AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee 

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has championed the adoption of a “blue economy” as a framework for the safe use and sustainable development of Philippine maritime resources. 

In his message during the Multi-Stakeholders Consultation-Workshop on Mainstreaming Blue Economy in Legazpi, Albay, the neophyte solon said that harnessing the blue economy will “maximize the economic contributions of our seas while ensuring its responsible development to preserve it for future generations". 

Lee is the author of House Bill (HB) No. 8893 or the Blue Economy Act of 2023 which was approved by the House Committee on Economic Affairs on Sept. 12. 

A blue economy refers to a practical ocean-based economic model using green infrastructure and technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the twin goals of protecting our oceans and coasts and enhancing its potential contribution to sustainable development, including improving human well-being, and reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. 

“Ang atin pong mga yamang tubig ay nag-uumapaw sa biyaya at mga oportunidad na kapag iningatan at pinaunlad pa natin ay siguradong dadaloy ang mga benepisyo at serbisyo, hindi lang para sa ating mga mangingisda, kundi pati na rin sa marami pa nating mga kababayan, na pakikinabangan ng ating mga apo at ng kanilang mga apo,” Lee said. 

(Our marine resources are teeming with blessings and opportunities, and taking good care of it will ensure continuous flow of benefits not only for our fishermen but for the rest of Filipinos and will be passed on to the grandchildren of our grandchildren.)

The Sorsogon native pointed out that the country, located in the Coral Triangle, is a biodiversity hotspot that "is neglected as human activities such as overexploitation, pollution, and climate change have damaged the country’s coral reefs, mangrove forests, and endangered species. As a result, there is a threat to the food security, fisheries, marine conservation, and tourism".

"Obligasyon po ng bawat isa na protektahan ito (It's the obligation of each of us to protect this)." 

Lee said that through HB No.8893, the government will (1) adopt a blue economy framework for the sustainable development and safe use of marine wealth within the country's maritime zones; (2) exercise stewardship of the seas and coasts, protect and conserve marine and coastal ecosystems and habitats, preserve the maritime heritage, and foster international cooperation; and (3) ensure a whole-of-nation approach to the stewardship of the seas and coasts. 

If this measure is passed into law, the National Maritime Council shall be established to coordinate the implementation to balance economic growth and environmental conservation. 

The Council is mandated to formulate a Policy Framework on Blue Economy, which will serve as the basis for marine spatial planning, determination of investments to enhance maritime domain awareness, and enforcement of economic and environmental regulations within the country’s maritime zones. The Policy Framework shall be subject to mandatory review and modification every five years. 

Among the components of the Policy Framework are: (1) review of all existing policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and regulations on ocean-based and ocean-related activities; (2) adherence to international maritime laws and protocols; (3) analysis of current and emerging trends and changes in demography, consumption, trade, technology and climate that show the interaction between the economy and the environment, and present threats and pressures on coastal and marine environments; (4) environmental-economic accounting of coastal and marine assets and resources, and ecosystem services from coastal and marine environments; and (5) priority strategic and sustainable ocean-based and ocean-related economic activities.