Marcos urged to prioritize passage of National Coastal Greenbelt Act to cement legacy as an environmental champion
Press Release Date: July 13, 2025
Mangroves are the lifeline of Filipinos. These are not for sale nor should be destroyed to pave the way for unbridled so-called coastal development.
Almost 50 letters from fishers, youth, scientists, civil society organizations, local government officials, and environmental advocates were delivered to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang today, appealing to include the National Coastal Greenbelt bill in the priority agenda for legislation of his administration in the 20th Congress and to certify it as an urgent measure. The groups said this critical legislation aims to safeguard essential coastal ecosystems and enable the President to reinforce his legacy as an environmental steward.
The letters were collected after the youth from Mangrove Matters Philippines (MMPh) and Oceana launched last month the Dear Mr. President campaign.
“Mangroves store up to five times more carbon than other tropical forests; they are our greatest weapon against global warming. Let us protect what is left and restore what we can. Prioritize the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill,” said Leo Anthony Castro, Executive Director of MMPh.
The international marine conservation group, Oceana, has been campaigning for the passage of this law. The group highlights that mangrove ecosystems provide livelihood opportunities, food sources, and protection against coastal hazards.
Oceana emphasized the bill’s importance in integrating disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods into coastal barangays.
“The passage of the National Coastal Greenbelt bill will stop arbitrary cutting of mangroves along coastal areas to pave the way for infrastructure and so-called coastal development that will lead to more disaster than benefits to the people,” said Atty. Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio, Oceana Acting Vice President.
Local environmental advocates in Cebu City recently celebrated the halting of a PHP 97-million road-fill project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that threatened century-old mangroves in Barangays Inayawan and Cogon Pardo. The order, issued by Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, was based on findings by city environmental officers and calls from the Coastline Management Board.
“Although a few community-based mangrove restoration have been successful for years, what happened in Cebu shows us the pervading threats to our mangroves. Not every mangrove forest will be lucky enough to be saved unless a national policy catches up. This fight to save our last remaining mangrove forests in Cebu and elsewhere is deeply personal. We need the President to act now to protect our coastal ecosystems and communities. This initiative by advocates to write to President Marcos reflects the widespread public demand for immediate action to protect our coasts and secure the future of vulnerable communities,” explained Osorio, who is also a long-time environmental defender from Cebu.
The proposed National Coastal Greenbelt bill establishes a comprehensive program to designate priority coastal greenbelt zones across the country, including mangroves, beach forests, and other coastal vegetation. It mandates the creation of a National Coastal Greenbelt Action Plan (NCGAP) to guide the rehabilitation, reforestation, and protection of these areas.
“Malaking tulong ang bakawan sa aming mga mangingisda. Dumadami ang huli namin sa laot dahil sa paglago ng mga bakawang pangitlugan at tirahan ng mga maliliit pang isda. Dito din namin kinukuha ang mga hipon at kasag na dagdag na pagkain at kita para sa aming pamilya sa panahong kakaunti ang aming huli. Higit sa lahat, inililigtas kami ng mga bakawan sa daluyong dulot ng malalakas na bagyo at alon,” said Pablo Rosales, President of national fisherfolk group, PANGISDA Pilipinas.
Rosales said they opposed the coastal projects in Manila Bay that have destroyed the once lush mangrove forest areas in Bulacan, Bataan and Cavite. The group also opposed the seabed quarrying in these areas that was done to get filling materials for the roads and infrastructure projects being built off the coast of this bay.
“Kailangang maipasa ang batas na magdedeklara ng local coastal greenbelt zones para maprotektahan ang mga natitira pang bakawanan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa,” said Rosales.
The bill requires the reversion of abandoned, undeveloped and underutilized fishponds to mangrove areas, the removal of illegal structures within greenbelt zones, and the establishment of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Key government agencies, including the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, are tasked with implementing the program.
“We need to act now. Our future generation needs to prevent the collapse of our natural life support system in the marine environment. Disaster risk reduction and management, and climate adaptation plans must be institutionalized through strong laws like the National Coastal Greenbelt Act,” said Castro.
Marcos has previously demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development, notably by suspending large-scale reclamation projects in Manila Bay to ensure that environmental safeguards were in place before proceeding. His approach to balancing economic growth with ecological integrity has set a precedent for responsible governance in the face of development pressures. (END)
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.
For More Information:
Joyce Sierra, Communications Manager, Oceana
Mobile: 09178214430 E-mail: jsierra@oceana.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oceana.philippines
Twitter: @oceana_ph Instagram: @oceana_ph