TWENTIETH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session  
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill as approved by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress. 
The country has been hit by major typhoons almost every year for the past ten years 
which result in major destruction and loss of lives. In Cagayan de Oro, we were hit by Sendong 
which resulted in thousands dead and millions worth of property destroyed. Then there was 
Yolanda, and other typhoons and natural disasters.  
The archipelagic characteristic of the Philippines affords us with one of the most bio-
diverse territories in the world. Having the fifth longest coastline, 64 out of 81 provinces in the 
Philippines are coastal. This means that there is a higher disaster risk and hazard exposure 
which, in fact, placed the country at the top of the Global Climate Risk Index in 2015. 
Furthermore, the impacts of climate change continually threaten these coastal communities, 
making them constantly vulnerable and susceptible to the devastating effects of harsh weather 
phenomena. 
The establishment of National Coastal Greenbelt Program aims to strengthen the 
existing laws, improve policies and measures to ensure innovative and viable programs which 
will promote, among others, beach forest protection, mangrove rehabilitation, and sustainable 
management of such.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
July 7, 2025
3:45 pm
1494


TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
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  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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, 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
1494


 
 
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, e.g., Scaevola taccada, Dendrolobium 
umbellatum;  
(3) Casuarina equisetifolia (Agoho) Forest – common pioneer on sandy beaches; 
and  
(4) Mixed Littoral Forest – plentiful vines, palms and trees, e.g., 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 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;  
 
(f) 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;  
 
(g) 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, 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”; 
 


 
 
(j) 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;  
 
(l) 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 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, i.e., 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;  
 
(o) 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 thirty (30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally 
distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities; 
 
(r) 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; 
 
(t) 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: 
 
(a) 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); 
 
(f) Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); 
 
(g) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);  
 
(h) Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);  
 
(i) Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development 
(DHSUD);  
 
(j) Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 
(NDRRMC);  
 
(k) Executive Director of the National Commission on Women (NCW); 
 
(l) 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);  
 
(o) 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;  
 
(r) 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 shall 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, 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;  
 


 
 
(f) Ensure documentation, promotion, and dissemination of learnings and best 
practices on ICM implementation; 
 
(g) Facilitate the establishment of integrated data and monitoring systems using 
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;  
 
(j) 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  
 
(l) 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 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; 
 
(f) 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; 
 
(j) 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; 
 
(l) Conduct of community-based monitoring and evaluation framework and 
development of SoC reporting system to track the progress of implementation 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; 
 
(o) 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 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 Panlalawigan; 
 
(b) Provincial Fisheries Office or Office of the Provincial Agriculturist or the Provincial 
Government Environment and Natural Resources Office; 
 
(c) Provincial Tourism Office;  
 
(d) 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”;  
 
(f) 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;  
 
(j) Regional Office of DHSUD;  
 
(k) Local people’s organization or indigenous community; and 
 
(l)  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 sub-national 
level plans through the National Physical Framework Plan (NPFP), 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 ICM-responsive 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. 
 
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 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;  
 
(c) 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 ICM-responsive mandated 
local plans such as LCCAPs, CLUP, and CDP. Each LGU may 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 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 
 
(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.  
 
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; 
 
(c) 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; 
 
(g) 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; 
 
(j) Disaster risk reduction and management in coastal and marine areas; 
 
(k) Climate change adaptation and mitigation in coastal and marine areas; 
 
(l) Community-led natural resource management; 
 
(m) Recognition of indigenous peoples’ concerns; 
 


 
 
(n) Integrated management of port safety, health, security and environment 
protection; 
 
(o) Involvement of the private sector or business sector as a partner in ICM; 
 
(p) Knowledge management and exchange;  
 
(q) Mobilization of sustainable financing mechanisms;  
 
(r) Adoption of nature-based solutions to consider threats and emerging issues 
arising from changes in socioeconomic, technological, and ecological landscape; 
and  
 
(s) 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 plans. 
 
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 implementing 
rules and regulations of this Act. 
 
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 
 
(f) 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 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 ICM-responsive 
mandated local plans, and promote ICM best learnings that fall within their respective 
mandates. They shall identify, prepare, and provide policy 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 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 ICM-responsive 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 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;  
 
(b) 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 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, 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 32 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”;  
 
(d) 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; 
 
(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; 
 
(f) 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.  
 
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), 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 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 (₱50,000.00) 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 (₱50,000.00) 
per day from the time the structure was built until its removal.  
 
(c) A crime or offense committed within designated coastal greenbelt areas shall 
subject the offender to a fine of not less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(₱100,000.00) and not more than Five Million Pesos (₱5,000,000.00), 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 (₱50,000.00) upon any 
person or entity found guilty thereof.  
 
Proceeds from the administrative fines imposed under this Section shall be remitted 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 their 
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 eighty (180) days from its 
effectivity: Provided, That failure to issue the implementing rules 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 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,