Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7541

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to environmental group Greenpeace, the Philippines ranks third as the
“worst polluter of the world’s oceans”, after China and Indonesia’. The three
countries, as well as Thailand and Vietnam, are responsible for as much as 60% of
the plastic waste in the world’s oceans”. The National Center for Ecological Analysis
and Synthesis estimated over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every
year. Asian nations were found to be a major contributor to plastic waste’.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognized the
need to give our coastal and marine areas due attention. They reiterated this call by
implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act as well as facilitated the
clearing of coastal areas from trash and debris* in 2017 during the International
Coastal Cleanup Day

This bill intends to institutionalize the observance of the National Coastal Clean-Up
Day to promote water pollution prevention via coastal cleanups. Similar to what the
DENR has conducted, this bill proposes to tum coastal cleanups into an annual
program by the agency and catalyze the support of other relevant agencies.

The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

\-polluter-manila-bay
2/stronger-regulation-plastic-bags-

* https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/09/15/denr-to-lead-coastal-cleanup-in-visayas/


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7541

— Ss
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.
—————
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY IN THE

PHILIPPINES PRESCRIBING EVERY SECOND SUNDAY OF SEPTEMBER A
NATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Coastal Clean-
up Day”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and
harmony of nature and to promote consciousness over the protection of our marine

resources.

SECTION 3. Observance of the National Coastal Clean-Up Day. - An annual
program of activities that would promote water pollution prevention via coastal
cleanups shall be prepared and implemented by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR). In support there, the:

. Department of Education;
.. Commission on Higher Education;
Civil Service Commission;

aec®

Department of Interior and Local Government;


Philippine National Police; and
Armed Forces of the Philippines
Schools (Public and Private); and
|. National and Local Government Agencies.

>e> oO

Shall facilitate and encourage the commemoration of this day.

In addition, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in coordination with the
abovementioned agencies, shall ensure the effective information dissemination of
this Act.

SECTION 4. Funding. —- The amount necessary for the effective implementation of
this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the DENR under the current
General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for
the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual GAA.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this

Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations
or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in
the Philippines.

Approved,