Law Summary
Participation in the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI)
- The Philippines is a member of the CTI, collaborating with Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste.
- The CTI focuses on coral reefs, fisheries, and food security conservation efforts.
- The Manila Draft of the CTI Regional Plan of Action was adopted during the 2nd Senior Officials Meeting held in Manila on 23 October 2007.
Alignment with International Conventions
- The NPOA complements the Philippines’ commitments to international treaties such as:
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- Convention on Migratory Species
- UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Millennium Development Goals
National Policies Supporting CTI Goals
- Laws and policies reinforcing CTI goals include:
- Republic Act 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act)
- Republic Act 8550 (Fisheries Code of the Philippines)
- Executive Order No. 533 (Integrated Coastal Management as National Policy)
- Proclamation No. 1028 (Sulu and Celebes Seas Integrated Conservation Zone)
- Executive Order No. 578 (National Policy on Biological Diversity)
- Focus on implementation particularly within the Verde Island Passage and Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Eco-region.
Ongoing National and Regional Efforts
- The Philippines supports ongoing/planned projects and regional cooperative programs, including the Sulu Sulawesi Marine Eco-region Conservation Plan under a Memorandum of Understanding.
Institutional Roles and Responsibilities
- DENR is the lead agency for environmental sustainability and resource management per Executive Order No. 192.
- The Department of Agriculture, under Republic Act 8550, manages aquatic resources including development, protection, and conservation.
- Institutional coordination is necessary for coherent, consistent strategies in coastal and marine resource management.
Adoption of the CTI National Plan of Action (NPOA)
- The NPOA is officially adopted as the main framework for developing and implementing marine and coastal management programs.
- It directs government agencies and local government units to incorporate its priority actions into their plans and budgets.
Integration and Coordination Mechanisms
- All coastal and marine concerned agencies must integrate NPOA priorities into national plans and budgets.
- Local government units, especially coastal ones, are likewise mandated to incorporate NPOA priorities in local development plans and budgets.
- DENR and Department of Agriculture Secretaries shall jointly coordinate NPOA implementation.
- They serve as the national coordinating body and focal point for regional CTI activities.
- They may involve other agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector as necessary.
Joint Secretariat and Stakeholder Involvement
- A Joint Secretariat is established jointly by DENR-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
- The Secretariat includes full-time representatives from DFA, DBM, NEDA, NGOs, academic institutions, and the business sector.
Funding and Financial Support
- An initial fund of Php 5 million will be allocated for Secretariat operations.
- Funding released from DENR and DA budgets through the Secretary of Budget and Management.
- Additional funds contingent on submission and approval of joint annual work and financial plans by DENR and DA Secretaries.
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Inconsistent proclamations, orders, rules, or regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
- If any part of the Executive Order is declared unconstitutional, the remainder remains effective and enforceable.
Effectivity Clause
- The Executive Order takes effect upon signing on May 6, 2009, by the President of the Philippines.