NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE 
2211
\V A/ y
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23 MAY 17 PI :22
RECEiVi.'D r'.
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF JUNE OF EVERY YEAR AS THE "MARINE 
TURTLE AWARENESS MONTH"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In accordance with Article XII, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution, which 
mandates 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," this bill proposes the declaration of June 
as the "Marine Turtle Awareness Month." This aligns with our commitment to the 
preservation of our nation's marine wealth, particularly the endangered marine turtle 
species that inhabit our waters.
The Philippines is home to 5 of the 7 sea turtle species globally: the Green 
Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Leatherback Turtle, and Olive Ridley. 
However, these species are all listed on the International Union for Conservation of 
Nature (lUCN) Red List, denoting their endangered status. Despite decades of 
conservation efforts in the Philippines, we acknowledge that more needs to be 
done.
Sea turtles play essential roles in maintaining the health of our marine 
ecosystems. They help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, facilitate 
nutrient cycling, contribute to the balance of marine food webs, and even aid in 
creating habitats for other marine life. Moreover, as an indicator species, changes in


sea turtle populations can help signal shifts in the environment and aid in identifying 
threats to marine biodiversity.
As an archipelago endowed with diverse marine ecosystems, the Philippines 
serves as a sanctuary for these sea turtle species. Their presence attests to our 
unique biodiversity and reinforces our constitutional obligation to protect and sustain 
our marine wealth.
This bill is a call to action, urging us to dedicate June each year to raising 
awareness of the essential role marine turtles play In our ecosystems, and 
emphasizing our shared responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures. The 
bill is a move towards the direction of preserving our marine biodiversity for future 
generations.
Hence, I seek for the early approval of this bill.
/t/k if (Xa.
CYNTHIA A. VILL^


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 2211
ot til?
23 MAY 17 PI :22
Rl'CHiVcD BV
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Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
TURTLE AWARENES^MONTH" 3UNE °F EVERY YEAR AS ™E "MARINE
Be ft enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. The month of June of every year is hereby declared as the ''Marine
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Turtle A wareness Month
All heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including 
Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC), Locai Government Units 
(LGU) and employers In the private sector, shall encourage and afford sufficient time 
and opportunities for their empioyees to engage and participate in any activity
conducted within the premises of their offices or establishments in celebration of the 
"Marine Turtle Awareness Month."
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Sec. 2. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination
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with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall prepare and implement annual program of
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activities pursuant to the observance of the "Marine Turtle Awareness Month."
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Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
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Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
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Approved,