s achievement of sustainable development, promotion of blue
economy, food security, just transition to sustainable livelihood, poverty alleviation and
its resilience and risk reduction, from sea- level rise and other coastal stresses, while
respecting the traditional resource rights of indigenous peoples and gender equality.

SEC. 3. Scope and Coverage. — Integrated Coastal Management shall be
implemented in all local government units (LGUs) addressing the inter-linkages
among ecosystems from ridge-to-reef, by all relevant government structures at the
national and local levels in consultation and partnership with all stakeholders through
participatory governance.


SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

Adaptation refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual
or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits
beneficial opportunitis
Annual Investment Program (AIP) refers to the annual slice of the Local Development
Investment Program (LDIP), which constitutes the total resource requirements for all
programs, projects, and activities consisting of the annual capital expenditure and
regular operating requirements of the LGU;

Beach forest refers to mixed association of creepers, shrubs, and trees above the high
tide line along the coast which fall into various groups morphologically based on the
following forms:

Herbaceous Beach — creepers with sand-binding abilities, e.g., Ipomoca

pes-caprae;
Beach Scrub — shrubs and low trees, e.g., Seaevolu taccada, Dendrolobium
umbellatum;

Casuarina equisetifolia (Agoho) Forest — common pioneer on sandy beaches;
and

Mixed Littoral Forest — plentiful vines, palms and trees, e.g., Barringtonia
asiatica, Millettia pinnata, and Pandanus tectorius;

Biological diversity or Biodiversity refers to the variability among living
organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes
diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

Climate Change refers to a change of climate which is attributed directly or
indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of global atmosphere
and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable
time periods;

Coastal area or zone refers to a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space (water and
submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic
processes and uses, and vice versa; its geographic extent may include areas within a
landmark limit of one (1) kilometer from the shoreline at high tide to include mangrove
swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches, and
other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters isobath to include coral reefs, algal
flats, seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom areas;

Coastal greenbelts refer to at least 100-meter wide strip of natural or planted coastal
vegetation extending from the seaward edge of mangroves (middle intertidal zone)
towards land, or extending from the seaward edge of beach forest (high tide line)
towards land, in cases where mangroves are absent. Its function is to absorb wave
energy during storms thereby reducing wave damage, preventing coastal erosion, and
protecting human lives and property;

Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) refers to a six-year multi-sectoral

plan formulated at the city or municipal level embodying the vision, sectoral

goals, objectives, development strategies, and policies within the terms of the


officials of the LGU, and the medium-term. It contains ecological profile,
sectoral development plan, and implementation instruments;
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) refers to the document formulated by the
cities and municipalities, in consultation with its stakeholders, that defines or provides
guidelines on the allocation, utilization, development, and management of all lands
within a given territory or jurisdiction according to the inherent qualities of the land
itself and supportive economic, demographic, socio-cultural, and environmental
objectives as defined in Republic Act No. 11201, otherwise known as the
“Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Act”;
Disaster risk reduction refers to the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks
through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters,
through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property,
wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for
adverse events;
Ecosystems services refer to the benefits people obtain from the ecosystems such as:

provisioning which refers to the services that provide food, water, timber,
and fiber;

regulating which refers to the services that affect climate, floods, disease,
wastes, and water quality;

cultural which refers to the services that provide recreational, aesthetic,
and spiritual benefits; and

supporting which refers to the essential services such as soil formation,
photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration;

Holistic and sustainable management refers to the management of all
components of the ecosystem and the services it provides in a way and at a
rate that maintains and enhances its current state and resilience, thereby
maintaining its potential to meet the needs of the aspirations of present and
future generations. This approach involves all stakcholders in collaborative
decision-making, including scientists, national and local government, private
sector, local residents, and the public towards the protection, conservation,
restoration, and sustainable use of the ecosystem and the resources therein;

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;

Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) refers to the action plan
formulated by LGUs to address climate change concerns. It focuses on both
climate change adaptation and mitigation and describes how LGUs plan to
respond to the impacts of climate change and mainstream them into mandated
local plans, i.e., land use plan, sectoral development plan, investment program,
pursuant to Section 14 of Republic Act No. 9729, or the “Climate Change Act
of 2009,” as amended;


Mangrove forest refers to the forested wetland growing along tidal mudflats and along
shallow water coastal areas extending inland along rivers, streams, and their
tributaries where the water is generally brackish and composed of low elevation
species such as Avicennia marina, A. alba, and Sonneratia alba. The mid zone is
dominated by Rhizophora species, Sonneratia caseolaris, Xvlocarpus granatum and
‘Nypa fruticans while the landward zone or areas with higher elevation are inhabited
by Avicennia rumphiana, A. officinalis, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza;

Mitigation, in the context of climate change, refers to human intervention 10
address anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all
greenhouse gases, including ozone-depleting substances and their substitutes;

Municipal waters refer not only to streams, lakes, inland bodies of water, and
tidal waters within the municipality which are not included within the protected
areas as defined under Republic Act No.11038, otherwise known as the
“Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018”, public
forest, timber lands, forest reserves, or fishery reserves, but also marine waters
included between two (2) lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline
from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low
tide and a third line 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 and when with less than thirty
(30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally
distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities;

Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) refers to the
plan document formulated at the provincial level that merges the traditionally
separate provincial physical framework plan and provincial development plan
to address the disconnect between spatial and sectoral factors and between
medium and long-term concerns. It contains the long-term vision of the
province, and identifies development goals, strategies, objectives or targets and
corresponding programs, projects, and activities which serve as primary inputs
to provincial investment programming and subsequent budgeting and plan
implementation;

State of the Coasts (SoC) reporting system refers to an assessment tool for
LGUs to be used in measuring 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 towards local, national, and
international targets for sustainable development;

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. It is a
topographically delineated area of land from which rainwater can drain as
surface run-off, via a specific stream or river system to a common outlet point.
It encompasses ridge-to- reef areas and may include the uplands, lowlands, and
coastal areas;



Wetlands refer to a wide variety of inland habitats such as marshes, peatlands,
floodplains, rivers and lakes, and coastal areas such as saltmarshes, mangroves,
intertidal mudflats; and seagrass beds; and also coral reefs and other marine
areas no deeper than six (6) meters at low tide, as well as human-made
wetlands such as dams, reservoirs, rice paddies, and wastewater treatment
ponds and lagoons.

CHAPTER IL
INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

SEC. 5. National Coordinating Committee on ICM. ~ There is hereby
established a National Coordinating Committee on ICM (NCC), to coordinate the
review and implementation of the National ICM Framework.

The NCC shall be composed of the following members:

Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) who shall act as Chairperson;

Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as Co-chairperson;

Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Vice
Chairperson;

Vice Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) as Vice
Chairperson;

Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG);

Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);
Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);

Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban
Development (DHSUD);

Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
‘Council (NDRRMC);

Executive Director of the National Commission on Women (NCW);
Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP):
Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);

Director of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP- MG);


Representative from the academe who specializes in ICM;

Representative from non-government organizations dealing with coastal
management or fisheries;

Representative from the private sector;

Representative from artisanal fisherfolk basic sector representative of the
National Anti-Poverty Commission;

Representative from the National or Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource Management Councils (FARMCs); and

Representative from any other organizations not mentioned above as the
NCC may deem necessary.

The ex-officio members of the NCC may designate their respective permanent
representatives to the NCC: Provided That, a permanent representative may designate
a duly authorized representative whose rank shall in no case be lower than an
undersecretary and whose acts shall be considered as that of the permanent
representative: Provided, further, That the process for designation of a permanent
representative shall be detailed in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act;
Provided, finally, That the authorized representative shall have no voting right unless
duly authorized by the permanent representative in writing.

The representatives from the academe, civil society, and other sectors shall
possess relevant work experience and training in disciplines related to climate change,
disaster risk reduction, natural resource management, or coastal management, and
shall be appointed by the NCC from a list of nominees proposed by its member
agencies. Each representative shall serve as a member of the NCC for a period of six
(6) years, subject to renewal to be decided by the majority of the members of the NCC
and shall perform the duties appurtenant thereto unless they resign or their
representation is withdrawn by the sector that they represent. Appointment to any
vacancy shall only be for the unexpired term of the predecessor.

‘A National Technical Working Group shall be created for the coordination of
the national scientific and technical matters, and to support the NCC in the
implementation of its powers and functions under Section 8 of this Act.

SEC. 6. Meetings of the National Coordinating Committee. ~The NCC shall
meet once every three (3) months, or as often as may be deemed necessary.

SEC. 7. Secretariat. — The DENR shall provide a secretariat to the NCC to be
manned by the organic personnel of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and
may be augmented by the employees from member-agencies of the NCC, through
detail or secondment.

The Secretary of the DENR may also provide additional plantilla positions
subject to the evaluation and approval of the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) and in compliance with the civil service laws, rules, and regulations.


SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the National Coordinating Committee on
ICM. ~ The NCC shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions:

Formulate, adopt, institutionalize, and amend, if necessary, the National
ICM Framework, in consultation with other concerned agencies, LGUs,
sectors, and stakeholders, within twelve (12) months from the effectivity
of this Act;

Identify and delineate, after prior consultation with the designated LGUs
representatives, the coastal, marine, and other resources shared by two or
more LGUs, recommend and provide guidance on mainstreaming ICM
into existing local plans and programs through their respective regional or
provincial development councils, and assist the relevant authorities in
resolving conflicts arising from ICM between or among LGUs:

Undertake baseline and periodic assessment and reporting of the state of
coastal and marine environment and natural resources and the level of
socioeconomic development of the adjacent communities, governance or
management interventions, and relevant infrastructures in place, among
others;

Identify capacity building programs and activities, in coordination with
the DENR and the DILG, for national government, LGUs, and
stakeholders, and pursue information, education, and communication
(LEC) campaigns on ICM, and develop guidelines for mainstreaming the
ICM into the development planning and investment programming
processes of local governments;

Develop guidelines for provinces sharing the same resources for the
integrated management, protection, conservation, and restoration of the
shared coastal and marine ecosystems, and reduce or eliminate the
impacts of activities originating from upstream and downstream sources
including government contracts and permits issued by the government
such as foreshore lease agreements, forest management agreements,
special land use permits, and mining permits;

Ensure documentation, promotion, and dissemination of learnings and
best practices on ICM implementation;

Facilitate the establishment of integrated data and monitoring systems
using innovative technologies and develop a national ICM dashboard as
the repository of data on ICM;

Pursue the mobilization of sustainable financing mechanisms for ICM
from both public and private sectors funding institutions, among others;

Ensure adaptive management to consider new threats and emerging issues
arising from changes in the socioeconomic, technological, and ecological
landscape


Recommend the issuance or passage of policies or legislation to the
appropriate agency or the legislature;

Ensure that the LGUs shall allocate adequate funds for the development
and implementation of ICM programs and plans; and

Create a National Technical Working Group in support of the NCC for the
implementation of its powers and functions.

All concerned national government agencies with mandates related to
integrated coastal management shall provide support and assistance to the NCC and
concerned stakeholders to ensure the timely and efficient implementation of the
national ICM framework and its integration in existing plans

SEC. 9. Elements of the National ICM Framework. — The implementation of
ICM-responsive plans shall include the following elements in line with the ICM
principles:

Inter-agency, inter-LGU alliances, multi-sectoral mechanism to coordinate
the efforts of different agencies, sectors, and administrative levels;

Peoples’ participation in the formulation and implementation of the
National ICM Framework while upholding and respecting their right to a
balanced and healthful ecology, gender equality, especially those from the
marginalized communities, indigenous peoples, and the most vulnerable
to the impacts of climate change and other hazards;

Coastal and marine strategies including the designation, rehabilitation and
reforestation, or afforestation of priority coastal greenbelts and action
plans that provide a long-term vision and strategy for sustainable
development and hazard prevention of the coastal and marine areas; and a
fixed-term program of actions specifying responsible agencies or
institutions for addressing priority issues and concems including
improving existing endeavors to protect marine protected areas and other
protected areas on or near coastal and marine zones, as defined under
Republic Act No. 11038;

Public awareness programs to increase the level of understanding and
appreciation of the value and benefits derived trom healthy and resilient
coastal and marine resources and ecosystems of the area, and to promote a
shared responsibility among stakeholders in the planning and
implementation of the National ICM Framework:

Mainstreaming the National ICM Framework into the national and local
government planning and socio-economic development programs; and
allocation of adequate financial and human resources for its
implementation;


Capacity building programs and development of coastal and marine
spatial planning tools, in coordination with the Department of Information
and Communications Technology, to enhance required human resource
skills, scientific input to policy and planning processes, knowledge
sharing; and enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure
compliance with adopted rules, regulations, and guidelines;

Integrated environmental and socio-economic impact monitoring for the
purpose of measuring, evaluating, and reporting the status, progress, and
impacts of management programs against established sustainable
development indicators and basis for decision-making, public awareness,
and performance evaluation;

Investment opportunities and sustainable financing mechanisms for
environmental protection and improvement; resource conservation, and
ecosystem-based adaptation and other nature-based solutions;

Disaster risk reduction and management as well as climate change
adaptation and mitigation programs, and vulnerability and risk
assessment;

Knowledge management, research, and development programs in such
areas as carrying capacity, limits to acceptable change, and enhancement
of the analytical and predictive value of scenarios for protecting a
sustainable future;

Development of a national coastal greenbelt action plan for the protection
of coastal biodiversity and habitats from the effects of climate change and
the impacts of natural events such as typhoons, tsunamis, among others;

Conduct of community-based monitoring and cvaluation framework and
development of SoC reporting system to track the progress of
implementation that allows results-based management, leaning and
evidence-based decision-making:

Promotion of the blue economy for the improvement of livelihood and to
stimulate economic growth while conserving and sustainably using the
ocean and marine resources;

Designation and assessment of priority area to be declared as coastal
greenbelts for each coastal province, city, and municipality, to be planted
with mangroves and beach forests, based on vulnerability to storm surges,
waves, tsunami, and the like;

Operational plan for the reversion of all abandoned fishponds to
mangroves through natural regeneration or replanting with locally
appropriate species; and



Existing legal frameworks related to coastal resource management and
instruments that will complement the implementation of ICM
Framework,

The National ICM Framework shall provide direction, support, and guidance
to the LGUs and shall adhere to the principles of sustainable development and
ecosystem-based management that focuses on the interconnectivity of ecosystems and
maintaining their health and resiliency to deliver the goods and services; and policy
and functional integration, coordination, and adaptive management that guide the
ICM practice. The NCC shall finalize the National ICM Framework within twelve
(12) months from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 10. Coordination of ICM Programs, Plans, and Activities at the
Regional Level. ~ The ICM shall be mainstreamed into the Regional Development
Plans and Regional Development Investment Programs, and other relevant plans,
programs, and projects.

SEC. 11. Coordination of ICM Programs, Plans, and Activities at the
Provincial Level. ~ The Provincial Development Council (PDC) established under
Section 107 (c) of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government
Code of 1991”, shall be responsible for the formulation of the ICM-responsive
mandated local plans at the provincial level, including the coordination necessary for
implementation except for provinces which have already established an environmental
‘management office or the like which can formulate such plans.

In addition to its members, the following offices and sectors shall be consulted
for the purpose of facilitating the mainstreaming of ICM planning in the formulation of
the provincial development and physical framework plan, among other related
documents in line with the ICM principles:

Chairperson of the Environment Committee of the Sanggunian
Panlalawigan;

Provincial Fisheries Office or Office of the Provincial Agriculturist or the
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office;

Provincial Tourism Office;
DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer;

In the Province of Palawan, a representative from Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development (PCSD), pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611,
otherwise known as the “Strategic Environmental Palawan (SEP) for
Palawan Act”;

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), especially from the concemed district
command of the respective provinces in the exercise of PCG’s functions of
maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime security
including the enforcement of international conventions and treaties;

12


Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA);

Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP- MG);

Board Member of Marine Protected Area Networks, where applicable;
Regional Office of DHSUD;

Local people’s organization or indigenous community; and

Other stakeholders concerned.

In cases where two or more provinces share a common resource such as bays,
gulfs, river basins, lakes, watersheds, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity
corridors, key biodiversity areas and upland ecosystems, the coordination support and
assistance for the formulation, establishment, and implementation of the
Inter-Provincial ICM Plan shall be provided by the concerned Regional Development
Council established under Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996.

However, this provision shall not apply to provinces or common resources
shared by several LGUs which have an existing ICM coordinating mechanism at the
time of the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 12. Mainstreaming of ICM into Mandated Local Plans through
Watershed-level Analysis and Planning. — Whenever feasible, the analysis and
planning shall be undertaken at the watershed or sub-watershed level, especially for
LGUs that share common resources and climate and disaster risks that cut across
political boundaries.

The ICM strategies and guidelines shall be spelled out in the national and
sub-national level plans through the National Physical Framework Plan (NPEP),
Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP), and Regional Development Plan (RDP).
With reference to the ICM Framework and the national and regional plans, the LGUs
shall mainstream the ICM into their mandated local plans such as CLUP and CDP in
the case of cities and municipalities, and the PDPFP for provinces by translating the
concepts, strategies, and principles outlined in the aforementioned higher-level
framework and plans into specific programs, projects, and activities.

To strengthen the alignment in terms of strategic direction and harmonization
of programs, projects, and activities related to ICM, the LGUs shall provide a venue
for relevant national or regional line agencies to participate in their respective Local
Development Council’s Sectoral Committees. They shall, likewise, be tapped to assist
in data gathering and validation, situational analysis, consultation meetings, and
identification of goals, objectives, targets, and programs, projects and activities under
the CLUP, CDP, and PDPFP.

For monitoring purposes, LGUs shall submit an annual report on the
implementation of their ICM-related programs, projects, and activities to BMB of the
DENR.

13


SEC. 13, Data Sharing and Technical Assistance. ~ To address the LGUs
need for data access and technical assistance in the preparation of their
ICM-tesponsive plans, the following strategies shall be pursued by concerned national
government agencies and LGUs:

Data sharing agreement between the national government agencies and
LGUs;

Updating of base maps;

Creation of National Geospatial Database in relation to Sections 29 (d)
and 30 of this Act; and

Joint technical assistance of DHSUD, DENR, and DILG during the
preparation of CLUP, CDP, and PDPFP.

SEC. 14, Additional Functions of the Provincial Development Council. — in
addition to the functions provided in Section 109 of Republic Act No. 7160, without
prejudice to the agreements crafted for ICM plans, the PDC shall:

Develop policies and guidelines for the ICM protection, conservation, and
restoration of the province’s coastal and marine ecosystems;

Coordinate the efforts of provinces sharing a resource to address issues
that cut across their political boundaries;

Coordinate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM
especially in relation to biodiversity;

Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among municipalities or
cities, or between an LGU and a body managing a specially administered
area within the province: Provided, That boundary disputes between and
among the LGUs shall be settled in accordance with Sections 118 and 119
of Republic Act No. 7160 and its implementing rules and regulations;

Coordinate the efforts of provinces, cities, and municipalities with shared
coastal ecosystems and resources, to address issues that transcend their
political boundaries;

Consult cities and municipalities on the development of the provincial
ICM plan; and

Provide technical advisory and assistance to city and municipal LGUs in
the formulation of ICM programs, plans, and activities that are aligned to
the PDPFP, provincial ICM plan and strategy; CLUP, and CDP.

However, these functions may be performed by an environmental management
office or the like for provinces which have already established such an office.


SEC. 15. Coordination of ICM Programs, Plans, and Activities at the City
and Municipal Levels. — The City or Municipal Development Council (CDC or MD‘
established pursuant to Section 107 (b) of Republic Act No. 7160 shall be responsible
for the mainstreaming and integration of national ICM elements and strategies into
their respective development plans, land use plans, and other relevant plans, whether in
the level of a highly urbanized city (HUC), independent component city (ICC),
component city, or municipality, including the implementation and coordination
necessary therefor which shall be reviewed by the NCC. In addition to its members, the
following offices and sectors shall be consulted or serve as resource persons thereto for
the purpose of coordinating the formulation and implementation of the ICM-responsive
local development plans:

Chairperson of the Environment Committee of the Sangguniang
Panglungsod or Bayan;

City or Municipal Planning and Development Office or Office of the City
or Municipal Planning and Development;

City or Municipal Fisheries Office or Office of the City or Municipal
Agriculturist;

City or Municipal Tourism Office;

DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources;
Local people’s organization or indigenous community;
Local academic institution which specializes in ICM; and
Other stakeholders concerned.

The Provincial Planning and Development Coordination Office shall perform
oversight functions to ensure the responsiveness of existing plans and policies, and
shall serve as the Secretariat to the local development councils, pursuant to planning
and development coordination functions provided under Sections 113 and 476 of
Republic Act No. 7160.

A position for a City ICM Officer or a Municipal ICM Officer may be created
or designated for the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the
ICM-responsive mandated local plans such as LCCAPs, CLUP, and CDP. Each LGU.
may allocate fund for the creation of a plantilla position for the ICM officer in
consultation with the DBM.

However, this provision shall not apply to cities or municipalities which have
an existing ICM coordinating mechanism at the time of the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 16. ICM Office. - The Provincial Planning and Development

Coordination Office shall serve as the ICM Office and shall act as the Secretariat to the
PDC which shall serve as the overall coordinating mechanism for ICM programs, plans

15


and activities, and monitor the implementation of the provincial ICM-responsive
mandated local plans in consonance with the national ICM framework.

SEC. 17. Additional Functions of the City or Municipal Development
Council. ~ In addition to the functions provided in Section 109 of Republic Act No.
7160, the CDC or MDC shall:

Ensure that the formulation of LCCAPs, CLUPs, CDPs, and AIPs are
guided by the ICM principles and incorporate the elements of ICM
planning and shall be reviewed and approved by the appropriate
government agencies or committees;

Ensure that the rights of the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous
peoples shall be recognized and protected pursuant to Section 7 of
Republic Act No. 8371 or the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997”;

Coordinate the efforts and the implementation of ICM-responsive
mandated local plans among relevant barangays to address issues that
transcend their boundaries;

Coordinate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM
especially in relation to biodiversity and ecosystems goods and services;
and

Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among barangays or
between a barangay and a specially managed or administered area within
the city or municipality.

SEC. 18. Representation of Other Agencies and Stakeholders. ~ LGUs shall
include the representation in their respective development councils of other national
agencies and stakeholder groups that may be affected by the implementation of ICM.
‘The modalities and mechanisms for this representation shall be determined by the
government offices mentioned in Sections 11 and 15 of this Act.

SEC. 19. Assistance from LGUs and National Agencies. - The local
development councils may call upon any local official or any official of national
agencies or offices within the LGU to assist in the formulation of ICM-responsive
‘mandated local plans.

In providing technical assistance and other forms of support related to coastal
management and the implementation of mandated local plans, national government
agencies shall give priority to sixth- up to third-class municipalities and other LGUs
with approved or existing ICM-responsive mandated local plans in accordance with
their economic environmental condition or requirement.

SEC. 20. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting of ICM Framework. —The
NCC shall coordinate the preparation, consolidation, and submission of an initial SoC
Report one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act, based on a monitoring and
evaluation mechanism that shall be developed to track the progress of the country’s
ICM implementation. Every five (5) years thereafter, the NCC shall coordinate the

16


preparation, consolidation, and submission of the SoC Report to the President. This
report shall contain the status of implementation of the ICM-responsive mandated
local plans such as LCCAPs, CLUPs, and CDPs, in line with the National ICM
Framework. The LGU shall submit their respective progress reports on the
implementation of their respective ICM-responsive mandated local plans to the NCC
through the DENR.

The NCC shall regularly update their existing monitoring and assessment
mechanisms relevant to ICM to ensure compliance of the LGU.

National government agencies which are members of the NCC shall update
their existing monitoring and assessment mechanisms relevant to ICM to ensure
compliance of the LGUs.

SEC. 21. ICM Best Practices. - The National ICM Framework and local
ICM-responsive plans shall promote the application of best learnings which include
the following:

Coastal and marine use classification, marine spatial planning, and
harmonization of comprehensive land and water use plan as management
tools;

Sustainable fisheries and conservation of living resources;

Protection and rehabilitation of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, estuaries, and
other habitats, particularly through establishment of marine protected

areas, nature reserves, and sanctuaries;

Development of management approaches for the conservation of upland
watershed, catchment areas, and river basins;

Integrated waste management, including sewage and solid, hazardous, toxic.
and other forms of pollution by major sources that affect coastal areas;

Natural and man-made hazards management;
Water demand use and supply management;

Blue economy accounting for payment for ecosystem services and equitable
allocation of costs and benefits;

Integrated and bay wide law enforcement;

Disaster risk reduction and management in coastal and marine areas:
Climate change adaptation and mitigation in coastal and marine areas;
‘Community-led natural resource management;

Recognition of indigenous peoples’ concems;


Integrated management of port safety, health, security and environment
protection;

Involvement of the private sector or business sector as a partner in ICM;

Knowledge management and exchange;

Mobilization of sustainable financing mechanisms;

Adoption of nature-based solutions to consider threats and emerging issues
arising from changes in socioeconomic, technological, and ecological
landscape; and
Management of informal settlements situated in hazard prone areas.

SEC. 22, Incentives. — The NCC shall develop a national incentive and
recognition system to encourage and motivate the LGU to diligently and efficiently
implement; and monitor the implementation of their ICM-responsive mandated local
plans.

In addition to the criteria provided in Section 7 of Republic Act No. 11292,
otherwise known as “The Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019”, the LGU
may be granted the Seal of Good Local Governance if it exemplarily implemented
and sustained its ICM-responsive mandated local plans.

The details of the recognition and reward system shall be provided in the
implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

See. 23. Scientific Advisory Group. ~The NCC shall establish a National
Scientific Advisory Group to ensure that ICM interventions have sound scientific
basis.

The Scientific Advisory Group shall provide guidance to the LGUs in relation
to technical documents, new scientific developments and policies in climate science
and coastal management; and in achieving their environmental goals.

It shall be composed of the following:

Representative from the academe who specializes in ICM or any related
discipline;

Representative from the DOST;
Representative from the DENR;

Representative from the BFAR;


Representative from the Philippine Association of Marine Science
(PAMS) or other professional society related to natural resource
management and coastal management; and

Representative from the PCG’s functional command Marine
Environmental Protection Command Service (MEPCOM).

The Scientific Advisory Group shall also convene to serve as the experts in
discussing and advising on the technical and science-based issues related to the
National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan in Chapter III of this Act. It may also
coordinate with existing science-based expert groups, such as the National Panel on
‘Technical Experts, on ICM-related policies and development.

SEC. 24. Role of National Government Agencies. — All concerned national
agencies shall support the implementation of the National ICM Framework and
ICM-responsive mandated local plans, and promote ICM best learnings that fall
within their respective mandates. They shall identify, prepare, and provide policy
guidance and technical assistance to the DENR, the development councils, and the
LGUs in the implementation of the National ICM Framework and ICM-responsive
mandated local plans, and in the enforcement of relevant coastal and marine policies
and regulations; and regional and international commitments or treaties. These
agencies shall directly consult with concerned LGUs in the development and
implementation of the National ICM Framework and ICM-responsive mandated local
plans affecting coastal and marine areas in their respective localities.

All government contracts entered into and permits issued by the government
such as foreshore lease agreements, forest management agreements, special land use
permits, and mining permits shall be entered into or issued by the government and its
instrumentalities in conformity with the National ICM Framework and
ICM-responsive mandated local plans.

Sec. 25. Specially Managed or Administered Areas. — Specially managed or
administered areas such as river basins, Water Quality Management Areas (WQMAs)
established under Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean
Water Act of 2004”, special economic and freeport zones, and protected areas,
whether established under Republic Act No. 11038 or by virtue of an ordinance, shall
prepare their management plans in consonance with the ICM National Framework
and relevant ICM-responsive mandated local plans. Their management plans shall
incorporate ICM principles and best practices taking into account the interlinkages
between and among associated watersheds and wetlands.

See. 26. Review of Existing ICM or Related Programs and Plans. -
Provinces, cities, municipalities, specially managed or administered areas such as
special economic zones or freeport zones, bays, lakes, or marine protected arcas
(MPAs) shall review, revise, reconcile, and harmonize their existing ICM or related
programs or plans based on the National ICM Framework within three (3) years from
the effectivity of this Act. Actual use shall be preferred over future or reserve use:
Provided, That all existing locational clearances and zoning permits issued by the
LGUs or other government agencies prior to the effectivity of this Act shall remain
valid pending review of existing programs and plans and zoning ordinances (ZOs),

19


and they shall not be invalidated because of the new and approved programs and plans
and ZOs which determined proper location in a different coastal use zoning area:
Provided, further, That appropriate measures shall be adopted by the LGU concerned,
the landowner, and the developer in the event that any existing structure and facility
are found to be properly covered by a different coastal use zoning category in the
areas where they are currently located: Provided, finally, That existing structures and
facilities within extremely hazardous and high risk danger zones which cannot be
addressed by any mitigating or protective measures shall be required to relocate.

Sec. 27. Role of Local Government Units. — All LGUs shall act as the
frontline agencies in the formulation, planning, implementation, and monitoring of
ICM programs in their respective municipal waters. The ICM-responsive mandated
local plans shall be supportive of and compliant with the National ICM Framework
and shall be prepared in consultation with the stakeholders. The LGUs shall regularly
update their ICM-responsive mandated local plans such as LCCAPs, CLUPs, and
CDPs to reflect emerging needs, and changing, socio-economic, technological, and
environmental conditions. The LGUs shall also ensure that their annual work and
investment plans are aligned based on their ICM-responsive LCCAPs, CLUPs, and
CDPs. The LGUs shall furnish the NCC their respective ICM-responsive mandated
local plans and all subsequent amendments, modifications, and revisions thereto.
LGUs shall mobilize and allocate the necessary personnel, resources, and logistics to
effectively implement their respective ICM-responsive mandated local plans.
Barangays shall be directly involved with municipal and city governments in
prioritizing coastal and marine issues and identifying and implementing solutions.
Municipal and city governments with coastal areas or zones shall consider ICM as
one of their priority programs.

Provincial governments shall provide technical assistance, enforcement, and
information management in support of Municipal and City ICM-responsive mandated
local plans. Inter-LGU collaboration shall be encouraged in the conduet of activities
related to protecting the country’s coastal and marine resources.

See. 28. Roles of Civil Society and the Private Sector. — In the development
and implementation of the ICM program, the non-government organizations, civic
organizations, people's organizations, the academe, the private sector, and other
concemed stakeholder groups shall be engaged in activities such as planning,
community organizing, research, technology transfer, information sharing,
investment, training programs, and monitoring; and evaluation, response, and
feedback systems.

See. 29. Supporting Activities. - The following activities shall be undertaken
in support of the implementation of ICM programs:

ICM Education — The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission
on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) shall integrate the concept and basic
principles of ICM into the primary, secondary, and tertiary education
curricula, as well as in the textbooks, primers and other educational
materials. The DOST shall, likewise, include integrated coastal
management, tropical marine ecosystem management, and other related
studies in their scholarship programs for graduate studies;


ICM Training Program for LGUs - The DENR and the DILG, through the
Local Goverment Academy, shall develop and provide ICM training
programs for LGUs. For this purpose, LGUs may allocate funds for
scholarships on tertiary and graduate courses relating to ICM or secure
funds for such scholarships from sources other than the LGU’s funds;

Environmental and Natural Resource Accounting and Valuation for ICM
Planning =~ The NEDA and the National Statistics Coordination Board
(NSCB) shall incorporate coastal and marine resource accounting as well as
estimates of their carrying capacity in the national and regional accounts;

Coastal and Marine Environmental Information Management System and
National Geospatial Database - The DENR shall oversee the establishment
and maintenance of a coastal and marine environmental information
management system and network, in collaboration with other concerned
national government agencies, institutions, LGUs, civil society
organizations and other academic institutions. The DENR shall promote the
documentation and information dissemination of good practices as well as
initiate replication and scaling up of ICM programs in the country. The
concerned agencies, however, shall review the coastal and marine data prior
to their public dissemination.

Sec. 30. Contribution of the National ICM Framework to the Establishment
of the National Environment and Natural Resources Geospatial Database and
Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) System. — The National ICM framework shall
contribute to the creation of the National Geospatial Database on Environment and
Natural Resources (ENR) that will serve as a platform for the planning and
implementation of integrated strategies for inter-agency and multi-sectoral
collaboration. In particular, a coastal and marine spatial planning tool shall be
developed which can bring together multiple users of the occan, including energy,
industry, government, conservation, and recreation sectors, to make informed and
coordinated decisions about how to use marine resources.

It shall, likewise, contribute to the establishment of the NCA System, that
includes (1) valuation of coastal and marine resources and the ecosystem services that
they provide; and (2) costs resulting from unsustainable economic activities,
over-exploitation of natural resources, loss of habitats and biodiversity, and
environmental degradation have to be analyzed since these are not explicitly
measured in the national income accounts.

CHAPTER IIL
NATIONAL COASTAL GREENBELT ACTION PLAN

Sec. 31. National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan. - The NCC shall identify
and convene all national government agencies responsible for foreshore management,
mangrove and beach forest protection and utilization, coastal land and sea-use
planning, coastal tourism development, social welfare of coastal communities, and
other relevant mandates, to prepare an integrated National Coastal Greenbelt Action
Plan (NCGAP).


The NCGAP shall, at the minimum, contain the following:

Spatial representation, or if feasible, quick or rapid national inventory of
the status of coastlines and offshores, including the status of mangroves,
beach forests, settlements, structures and fishponds within 100 meters
therein;

The action plan shall indicate that the assessment of priority areas shall be
completed within twelve (12) months from the adoption of the NCGAP;

Designation of priority areas for coastal grecnbelts that are already
included either as a protected area under Republic Act No. 11038 or as a
fish refuge or sanctuary under Republic Act No. 8550, otherwise known
as “The Philippine Fisheries Code of the Philippines”, as amended by
Republic Act No. 10654, or as a local marine protected area as may be
declared by municipalities and cities through ordinances. The designation
of a priority area shall be completed within six (6) months from the
completion of the applicable biophysical, sociocconomic, and geological
assessment contemplated under Section 32 of this Act. Designation shall
also be done through a proposal to the appropriate agency, municipality or
city as may be deemed necessary. In the event an area is designated as a
Priority area for coastal greenbelts, no structure shall be allowed therein
unless it is approved by the DENR or DA through the BFAR: Provided,
That with respect to the Province of Palawan, the necessary clearance
from the PCSD shall also be required pursuant to Republic Act No. 7611,
otherwise known as “Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan
Act”;

Operational plan for the rehabilitation, reforestation, or afforestation of
designated priority coastal greenbelts with ecologically appropriate
mangrove and beach forest species, not less than 100 meters in width,
Existing forests or plantations greater than the minimum width shall not
be reduced. The program for rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation
shall be community-based, long-term, and implemented through the
municipality or city government. The operational plan shall indicate that
the program for rehabilitation, reforestation, 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 communities in the city or municipality. The remaining priority
areas must be completed within ten (10) years from the designation of the
priority area;

All fishponds that are declared by the DENR and DA-BFAR, through a
joint assessment, as abandoned, undeveloped or underutilized (AUU)
shall be turned over to the DENR within one (1) year after its declaration,
The DENR will then revert the AUU fishponds to their original mangrove
state through natural or artificial reforestation in accordance with Section
49 of Republic Act No. 8550 as amended by Republic Act No. 10654, All
AUU fishponds turned over to the DENR shall be declared as part of the

22


coastal greenbelt. The minimum target for the first year of implementation
of the NCGAP will include all AUU fishpond areas turned over to the
DENR for reversion to their original mangrove state;

Operational Plan for the removal of illegal structures such as breakwaters,
permanent residential or commercial structures, and the like, in the
identified priority coastal greenbelts. The NCGAP shall indicate that the
declaration of and notice to persons responsible for the removal of illegal
structures shall be completed within twelve (12) months upon issuance of
Notice to Vacate. The removal of illegal structures and the start of
rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation of these areas shall form part
of the minimum target for the first year of implementation of the NCGAP;
and

Monitoring and evaluation plan, with quantitative and qualitative targets
consistent with (d), (e), and (f) above, appropriate indicators and
reasonable means of verification. The plan shall become an integrated part
of the NCGAP-responsive LCCAP.

‘The NCGAP and all of its relevant components shall be incorporated into the
mandated local plans of the LGUs, such as, but not limited to, CLUP and CDP.

Sec. 32. Designated Areas for Coastal Greenbelt. — Areas designated for
coastal greenbelt shall cover natural, rural, and urban areas with mangrove or
mangrove areas, AUU fishponds turned over to the DENR, site specific stretches of
vegetation in areas requiring the reversion to mangroves through natural regeneration
or replanting with locally appropriate species and beach forests, subject to prior
vested right.

All applicable biophysical, socioeconomic, and geological assessments shall
be conducted prior to the designation of coastal greenbelts. Upon determination by the
NCC of a particular area as a designated area for coastal greenbelt under Section 31
(0) of this Act, CLUPs and zoning ordinances shall be updated accordingly.

AUU fishponds tumed over to the DENR shall be prioritized in the
designation of coastal greenbelts and its corresponding reversion to category of public
lands as mangrove reforestation sites shall be completed within the year of
identification as such following the guidelines approved by the NCC.

Sec. 33. Implementation of the NCGAP. — In addition to the functions of the
NCC in Section 8 of this Act, the NCC shall take the lead in implementing the
component plans and programs of the NCGAP.

The DHSUD, through its attached agencies, shall provide appropriation for the
relocation of the families or individuals who will be affected by the designated areas
subject to the availability of funds.

Other agencies that participated in the preparation of the NCGAP-responsive

LCCAP shall implement their commitments thereto. The actions required of the NCC
are immediately executable based on the agreed NCGAP-responsive LCCAP, and on

23


NCC members existing mandates, programs or budgets that are aligned with the
action plan, without need for the formulation of the implementing guidelines, rules
and regulations for this Act.

All existing laws, rules, and regulations providing protection to coastlines,
foreshores, and priority areas shall remain in full force and effect, and shall
supplement the provisions of this Act unless otherwise terminated, modified or
amended.

Sec. 34. Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan. - The CDC or MDC
established pursuant to Section 107 (b) of Republic Act No. 7160 shall ensure that the
coastal greenbelt elements and strategies are incorporated into the mainstreaming
process of ICM within their respective development plans, land use plans, and other
relevant plans, whether at the highly urbanized city (HUC), independent component
city (ICC), component city, or municipal levels, including the implementation and
coordination necessary therefor which shall be reviewed by NCC. A detailed
step-by-step process of mainstreaming the coastal greenbelt into the relevant local
plan of the LGU shall be provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of
this Act.

CHAPTER IV
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 35. Prohibited Acts. — The following shall constitute prohibited acts
punishable under this Act, without prejudice to accrued liability for acts and
omissions punishable under existing environmental laws:

Any person who unjustly obstructs the LGU, DENR, or DA through BFAR
and PCSD in the Province of Palawan in the removal of illegal structures in
the process of reversion of AUU fishponds, shall be liable to the agency for
an administrative fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) per day that
the agency is prevented from performing its function.

No structures shall be built within the identified coastal greenbelts without
a permit from DENR, or DA through the BFAR, or PCSD in the Province
of Palawan, consistent with their mandates. Any person who violates this
prohibition shall, be liable to the agency for an administrative fine of Fifty
Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) per day from the time the structure was built
until its removal.

A crime or offense committed within designated coastal greenbelt areas
shall subject the offender to a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand
Pesos (P100,000.00) and not more than Five Million Pesos
(P5,000,000.00), depending on the gravity of the offense.

Any violation of the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and
regulations duly promulgated and published in accordance with Section 39
of this Act, shall be subject to an administrative fine of Fifty Thousand
Pesos (P50,000.00) upon any person or entity found guilty thereof.


Proceeds from the administrative fines imposed under this Section shall be
remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury.

SEC. 36. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of the Act shall be charged against the current year appropriations of
the departments or agencies concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for
the continuing implementation of this Act shall be sourced from and included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

‘The LGUs concerned may provide the necessary funds for the purpose, in
their respective annual budgets.

SEC. 37. Other Funding Options. — The NCC, the local development
councils, the LGUs, and the national government agencies may source local and
international grants, bequests, donations, and other sustainable financing mechanisms
in support of ICM implementation. LGUs to be prioritized in the allocation of these
funds shall include sixth- up to third-class municipalities and LGUs with existing
ICM and/or related policies.

‘The Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines.
the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation, and other relevant government financial
institutions shall formulate and identify loan and financing mechanisms that shall be
made available to support local ICM-responsive programs, including alternative
livelihood projects for small-scale fisherfolks and cooperatives.

SEC. 38. Tax exemption. — All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and
contributions made to the NCC, the local development councils, the LGUs, the DA,
the DENR, and the PCSD to be used actually, directly, and exclusively for the
implementation of the ICM shall be exempt from donor’s tax and the same shall be
considered as allowable deductions from gross income for purposes of computing the
taxable income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

SEC. 39. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DA, DENR, CCC,
DHSUD, and DILG, in consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act within one hundred
eighty (180) days from its effectivity: Provided, That failure to issue the
implementing rules and regulations will not prevent the implementation of this Act
upon effectivity.

SEC. 40. Annual Report. - The NCC shall submit an annual report to
Congress of the Philippines and the Office of the President on its compliance with its
functions under this Act, the implementation of the ICM Framework, and the SoC
Report on or before March 30 of every year following the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 41. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There is hereby
created a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee (JCOC) to monitor the
implementation of this Act and to review the implementing rules and regulations
promulgated by the DA, DENR, DHSUD, and CCC for a period not exceeding five
(5) years from the effectivity of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of five

25


(5) Senators and five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the Senate President and
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The Oversight Committee
shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Environment.
Natural Resources and Climate Change and the House of Representatives Committee
on Climate Change.

The secretariat of the JCOC shall be drawn from existing personnel of the
Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and
House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change.

SEC. 42. Separability Clause. — If any of the sections or provisions of this Act
is held invalid, all other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.

SEC. 43. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, orders, resolutions,
instructions, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 44, Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

26