Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 1735

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to environmental group Greenpeace, the Philippines ranks third as the
"worst polluter of the world's oceans", after China and Indonesia '. The three
countries, as well as Thailand and Vietnam, are responsible for as much as 60%
of the plastic waste in the world's oceans, The National Center for Ecological
Analysis and Synthesis estimated over 8 million tons of plastic end up in the
oceans every year. Asian nations were found to be a major contributor to plastic
waste.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recognized the
need to give our coastal and marine areas due attention. They reiterated this call
by implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act as well as
facilitated the clearing of coastal areas from trash and debris‘ in 2017 during the
International Coastal Cleanup Day.

This bill intends to institutionalize the observance of the National Coastal Clean-Up
Day to promote water pollution prevention via coastal cleanups. Similar to what the
DENR has conducted, this bill proposes to turn coastal cleanups into an annual program
by the agency and catalyze the support of other relevant agencies.

The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

LUIS RAY! ID “LI ” F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1735

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "National Coastal Cleanup
Day".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall protect and advance the right of
the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and
harmony of nature and to promote consciousness over the protection of our marine
resources.

SECTION 3. Observance of the National Coastal Clean-Up Day. — An annual program
of activities that would promote water pollution prevention via coastal cleanups shall
be prepared and implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR). In support there, the:

. Department of Education;

. Commission on Higher Education;
Civil Service Commission;

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. Department of Interior and Local Government;


.. Philippine National Police; and
‘Armed Forces of the Philippines

. Schools (Public and Private); and

. National and Local Government Agencies.

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Shall facilitate and encourage the commemoration of this day.

In addition, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in coordination with the
abovementioned agencies, shall ensure the effective information dissemination of this
Act.

SECTION 4. Funding. — The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this
Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the DENR under the current General
Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual GAA

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — Should any provision herein be declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or
other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in the
Philippines

Approved,