Press Release March 5, 2024
Opening Statement of Senator Cynthia A. Villar
5 March 2024 (Tuesday), 10:00 a.m. In today's hearing, we will begin our discussion of the bills seeking the adoption of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a national strategy to ensure the sustainable development of our coastal and marine environment and the resources found therein. These bills include Senate Bills No. 126, 1342, and 2397 authored by yours truly, Senate President Pro-tempore Legarda and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, respectively, and also House Bill No. 7767, which is the approved House of Representatives version of the bill that was transmitted to the Senate. Integral to coastal management is the maintenance of coastal greenbelts or those coastal plantation or vegetation, which include seagrass, mangroves and/or beach forest. Hence, we have also included in our agenda today the bills aiming to establish a National Coastal Greenbelt Plan. These include Senate Bills numbered 113, 591, 1117, and 1237 authored by Senators Binay, Hontiveros, Legarda, and myself, respectively. The Philippines, as an archipelago with 7,641 islands, has a vast coastline of over 36,000 kilometers. With the majority of our provinces -- 66 out of 81 -- located along the coast, and about 60% of our population living in these areas, the importance of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) for our country is clear. Our geography not only shapes our way of life but also highlights the critical role of ICM in managing and protecting our coastal resources effectively. The necessity of adopting ICM as a national strategy is highlighted by several factors, namely:
As we engage in today's discussions, I urge my fellow senators and all stakeholders to consider these vital points. The ICM legislation, we are considering is not just about protecting our environment. The bill intends to secure the future of our nation, ensure sustainable development, and preserve our natural heritage for generations to come. With that, we look forward to a productive discussion on our agenda today with our resource persons. |
Thursday, May 2
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