Sen. Villanueva upbeat on passage of blue economy bill

Photo shows a diver exploring Camiguin’s diverse underwater treasures. (PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGION 10)

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Joel Villanuava is optimistic about the passage of the blue economy bill, or the proposed Blue Economy Act, highlighting the measure’s significance in harnessing the Philippines’ maritime domain for economic growth and sustainability.

The Blue Economy Bill, which aims to protect and utilize the Philippines’ vast maritime resources, has passed  third reading in both Houses of Congress and is now under bicameral discussions.

“While there are ongoing discussions regarding the differing provisions in both versions, we are optimistic that these issues will be resolved so the measure can be signed into law, as it is a priority for the administration,” Villanueva said on Monday.

Blue economy refers to the integrated, holistic, cross-sectoral, and cross-stakeholder approach for the sustainable, resilient, and inclusive use, governance, management, and conservation of oceans, seas, marine and coastal resources, and ecosystems for economic growth.

“The proposed legislation will empower the government to ensure the sustainability and protection of our vast coastal and marine resources and to harness the potential of our ocean wealth to promote livelihood and employment in our ocean-based economy,” Villanueva added.

The bill also aims to safeguard the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs), particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Taken in conjunction with the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Bill, our goal is to safeguard what is rightfully ours, including our exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea,” Villanueva emphasized.

Apart from the Blue Economy Bill, other legislative efforts aimed at addressing WPS-related issues include Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ National WPS Day, Sen. Francis Tolentino’s Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez’s bill to create the Center for West Philippine Studies. (Stefani Tacugue, INQUIRER.net trainee)