Sy

Republic of the Philippines Ks
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES [[5 RECEIVED
Quezon City = DATE 30 JUN 2025
TIME
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
161

HOUSE BILL NO. _

Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was based on Executive Order No. 533, which was signed by the
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 6, 2006. The concept of Integrated
Coastal Management (ICEM) arose of the need to integrate the efforts from “ridge to
reef", or from the uplands to the lowlands, to protect coastal and marine resources
from which as much as 60 percent of our GDP is derived. It is an institutional legal
framework to coordinate the efforts of various agencies and communities to plan and
work together in resolving conflicts arising from the use of resources from forest

ridges to coastal areas and ultimately, in marine waters.

‘There are four national government agencies that have major administrative
role in managing the country's coastal and marine resources. These are the DENR,
Department of Agriculture — Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR),
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Philippine National Police
(PNP) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Philippine
Coast Guard (PCG). The DENR, particularly the Coastal and Marine Management
Office (CMMO), has the overall mandate to coordinate national efforts for

environmental protection and management of marine md coastal environments. The

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DA- BFAR has primary responsibility over the conservation and proper utilization of
fishery resources. The DILG-PNP, on the other hand, has the general responsibility
over enforcement of criminal laws in coastal waters, including illegal fishing activities
while the DOTC-PCG's function is limited to safety of life at sea and the prevention

and control of marine pollution.

Overall, there are more than twenty other government agencies with various
policy, regulatory, planning, research, and development functions in the coastal and

marine environment.

ICEM will serve as a holistic (covers upland to marine areas) and ecological
(transcend political boundaries for certain ecosystems] planning tool that will
facilitate the management of coastal and marine resources. It is a system for
cooperative management and intersectoral coordination, planning, and responding
mainstreamed at the local and national levels to address complex activities such as

deforestation, mining, fishing, shipping, public health, and recreation.

ICEM will not mean the creation of another agency. The bill only seeks to
establish a coordinative body named the National Coordinating Committee on ICEM,
to coordinate the review and implementation of the National ICEM Framework. It will
be composed of the Secretaries of the DENR as Chairman, secretaries of DA and
DILG as Vice Chairpersons, NEDA Director General, and representatives from the
academe, NGOs dealing with coastal management or fisheries private sector,
fisherfolk organizations or cooperatives, and the Philippine Association of Marine
Sciences (PAMS)

At the local level, ICEM will utilize the existing local development councils
which will also ensure that ICEM will now be included and eventually mainstreamed
in the national economic planning.

ICEM is an internationally recognized coastal and marine planning tool which
produced successful pilot areas such ae Bataan, Guimaras, Cavite, and Batangas
City.

ICEM is aimed at attaining two objectives: first, is to shift the focus of the
country's development planning from terrestrial to coastal and marine to reflect the
significant contribution of such areas to the national GDP; second, is to establish an
ecological approach in managing the countrv's coastal and marine environment to
promote sustainable development, achieve food security, and to reduce the country's

vulnerability to impacts of Climate Change.


It must also be emphasized that this bill was already deliberated upon by
relevant government agencies and civil society groups during the 19th Congress, was
approved by the House of Representatives, and was transmitted and received by the
Senate of the Philippines.

For the foregoing reasons, the immediate consideration and approval of this
bill is earnestly sought.

3 a F. ALBA
Representafive, 1+/District, Bukidnon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

161

HOUSE BILL NO. __

Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba

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

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,ection 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:

(a) 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 opportunities;

(b) 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;

(c) 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:

(1) Herbaceous Beach — creepers with sand-binding abilities, e.g., Ipomoea
pes-caprae;

(2) Beach Scrub - shrubs and low trees, eg., Scaevola taccada,
Dendrolobium umbellatum;

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

(4) Mixed Littoral Forest - plentiful vines, palms and trees, eg.,

Barringtonia asiatica, Millettia pinnata, and Pandanus tectorius;

(d) Biological diversity or Biodiversity refers to the variability among living

organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic

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ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This

includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems;

{e) 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;

(8) 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;

(h) 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;

(i) 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,

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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”;

i) 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;

(k) Ecosystems services refer to the benefits people obtain from the ecosystems

such as:

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

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

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

(4) 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 stakeholders 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;

(m) 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

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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;

(n) 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, ie., 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;

(0) 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,
Xylocarpus granatum and Nypa fruticans while the landward zone or areas
with higher elevation are inhabited by Avicennia rumphiana, A. officinalis, and

Bruguiera gymnorrhiza;

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

substitutes;

(Q) 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

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thirty (30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be
equally distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities;

(1) 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;

(s) 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;

(u) 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 II
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;

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

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

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

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

() Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);

(9) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);

(h) Sceretary 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);

(k) Executive Director of the National Commission on Women (NCW);

() Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);


(m) Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
(n) Director of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG);
(0) Representative from the academe who specializes in ICM;

(p) Representative from non-government organizations dealing with coastal

management or fisheries;

(q) Representative from the private sector;
(f) Representative from artisanal fisherfolk basic sector representative of the

National Anti-Poverty Commission;

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

{a) Formulate, adopt, institutionalize, and amend, if necessary, the National
ICM Framework, in consultation with other concerned agencies, LGUs,
sectors, 3 and stakeholders, within twelve (12) months from the

effectivity of this Act;

(b) 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;


(c) 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;

(d) 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
(IEC) campaigns on ICM, and develop guidelines for mainstreaming the
ICM into the development planning and investment programming

processes of local governments;

(e) 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;

(g) Facilitate the establishment of integrated data and monitoring systems
using 34 innovative technologies and develop a national ICM dashboard
as the repository of data on ICM;

(h) Pursue the mobilization of sustainable financing mechanisms for ICM

from both public and private sectors funding institutions, among others;
(i) Ensure adaptive management to consider new threats and emerging

issues arising from changes in the socioeconomic, technological, and

ecological landscape;

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() Recommend the issuance or passage of policies or legislation to the

appropriate agency or the legislature;

(k) 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:

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

levels;

(b) 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;

(c) 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 concerns including

improving existing endeavors to protect marine protected areas and other

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protected areas on or near coastal and marine zones, as defined under
Republic Act No. 11038;

(d) Public awareness programs to increase the level of understanding and
appreciation of the value and benefits derived from 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;

(e) 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;

(g) 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;

(h) Investment opportunities and sustainable financing mechanisms for
environmental protection and improvement; resource conservation, and

ecosystem-based adaptation and other nature-based solutions;
(i) Disaster risk reduction and management as well as climate change

adaptation and mitigation programs, and vulnerability and risk

assessment;

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() 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;

(k) 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 evaluation framework and
development of SoC reporting system to track the progress
ofimplementation that allows results-based management, learning and

evidence-based decision-making;

(m)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;

(n) 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;
(0) Operational plan for the reversion of all abandoned fishponds to
mangroves through natural regeneration or replanting with locally

appropriate species; and

(p) 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

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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:

(a) Chairperson of the Environment Committee of the Sanggunian

Pantalawigan;

(b) Provincial Fisheries Office or Office of the Provincial Agriculturist or the

Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office;

(c) Provincial Tourism Office;

(a) DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer;

(e) 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”;

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() Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), especially from the concerned 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;
{g) Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA);
(h) Philippine National Police Maritime Group (PNP-MG);
(i) Board Member of Marine Protected Area Networks, where applicable;
(i) Regional Office of DHSUD;
(k) 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
subnational level plans through the National Physical Framework Plan (NPFP),

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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.

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

government agencies and LGUs:

(a) Data sharing agreement between the national government agencies and
LGUs;

(b) Updating of base maps;

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

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

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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:

{a) Develop policies and guidelines for the ICM protection, conservation, and

restoration of the province's coastal and marine ecosystems;

(b) Coordinate the efforts of provinces sharing a resource to address issues

that cut across their political boundaries;

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

(d) 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;

(e) Coordinate the efforts of provinces, cities, and municipalities with shared
coastal ecosystems and resources, to address issues that transcend their

political boundaries;

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

(g) 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 MDC}
established pursuant to Section 107 (b) of Republic Act No. 7160 shall be responsible

17


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:

(a) Chairperson of the Environment Committee of the Sangguniang
Panglungsod or Bayan;

(b) 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;

(d) City or Municipal Tourism Office;

(e) DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources;

(f) Local people's organization or indigenous community;

(g) Local academic institution which specializes in ICM; and

(h) 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
ICMresponsive mandated local plans such as LCCAPs, CLUP, and CDP. Each LGU may

18


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 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:

a) Ensure that the formulation of LCCAPs, CLUPs, CDPs, and AIPs are
guided 18 by the ICM principles and incorporate the elements of ICM
planning and shall be reviewed and approved by the appropriate

government agencies or committees;

(b) 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";

(c) Coordinate the efforts and the implementation of ICM-responsive
mandated local plans among relevant barangays to address issues that

transcend their boundaries;
{d) Coordinate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM

especially in relation to biodiversity and ecosystems goods and services;

and

19


{e) 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
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.

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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:

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

(b) 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;

(d) Development of management approaches for the conservation of upland

watershed, catchment areas, and river basins;

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

(f) Natural and man-made hazards management;

(9) Water demand use and supply management;

(h) Blue economy accounting for payment for ecosystem services and

equitable allocation of costs and benefits;
(i) Integrated and bay wide law enforcement;

@ Disaster risk reduction and management in coastal and marine areas;

21


{k) Climate change adaptation and mitigation in coastal and marine areas;

() Community-led natural resource management;

{m) Recognition of indigenous peoples’ concerns;

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

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

(p) Knowledge management and exchange;

(Q) 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

(8) 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

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 40

implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

22


SEC. 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:

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

(b) Representative from the DOST;
(c) Representative from the DENR;
{d) Representative from the BFAR;

(e} 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 25 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
ICM29 responsive mandated local plans and promote ICM best learnings that fall
within their respective mandates. They shall identify, prepare, and provide policy

23


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.

SEC. 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 areas
(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),
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

24


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 ICMresponsive 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 conduct of activities

related to protecting the country’s coastal and marine resources.

SEC. 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 concerned stakeholder groups shall be engaged in activities such

as planning, community organizing, research, technology transfer, information

25


sharing, investment, training programs, and monitoring; and evaluation, response,

and feedback systems.

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

(a) 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 Government 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;

(c) 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;

(d) 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

26


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 ocean, 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 III
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:
{a) Spatial representation, or if feasible, quick or rapid national inventory of

the status of coastlines and offshores, including the status of mangroves,

27


beach forests, settlements, structures and fishponds within 100 meters

therein;

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

(c) Designation of priority areas for coastal greenbelts 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, socioeconomic, and geological
assessment contemplated under Section 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;

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(e) 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 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

(g) 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.

29


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
(c) of this Act, CLUPs and zoning ordinances shall be updated accordingly.

AUU fishponds turned 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
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),

30


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 8 punishable under existing environmental laws:

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) Acrime 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.

(d) 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

30 (P50,000.00} upon any person or entity found guilty thereof.

31


(e) Proceeds from the administrative fines imposed under this Section shall be
remitted 33 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 thei

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

32


eighty (180) days from its effectivity: Provided, That failure to issue the implementing
tules 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 (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 6 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,

33