Marine, coastal wealth protection, dev’t pushed
A neophyte solon has underscored the urgency of passing a measure that would establish an integrated plan to protect and develop the Philippines’ rich marine and coastal resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the country’s future generations.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan is proposing Blue Economy Act or House Bill 8708 which provides for a whole-of-nation approach in achieving these twin goals at a time when climate change and man-made activities continue to threaten the country’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
“The passage of this Act is among the key legislative priorities under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The reason behind this focus is evident: as an archipelagic country, it is high time that the Philippines prioritize its marine resources and leverage them to cultivate a robust economy, while contributing meaningfully to global efforts in sustainability,” Yamsuan said in sponsoring his version of the measure during a recent Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting of the House committee on economic affairs.
During the TWG meeting, the measure was consolidated with House Bills 69, 8669, 8720, 8816 and 8893 which also seek to establish a Blue Economy policy framework. These bills were filed by Negros Occidental Rep. Francisco Benitez; Paranaque Rep. Gus Tambunting; Antique Rep. Antonio Legarda Jr.; and AGRI party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee.
With the Philippines being the world’s second largest archipelagic state and with a coastline spanning 32,289 kilometers, the country can become a leader in sustainably growing the blue economy, Yamsuan said.
Under the still unnumbered substitute bill consolidating the six Blue Economy measures, the National Coast Watch Council will be reconstituted as the National Maritime Council.
