The Philippine government is working to eliminate overlapping jurisdictions in the management of marine resources.
Central to this effort is a unified Blue Economy Framework designed to align agency mandates, jurisdictions, and initiatives across the country.
Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs noted that the challenge has been the fragmented stewardship of different pieces of the marine sector, each governed by distinct mandates.
An inter‑agency roundtable held on July 20 and 21 assembled more than 100 representatives from the three branches of government, academia, civil society, and development partners to shape the framework.
The dialogue aims to strengthen sustainable use and management of marine resources through better policy coordination and governance.
Key legal foundations—including the Archipelagic Doctrine, the National Marine Policy, the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, the Fisheries Code, and the Clean Water Act—anchor the blue‑economy agenda.
The discussions also support the development of a proposed Blue Economy Act, a priority item on the legislative agenda.
Insights gathered during the roundtable will guide policy recommendations and the continued refinement of the framework.
Ultimately, the framework seeks to translate the country’s blue‑economy vision into clear governance mechanisms, strategic priorities, and coordinated actions that promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient ocean-based development.
