Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Soe 36

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTES

‘The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic country situated in the western Pacific
Ocean, it consisting of about 7,641 islands that are estimated under the three main geographical
divisions Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has the fifth longest coastal lines in the world at
6,289 kilometers.

‘The country is also endowed with abundant natural resources both land and water, and
boasts of some of the world's greatest biodiversity.

‘The 1987 Constitution, particularly in its Article 12, Section 2, Paragraph 2 states that:
“The State shall protect the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagc waters, territorial sea...”
However, the country’s seas, lakes and other marine resources are not spared

from human destructive practices, especially the inconsiderate dumpings of garbage,

debris and other wastes in our waterways..

It is with vital importance to have a National Coastal Clean-up Day to increase

the consciousness of the Filipino people on the importance of preserving the marine
resources.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this measure is earnestly
sought.

‘LFRED VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bil No, 7336

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP DAY
IN THE PHILIPPINES PRESCRIBING EVERY SECOND SUNDAY OF
SEPTEMBER A NATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives ofthe 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 thereof, the:
© Department of Education (DepEd);
Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
Civil Service Commission (CSC);
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
Philippine National Police (PNP); and
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
Shools (Public and Private)jand
* National and Local Government Agencies.
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. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modify accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. If any part, section or provision of this Act shall be held
invalid or unconstitutional, no other part, section or provisions thercof shall be affected thereby.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the completion
of its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,