REPRES
D
>

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) BAN

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES: ) RECEIVED 4

F : oare 29 JUL os
irst Regular Session ) a

e

\ * TIME 2: ODpa th
BY via
Ks RY)

a
WO woerY

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No._2489

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The ocean is Earth’s life-support system, It regulates the climate, sustains
biodiversity, and fuels the global economy. Covering over 70% of the planet's surface,
it absorbs 30% of carbon dioxide emissions and over 90% of excess atmospheric heat,
making it the world’s largest carbon sink. It also produces more than half the oxygen
we breathe

Beyond climate regulation, the ocean is fundamental to global food security
and economic stability. It provides 15% of all animal protein consumed globally and
serves as the primary protein source for over 3 billion people.’ According to the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the estimated market value of marine and

coastal resources—including emerging ocean industries—reaches US$3 trillion

\service.noaa.gav/facts/why-care-about-ocean.htm!

wwww.un.org/en/climatechanae/science/climate-issues/ocean

* Retrieved June 26, 2025, from htto:
Retrieved June 26, 2025, from hittos:
3 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:
— httos://ww.un.ora/en/desa/S-reasons-you-should-care-about-our-ocean
~httns//openknowledge. fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/66528eba-9¢85-4504-84_
1cf0a0a3903/content/sofia/2024/executive-summary htm

1



annually, representing 5% of global GDP and supporting the livelihoods of more than
3 billion people.

As an archipelagic nation of 7,641 islands with over 36,000 kilometers of
coastline, the Philippines is one of the most ocean-rich countries in Southeast Asia,
with a maritime domain of approximately 2.2 million square kilometers. Situated at
the heart of the Coral Triangle, the country is a global epicenter of marine biodiversity,
home to 460 coral species, over 2,800 marine fish species, and expansive mangrove
and seagrass ecosystems.°

From 2018 to 2022, the ocean economy contributed an average of P787 billion
annually, equivalent to 4.05% of national GDP. In 2023, fisheries production alone was
valued at P328.74 billion and supported over 2.2 million jobs, accounting for 5.27% of
total employment.”

Despite this vast ecological and economic wealth, our marine ecosystems are
under mounting pressure. Overfishing, marine pollution, plastic waste, coastal
overdevelopment, and climate change are causing ecosystem collapse, threatening
food security, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods. The 2024 Ocean Health Index gave
the Philippines a score of 59 out of 100, ranking 197th out of 220 countries and
territories— well below the global average of 69.8 These signal severe ecological stress
and governance gaps.

Given these escalating threats, a unified, science-based, and forward-looking
governance framework is urgently needed. The Blue Economy Bill responds to this

challenge by establishing a development paradigm that prioritizes long-term

* Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:

~ httos://www.un.orq/en/desa/S-reasons- you-should-care-about-our-ocean
~ https://www.imo.org/en/ MediaCentrey SecretaryGeneral/Pages/Philippine-Maritime-.aspx
ions. nast.oh/ wp-conten

5 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from httos://www phi mbit
ngayon/bansa/2025/01/27/2417103/pinas-may-7641-na-is,

© Retrieved June 26, 2025, from:
www, thegef ora/news/coré
hillipines

triangle-buildin scity-marine- protection-local-government=

hittps://oneocean org/flash/philippine_biodiversity .html+:~ :text=1n%201953%2C%20Herre%, 20recor
ded 201% 2C815%20marine% 20fish reef 2Dassociated% 20% 20 169% 20pelagic %2C% 20and%203
36% 20deepwater%20species.
7 Retrieved June 26, 2025, from
hittps://web.senate.gov.ph/publications/SEPO/SEPO Policy%20Brief Biue%20Economy final.pdf
® Retrieved June 26, 2025, from httos://oceanhealthindex.org/regions/philippines/

2



stewardship over short-term extraction, aligning ecological integrity with inclusive
national growth.

At its core, the bill creates a Blue Economy Council, which will coordinate
national government agencies, local governments, coastal communities, civil society,
and the private sector. Through the institutionalization of a National Marine Spatial
Plan, it sets a roadmap for the coordinated use, protection, and sustainable
management of marine and coastal resources.

The bill further:

1. Mainstreams ecosystem-based management and natural capital
accounting;

2. Promotes sustainable fisheries, marine renewables, aquaculture,
ecotourism, and circular economy models;

3. Strengthens protection of endangered species, marine protected areas,
and critical habitats;

4. Empowers local governments as frontline stewards of marine resources;

5. Enhances inter-agency coordination to reduce policy fragmentation;

6. Supports blue finance, marine research, and capacity-building for
adaptive governance.

The Blue Economy Bill is a nation-building agenda. It recognizes that our seas
are not merely zones for extraction, but living ecosystems that sustain our identity,
economy, and future. Enacting this measure is not only a strategic policy response —
it is a moral commitment to intergenerational equity, ensuring that the bounty of our
oceans continues to support all Filipinos, now and for generations to come.

In line with the policy espoused by its original proponent, Senator Loren
Legarda, this bill is being introduced as a counterpart measure. In view of the

foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

C$ 4.
HON. feed Beng JR.


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

2489

House Bill No.

Introduced by Hon. Antonio B. Legarda, Jr.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING
STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND RESOURCES:

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in session
assembled:

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISION

SECTION. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Blue Economy Act”.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to:
(a) Adopt blue economy as a framework for sustainable and safe use and
development of marine wealth within our coastal and maritime
domain, asa pillar of our national economy and patrimony;

Exercise stewardship of our coasts and oceans, protect and conserve

©)

the health and resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats
to promote the well being, inclusive prosperity and security of present
and future generations, and expand areas under protection to meet the
nation’s international obligations especially in refugial habitats;

Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the economic, social,

c

cultural, and historical value of our coasts and oceans, and foster


wearvaurwone

1.
12
13
14
15
16
7

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32

@

12}

)

(h)

public understanding and respect of the value of our coasts and oceans
to build a strong foundation for social responsibility;

Enrich scientific understanding of ocean, marine, and coastal
ecosystems, the benefits we gain from these, their naturally changing
extent and conditions and the causes thereof; and use the best available
scientific knowledge to inform decisions affecting our coasts and
‘oceans, and to enhance our capacity to respond and adapt to changing,
ocean environments;

Exercise rights and jurisdiction, and enjoyment of freedom of the high
seas, in accordance with applicable international laws;

Strategically address the factors that adversely affect the oceans and
the living and non-living resources that comprise our seas, turning
threats into opportunities and preventing further harm to all water
bodies including land-based pollution, biodiversity loss, reclamation,
and climate change;

Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive and
integrated framework for the stewardship of our coasts and oceans to
facilitate cohesive action of the National Government, local authorities,
academe, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, local
communities, and the private sector, to secure our people's safe access
to, enjoyment of, and opportunities to invest in sustaining their
benefits from our blue economy;

Uphold marine science as a foundation of maritime governance,
ensuring that all rules, policies, and plans governing the use of coastal
and marine resources will be based on sound scientific understanding,
of the marine environment; and

Uphold the value of natural ecosystems and their irreplaceability,
thereby explicitly excluding reclamation and other activities that
remove, replace, or destroy coastal ecosystems as activities that

advance a blue economy.


eCarvaneone

1
12
13
14
1s
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

(a) Aquaculture refers to fishery operations involving all forms of raising
and culturing fish and other fishery species in fresh, brackish, and
marine water areas;

©

Aquasilviculture refers to a multi-purpose production system that

allows the production of fish in a mangrove reforestation project;

(0) Blue economy refers to the practical ocean-based economic model using,
green infrastructure and technologies, innovative _ financing
mechanisms, and proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the
twin goals of protecting our oceans and coasts and enhancing its
potential contribution to sustainable development, including
improving human well-being, and reducing environmental risks and
ecological scarcities;

@)

Const refers to the interface where the land meets the ocean,
encompassing shoreline environments as well as adjacent coastal
waters. Its components can include river deltas, coastal plains,
wetlands, beaches and dunes, reefs, mangroves forests, lagoons, and

other coastal features;

=

Ecosystem services refer to the benefits supplied by the functions of
ecosystems and received by humanity and all elements of living
systems, which support life systems on the planet. Ecosystem services
consist of provisioning, regulating, maintenance, and cultural services;
() Environmental sustainability refers to the responsible use of coastal,
marine, and freshwater resources that protects the marine ecosystem
from harmful effects and degradation. Environmental sustainability
includes stewardship by the government and local communities to

(1) prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the coastal,

freshwater, and marine environment;
(2) mitigate the impacts of climate change; and
(3) protect biodiversity;


eo awvaunewne

»
8

a
2
3B
4
15
16
a7
18
19

2
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32

(g) Fishing refers to the taking of fishery species by passive or active gear
for trade, business, and profit beyond subsistence or sports fishing, to
be further classified as:

(1) Small-scale commercial fishing - fishing with passive or active
gear utilizing fishing vessels of 3.1 gross tons (gt) up to 20 gt;

(2) Medium-scale commercial fishing ~ fishing utilizing active gears
and vessels of 20.1 gt up to 150 gt; and

(8) Large commercial fishing - fishing utilizing active gears and
vessels of more than 150 gt.

(h) Integrated marine and coastal area management refers to coordinated and
sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, and a
participatory process for planning and decision-making to prevent,
control, or mitigate adverse impacts of human activities to the marine
and coastal environment, biodiversity, and climate, and to contribute
to the restoration of degraded coastal areas, protection of habitats, and
reduction of conflicts among various stakeholders in order to pursue
sustainable and inclusive growth, support jobs and livelihood, and
enhance food, energy and water security, climate resilience, and well-
being;

(i) Investment promotion agencies refer to government entities created by
law, executive order, decree, or other issuance, in charge of promoting
investments, granting and administering tax and non-tax incentives,
or overseeing the operations of the different economic zones and
freeports in accordance with their respective special laws;

() Land-based pollution refers to municipal, industrial, and agricultural
wastes and run-off, including, but not limited to, sewage and waste
water, persistent organic pollutants (including pesticides), heavy
metals, oils, nutrients, sediments, and plastic wastes, whether brought
by rivers or discharged directly into coastal waters;

(k) Marine resources refer to the diverse range of living and non-living
components found within marine ecosystems, including oceans, seas,

and coastal areas;


Carvanunewvne

uw
12
13
cc
15
16
7
18
19
20
22
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

() Marine spatial planning refers to the public process of analyzing and
allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in

marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social o!

is a practical way to create and establish a more rational organization
‘of marine space and its uses to balance the demand for development
with the need to protect marine ecosystems, and to achieve social and
economic objectives in an open and planned way;

(m) Maritime zones refer to (1) the maritime zones of the Philippine
archipelago comprising of internal waters, archipelagic waters,
territorial sea, contiguous zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and
continental shelf; and (2) the respective maritime zones, as
appropriate, of all other territories over which the Philippines has
sovereignty or jurisdiction, in accordance with the 1987 Constitution
and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations
‘Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

(n) Ocean accounting refers to a statistical framework that guides the
compilation and integration of a series of standardized and regular
measurements of stocks and flows of ocean economic, societal, and
environmental components through specific accounting table groups
and comprehensive indicators critical for informed and evidence-
based decisions;

(0) Ocean-based activities refer to activities that are undertaken in the ocean,
such as those relating to fisheries and aquaculture, exploration,
drilling and production of offshore oil, gas, and ocean energy, mining,
desalination, shipping and marine transportation, shipbuilding and
repair, port operations, marine tourism including management of
tourist resorts, communication, marine construction, maritime
insurance and law enforcement, or maritime technical services;

Ocean-related activities refer to activities that use products from the

©
ocean such as seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals

and salt production, and produce products and services for the ocean

and for ocean based activities;


(q) Ocean literacy refers to an understanding of the ocean's influence on
humans, and human influence on the ocean, as well as the linkage of

ocean and climate and its effect on humans, water, and ecosystems;

()

Reclamation refers to any project, permitted or otherwise, that dumps
fill materials from another place into a coastal or marine area to form
new land, thereby completely obliterating the marine habitat and
changing the hydrology of the area, whether pursued for public or
private purposes; and
(5) Subsistence fishing refers to fishing for personal consumption or
traditional / ceremonial purposes.

Sec. 4. Scope of Application. - For purposes of this Act, the Philippines shall, in
accordance with international law, exercise sovereignty, sovereign rights, and
jurisdiction, as appropriate, in internal waters, archipelagic waters, the territorial sea,
contiguous zone, EEZ, and continental shelf, herein collectively referred to as “coastal
and marine zones’, including its seabed and subsoil, and any and all maritime
features within the maritime zones now known or to be known in the future.

CHAPTER II
BLUE ECONOMY COUNCIL

Sec. 5. Blue Economy Council. - The Blue Economy Council, herein referred to as
the Council, is hereby established to formulate an integrated strategy to strengthen,
grow, and sustain the Philippines’ blue economy, integrated marine and coastal area
management, and ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources.

Sec. 6. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of the following:

(a) The Executive Secretary as chairperson;

(b) The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources as co-vice
chairperson;

() The Secretary of Economy, Planning, and Development as co-vice
chairperson;

(a) The Secretary of National Defense as member;

() The Secretary of Foreign Affairs as member;

6


CaN onunerwone

oe
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
22
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

(®) The Secretary of Justice as member;
(g) The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government as member;
(h) The Secretary of Agriculture as member;
(i) The Secretary of Tourism as member;
() The Secretary of Transportation as member;
(k) The Secretary of Trade and Industry as member;
(). The Secretary of Energy as member;
(m) The Secretary of Science and Technology as member;
(n) The Secretary of Finance as member; and
(0) The Secretary of Public Works and Highways as member.

The Department Secretaries may designate an Undersecretary, whose portfolio
covers matters directly or principally relating to the development or management of
coastal and marine resources and ecosystems, if applicable, to sit in a permanent
capacity, and whose acts shall be considered the acts of his or her principal. Majority
of the members shall constitute a quorum.

Sec. 7. Mandates, Powers, and Functions of the Blue Economy Council. ~ ‘The Council
shall be responsible for formulating a clear, coherent, and comprehensive policy
framework and strategic action plan on blue economy. It shall:

(a) Develop the country’s policy framework and strategic vision for the
growth and sustainable development of the country’s blue economy;

(b) Institutionalize an integrated marine and coastal management;

(©

Enhance the country’s ecosystem-based management of coastal and

marine resources;

(a) Align Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plans, fisheries
management plans, coastal resource management plans, climate action
plans, and marine spatial plans to determine zones, and designate
allowed, regulated, and restricted activities;

(e) Strengthen economic and environmental regulations within our
coastal and marine areas to preserve the value and sustainability of
ocean resources and protect them from threats;

(8 Identify climate-resilient and environmentally sound investments,

infrastructure, and technologies;

7


woarvnunewune

(g) Ensure an enabling environment for the growth and development of
sustainable investment and finance;

(h) Identify priority blue economy sectors;

(i) Institutionalize regular coastal and ocean monitoring and accounting;

)

(k) Coordinate with various sectors and agencies to promote policy and

Coordinate the development of marine spatial plans;

program coherence;

@

Coordinate and cooperate with the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) to ensure that the framework shall be in harmony and not
overlap with the maritime industry development plan;

(m) Coordinate with the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee to
Facilitate the Ratification and Accession to and Implementation of
Maritime Conventions (ICCFRAIMC) and ensure that it will aid in the
implementation thereof;

(a

Conduct, support, fund, engage, collaborate, and/or coordinate

research and development in blue economy;

Ss

Develop, expand, and strengthen investments in capacity building and
skills enhancement programs for the blue economy, and encourage
such to be featured in the work plans of governments, the private

sector, and civil society organizations;

(p) Review, update, and disseminate the policy framework and strategic
action plan on blue economy; and
(q) Perform other functions as may be necessary for the implementation

of this Act.

Sec. 8. Secretariat. ~ A Secretariat to the Council shall be established within the
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), to be headed by an
Executive Director III (Salary Grade 28) who shall be appointed by the President of
the Philippines. The Secretariat shall be under the control and supervision of the
DEPDev Secretary. The Executive Director III shall have at least seven (7) years of
experience and practice in the fields of marine science and research, blue economy
and ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources, environmental

economics, environmental accounts, and financial analysis.


Cay anunerwune

u
12
13
4
1s
16
a7
18
19
20
22

23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

The initial staffing structure and complement of the Secretariat shall be
submitted by the DEPDev to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for
funding. The DEPDev shall constitute an interim Secretariat within one (1) month
from the effectivity of this Act, through the temporary detail of personnel from its
member agencies.

The Secretariat shall have the following functions:

(a) Provide secretariat support to the Council, including the preparation
of draft strategies, priorities, and other outputs to be adopted by the
Council;

(b) Consult with experts who can offer insights on blue economy and

ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine resources

policymaking and priority setting;

Coordinate with various agencies of the government, private sector,

fs

academe, scientific community, civil society organizations, indigenous
peoples, local communities, and the public;

(d) Design and implement a blue economy development program and
promote its use and adoption in the government bureaucracy;

(e) Develop recommendations for consideration by the Council; and

(f) Perform other functions as may be directed by the Council.

Sec. 9. Support Agencies. - The following agencies shall provide material or
technical support to the Council, as may be necessary:

(a) Climate Change Commission (CCC);

(b) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP);

(©) Board of Investments (BOI);

(a) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC);

(e) Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA);

(f) National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA);

(g) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB);
(h) Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB);

(i) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR);

() National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI);

9


CON nonurwone

1
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

31
32

(k) Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA);

(). Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF);

(m) MARINA;

(n) Philippine Ports Authority (PPA);

(0) Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD);

(p) Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA);

(q) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);

(r) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);

(8) Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MG);

(t). Philippine Navy (PN);

(u) National Museum - Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage
Division (NM-MUCHD);

(v) Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

(w) Relevant institutions and components of the University of the
Philippines (UP); and
(x) Investment promotion agencies.

In order to ensure the efficient and effective discharge of its responsibilities, the
Council may create working groups and call upon other departments, bureaus,
offices, and instrumentalities of the Government, and academic and research
institutions engaged in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities, to

participate therein, as it may deem necessary.

CHAPTER Ii
THE BLUE ECONOMY FRAMEWORK

Sec. 10. Policy Development Framework on Blue Economy. ~ The Council shall,
within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, formulate a policy framework on
blue economy, herein referred to as the Framework. The Framework is a development
model that aims to help the country define a roadmap for a diversified and sustainable

ocean economy in a manner that provides long-term economic and social benefits

10


Carnnonurwune

10
oe
12
13
14
15
16
wv
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

while building resilience to climate change and without compromising the safety of
our marine ecosystems. The Framework shall be subject to mandatory review and
modification every five (5) years.
Sec. 11. Components of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy. ~ The Framework

shall include the following components:

(a) Review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules, and

regulations on ocean-based and ocean related activities;
(b) Adherence to international maritime laws;

©

Analysis of current and emerging trends and changes in demography,
consumption, trade, energy, technology, environmental quality, and
climate that show the interaction between the economy and the
environment, present and future threats and pressures on coastal and
marine environments, and damage estimation;

@

Environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets,
living and non-living resources, and ecosystem services from coastal
and marine environments, including assessment of losses due to
degradation or major pollution events such as oil spills;

(e) The Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM)

framework to address human impact on marine and coastal biological
diversity, and promote the conservation and sustainable use of this
biodiversity. The national IMCAM framework shall consider the
following elements:

(1) Capacity-building for stakeholders, at both national and local
levels, to apply relevant policy instruments to address legal
issues, institutionalize participatory processes, and develop
strategies to promote multidisciplinary and multisectoral
ecosystem-based management of coastal and marine
environments;

(2) Protection of coastal and marine environments from negative

impacts, such as:

a


eCarvaunerwune

(i) Alteration and destruction of coastal and marine
habitats, particularly areas important for reproduction,
coral reef systems, sea grass areas, and the sea bed;

(ii) Marine and land-based pollution;
(iii) Improper coastal land use, and the mismanagement of
watersheds;
(iv) legal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, by-catch
especially of threatened species; and
(3) Establishment of mechanisms and guidelines for research,
monitoring, assessment, and valuation of coastal and marine
ecosystems and resources, including indicators to measure
natural and human-induced impacts;

(f) Priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related

economic activities, which may include:

(1) Fisheries, including commercial fishing, seafood processing, and
commercial research and development, with preference to
subsistence fisheries, as mandated under Section 7, Article XIII of
the Constitution;

(2) Aquaculture, mariculture, and aquasilviculture;

(3) Marine and coastal tourism;

(4) Shipping, logistics, and maritime transport;

(6) Shipbuilding and ship repair;

(6) Production of renewable energy from marine sources;

(7) Installation of submarine cables and pipelines;

(8) Bioremediation, marine biotechnology, and bioprospecting;

(9) Desalination; and

(10) Underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology;

(g) Guiding framework for IMCAM;

(h) Guiding framework for blue finance;

(i) Priority research and development agenda that maximizes

opportunities created for pollution control, remediation, used water
economics, and other industries that address threats;

12


CorVNnuneone

1
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
a
22
23
24
25
26
27

29

31

{j) Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the
protection of coastal and marine environments;

(k) Enhancement of the capability of the relevant agencies to enforce laws,
tules, and regulations to protect our marine wealth;

() Goals, targets, and indicators for growth, resilience, and sustainability
of priority strategic and sustainable coastal, ocean-based and ocean-
related activities, including their contribution to gross domestic
product, job creation, and livelihood;

(m) Scaling up the expansion and management of marine protected areas
(MPAs) through the protection and conservation of coastal and marine
ecosystems and resources;

(n) Mainstreaming of circular and resource efficiency approaches on the

blue economy framework to address the longstanding problem on

marine litter and microplastics;

Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM)

strategies to help operationalize the country’s Nationally Determined

Contributions (NDC); and

Strengthening of management capacities of national and local

©

©
governments, including relevant sectors, to enhance the protection of

coastal and marine ecosystems and such other components as may be
determined by the Council.

CHAPTER IV
OCEAN ACCOUNTING

Sec. 12. Ocean Accounting. - The PSA shall undertake environmental-economic
accounting of the ocean, maritime ecosystems, and resources, based on the United
Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting and in accordance with
Republic Act No. 11995, otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecosystem and Natural
Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act”. Members of the Council and heads of

support agencies shall contribute data and submit reports on environmental-

13


economic accounts relating to their mandates including damage estimation and sea

level rise projections.

CHAPTER V
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Sec. 13. Marine Spatial Planning. - The Council shall undertake a nationwide
Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) with the participation of key stakeholders to identify
the spatial and temporal distribution of priority activities, uses and interactions
thereof in maritime zones, to reduce conflict among uses; facilitate complementary
uses; mitigate environmental impacts; prevent marine dead zones; rehabilitate dead
zones or non-attainment areas, if any; reduce wastage and ensure efficiency in marine
supply chain

preserve ecosystem services with the national MSP providing the
guiding principles and overarching delineations, and identifying the spatial and
temporal distribution of allowed, restricted, and regulated human activities and
priority uses and the interactions thereof in the coastal and marine zones; and
encourage and support the development of regional and local MSPs, which can
provide a level of granularity that can be linked to actionable investments, regulations
and enforcement, coastal and marine resource management and conservation
measures, and reduction of risks from climate change and natural disasters.

Sec. 14. Blue Economic Zones. ~ Investment promotion agencies shall encourage
the establishment of blue economic zones (BEZs) and the transformation of existing
special economic zones into BEZs. Registered business enterprises engaged in ocean-

as listed under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan

based or ocean related activi
(IPP) shall enjoy the privileges, benefits, advantages, or exemptions granted to
economic zones and freeports in accordance with their respective special laws,
Republic Act No. 11534 or the “Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises
Act CREATE)", and other applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

In addition, registered business enterprises operating within BEZs may also
qualify for financing under Republic Act No. 11293 or the “Philippine Innovation
Act”, as applicable.

4


CON HH RONH

1
12
13
14
15
16
wv
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32

Sec. 15. Promotion of Sustainable Livelihoods and Employment. ~ The Council shall,
in consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the
Department of Agriculture-BFAR, and other concerned agencies and stakeholders,
develop a policy to ensure the enhancement and sustainability of municipal fisheries
as well as the promotion and generation of sustainable livelihood in the blue economy
towards the creation of more employment and equal opportunities for all, and to
strengthen investments in capacity building and skills enhancement programs, in
accordance with Republic Act No. 10771 or the “Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016”.

CHAPTER VI
BLUE FINANCE

Sec. 16. Role of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. ~ In the exercise of its regulatory
powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall provide an enabling regulatory
environment to promote the development of the country’s blue economy, in line with
its sustainable finance framework and considering international standards and best
practices.

Sec. 17. Role of Securities and Exchange Commission. - The SEC shall encourage
the issuance of blue bonds, the proceeds of which will be exclusively applied to
finance or refinance, in part or in full, eligible blue Programs, Activities, and Projects
(PAPs) in accordance with SEC guidelines, and ASEAN Green Bonds Standards and
Green Bonds Principles, as developed and may be revised from time to time by the
SEC, the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum and the International Capital Market
Association. All designated blue PAPs must provide clear benefits to ocean health and
the blue economy and must contribute substantially to United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals 6 and 14, which shall be assessed together with compliance with
environmental laws and standards, and, where feasible, quantified by the corporation
that will issue the blue bonds.

The eligibility of these blue PAPs shall be subject to the guidelines to be issued
by the SEC.

Sec. 18. Role of Government Financial Institutions. - The Land Bank of the
Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall provide credit to

1s


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
1
12
13
4
15
16
a7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

enterprises engaged in strategic and sustainable ocean-based or ocean related

activities.
CHAPTER VIL
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL AND MARIN
RESOURCES

Sec. 19. Protection of Endangered Species, ~ The Council shall monitor, coordinate,
and ensure the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of rare, threatened, and
endangered aquatic species as it may determine, including their habitats and
migratory routes, in coordination with BFAR and in accordance with existing laws,
rules, and regulations. It shall recommend to the President and Congress the
designation of coastal and marine areas as protected areas under Republic Act No.
11038 or the “Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018”, or
sanctuaries of local conservation areas under Republic Act No. 8550 or “The
Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998”, as amended, and Republic Act No. 7160 or the
“Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and in compliance with the relevant
provisions of international treaties and agreements, such as the UNCLOS, the
Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species of Wild Animals, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Sec. 20. Policy Coordination. ~ ‘The Council shall harmonize the rules and
regulations of all agencies responsible for the implementation and enforcement of
laws to prevent and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing under
Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, setting strategic and measurable targets and
ensuring the best use of technology such as vehicle monitoring system. Further, the
Council shall act as the coordinating and monitoring arm of the government in

ensuring other government agencies’ compliance with these laws.

CHAPTER VIII
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

16


eoavaunrune

1
12
13
14
15
16
v7

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27

29
30
31
32

Sec. 21. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs). - Cities and municipalities shall
continue to exercise jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to Republic Act No.
7160, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8550, as amended. Consistent with this
mandate, LGUs in coastal and marine areas shall act as the frontline agencies in the
formulation, planning, and implementation of the IMCAM framework in their
respective jurisdictions. The LGUs shall develop their local Marine Spatial Plan in
accordance with the National Maritime Spatial Plan, and integrate them in their
Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Comprehensive Development Plan, and Annual
Investment Plan, ICM or Coastal Resource Management Plan, Climate Change Action
Plan, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, and opportunities such as
the National Sewage and Septage Management Plan and the funds under the Republic
Act No. 9275 or the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004”.

Sec. 22. Inter-LGU Cooperation. - Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act
No. 7160, as amended, LGUs may group themselves and consolidate or coordinate
their efforts, services, and resources for the accomplishment of the objectives of this
Act.

Sec. 23. Local Government Power to Undertake Reclamation. - Notwithstanding the
provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1899 and Republic Act No. 7160, as amended,
there shall be a presumption against the power of the local governments to reclaim
land from the foreshore, or oceans and coasts unless such reclamation is planned for
the purposes as defined under Presidential Decree No. 1899. Such presumption can
only be overturned if:

(a) There is an overriding public need and the reclaimed land is not for
private or exclusive development;

(b) The public need is cogent and convincing;

() There is no other means to meet the public need, other alternatives
having been analyzed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
as required under Presidential Decree No. 1151;

(a) No private sale of lands is included unless it is to fund the project with
an overriding public need and buyers are required to continuously and
regularly pay to the municipality the ecosystem services from the

marine ecosystem lost to the reclamation; and

7


(e) Adjacent LGUs express no objection to the project. SEC. 24. Ecosystem
Services. - The LGUs that satisfy the acceptability requirements in the
foregoing section 19 shall pass the necessary ordinances and cause the
necessary annotations to the titles of all lands privately acquired to
ensure collection of the payments required under Section 23(d) of this
Act.

CHAPTER IX
FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 24. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - There shall be a Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee on Blue Economy (JCOC-BE). The President of
the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate five (5)
Senators and five (5) Members of the House of Representatives, respectively, as
members of the JCOC-BE: Provided, That the minority in the Senate and the House of
Representatives shall each have at least one (1) seat in the JCOC-BE. The JCOC-BE
shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Economic
Affairs and the House Committee on Economic Affairs. The JCOC-BE shall conduct a
semi-annual hearing to oversee, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of this Act
and identify other necessary legislation.

Sec. 25. Appropriations. - The initial implementation of this Act shall be charged
against the current year’s appropriations of the departments or agencies concerned.
Thereafter, the amount necessary for its continued implementation shall be included
in the respective budgets of the concerned departments and agencies in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
approval of this Act, the Council shall issue the implementing rules and regulations:
Provided, That failure to issue rules and regulations shall not in any manner affect the
executory nature of the provisions of this Act.

‘Sec. 27. Construction. - In the implementation of this Act, any conflict with the
Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, shall be resolved in favor of the latter, to ensure

18


CaVoaunrune

10
u
12
13
14

the ecological and environmental safeguards therein and with a presumption in favor
of subsistence fisherfolk.

Sec. 28. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

Sec. 29. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
letters of instruction, proclamations, or administrative regulations that are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly: Provided, that any inconsistency with Republic Act No. 8550, as
amended, shall be construed in favor of the said law unless there is a cogent ecological
rationale for resolving the inconsistency in favor of this Act

Sec. 31, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

19