Brief

The Blue Economy Act establishes a high‑level Blue Economy Council and a comprehensive policy framework that unites ocean stewardship with economic development. It mandates a one‑year timetable for an integrated marine and coastal management plan, nationwide marine spatial planning, and robust ocean accounting, laying the legal foundation for sustainable growth across fisheries, shipping, offshore energy, and future seabed‑mineral ventures.

Origins

Prompted by Senate inquiries into the nation’s untapped blue‑economy potential, Senate committees consolidated earlier bills and a resolution into Senate Bill 2450, which advanced through Committee Report 138. The measure complements the 2023 Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act and aligns with international commitments on biodiversity, climate resilience, and maritime governance.

Key Provisions

Blue Economy Council (BEC)

  • Chaired by the Executive Secretary and co‑vice‑chaired by Environment and Socio‑Economic Planning, the BEC must craft a clear policy framework, identify priority sectors, harmonize agency rules, and oversee implementation through a Secretariat housed in NEDA.

Blue Economy Framework & Objectives

  • Defines value creation, inclusivity, and sustainability as guiding principles and positions the blue economy as a new engine of national growth.

Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management (IMCAM)

  • Requires development of a national IMCAM framework within one year to address habitat protection, pollution, illegal fishing, and ecosystem‑based management.

Marine Spatial Planning & Blue Economic Zones

  • Mandates nationwide marine spatial planning to zone allowed, regulated, or restricted activities and empowers investment‑promotion agencies to create Blue Economic Zones (BEZs) or convert existing zones.

Ocean Accounting

  • Assigns the Philippine Statistics Authority to build environmental‑economic accounts for oceans and directs Council members to supply data that support evidence‑based policy.

Protection & Conservation

  • Directs the BEC to coordinate endangered‑species protection, strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing, and recommend new marine protected areas.

Ocean Literacy & Capacity Building

  • Integrates ocean science across K‑12, tertiary, and vocational curricula and funds skills programs aligned with blue‑economy priorities.

Local Government Role

  • Confirms local government jurisdiction over municipal waters and tasks them with developing local marine spatial plans consistent with national plans while encouraging inter‑local cooperation.

Timeline

The Council and an interim secretariat are established upon enactment, with interim staffing required within one month. Within one year, the Blue Economy Framework, the Integrated Marine and Coastal Area Management framework, and the initial Marine Spatial Plan must be completed. Ocean accounting tables are rolled out in phases under Philippine Statistics Authority schedules, with updates each year. Finally, the policy framework and strategic action plan are reviewed at least every five years to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a whole‑of‑government council to steer blue‑economy growth and safeguard marine ecosystems.
  • Sets a one‑year deadline for integrated management and spatial plans, accelerating policy coherence and investment certainty.
  • Embeds ocean accounting and data transparency as pillars of decision‑making, strengthening legitimacy and investor confidence.
  • Creates Blue Economic Zones that position the Philippines to attract sustainable investment in traditional maritime sectors and emerging opportunities such as offshore minerals.
  • Provides local governments and communities with clear roles, enhanced tools, and capacity‑building.