Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1553
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Coral Triangle is renowned for hosting the world’s most diverse marine 
ecosystems. It serves as home to over 85% of marine turtle species, 75% of the world’s reef-
building coral species, 40% of the world’s coral reef species, and other marine resources and 
biodiversity, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and marine life.1 The Philippines, 
located at its heart, has a total area of 2.25 million square kilometers of marine water 
resources, 750,000 hectares of inland water resources, and a coastline spanning 36,289 
kilometers.2 The 2022 Philippine Marine Environment Protection Situation Report indicated 
that the Philippines hosts around 3,212 fish species, 731 of which are considered 
commercially significant3, as well as approximately 500 species of coral reefs. These, among 
others, make us a globally recognized marine biodiversity hotspot. 
Furthermore, our marine resources enabled thriving ocean-based industries in the 
country. These include (1) ocean fishing, (2) manufacturing of ocean-based products, (3) sea-
based transportation and storage, (4) ocean-based power generation, transmission, and 
distribution, (5) coastal recreation and tourism, and (6) marine education.4 Worldwide, we 
ranked the 4th top producer of aquatic plants and 11th top fish-producing country in 2022.5 
Data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Fisherfolk Registration 
System (FishR) in the same year showed that around 2.3 million fisherfolk are registered in 
the country, involved in capture fishing, aquaculture, gleaning, fish processing, and fish 
vending. 
Despite the significant role of ocean-based industries in our labor workforce, they only 
account for 3.9% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023.6 Moreover, marine 
biodiversity suffers from a wide array of serious challenges, such as pollution, habitat 
degradation, overfishing, mangrove cover loss, and other man-made activities that adversely 
affect marine ecosystems. Although laws, policies, and regulations are in place, enforcement 
remains a major concern, especially in preventing the proliferation of illegal activities in the 
country. 
1 Timmers (2010) The Coral Triangle and Marine Biodiversity,
https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/10index/background/biodiversity/biodiversity.html 
2  Philippine Fisheries Profile 2022, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2022-
Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf 
3 Philippine Marine Environment Protection Situation Report (2022) https://marina.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FINAL-PHILIPPINE-
MARINE-ENVIRONMENT-SITUATION-REPORT-2022.pdf 
4Ocean-based industries expand by 9.9 Percent in 2023, Accounted for 3.9 Percent of GDP, https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/ocean-economy
5 Philippine Fisheries Profile 2022, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2022-
Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf 
6 Ibid.
July 8, 2025
10:01 am


With extreme weather conditions becoming worse and more frequent, ensuring a 
holistic and integrated approach towards protecting people’s livelihoods and marine 
biodiversity is imperative. According to the World Bank, the blue economy refers to the 
"sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while 
preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem."7 This framework, recognized by various 
government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources8, 
serves as a compass – guiding our country’s navigation towards addressing various 
challenges affecting our oceans, other water resources, and people.  
This proposed measure seeks to establish a blue economy framework in the country 
for the sustainable, inclusive, and resilient use of our maritime zones, contributing to our 
marine-based economic opportunities, socio-cultural preservation, and coastal and ocean 
ecosystems protection efforts. This conforms with Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 
Constitution, which provides that “The State shall protect the nation's marine wealth in its 
archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and 
enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” 
Further, this bill, among others, seeks to: 
(1) Replace the National Coast Watch Council with the National Maritime Council, which
shall be tasked to oversee our country’s blue economy governance and strategy,
formulate the Policy Framework on Blue Economy, and ensure compliance with
international maritime instruments;
(2) Adopt multi-year development plans, coastal-marine area management, and
environmental-economic accounting (SEEA) of marine ecosystems;
(3) Establish zones with incentives similar to Special Economic Zones and mandate
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to develop them;
(4) Promote green financing aligned with the United Nations Environment Program
(UNEP) Sustainable Blue Economy Finance principles;
(5) Boost alignment with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and enhance coastal
biodiversity management;
(6) Enrich scientific research, technology, and innovation related to marine science and
sectors; and
(7) Enable the President to designate sea lanes and air routes for the safe passage of
foreign ships and aircraft.
This bill was approved in third reading during the 19th Congress, showing the collective
support of legislators on its significance in our current context. 
In line with our principle towards biodiversity protection and sustainability, the 
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.  
7 What is the Blue Economy? https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/infographic/2017/06/06/blue-economy
8 DENR Secretary Loyzaga strengthens development and protection of the Philippines’ Blue Economy through enhanced UK Partnership,
https://denr.gov.ph/news-events/denr-secretary-loyzaga-strengthens-development-and-protection-of-the-philippines-blue-economy-through-
enhanced-uk-partnership/ 


HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1553 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR BLUE ECONOMY, PROMOTING STEWARDSHIP 
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE ECOSYSTEMS AND 
RESOURCES, REORGANIZING AND RENAMING THE NATIONAL COAST WATCH 
SYSTEM AS THE NATIONAL MARITIME MONITORING SYSTEM, 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 “Blue Economy Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It shall be the policy of the State to: 
(a) Adopt blue economy as a framework for equitable and sustainable development and
safe use of marine wealth within our maritime zones, as a pillar of our national economy
and patrimony;
(b) Exercise stewardship of our seas and coasts, and protect and conserve the health and
resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats, through strong institutional
mechanisms for maritime monitoring and regulatory enforcement, to promote the well-
being, prosperity, and security of present and future generations;
(c) Preserve our maritime heritage, recognize the social, cultural, and historical value of
our seas and coasts, and foster public understanding and respect of the value of our
seas and coasts to build a strong foundation for social responsibility;
(d) Enrich scientific understanding of marine and coastal ecosystems, the benefits we gain
from these ecosystems, like carbon sequestration, their changing conditions and the
causes thereof, and use the best available scientific knowledge to inform decisions
affecting our seas and coasts and to enhance our capacity to respond and adapt to
changing maritime environments;
(e) Foster international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement, and exercise
rights and jurisdiction in accordance with applicable international laws, including on
freedom of navigation;
(f) Ensure a whole-of-nation approach and a comprehensive, integrated framework for


  
the stewardship of our seas and coasts to facilitate cohesive action of the national 
government, local authorities, academe, non-governmental organizations, the private 
sector, and the public; and 
(g) Promote, support, and monitor science, technology, and innovation programs of public 
and private academic and research institutions to strengthen interdisciplinary research 
in marine science and to develop emerging technologies to catalyze growth of new 
maritime sectors. 
 
SECTION 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; 
 
(b) Aqua silviculture refers to a multi-purpose production system that allows production of 
fish and other aquatic species in a mangrove reforestation project; 
 
(c) Aquatic resources refer to fish and other living resources of the aquatic environment 
that have or will have commercial value when utilized; 
 
(d) Blue economy refers to the integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral, and cross-stakeholder 
approach for the sustainable, resilient, and inclusive use, governance, management 
and conservation of oceans, seas as well as marine and coastal resources and 
ecosystems for economic growth, leveraging green infrastructure and technologies, 
innovative financing mechanisms and proactive institutional mechanisms, and 
improving human well-being and social equity, and reducing environmental risks and 
ecological scarcities; 
 
(e) Blue carbon refers to organic carbon that is captured by marine and coastal 
ecosystems, such as algae, seagrass, mangroves, and other plants growing in salt 
marshes and coastal wetlands; 
 
(f) Blue public expenditure refers to public expenditures that address issues related to 
coastal and marine resources, environmental degradation, and development 
aspirations that depend on marine resources and environments; 
 
(g) By-catch refers to fish or other marine species that a fisher does not intend to catch, 
including juveniles of commercially-valuable species and biologically-important 
species caught unintentionally while trying to catch a certain type of fish; 
 
(h) Commercial 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: small scale commercial fishing, or fishing with passive or active gear utilizing fishing 
vessels of three and one-tenth (3.1) gross tons (GT) up to twenty (20) GT; medium 
scale commercial fishing or fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of twenty and 
one-tenth (20.1) GT up to one hundred fifty (150) GT; and large commercial fishing or 
fishing utilizing active gears and vessels of more than one hundred fifty (150) GT; 
 
(i) Contiguous zone refers to the contiguous zone of the Philippines to the waters beyond 
and adjacent to its territorial sea and up to the extent of twenty-four (24) nautical miles 
from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; 
 
(j) Continental shelf refers to the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas of the 
Philippines that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of 
its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of two 
hundred (200) nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial 


  
sea is measured, where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up 
to that distance; 
 
(k) Ecosystem services refer to the flow of benefits which humans gain from ecosystems, 
through biological processes and climate, hydrological and biochemical cycles, and 
experiences that contribute to intangible culture; 
 
(l) Environmental-economic accounting refers to a systematic way to measure and report 
on stocks and flows of natural assets and resources - both biotic and abiotic, renewable 
and non-renewable - and ecosystem services, to determine the contribution of the 
environment to the economy and the impact of the economy on the environment; 
 
(m) Environmental-economic accounts refer to statistical information, in physical or 
monetary terms, about the extraction of natural resources, their use within the 
economy, natural resource stock levels, the changes in those stocks during a specific 
period, and such other economic activities related to the environment; 
 
(n) Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) refers to the waters beyond and adjacent to its 
territorial sea and up to the extent of two hundred (200) nautical miles from the 
baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, as established by 
Presidential Decree No. 1599, otherwise known as the "Philippine Exclusive Economic 
Zone of 1978”, and to the extent consistent with the other provisions of this Act and 
with the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 
(UNCLOS); 
 
(o) Fisheries refer to all activities relating to the science and act of business of fishing, 
culturing, preserving, processing, marketing, developing, conserving, and managing of 
aquatic resources, and environment; 
 
(p) 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; 
 
(q) Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM) refers to a participatory 
process for decision-making to prevent, control, or mitigate adverse impacts from 
human activities in the marine and coastal environment, and to contribute to the 
restoration of degraded coastal areas; 
 
(r) Internal waters refer to the waters on the landward side of the baselines not forming 
part of archipelagic waters under Section 4 of this Act and delineated in accordance 
with Article 50 of the UNCLOS; and waters on the landward side of the baselines of 
the territorial sea of territories outside of the archipelagic baselines, drawn in 
accordance with Article 8 of the UNCLOS; 
 
(s) Investment promotion agencies (IPAs) 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, and overseeing the operations 
of the different economic zones and freeports in accordance with their respective 
special laws. These include the Board of Investments (BOI), Bangsamoro Board of 
Investments, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bases Conversion and 
Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development 


  
Corporation, John Hay Management Corporation, Poro Point Management 
Corporation, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Zamboanga City Special Economic 
Zone Authority, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and 
Freeport Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Tourism Infrastructure 
and Enterprise Zone Authority, and all other similar existing authorities that may be 
created by law; 
 
(t) Mariculture refers to the sea farming of aquatic plants and fishes; 
 
(u) Marine scientific research refers to any research activity which is conducted for 
exclusively peaceful purposes, for the purpose of increasing scientific knowledge about 
the marine environment, including all-natural resources, toward the benefit of mankind 
and according to the UNCLOS; 
 
(v) Maritime domain awareness refers to the effective understanding of any activity that 
could impact upon the security, safety, economy, or environment; 
 
(w) Maritime spatial planning refers to a process by which human activities in maritime 
zones are analyzed and organized, based on best available scientific knowledge, to 
achieve economic, ecological, and social objectives; 
 
(x) Maritime zones refer to the maritime zones of the Philippines comprising the internal 
waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ, and continental 
shelf; 
 
(y) Ocean-based activities refer to activities that are undertaken in the ocean, such as 
fisheries and aquaculture, offshore oil and gas, mining, ocean energy, desalination, 
shipping and marine transportation, marine tourism, and marine construction; 
 
(z) Ocean-related activities refer to activities that use products from the ocean such as 
seafood processing, marine biotechnology, chemicals, salt, and produce products and 
services for the ocean and ocean-based activities such as shipbuilding and repair, 
ports, tourist resorts, communication, maritime insurance and law, and maritime 
technical services; 
 
(aa) Subsistence fishing refers to fishing for personal consumption or traditional/ceremonial 
purposes; and 
 
(bb) Ocean literacy refers to an understanding of the ocean's influence on humans and 
human influence on the ocean. 
 
SECTION. 4. Scope of Application. - For purposes of this Act, the Philippines shall exercise 
sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, in accordance with commitments under the 
UNCLOS and other related treaties which the Philippines has ratified, in internal waters, 
archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone and continental 
shelf berein collectively referred to as "maritime zones", including its seabed and subsoil, and 
any and all maritime features within the maritime zones and where appropriate, the relevant 
airspace above the territorial sea, internal waters and archipelagic waters now known or to be 
known in the future. 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
NATIONAL MARITIME MONITORING SYSTEM 
 
SECTION 5. National Maritime Monitoring System. - The National Coast Watch System, 


  
established under Executive Order (EO) No. 57, series of 2011, is hereby renamed as the 
National Maritime Monitoring System. 
 
SECTION 6. National Maritime Council. - The National Coast Watch Council, created under 
EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby renamed and reconstituted as the National Maritime Council, 
herein referred to as the "Council", and its functions expanded to include the formulation of an 
integrated strategy to promote blue economy and ecosystem-based management of coastal 
and marine resources. 
 
In addition to the powers and functions of the Council enumerated in Section 3 of the 
same EO, the Council is likewise further mandated to: 
 
(a) Steer the development, research, and sustainable resource explorations in maritime 
zones, especially in areas with high economic potential such as the Philippine Rise 
and the West Philippine Sea; 
(b) Coordinate the maritime regulation or licensing and law enforcement for strengthened 
preparedness and responsiveness to potential security threats or concerns in the 
country's maritime areas and zones; and 
(c) Build capacities in monitoring, including the use of digital and innovative technologies 
for security and surveillance activities. 
 
The Council is likewise authorized to convene committees or subcommittees to oversee 
the abovementioned functions. In this way, all strategic maritime zones will be covered and 
will reduce the call for the creation of new bodies or authorities to manage the same. 
 
SECTION 7. Composition of National Maritime Council. - The Council is composed of the 
Executive Secretary as Chairperson and the Secretaries of the following national agencies as 
members: 
(a) National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); 
(b) Department of Environment and Natural Resources; 
(c) Department of National Defense; 
(d) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); 
(e) Department of Justice; 
(f) Department of the Interior and Local Government; 
(g) Department of Agriculture; 
(h) Department of Tourism; 
(i) Department of Transportation; 
(j) Department of Trade and Industry; 
(k) Department of Energy; 
(l) Department of Science and Technology; 
(m) Department of Finance; 
(n) Department of Education (DepEd); 
(o) Department of Information and Communications Technology; 
(p) National Security Council; and 
(q) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 
 
Department Secretaries may designate an alternative representative, whose portfolio 
covers matters directly or principally relating to the development or management of coastal 
and marine resources and ecosystems, if applicable. They shall sit in a permanent capacity, 
and their acts shall be considered the acts of their principals. 
 
SECTION 8. National Maritime Secretariat. - The Coastal Watch Council Secretariat, 
established under Section 4 of EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby renamed as the National 
Maritime Secretariat and shall continue to provide technical and administrative support to the 
Council and perform its functions under the same EO. 


  
 
SECTION 9. National Maritime Coordination Center. - The National Coast Watch Center, 
established under Section 5 of EO 57, series of 2011, is hereby renamed as the National 
Maritime Coordination Center and shall continue to be the operational support unit of the 
National Maritime Monitoring System and perform its functions under the same EO. 
 
SECTION 10. Support Agencies. - In order to ensure the efficient and effective discharge of 
its responsibilities, in addition to the agencies enumerated under Section 6 of EO 57, series 
of 2011, the Council may call upon other departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities 
of the government, representatives from maritime industries, and academic and research 
institutions engaged in marine science and ocean-based or ocean-related activities to 
participate in working groups, as it may deem necessary. 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
POLICY FRAMEWORK ON BLUE ECONOMY 
 
SECTION 11. Policy 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 Policy Framework. The Policy Framework shall serve as the basis for marine 
spatial planning, determination of investments to develop modern physical infrastructure and 
build an enabling environment for blue economy to prosper, and enhance maritime domain 
awareness, and enforcement of economic and environmental regulations within our maritime 
zones. The Policy Framework shall be subject to mandatory review and modification every 
five (5) years. 
 
SECTION 12. Components of the Policy Framework on Blue Economy. -The Policy 
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 in our maritime zones, including seafood 
processing and storage, and commercial research and development (R&D) activities 
for biomass resource and fish stock estimation, artificial intelligence for forecasting fish 
stocks and supply; 
(b) Compliance to local and international maritime laws; 
(c) Analysis of current and emerging trends in demography, consumption, trade, 
technology and climate that show the interaction between the economy and the 
environment, and present threats and pressures on coastal and marine environments; 
(d) Environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets and resources, and 
ecosystem goods and services from coastal and marine environments; 
(e) Priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related economic activities 
within our maritime zones, which may include the following: 
(1) Fisheries, including commercial fishing, but with preference to subsistence 
fisheries, as mandated by Section 7, Article XIII, of the Constitution; 
(2) Aquaculture, mariculture, and aqua silviculture and support industries, including 
seafood processing and storage, and aquaculture feed milling; 
(3) Marine and coastal tourism; 
(4) Shipping, logistics, and maritime transport; 
(5) Shipbuilding and ship repair; 
(6) Production of renewable energy from marine sources; 
(7) Installation of submarine cables and pipelines; 
(8) Marine biotechnology and bioprospecting; 
(9) Desalination; 
(10) Underwater cultural heritage and maritime archaeology; and 
(11) Commercial R&D activities and commercialization of new and emerging 


  
technologies developed from locally undertaken R&D; 
 
(f) Principles and indicators to guide environmental impact assessment of ocean-based 
and ocean-related economic activities, taking into account the environmental-
economic accounting of marine resources and ecosystem services that will be 
affected; 
(g) Adoption of integrated marine and coastal area management; 
(h) Strategies to promote blue finance; 
(i) Priority research and development agenda, including development of innovative 
technologies, and human capital to support the blue economy; 
(j) Promotion of ocean literacy and social responsibility towards the protection of coastal 
and marine environments; 
(k) Enhancement of capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian agencies 
to enforce laws, rules and regulations to protect our marine wealth; 
(l) Goals, targets, and indicators for growth, resilience, and sustainability of priority 
strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related activities, including its 
contribution to Gross Domestic Product and job creation; and 
(m) Such other components as may be determined by the Council as a result of its periodic 
review, to ensure that the Policy Framework is continually updated and adapted to the 
needs of the times. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INSTRUMENTS 
 
SECTION 13. International Maritime Instruments. - The Council shall direct the Inter-
Agency Coordinating Committee, as created under EO No. 159, series of 2021, to Facilitate 
the Ratification of/Accession to and Implementation of Maritime Conventions (ICCRIMC) to 
establish mechanisms for the full and effective implementation and enforcement of the 
following international maritime instruments and their subsequent amendments, including, but 
not limited to the following: 
(a) 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; 
(b) Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna; 
(c) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 
Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage; 
(d) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, and its 
Protocol of 1988 (SOLAS 74); 
(e) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and its Protocol of 
1978 (MARPOL 73/78); 
(f) Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972, as 
amended (COLREG 72); 
(g) International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 and its Protocol of 1988, as amended 
(LL 66); 
(h) International Convention on the Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 (TONNAGE 
69); 
(i) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime 
Navigation, 1988 (SUA) and its Protocol; 
(j) International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 
1990 (OPRC 1990); 
(k) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and 
Sediments, 2004 (BWM 2004); 
(l) Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by dumping of Wastes and Other 
Matter, 1972, as amended, and its 1996 Protocol (LCP); 
(m) Special Trade Passenger Ships Agreement, 1971 (STP 71); 
(n) Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization, as amended (IMSO 


  
1976) and its Operating Agreement (INMARSAT); 
(o) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for 
Seafarers, 1978, As Amended (STCW 78); 
(p) International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 
2001 (AFS 2001); 
(q) Protocol of 1992 to Amend the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil 
Pollution Damage, 1969; 
(r) Protocol of 1992 to amend the International Convention on the Establishment of an 
International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971; and 
(s) Other relevant maritime treaties, conventions, or instruments as may be agreed upon 
in the future. 
 
SECTION 14. Application. - Unless otherwise indicated, the international conventions 
enumerated in the preceding section shall apply to: 
 
(a) All ships, whether seagoing or coastwise, which are registered under the Philippine 
flag; 
(b) All persons, partnerships, corporations, firms, and other entities that engage in ocean-
based or ocean-related enterprise, or those acting on their behalf; and 
(c) All foreign ships that are within the waters, ports, harbors, and offshore terminals of 
the Philippines, regardless of whether or not they are registered in, or belong to, State 
Parties to the conventions sought to be implemented by this Act. 
 
SECTION 15. Reciprocity. - The rights and privileges of foreign vessels and aircraft in 
Philippine archipelagic waters herein provided are recognized under conditions of reciprocity 
and mutual respect. The President of the Philippines is hereby authorized to institute 
countermeasures and other appropriate steps as may be recommended by the DFA in 
response to foreign states that do not abide by, or that act inconsistently with the UNCLOS, 
or which do not ensure that vessels and aircraft under their authority comply with their rights 
and obligations under the convention. 
 
 
CHAPTER V 
ENVIRONMENTAL-ECONOMIC ACCOUNTING 
 
 
SECTION 16. Environmental-Economic Accounting. - The Philippine Statistics Authority 
shall include the environmental-economic accounting of marine ecosystems, as part of the 
Philippine ecosystem and natural capital accounting system, in the generation of the Philippine 
Ocean economy satellite accounts. 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 
INTEGRATED MARINE AND COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT 
 
SECTION 17. Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management. – The IMCAM shall be 
the framework to address human impacts on marine and coastal ecosystem, and for promoting 
its conservation and sustainable use. The Integrated Coastal Management Framework, 
principles, and mechanisms shall be aligned and shall be an integral part of the IMCAM 
framework to be developed under this Act. 
 
SECTION 18. Elements of the National IMCAM Framework. - The Council shall develop 
and implement the National IMCAM Framework within one (1) year from the effectivity of this 
Act to provide direction, support and guidance to relevant member and support agencies, local 
government units and other stakeholders, according to the Elaborated Programme of Work on 


  
Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity contained in the Annex to Decision VII/5 of the 
Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Environmental Programme Convention on 
Biological Diversity. 
 
Accordingly, the National IMCAM Framework shall consider the following elements: 
 
(a) Build capacity of stakeholders, in 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; 
 
(b) Direct action to protect coastal and marine environments from negative impacts, 
such as: 
(1) Identification, protection, prevention of alteration and destruction, and 
restoration of coastal and marine habitats, particularly areas important for 
reproduction, inter alia, coral reef systems; 
(2) Prevention, reduction or control of marine pollution; 
(3) Protection of coastal and marine environments from land-based sources, 
including proper coastal land use and watershed management; 
(4) Establishment of closed fishing areas, and closed seasons, in accordance with 
Republic Act (RA) No. 8550, also known as the "Philippine Fisheries Code of 
1998”, as amended by RA 10654; and  
(5) Reduction of by-catch. 
 
(c) Establish mechanisms and guidelines for research, monitoring and assessment of     
     coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, including indicators to measure   
     natural and human-induced impacts; and 
 
(d) Establish guidelines and mechanisms on green and blue businesses. 
 
 
CHAPTER VII 
PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF COASTAL 
AND MARINE RESOURCES 
 
SECTION 19. Protection of Endangered Species. - The Council shall spearhead the 
conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of rare, threatened, and endangered aquatic 
species as it may determine, including their habitats. It shall recommend to the President of 
the Philippines and Congress the designation of coastal and marine areas as protected areas 
under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System or under RA 8550, as 
amended, and in compliance with the relevant provisions of international treaties and 
agreements such as, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of 
Wild Flora and Fauna, the UNCLOS, and Convention on Biological Diversity. 
 
SECTION 20. Policy Coordination. - The Council shall harmonize rules and regulations of 
all relevant agencies responsible for the implementation and enforcement of laws to prevent 
and eliminate illegal fishing such as RA 8550, as amended. 
 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 
 
SECTION 21. Maritime Spatial Planning. - The Council, in consultation with relevant 
agencies, regional bodies, and local government units (LGUs), shall undertake a nationwide 


  
maritime spatial planning, guided by the standards of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic 
Commission, to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of priority activities and uses and 
the interactions thereof in maritime zones, in order to reduce conflict among uses, facilitate 
complementary uses, mitigate environmental impacts, and preserve ecosystem services. 
 
SECTION 22. Industry Development Plans. - The Council, through working groups created 
for the purpose, shall prepare five-year and ten-year development plans for priority strategic 
and sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related industry, in accordance with the Policy 
Framework and in consideration of the existing development plans and strategies formulated 
by agencies involved in coastal and marine protection and development. The Council shall 
also ensure the integration of the framework in existing industry plans. 
 
SECTION 23. Integration with Area and National Development Plans. - The NEDA shall 
integrate the maritime spatial plan and industry development plans into the Philippine 
Development Plan, the National Priority Plan, the National Physical Framework Plan, and Area 
Spatial Development Framework. 
 
SECTION 24. Inclusion in Strategic Investment Priority Plan. – The Council shall 
recommend to the BOI the inclusion of identified priority strategic ocean-based and ocean-
related activities in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan. 
 
SECTION 25. Blue Economic Zones. - Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) shall 
encourage the establishment of blue economic zones and the transformation of existing 
special economic zones into the same: Provided, That Registered Business Enterprises 
(RBEs) engaged in ocean-based or ocean-related activities in these blue economic zones, 
duly registered by an IPA, may be entitled to the incentives under Title XIII (Tax Incentives) of 
the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
 
In addition, the incentives provided under this Act shall be without prejudice to the 
following laws: 
(a) RA 9003, otherwise known as the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 
2000”; 
(b) RA 9275, otherwise known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004"; 
(c) RA 9513, otherwise known as the "Renewable Energy Act of 2008"; and 
(d) RA 10771, otherwise known as the "Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016". 
 
The RBEs operating within blue economic zones may also qualify for financing provided 
under RA 11293, otherwise known as the "Philippine Innovation Act", as applicable. 
 
 
CHAPTER IX 
BLUE FINANCE 
 
SECTION 26. Role of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). - In the exercise of its 
regulatory powers over financial institutions, the BSP shall mandate banks and quasi-banks 
to adopt the United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Blue Economy Finance 
Principles as a foundation of corporate governance and risk management. 
 
SECTION 27. Role of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). – The SEC shall 
encourage the issuance of blue bonds where proceeds will be exclusively applied to finance 
or refinance, in part or in full, eligible Blue Economy activities, in accordance with SEC 
Guidelines, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Green Bonds Standards and 
Green Bonds Principles, as developed and may be revised from time to time by the SEC, 
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, and the International Capital Market Association, respectively. 
All designated Blue Projects or Activities must provide clear benefits to ocean health and the 


  
blue economy or must contribute substantially to United Nations Sustainable Development 
Goals (UN SDG) 6 or 14, which shall be assessed and, where feasible, quantified by the 
Issuer. 
 
SECTION 28. Role of Government Financial Institutions. - The Land Bank of the 
Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines shall provide credit to strategic and 
sustainable ocean-based or ocean-related enterprises. 
 
SECTION 29. Blue Public Expenditures. - The Department of Budget and Management 
(DBM) shall allocate funds to implement blue economy programs, activities and projects 
(PAPs), in consonance with Section 15 of Republic Act No. 9729, as amended. The DBM shall 
include blue public expenditures as part of its efforts to increase convergence in programming 
and implementation of climate change and disaster risk reduction PAPs through the Risk 
Resiliency Program. 
 
 
CHAPTER X 
MARINE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION (STI)  
AND OCEAN LITERACY 
 
SECTION 30. Marine Scientific Research. - The State recognizes marine science as a 
foundation of maritime governance, insofar as rules governing the use of coastal and marine 
resources must be based on the sound scientific understanding of the marine environment. In 
accordance with UNCLOS, the Philippines has the exclusive rights to regulate, authorize and 
conduct marine scientific research in our internal waters, archipelagic waters and territorial 
sea; whereas, the Philippines has rights to regulate, authorize and conduct maritime research 
in our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf: Provided, That the marine scientific 
research activities shall not unjustifiably interfere with other legitimate uses of the sea and 
shall not constitute the legal basis for any claim to any part of the marine environment or its 
resources. 
 
Marine scientific research by foreign states and competent international organizations 
may only be conducted with the express consent of and the conditions set forth by the Council, 
in accordance with the UNCLOS. 
 
SECTION 31. Marine Technology and Innovation. - The State recognizes that science, 
technology, and innovation have a critical role in harnessing ocean resources for the blue 
economy while ensuring sustainability. Marine technology and innovations are needed to 
address technical and logistical constraints that impede the development of Philippine blue 
industries. Among these technologies are advanced materials, subsea engineering and 
technology, sensors and imaging, big data analytics, autonomous systems, biotechnology, 
nanotechnology, marine spatial planning, and circular blue economy. The government shall 
also support the development and adoption of locally developed marine-related technologies. 
 
SECTION 32. Ocean Literacy Framework. - The DepEd, Commission on Higher Education, 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and other government agencies 
implementing sector-specific literacy programs, in consultation with relevant members of the 
Council or support agencies, shall integrate into the curricula of K-12, the Alternative Learning 
System, general education programs of higher education institutions, technical and vocational 
education and training, and other community-based training programs, the essential principles 
and fundamental concepts of ocean sciences to develop the following competencies: 
(a) Understanding the economic, socio-cultural, spiritual, scientific, and political 
importance/significance of the ocean to humankind in general and the Filipinos in 
particular; 
(b) Communicating about the ocean in a meaningful way; and 


  
(c) Making informed and responsible decisions regarding the ocean and its resources. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION 
 
SECTION 33. Archipelagic Sea Lanes. - The President of the Philippines shall designate 
sea lanes and air routes hereabove, suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of 
foreign ships and aircrafts through or over the archipelagic waters and the adjacent territorial 
sea, and shall, where necessary as regards the safety of navigation, require foreign ships 
exercising the right of innocent passage to use such lanes and traffic separation schemes in 
accordance with the UNCLOS. 
 
 
CHAPTER XII 
ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 
 
SECTION 34. Role of Local Government Units. - Cities and municipalities shall continue to 
exercise jurisdiction over municipal waters, pursuant to RA 7160, otherwise known as the 
"Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and RA 8550, as amended subject to the 
jurisdiction and authority of national government agencies as stated in the provisions of special 
laws as the case may be. Consistent with this mandate, LGUs shall act as the frontline 
agencies in the formulation, planning, and implementation and enforcement of the law of 
IMCAM in their respective jurisdictions. The LGUs shall integrate the National Maritime Spatial 
Plan in their Comprehensive Development and Annual Investment Plans. 
 
SECTION 35. Inter-LGU Cooperation. - Consistent with the provisions of RA 7160, as 
amended, LGUs may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and 
resources for the accomplishment of the objectives of this Act. 
 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 36. Joint Congressional Oversight. - For the effective implementation of this Act, 
a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee is created, to be known as the Blue Economy 
Oversight Committee, which shall be competed 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 Minority shall be entitled to pro rata representation. The 
Blue Economy Oversight Committee shall be jointly chaired by the Chairperson of the Senate 
Committee on Economic Affairs and the Chairperson of the House Committee on Economic 
Affairs. 
 
SECTION 37. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this 
Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the Office of the President. 
Thereafter, such amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 38. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Council shall issue the 
necessary rules and regulations to efficiently carry out the provisions of this Act within sixty 
(60) days from its effectivity. 
 
SECTION 39. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 40. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified 


  
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 41. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,