Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS 
____ REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. ______ 
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING 
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND 
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines’ future is undeniably tied to the sea. With a coastline stretching over 
37,000 kilometers, longer than that of China, the United States, or Japan, nearly six in 
ten Filipinos live within ten kilometers of the shore. Ocean-based industries already 
contribute more than ₱850 billion annually, or roughly four percent of the national GDP, 
and support the livelihoods of over two million registered fisherfolk, most of whom 
operate small municipal boats. Emerging research reveals that when the unpriced 
benefits of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are accounted for, the true 
annual value of our marine ecosystems may reach trillions of pesos, surpassing even 
the country’s manufacturing output. 
Yet this vast natural wealth is under siege. The Philippines remains one of the top global 
contributors to marine plastic pollution. Fish stocks are dwindling, and climate 
projections warn that rising sea levels may subject millions of Filipinos to chronic coastal 
flooding by the end of the century. Without urgent and strategic intervention, the 
mounting human and economic toll of degraded ecosystems and coastal disasters will 
erase hard-won development gains. 
The proposed Blue Economy Act offers a forward-looking, science-driven solution. It 
mandates integrated marine spatial planning, ensuring that all coastal development 
aligns with ecological boundaries. It institutionalizes natural capital accounting in the 
national budgeting process so that the real value of marine resources, including reefs, 
mangroves, and fisheries, is reflected in public investment decisions. The bill also 
establishes Blue Economic Zones to attract private investment into sustainable 
ventures, including climate-resilient port infrastructure, offshore renewable energy, 
low-impact aquaculture, and ecosystem restoration. Enterprises that meet rigorous 
sustainability benchmarks will gain priority access to blue-bond financing and 
international climate funds. 
July 24, 2025
11:27 am
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Central to this reform is the creation of a National Blue Economy Authority equipped 
with a dedicated data and analytics bureau. This agency will coordinate enforcement 
against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and will publish real-time data 
on fish catch, habitat health, and pollution levels. Furthermore, the measure requires all 
coastal infrastructure projects exceeding ₱1 billion to include ecosystem-based 
resilience strategies, such as mangrove or coral reef offsets. It also empowers the 
Philippine Ports Authority to implement a green-port tariff system, rewarding ships and 
terminals that comply with international environmental standards. 
By approving this bill on third reading in the previous Congress, the Senate has already 
demonstrated rare cross-party unity. The House counterpart bill is poised to carry that 
momentum forward, unlocking access to fast-growing blue finance markets. As Senator 
Loren Legarda aptly stated, “The blue economy touches the very essence of our 
sustainable future.” And as nationalist statesman Lorenzo Tañada once declared, those 
who have less in life must have more in law. Enacting this measure will finally extend 
long-overdue legal protection and economic opportunity to coastal communities and the 
ecosystems that sustain them, anchoring the Philippines’ growth in stewardship rather 
than exploitation, and positioning the nation as a leader at the heart of the Coral 
Triangle. 
In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
        Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
Representative 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH (20th)  CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No. ______ 
Introduced by 
Rep. ROBERT NAZAL 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING 
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND 
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES 
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 “Blue Economy Act of 2025”. 
SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. 
It shall be the policy of the State to recognize, protect, and sustainably harness the full 
value of the Philippines’ coastal and marine ecosystems as a vital foundation for 
inclusive economic development, climate resilience, and intergenerational equity. 
Guided by the principles of ecological integrity, social justice, and science-based 
governance, the State shall promote a regenerative Blue Economy that aligns marine 
resource use and coastal development with the carrying capacity of ocean ecosystems. 
To this end, the State commits itself to: 
A.
Adopt the Blue Economy as a framework for the sustainable and safe use and
development of marine wealth within our coastal and maritime domain, as a pillar
of our national economy and patrimony;
B.
Exercise stewardship of our coasts and oceans, protect and conserve the health
and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats to promote the
well-being, inclusive prosperity, and security of present and future generations,
and expand areas under protection to meet the nation’s international obligations,
especially in refugial habitats;
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C.​
Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the economic, social, cultural, and 
historical value of our coasts and oceans, and foster public understanding and 
respect for the value of our coasts and oceans to build a strong foundation for 
social responsibility; 
 
D.​
Enrich scientific understanding of ocean, marine, and coastal ecosystems, the 
benefits we gain from these, their naturally changing extent and conditions, and 
the causes thereof, while also using the best available scientific knowledge to 
inform decisions affecting our coasts and oceans, and to enhance our capacity to 
respond and adapt to changing ocean environments; 
 
E.​
Exercise rights and jurisdiction, and enjoyment of freedom of the high seas, under 
applicable international laws; 
 
F.​
Strategically address the factors that adversely affect the oceans and the living 
and non-living resources that comprise our seas, turning threats into opportunities 
and preventing further harm to all water bodies, including land-based pollution, 
biodiversity loss, reclamation, and climate change; 
 
G.​
Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive and integrated 
framework for the stewardship of our coasts and oceans to facilitate cohesive 
action of the National Government, local authorities, academe, civil society 
organizations, indigenous peoples, local communities, and the private sector, to 
secure our people’s safe access to, enjoyment of, and opportunities to invest in 
sustaining their benefits from our blue economy; 
 
H.​
Uphold marine science as a foundation of maritime governance, ensuring that all 
rules, policies, and plans governing the use of coastal and marine resources will 
be based on sound scientific understanding of the marine environment; 
 
I.​
Uphold the value of natural ecosystems and their irreplaceability, thereby explicitly 
excluding reclamation and other activities that remove, replace, or destroy coastal 
ecosystems as activities that advance a blue economy. ​ 
 
SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. 
 
As used in this Act: 
 
A.​
Aquaculture refers to fishery operations involving the cultivation and farming of fish 
and other aquatic species in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. 
 
B.​
Aquasilviculture is a multi-purpose production system that integrates fish 
cultivation with mangrove reforestation, allowing for sustainable fish production 
while restoring coastal ecosystems. 
 
C.​
Blue Economy is an ocean-based economic model that utilizes green 
infrastructure,  
 


 
 
innovative technologies, sustainable financing mechanisms, and proactive 
institutional arrangements. It aims to achieve dual goals: protecting ocean and 
coastal ecosystems while enhancing their contribution to sustainable development, 
improving human well-being, and minimizing environmental risks and ecological 
degradation. 
 
D.​
Coast refers to the interface where land meets the ocean. It includes shoreline 
environments and adjacent coastal waters, such as river deltas, coastal plains, 
wetlands, beaches, dunes, coral reefs, mangrove forests, lagoons, and other 
coastal features. 
 
E.​
Ecosystem Services are the benefits derived from the natural functions of 
ecosystems that support human life and biodiversity. These services are 
categorized into provisioning, regulating, supporting (maintaining), and cultural 
services. 
 
F.​
Environmental Sustainability refers to the responsible management of coastal, 
marine, and freshwater resources to prevent environmental degradation. It 
involves stewardship by both government and local communities to prevent, 
reduce, and control pollution in coastal, marine, and freshwater environments; 
mitigate the impacts of climate change; and conserve and protect biodiversity. 
 
G.​
Fishing refers to the harvesting of aquatic species using passive or active gear for 
commercial purposes beyond subsistence or recreational fishing. It is classified 
into: 
 
1.​
Small-scale commercial fishing: using vessels between 3.1 and 20 gross tons 
(GT); 
 
2.​
Medium-scale commercial fishing: using active gear and vessels between 
20.1 and 150 GT; and 
 
3.​
Large-scale commercial fishing: using active gear and vessels exceeding 150 
GT.​
 
H.​
Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) is a coordinated, 
participatory approach to the sustainable management of marine and coastal 
resources. It promotes informed decision-making to mitigate the adverse effects of 
human activities, protect habitats, reduce stakeholder conflicts, and enhance 
inclusive growth. It contributes to climate resilience, food, water, and energy 
security, and overall societal well-being. 
 
I.​
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) are government entities established 
through law, executive order, or decree, tasked with promoting investments, 
managing tax and non-tax incentives, and regulating operations within designated 
economic zones and freeports. 
 


 
 
J.​
Land-based Pollution encompasses waste and runoff from municipal, industrial, 
and agricultural sources. This includes sewage, wastewater, persistent organic 
pollutants (e.g., pesticides), heavy metals, oils, nutrients, sediments, and plastic 
waste, which enter coastal waters either directly or via rivers. 
 
K.​
Marine Resources refer to the vast array of living and non-living components found 
in marine ecosystems, including those within oceans, seas, and coastal areas. 
 
L.​
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process that analyzes and allocates the 
spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas. Its goal is to 
balance development needs with ecosystem protection, achieving social, 
environmental, and economic objectives through informed, coordinated planning. 
 
M.​
Maritime Zones include the internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, 
contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf of the 
Philippine archipelago; and other maritime zones over which the Philippines 
exercises sovereignty or jurisdiction, following the 1987 Constitution and 
international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 
(UNCLOS) of 1982. 
 
N.​
Ocean Accounting is a statistical framework for regularly measuring and 
integrating economic, environmental, and social data related to ocean resources. It 
supports evidence-based decision-making through standardized accounts and key 
indicators. 
 
O.​
Ocean-based Activities are operations conducted at sea, including but not limited 
to fisheries, aquaculture, offshore oil and gas extraction, ocean energy production, 
seabed mining, desalination, shipping, shipbuilding and repair, port operations, 
marine tourism, marine construction, maritime law enforcement, and related 
technical services. 
 
P.​
Ocean-related Activities involve the use of marine products or services in 
industries such as seafood processing, marine biotechnology, salt production, and 
the development of products and services supporting ocean-based operations. 
 
Q.​
Ocean Literacy is the understanding of how the ocean affects human life and how 
human activities, in turn, impact the ocean. It includes knowledge of the 
interrelationship between the ocean and climate systems and their influence on 
water, ecosystems, and society. 
 
R.​
Reclamation refers to any activity (authorized or unauthorized) that deposits fill 
material into a marine or coastal area to create new land. Such projects 
permanently alter marine habitats and disrupt natural hydrological systems, 
whether for public infrastructure or private development. 
 
 


 
S.​
Subsistence Fishing is the practice of fishing primarily for personal consumption or 
for cultural and ceremonial purposes, rather than for commercial trade. 
SECTION 4. SCOPE OF APPLICATION. 
 
For this Act, the Philippines shall, in accordance with international law, exercise 
sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, as applicable, over its internal waters, 
archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), 
and continental shelf, collectively referred to herein as the “coastal and marine zones.” 
This includes the seabed, subsoil, and all maritime features within these zones, whether 
currently recognized or discovered in the future. 
 
CHAPTER III 
THE BLUE ECONOMY COUNCIL 
 
SECTION 5. BLUE ECONOMY COUNCIL.  
 
The Blue Economy Council, herein referred to as the Council, is hereby established to 
formulate an integrated strategy to strengthen, grow, and sustain the Philippines’ “Blue 
Economy”. It will also integrate marine and coastal area management and 
ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources. ​ 
 
SECTION 6. COMPOSITION. 
 
The Council shall be composed of the following:  
 
A.​ The Executive Secretary as chairperson; 
B.​ The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources as co-vice chairperson; 
C.​ The Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning as co-vice chairperson; 
D.​ The Secretary of National Defense; 
E.​ The Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
F.​ The Secretary of Justice; 
G.​ The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; 
H.​ The Secretary of Agriculture;  
I.​ The Secretary of Tourism; 
J.​ The Secretary of Transportation; 
K.​ The Secretary of Trade and Industry; 
L.​ The Secretary of Energy; 
M.​The Secretary of Science and Technology; 
N.​ The Secretary of Finance; and  
O.​ The Secretary of Public Works and Highways 
 
The heads of departments may designate an Undersecretary whose portfolio directly or 
primarily concerns the development or management of coastal and marine resources 
and ecosystems. When applicable, such Undersecretary shall serve in a permanent 
capacity, and their actions shall be deemed those of their principal. A majority of the 
members shall  
constitute a quorum. 
 


 
 
 
 


 
SECTION 7. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS.  
 
The Council shall be responsible for formulating a clear, coherent, and comprehensive 
policy framework and strategic action plan on the Blue Economy.​ It shall implement the 
following:​
  
A.​ Develop the country’s policy framework and strategic vision for the growth and 
sustainable development of the country’s blue economy;  
 
B.​ Institutionalize an integrated marine and coastal management; 
 
C.​ Enhance the country’s ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine 
resources; 
 
D.​ Align Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plans, fisheries management plans, 
coastal resource management plans, climate action plans, and marine spatial 
plans to determine zones, and designate allowed, regulated, and restricted 
activities; 
 
E.​ Strengthen economic and environmental regulations within our coastal and 
marine areas to preserve the value and sustainability of ocean resources and 
protect them from threats; 
 
F.​ Identify climate-resilient and environmentally sound investments, infrastructure, 
and technologies; 
 
G.​ Ensure an enabling environment for the growth and development of sustainable 
investment and finance; 
 
H.​ Identify priority blue economy sectors; 
 
I.​ Institutionalize regular coastal and ocean monitoring and accounting;  
 
J.​ Coordinate the development of marine spatial plans; 
 
K.​ Coordinate with various sectors and agencies to promote policy and program 
coherence; 
 
L.​ Coordinate and cooperate with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to 
ensure that the framework shall be in harmony and not overlap with the maritime 
industry development plan; 
 
M.​Coordinate with the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee to Facilitate the 
Ratification and Accession to and Implementation of Maritime Conventions 
(ICCFRAIMC) and ensure that it will aid in the implementation thereof; 
N.​ Conduct, support, fund, engage, collaborate, and/or coordinate research and 
development in the blue economy; 
 


 
 
O.​ Develop, expand, and strengthen investments in capacity building and skills 
enhancement programs for the blue economy, and encourage such to be 
featured in the work plans of governments, the private sector, and civil society 
organizations; 
 
P.​ Review, update, and disseminate the policy framework and strategic action plan 
on blue economy; 
 
Q.​ Perform other functions as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act. ​ 
 
SECTION 8. SECRETARIAT.  
 
A Secretariat to the Council shall be established within the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA), to be headed by an Executive Director III (Salary Grade 
28), who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. The Secretariat shall be 
under the control and supervision of the NEDA Director General. 
 
The Executive Director III must possess at least seven (7) years of relevant experience 
and expertise in one or more of the following fields: marine science and research, blue 
economy, 
ecosystem-based 
management 
of 
coastal 
and 
marine 
resources, 
environmental economics, environmental accounting, or financial analysis. 
 
The initial staffing structure and personnel complement of the Secretariat shall be 
submitted by NEDA to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funding 
approval. Within one (1) month from the effectivity of this Act, NEDA shall constitute an 
interim Secretariat through the temporary detail of personnel from its member agencies. 
 
The Secretariat shall perform the following functions: 
 
A.​
Provide technical and administrative support to the Council, including the drafting 
of strategies, policy priorities, and other documents for the Council’s review and 
adoption; 
 
B.​
Consult with subject matter experts to inform policymaking and priority setting on 
the blue economy and the ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine 
resources; 
 
C.​
Coordinate with government agencies, the private sector, the academic and 
scientific community, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local 
communities, and the general public; 
 
D.​
Design and implement a national blue economy development program and 
promote its mainstreaming across the government bureaucracy; 
E.​
Formulate policy and program recommendations for the Council’s consideration; 
 
F.​
Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Council. 
 


 
SECTION 9. SUPPORTING AGENCIES.   
 
The following agencies shall provide material or technical support to the Council, as 
may be necessary:  
 
A.​
Climate Change Commission (CCC); ​  
B.​
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); ​  
C.​
Board of Investments (BOI); ​  
D.​
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); ​  
E.​
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); ​  
F.​
National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA); ​  
G.​
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB); ​  
H.​
Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB); ​  
I.​
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); ​  
J.​
National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI); ​  
K.​
Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA); ​  
L.​
Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF); ​  
M.​
MARINA; ​  
N.​
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA); ​  
O.​
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and 
Development (PCAARRD); ​  
P.​
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration 
(PAGASA); ​  
Q.​
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); ​  
R.​
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); ​  
S.​
Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MG); ​  
T.​
Philippine Navy (PN); ​  
U.​
National Museum - Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division 
(NM-MUCHD); ​  
V.​
Commission on Higher Education (CHED); ​  
W.​
Relevant institutions and components of the University of the Philippines (UP);  
X.​
Investment promotion agencies. ​ 
 
To ensure the efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities, the Council may 
create working groups and call upon other departments, bureaus, offices, 
instrumentalities of the Government, as well as academic and research institutions 
engaged in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities, to participate 
therein, as it may deem necessary. ​ 
 
CHAPTER III 
THE BLUE ECONOMY FRAMEWORK 
 
SECTION 10. POLICY DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY.  
 
Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall formulate a policy 
framework on Blue Economy, herein referred to as the Framework. ​The Framework is a 
development model that aims to help the country define a roadmap for a diversified and 
 


 
sustainable ocean economy in a manner that provides long-term economic as well as 
social benefits while building resilience to climate change, without compromising the 
safety of our marine ecosystems. ​ The Framework shall be subject to mandatory review 
and modification every five (5) years. ​ 
 
SECTION 11. COMPONENTS OF THE POLICY FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY. 
 
The framework shall include the following components:  
 
A.​
Comprehensive review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules, and 
regulations concerning ocean-based and ocean-related activities; 
 
B.​
Ensuring full adherence to international maritime laws and conventions; 
 
C.​
Analysis of current and emerging trends—including demographic shifts, 
consumption patterns, trade, energy use, technological advances, environmental 
quality, and climate change—highlighting interactions between the economy and 
the environment, as well as identifying existing and future threats to coastal and 
marine ecosystems and estimating potential damages; 
 
D.​
Implementation of environmental-economic accounting for coastal and marine 
assets, including both living and non-living resources, as well as ecosystem 
services. This shall include assessments of environmental degradation and 
damage from major pollution events such as oil spills; and 
 
E.​
Adoption of an Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) 
framework to address human-induced impacts on marine biodiversity and promote 
its conservation and sustainable use; 
 
The national IMCAM framework shall include the following elements: 
 
1.​
Capacity-building for stakeholders at national and local levels to strengthen 
legal frameworks, institutionalize participatory processes, and promote 
ecosystem-based, multidisciplinary, and multisectoral coastal and marine 
resource management; 
 
2.​
Protection of marine and coastal ecosystems from threats such as 
destruction or alteration of habitats, particularly coral reefs, seagrass beds, 
and breeding grounds; marine and land-based pollution; mismanagement of 
watersheds and improper coastal land use; illegal, unreported, and 
unregulated (IUU) fishing, including by-catch of threatened species; and 
 
3.​
Establishment of systems and guidelines for research, monitoring, 
evaluation, and valuation of coastal and marine ecosystems, with 
measurable indicators of both natural and anthropogenic impacts; 
 
 


 
F.​
Identification of priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related 
economic activities, including: 
 
1.​
Fisheries (with preference for subsistence fisheries, pursuant to Section 7, 
Article XIII of the Constitution), seafood processing, and R&D; 
2.​
Aquaculture, mariculture, and aquasilviculture; 
3.​
Marine and coastal tourism; 
4.​
Shipping, logistics, and maritime transportation; 
5.​
Shipbuilding and ship repair; 
6.​
Marine renewable energy generation; 
7.​
Installation of submarine cables and pipelines; 
8.​
Marine biotechnology, bioremediation, and bioprospecting; 
9.​
Desalination; 
10.​ Preservation of underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology;​
 
G.​
Development of a national guiding framework for IMCAM; 
 
H.​
Establishment of a blue finance framework to guide investments in sustainable 
marine activities; 
 
I.​
Formulation of a research and development agenda to promote innovation in 
pollution control, remediation, water reuse, and related environmental industries; 
 
J.​
Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility to foster public engagement 
in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems; 
 
K.​
Enhancement of institutional capacity among relevant agencies for the effective 
enforcement of marine-related laws and regulations; 
 
L.​
Setting of measurable goals, targets, and indicators for the growth, resilience, and 
sustainability of ocean-based and ocean-related sectors, including contributions to 
GDP, job creation, and livelihoods; 
 
M.​
Expansion and effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to 
conserve biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems; 
 
N.​
Mainstreaming of circular economy and resource-efficiency principles into blue 
economy initiatives to address marine litter and microplastics; 
 
O.​
Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) strategies to 
operationalize the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); and 
 
P.​
Strengthening of management capacities at both national and local levels, 
including among sectoral stakeholders, to enhance the protection and sustainable 
use of marine and coastal ecosystems, and such other components as may be 
determined by the Council. 
 
 


 
CHAPTER IV 
OCEAN ACCOUNTING  
 
SECTION 12. OCEAN ACCOUNTING.  
 
The PSA shall undertake environmental-economic accounting of the ocean, maritime 
ecosystems, 
and 
resources, 
based 
on 
the 
United 
Nations 
System 
of 
Environmental-Economic Accounting and in corresponding with Republic Act No. ​ 
11995, otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting 
System (PENCAS) Act”. ​Members of the Council and heads of support agencies shall 
contribute data and submit reports on environmental-economic accounts relating to their 
mandates, including damage estimation and sea level rise projections. ​ 
 
SECTION 13. MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING.  
 
The Council shall lead the implementation of a nationwide Marine Spatial Planning 
(MSP) initiative, in close coordination with key stakeholders. This process shall identify 
the spatial and temporal distribution of priority activities, allowable uses, and their 
interactions within maritime zones to: 
 
A.​
Minimize conflicts among competing uses; 
B.​
Promote complementary and synergistic uses; 
C.​
Mitigate environmental impacts and prevent the creation of marine dead zones; 
D.​
Rehabilitate existing dead zones or non-attainment areas, if present; 
E.​
Reduce inefficiencies and wastage in marine supply chains; and 
F.​
Safeguard ecosystem services.​
 
The national MSP shall serve as the overarching framework that sets guiding principles, 
delineates spatial and temporal zones, and classifies human activities within coastal 
and marine areas as allowed, restricted, or regulated based on ecological, social, and 
economic considerations. 
 
Furthermore, the Council shall encourage and support the formulation of regional and 
local MSPs that provide more detailed and context-specific planning. These localized 
plans shall enable actionable investments, targeted regulations and enforcement, 
effective marine and coastal resource management, and climate and disaster risk 
reduction strategies. 
 
SECTION 14.  BLUE ECONOMIC ZONES.  
 
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) shall actively promote the establishment of Blue 
Economic Zones (BEZs) and facilitate the transformation of existing special economic 
zones into BEZs. 
 
Registered business enterprises engaged in ocean-based or ocean-related activities, as 
identified under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), shall be entitled to the 
privileges, incentives, and exemptions granted to enterprises operating within economic 
 


 
zones and freeports, in accordance with their respective enabling laws, Republic Act 
No. 11534 or the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) 
Act,” and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
Moreover, eligible registered business enterprises operating within BEZs may also 
qualify for financing and support under Republic Act No. 11293, otherwise known as the 
“Philippine Innovation Act,” subject to the applicable provisions thereof. 
 
SECTION 15. PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AND EMPLOYMENT 
 
The Council shall, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE), the Department of Agriculture-BFAR, and other concerned agencies and 
stakeholders, develop a policy to ensure the enhancement and sustainability of 
municipal fisheries as well as the promotion and generation of sustainable livelihood in 
the blue economy towards the creation of more employment and equal opportunities for 
all, and to strengthen investments in capacity building and skills enhancement 
programs, following Republic Act No. ​ 10771 or the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016”. 
 
SECTION 16. ROLE OF BANGKO SENTRAL IN THE PHILIPPINES. ​  
 
In the exercise of its regulatory powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall provide 
an enabling regulatory environment to promote the development of the country’s Blue 
Economy, in line with its sustainable finance framework and considering international 
standards and best practices. ​ 
 
SECTION 17. ROLE OF SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  
 
The SEC shall encourage the issuance of blue bonds, the proceeds of which will be 
exclusively applied to finance or refinance, in part or full, eligible blue Programs, 
Activities, and Projects (PAPs) following SEC guidelines, and ASEAN Green Bonds 
Standards and Green Bonds Principles, as developed and may be revised from time to 
time by the SEC, the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the International Capital 
Market Association. ​ All designated blue PAPs must provide clear benefits to ocean 
health and the blue economy and must contribute substantially to United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 14, which shall be assessed together with 
compliance with environmental laws and standards, and, where feasible, quantified by 
the corporation that will issue the blue bonds. ​ The eligibility of these blue PAPs shall be 
subject to the guidelines to be issued by the SEC. ​ 
 
SECTION 18. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. 
 
The Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall 
provide credit to enterprises engaged in strategic and sustainable ocean-based or 
ocean-related activities. ​ 
 
 
 


 
SECTION 19. PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES. 
 
The Council shall monitor, coordinate, and ensure the conservation, protection, and 
rehabilitation of rare, threatened, and endangered aquatic species as it may determine, 
including their habitats and migratory routes, in coordination with BFAR and following 
existing laws, rules, and regulations. ​  
 
It shall recommend to the President and Congress the designation of coastal and 
marine areas as protected areas under Republic Act No. ​ 11038 or the “Expanded 
National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018”, or sanctuaries of local 
conservation areas under Republic Act No. ​ 8550 or “The Philippine Fisheries Code of 
1998”, as amended, and Republic Act No. ​ 7160 or the “Local Government Code of 
1991”, as amended, and in compliance with the relevant provisions of international 
treaties and agreements, such as the UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity, 
the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, and the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. ​ 
 
SECTION 20. POLICY COORDINATION.  
 
The Council shall harmonize the rules and regulations of all agencies responsible for 
the implementation and enforcement of laws to prevent and eliminate illegal, 
unreported, and unregulated fishing under Republic Act No. ​ 8550, as amended, setting 
strategic and measurable targets and ensuring the best use of technology, such as a 
vehicle monitoring system. Furthermore, the Council shall act as the coordinating and 
monitoring arm of the government in ensuring other government agencies’ compliance 
with these laws. ​ 
 
SECTION 21. ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs). 
 
Cities and municipalities shall retain jurisdiction over municipal waters in accordance 
with Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8550, as amended. In 
line with this mandate, local government units (LGUs) located in coastal and marine 
areas shall serve as frontline agencies in the formulation, planning, and implementation 
of the Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) framework within 
their respective jurisdictions. 
 
LGUs shall develop local Marine Spatial Plans aligned with the National Marine Spatial 
Plan, and shall integrate these into the following plans and instruments: 
 
A.​
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP); 
B.​
Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP); 
C.​
Annual Investment Plan (AIP); 
D.​
Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) or Coastal Resource Management (CRM) 
Plan; 
E.​
Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP); and 
F.​
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (LDRRMP).​
 
 


 
LGUs shall also maximize opportunities under national initiatives, including the National 
Sewerage and Septage Management Plan and funding support available through 
Republic Act No. 9275, or the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.” 
 
SECTION 22. INTER-LGU COOPERATION.​ 
 
Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. ​ 7160, as amended, LGUs may 
group themselves and consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources 
for the accomplishment of the objectives of this Act. ​ 
 
SECTION 23. LOCAL GOVERNMENT POWER TO UNDERTAKE RECLAMATION.  
 
Notwithstanding the provisions of Presidential Decree No. ​ 1899 and Republic Act No. ​ 
7160, as amended, there shall be a presumption against the power of the local 
governments to reclaim land from the foreshore, or oceans and coasts, unless such 
reclamation is planned for the purposes as defined under Presidential Decree No. ​ 
1899. Such presumption can only be overturned if: 
 
A.​ There is an overriding public need, and the reclaimed land is not for private or 
exclusive development;  
B.​ The public need is cogent and convincing; ​ 
C.​ There is no other means to meet the public need, other alternatives having been 
analyzed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as required under 
Presidential Decree No. ​ 1151; 
D.​ No private sale of lands is included unless it is to fund the project with an 
overriding public need, and buyers are required to continuously and regularly pay 
to the municipality the ecosystem services from the marine ecosystem lost to the 
reclamation;  
E.​ Adjacent LGUs express no objection to the project. ​ 
 
SECTION 24. ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. 
 
The LGUs that satisfy the acceptability requirements in the foregoing section shall pass 
the necessary ordinances and cause the necessary annotations to the titles of all lands 
privately acquired to ensure collection of the payments required under Section 23(d) of 
this Act.  
 
CHAPTER IX 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 25. JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE. 
 
There shall be a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Blue Economy 
(JCOC-BE). The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives shall designate five (5) Senators and five (5) Members of the House of 
Representatives, respectively, as members of the JCOC-BE: Provided, That the minority 
in the Senate and the House of Representatives shall each have at least one (1) seat in 
 


 
the JCOC-BE. ​ The JCOC-BE shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate 
Committee on Economic Affairs and the House Committee on Economic Affairs. ​ The 
JCOC-BE shall conduct a semi-annual hearing to oversee, monitor, and evaluate the 
implementation of this Act and identify other necessary legislation. ​ 
 
SECTION 26. APPROPRIATIONS. 
 
The initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s 
appropriations of the departments or agencies concerned. Thereafter, the amount 
necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the respective budgets 
of the concerned departments and agencies in the annual General Appropriations Act. ​ 
 
SECTION 27. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. 
 
Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Council shall issue the 
implementing rules and regulations: Provided, that failure to issue rules and regulations 
shall not in any manner affect the executory nature of the provisions of this Act.  
 
SECTION 28. CONSTRUCTION.  
 
In the implementation of this Act, any conflict with Republic Act No. ​ 8550, as amended, 
shall be resolved in favor of the latter, to ensure the ecological and environmental 
safeguards therein and with a presumption in favor of subsistence fisherfolk. ​ 
 
SECTION 29. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE.​  
If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not 
otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. ​ 
 
 
SECTION 30. REPEALING CLAUSE. 
 
All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, letters of instruction, proclamations, or 
administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly: Provided, That any inconsistency with 
Republic Act No. ​ 8550, as amended, shall be construed in favor of the said law unless 
there is a cogent ecological rationale for resolving the inconsistency in favor of this Act. ​ 
 
SECTION 31. EFFECTIVITY. 
 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette 
or a newspaper of general circulation. ​ 
 
Approved,