Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon ity, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7115

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to World Bank senior environmental engineer Gerardo
Parco, the Philippines is ranked third among 20 countries in terms of
mismanaged plastic waste, with 1.88 million metric tons per year recorded
in 20101. This issue is alarming, considering that the Philippines is at the
epicenter of Earth’s marine biodiversity.

Out of the total 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, about 84
percent or 2.27 million tons are collected and the 16 percent or 432,000
tons remain uncollected. From which, a total of 521,000 tons are leaked to
the ocean!

The Philippines, considering its 7,641 islands, has the fifth longest
coastlines in the world at 6,289 kilometers. It is covered by the 1987
Constitution, particularly Article 12, Section 2, Paragraph 2, which states,
“The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic
waters, territorial sea.”

Hence, there remains a need to increase consciousness and
awareness among the Filipino people on the importance of preserving our
marine resources.

' Business Mirror. 2019. “No time to waste: PHL reckons with managing trash”
https: //businessmirror.com.ph/2019/06/27/no-time-to-waste-phl-reckons-with-

managing-trash/ (Accessed 12 July 2020)



This bill aims to promote environmental efforts to save the seas
through a National Coastal Clean-up Day.

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

‘RED V. ‘AS


Republic of the Philippines
Aouse of Representatives
Quezon City, Meteo Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7115

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY
IN THE PHILIPPINES PRESCRIBING EVERY SECOND SUNDAY OF
SEPTEMEBER 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
Clean-up 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 thereof, the
following shall facilitate and encourage the commendation of this day:

* Department of Education (DepEd);
* Commission on Higher Education (CHED);

* Civil Service Education (CSC);

* Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
Philippine National Police (PNP); and

© Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

* Schools (Public and Private); and


* National and Local Government Agencies.

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
implementations 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 implementations of this Act
shall be included in the annual GAA.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulations or part
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modify accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any part, section or provision of this
Act shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, no other part, section or
provisions thereof shall be affected thereby.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or two (2)

newspapers of general circulation

Approved,