The Storms are Coming: Congress Urged to Pass Bill Protecting Coastal Communities from Intensifying Storms and Typhoons
Press Release Date: May 13, 2026
With the intensity of floods, storms, and storm surges already projected to worsen from climate change, and rainy season approaching in the Philippines, International marine conservation group Oceana is urging Congress to fast-track the passage of the National Coastal Greenbelt Act, which would ensure the protection and restoration of mangrove forests nationwide.
The call comes nearly one year after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the investigation of corruption-ridden flood control projects amid persistent flooding across the country. Oceana says the time has come for the government to invest in and prioritize nature-based solutions to flooding and the impacts of super typhoons and other extreme weather events.
“Is the government doing all it can to protect our people and communities from the anticipated impacts of climate change? The sad answer is no – because instead of ensuring the protection of nature’s most effective defenses against coastal erosion and storm surges, it is allowing the continuing decimation of our mangrove forests,” said Von Hernandez, Oceana Vice President.
The Philippines’ mangrove cover is estimated to be around 285,000 to 311.400 hectares in 2020, down from a high of 500,000 hectares in the early part of 20th century. The country is also a biodiversity hotspot for mangroves, hosting at least 50% pf the approximately 65 mangrove species found worldwide.
“Meanwhile, the fixation on flood-control projects has resulted in billions of public money squandered. On top of that, we’ve seen losses in people’s lives and livelihoods, and damage to property—leaving more communities vulnerable to climate impacts,” he added.
Hernandez described faulty and irregular flood control projects, breached seawalls and dikes as massive wastage of public funds that could have otherwise supported children’s education, health subsidies for the poor, and environmental resilience. “Mangroves are a science-proven shield for our coastal communities against the damaging impact of the climate crisis. Unlike seawalls and other concrete infrastructure, mangroves recover, adapt, and grow. These can reduce wave heights by up to 75 percent,” he said.
During the hearing of the House Committee on Climate Change, Oceana called for a stand-alone National Coastal Greenbelt Act, rather than folding the measure into the proposed Integrated Coastal Management Act.
According to Oceana, a standalone greenbelt bill would establish clear targets, designate a single lead agency, set firm timelines, and secure dedicated funding for mangrove protection. In contrast, an Integrated Coastal Management Act—by design—could be bogged down by the need to satisfy multiple and competing priorities at once, like fisheries, tourism, shipping, reclamation, and urban development, among others.
“The climate emergency should compel Congress to pass a dedicated, standalone greenbelt bill now, one that protects our coastal communities from calamitous storm surges and impacts, and that will not be held hostage by other competing economic and commercial interests,” said Hernandez. “Failure to do this would be criminal, leaving millions of our countrymen vulnerable and defenseless against the catastrophic impacts of climate change,” he added. (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