EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1917
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2020 m
DATE
TtME
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Introduced by Senator Risa Hontiveros
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COASTAL GREENBELT PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2013, super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas and felt In other 
parts of the country as it left 6,201 killed and four million people lost their homes. It was 
estimated that over 14 million people were affected over 46 provinces. In 2020, a similar 
deadly Super Typhoon Roily battered the Bicol Region and neighboring areas that killed 
at least 20 people, of which 14 were from Albay and 6 from Catanduanes, based from 
the report of the Office of Civil Defense. It also damaged agricultural crops and 
infrastructure worth Php6 billion as estimated by the Department of Agriculture and 
Department of Public Works and Highways.
Previous storms, Ondoy, Pablo and Sendong have wrought havoc to other cities 
and provinces in the past half-decade, crippling the economic and social development of 
the Rlipino people. The Philippines is battered by more than 20 typhoons a year, with an 
increasing number in the super-typhoon category. These could bring as much damage as 
Yolanda and Roily The losses attributed were caused by storm surges and strong winds 
coming from the open ocean, particularly in the Eastern Pacific Seaboard. In the age of 
global climate change, this has unfortunately become the new normal.
The poor coastal communities' natural exposure to storm surges and lack of 
resources for preparation and recovery make them most vulnerable.
It is Imperative to think of innovative, sustainable and cost-efficient ways for 
Filipinos to protect themselves, their properties and communities from the devastating 
Impacts of natural disasters.
The Philippines Is taking great strides in disaster preparedness. Recent laws 
created the Climate Change Commission through Republic Act No. (R.A.) 9729 and 
strengthened the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through R.A. 
No. 10121. In addition, the People's Survival Fund through RA No. 10174 was aeated to 
support adaptation activities of local governments and communities to increase their 
resilience.
Disaster preparedness comprises a whole suite of items, such as early warning 
systems, elevated shelters, hard engineering (e.g., breakwaters) and green engineering/ 
Infrastructure.


1. The establishment of greenbelts of mangroves and beach forests along 
coastlines Is a proven green engineering Intervention. Coastal greenbelts 
particularly mangroves plays an essential role in mitigating climate change and 
its impacts. Collectively termed as blue carbon ecosystem along with salt marsh 
and seagrass meadows have been regarded as powerhouse of carbon 
sequestration. The role of blue carbon ecosystems, particularly mangroves, are 
now being incorporated in the climate change mitigation modalities particularly in 
the Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation or REDD 
(lUCN 2012).
Nature-based solutions for climate such as coastal greenbelt protection and 
management, harness the power of nature to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 
and also help us adapt to the impacts of climate change and reduce disaster 
risks. They are win-win solutions that involve protecting, restoring and 
sustainably managing ecosystems to address society's challenges and 
promote human well-being. It also addresses our biodiversity crisis. Globally, 
around a million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction - 
more than ever before in human history because of mangrove destruction.
As the Philippines' 36,000 km coastline Is among the longest in the world, coastal 
greenbelts effectively mitigate the damaging Impacts of waves and storm surges. Some 
of the scientifically proven benefits are:
• Wave height of wind and swell waves can be reduced by 13-66% over 100m of 
mangroves;
• Storm surge attenuation of 5-50 cm per kilometer width of mangroves;
• Surface wind waves can be reduced by more than 75% over one kilometer of 
mangroves;
• 50% reduction In storm surges by a 7-km band of mangroves.
Furthermore, coastal forests can reduce the force, depth and velocity of a tsunami, 
lessening damage to property and reducing loss of life.
Furthermore, mangrove root growth pushes the soil upward, resulting In a higher 
soil level. These processes can allow mangroves to keep pace with rising sea 
levels. Some mangroves sit on top of deep layers of mangrove peat that may be 
6 meters deep or more, that were built up over thousands of years as sea levels 
rose. These mangrove soils grew vertically at rates of up to 10 mm per year in 
sites from Australia to Belize, suggesting that mangroves may be able to keep up 
with similar rates of sea level rise into the future, where local conditions allow. 
While not all mangroves may be able to fully "keep up" with rising seas, even a 
small inaease in soil surface height over time may help to reduce the impact of 
sea level rise on coastal areas. Mangroves may be able to colonize landward 
areas if space is available, and thus, continue to provide coastal defense services 
against waves and storms.
Coastal greenbelts are also cost-effective for disaster preparedness in the long 
term. The total valuation of mangroves is estimated at US$14,000-16,000 per hectare, of 
which about 80% is for coastal protection value. The cost of establishing coastal 
greenbelts to protect against storm surge and tsunami would only be a fraction of the 
damages that could be brought by the yearly battering of typhoons.
A number of exisb'ng laws, policies and regulations on mangroves have been issued 
over the years resulting In a fragmented and conflicting policy environment. This bill alms


to come up with a strategic program to rationalize the development of mangroves and 
beach forests for coastal protection; It is anchored on a comprehensive policy framework 
that addresses the fragmented approach in the past
Establishing the National 0>astal Greenbelt Program shall provide appropriate 
agencies and government instrumentalities the mandates, funding, and general guiding 
principles for Implementing a science-based and cost-effective program. The proposed 
National Greenbelt Program mandates establishment of TOO-meter protection zones, 
initially for toe Eastern Pacific seaboard, where typhoons make landfall. This Program can 
also reap added benefits. The establishment of science-based coastal greenbelts is 
expected to protect biodiversity. Improve fisheries productivity, and enhance the tourism 
and livelihood potential of the area. Transforming vulnerable coastal villages Into highly 
resilient and sustainable communities is a step towards a nation that Is Inclusive for all.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
RISAHONTIVEROS 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
}
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
9:00 a.m.
SENATE
1917
Introduced by Senator Risa Hontiveros
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AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COASTAL GREENBELT PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Tide. -TTiis Act shall be known as the "National Coastal Greenbelt
Act"
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -The State shall ensure the protection of the 
rights of the people to a healthful and balanced ecology as enshrined in our 1987 
Philippine Constitution. Consistent with the Climate Change Act of 2009 (R.A, No. 9729), 
as amended by R.A. No. 10174, the State shall encourage the participation of the national 
government, local governments, businesses, nongovernment organizations, local 
communities and the public to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change. 
The State shall also recognize that climate change and disaster risk reduction and 
management are closely interrelated. The State shall Incorporate a gender-sensitive, pro- 
children and pro-poor perspective in all plans of disaster risk reduction and management 
and applies the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to climate change. These principles shall be 
further Integrated Into climate change programs and initiatives. Taking into account the 
effects of climate change and the need to conserve and develop the conditions of our 
environment, the State shall take appropriate measures to protect the lives and property 
of the people from the Impacts in coastal areas of typhoons, tsunamis and similar natural 
events.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
mean:
a. Coastalgneenbeits-a strip of natural or planted coastal vegetation, stretching 
at least 100 meters in width from the sea towards land, primarily of mangrove 
and beach forest species, which are designed to prevent coastal erosion, and 
mitigate the adverse impacts of natural coastal hazards on human lives and 
property.
b. Designated area for coastal greenbeits - site-specific stretch of vegetation in 
the coastal zone, defined in relation to risk factors and vulnerability to coastal 
hazards, and reserved for protection and maintenance under the National 
Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan. The area may undergo rehabilitation, 
reforestation or afforestation with locally appropriate species. Designated areas 
with abandoned fishponds require tee reversion of these fishponds to 
mangroves through natural regeneration or replanting with locally appropriate 
species. Designated areas with illegal structures (such as breakwaters.


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permanent residential/ commercial structures, and the like) require removal of 
such structures.
c. Ecosystem-Based AdaptaOon-ls an approach to address climate change 
through the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services as part of an over-all 
adaptation strategy to help people to adapt to the adverse effects of climate 
change (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2009)
d. Local Coastal Greenbdt Action Plan (LCGAP) - the local action plan shall be 
based on the NCGAP. It shall contain the specific goals and targets for the 
implementation of the program set in the NCGAP.
e. National Coastal Greenbe/t Action Plan (NCGAP) - the operational plan that 
shall serve as the guide for the Local Greenbelt Action Plan (LCGAP). It shall 
contain the implementing guidelines on how to go about Section 4 of this Act.
Sec. 4. National Coastal Greenbeit Action Plan (NCGAP). -The Climate 
Change Commission shall, within six (6) months, identify and convene all national 
government agencies and instrumentalities 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 National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (NCGAP). The NGCAP 
will provide input to the National Qimate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) and the Nationally 
Determined Contributions that the Philippines will submit to the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of its commitment to the 
Paris Agreement.
The NCGAP, at the minimum, contain the following:
a. Spatial representation, or if feasible, quick/ rapid inventory of the status of 
coastlines and foreshores, including the status of mangroves, beach forests, 
settlements, structures and fishponds at least within 100 meters therein;
b. Assessment of priority areas to be declared as coastal greenbelts, for each 
coastal province, city and municipality, to protect by means of mangroves and 
beach forests, based on vulnerability to storm surges, waves, tsunami and the 
like. The Action Plan shall indicate that the assessment of priority areas shall 
be completed within twelve (12) months from the adoption of the NCGAP. The 
CCC through Its National Panel of Technical Experts shall determine the criteria 
for selection for the priority areas under the NCGAP;
c. Designation of priority areas for coastal greenbelts that are already included as 
either a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System 
(R.A. No. 7586), or Expanded NIPAS (R.A. No. 11038) or as a fish refuge or 
sanctuary under the Fisheries Code of 1998 (R.A. No. 8550, as amended by 
R.A. No. 10654), or as a iocal marine protected area or fish sanctuaries as may 
be declared by municipalities and cities through ordinances. The designation 
shall be completed within six (6) months from the completion of the 
assessment. Designation shall also be done through a proposal to the 
appropriate agency, municipality or city as may be deemed necessary. If an 
area Is designated as a priority area, no structure shall be allowed in said area 
unless it Is approved by the DENR or BFAR, as may be appropriate;


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d. Operational Plan for the rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation of 
designated priority coastal greenbelts with ecologicaliy appropriate mangrove 
and beach forest species, at least one hundred (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 the designation of the priority area. When necessary, the plan 
shall be complemented and/or combined with simple engineer solution to 
support rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestation initiatives and provide 
additional services such as avoiding further coastal erosion, provide coastal 
protection from wind waves and storm surges if possible.
e. Operational Plan for the reversion of all abandoned fishponds to mangroves 
through natural regeneration or replanting with locally appropriate species. The 
NCGAP shall indicate that the identification and recovery of possession from 
delinquent fishpond lease agreement holders shall be completed within twelve 
(12) months from the adoption thereof. All fishpond areas to be reverted to 
mangroves shall form part of the minimum target for the first year of 
implementation of the Action Plan. In addition the plan should also include a 
comprehensive study of carbon sequestration capacity of mangroves or carbon 
stock assessment in the country.;
f. Operational Plan for the removal of Illegal structures (such as breakwaters, 
permanent residential/ commercial structures, and the like), in the identified 
priority coastal greenbelts. Trie NCGAP shall indicate that the declaration of and 
notice to persons responsible for removal of illegal structures shall be 
completed within twelve (12) months from the adoption thereof. The removal 
of illegal structures in and start of rehabilitation, reforestation or afforestatiorr 
of these areas shall form part of the minimum target for the first year of 
implementation of the Action Plan.
q. Monitoring and evaluation plan, with quantitative and qualitative targets 
consistent with (d), (e) and (0 above, appropriate indicators and reasonable 
means of verification. The plan shall become an Integrated part of the Action 
Plan and Annual Report to Congress.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) shall be responsible for consolidating the 
NCGAP not later than twelve (12) months from the date this Act takes effect.
Sec. 5. Key Implementing Agencies. -The following agencies shall take the 
lead in Implementing components of the Program and Action Plan that are relevant to 
their mandates:
a. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) shall be responsible for the 
congregation of relevant government agencies, facilitation of public 
participation in the preparation of the NCGAP, Integration of the NCGAP into 
Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plans and the preparation of the integrated


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report to Congress especially with regard to the expenditure of the 
appropriation and other pertinent matters under Section 8 of this Act;
b. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its 
relevant offices, shall be responsible for (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (0 of Mon 
4 of this Act in line with existing laws and mandates, and it shall provide the 
CCC all relevant information to aid in the monitoring and evaluation of the 
NCGAP. In particular, the DENR shall identify the Designated Areas that will 
need to be expropriated by the government and to recommend the 
expropriation plan to the CCC;
c. The Bureau of Rsheries and Aquatic Resources (BEAR) of the Department of 
Agriculture (DA) shall coordinate with the DENR for (e) In Section 4 above or 
the Operational Plan that provides for the reversion of all abandoned fishponds 
to mangroves through natural regeneration or replanting with locally 
appropriate species in line with existing laws and mandates, and It shall provide 
the CCC all relevant information to aid in the monitoring and evaluation of the 
NCGAP'
d. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through its relevant 
offices, shall provide technical guidance for provinces, cities and municipalities 
to develop Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plans, design and Implement 
community-based and ecologically appropriate rehabilitation, reforestation and 
afforestation programs, and monitor and evaluate their programs. In particular, 
the Local Inter Agency Committee (LIAQ shall coordinate with the Local 
Government Unit in implementing the action plans.
In addition, the National Housing Authority (NHA) shall provide appropriation 
for die relocation of the families or individuals who will be affected by the 
implementation of the NCGAP and the LCGAP The other agencies that 
participated in the preparation of the Action Plan shall implement their 
commitments, as provided therein. The actions required of implementing 
agencies are Immediately executable, based on the agreed NCGAP, and on 
other existing mandates, programs and budgets that are aligned with the 
NCGAP, without need for formulating Implementing guidelines, rules and 
regulations for this Act.
Sec. 6. National Pane! of Technical Experts. - 
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Consistent with R.A. No. 9729, the National Panel of Technical Experts shall provide
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scientific guidance to the CCC in the design, implementation and evaluation of actions
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under the NCGAP.
Sec. 7. Local Coastal Gieenbeit Action Plan. - Each coastal municipality and 
dty in the identified priority coastal greenbelt areas in the Action Plan shall prepare a 
Local Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (LCGAP) from its local climate change action plari 
(LCCAP) to facilitate the Implementation of mandated actions in the NCGAP. The roles of 
the municipality or city, as provided in the LCGAP shall be to:
a. Facilitate the implementation of the mandates of the national agencies under 
Section 4, by providing local data and other supporting measures;
b. Implement complementary programs to assist local communities and loal 
businesses that are affected by the actions under Section 4, such as relocation 
sites with basic services such as livelihood and transportation programs, zoning
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d.
or re-2oning of the priority coastal greenbelt areas, as appropriate, and the
Provide the actual Inventory of affected families in Designated Areas and to 
ensure that a just and humane processes of relocation is done;
Lead in the actual Implementation of rehabiiitation, reforestation and 
afforestation, through the coastal barangays;
e. Integrate the Identified coastal greenbelts in the Comprehensive Land-Use 
Plan;
f. Provide data and qualitative feedback to the Key Implementing Agencies as 
may be relevant.
The provincial government shall provide technical and budgetary support to 
component coastal cities and municipalities, and ensure consistency across contiguous 
cities and municipalities sharing a common priority coastal greenbelt area.
Sec. 8. Enforcement Actions. -
a) In addition to the penalties provided under existing law, any person who 
obstructs the DENR In the removal of illegal structures, or BFAR in the process 
of reversion of abandoned fishponds, shall be liable to that agency for an 
administrative fine of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) per day that the agency 
Is prevented from performing its function.
b) No structure shall be built within the identified coastal greenbelts without a 
permit from DENR or BFAR, 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) per day from the time the structure was built
until its removal. 
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c) Proceeds from administrative fines under this Section shall be retained by the 
agency Imposing such fines and used exclusively for the implementation of its 
mandate under this Act.
d) Legal actions filed in the exercise of rights and enforcement of obligations 
under this Act shall be covered by the Rules of Procedure for Environmental 
Cases.
Sec. 9. Incentives to Local Government Units. The CCC shall design an 
Incentive award system for LGUs that have finalized their evidence-based LCGAP and 
have supported the establishment of coastal greenbelts in their areas.
Section 10. Annual Report to Congress. -The Key Implementing Agencies 
shall report to Congress on their progress in meeting the quantitative and qualitative 
targets under the Action Plan for each fiscal year. The reports shall be consolidated by 
the Climate Change Commission for presentation to the appropriate Committee in 
Congress at a meeting called for the purpose.
Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the CCC, in consultation with the stakeholders, shall promulgate 
the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
Sec. 12. Appropriations. -The Key Implementing Agencies shall draw from 
their existing programs and budgets to implement their responsibilities under the Action 
Plan and subject to additional funding In the annual national appropriations, to meet the 
targets agreed in the Action Plan.


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Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - Should any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.
SEC. 14. Repeating Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations 
or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly.
SEC. 15. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication 
in the Official Gazette and in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.
Approved,