Integrated Coastal Management Act

Senate Gifice of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 19 P2:39 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1214 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT TO ADOPT INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES AND TO ESTABLISH SUPPORTING MECHANISMS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND PROVIDE FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines is comprised of more than 7,600 islands. Being an archipelagic country, it is endowed with rich coastal and marine biodiversity that serves as an important resource and contributor to the country's economy. Integrate Coastal Management (ICM) is an ecologically based approach to environmental management. It has been widely advocated to reverse the decline in coastal and marine environmental quality and ensure sustainable coastal development. Over the past decades, ICM has been applied in dozens of sites across East Asia, covering more than 31,000 km of coastline and benefitting tens of millions of people living in coastal and watershed areas. ICM helps local governments to achieve social and economic development targets in several areas like pollution reduction and waste management, food security and livelihood management, water use and supply management, habitat protection, restoration and management, and natural and man-made hazard prevention and management.

The proposed bill aims to adopt the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a national strategy to ensure the sustainable development of the coastal and marine environment and resources. A National ICM Framework which will provide direction, support and guidance to LGUs and stakeholders in the development and implementation of their local ICM plans. The enactment of this measure will provide a clear and unified direction for managing the country's vast and diverse coastal areas. It will support the achievement of national goals on biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and inclusive economic growth, in line with international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. - • 00- JV EJERCITO

Senate Office of the suretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 19 P2:40 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1214 Introduced by Senator JV Ejercito AN ACT TO ADOPT INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT AS A NATIONAL STRATEGY TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES AND TO ESTABLISH SUPPORTING MECHANISMS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND PROVIDE FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Integrated Coastal

Management Act"

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to ensure

sustainable development of coastal and marine resources in consultation with all stakeholders. Towards this end, it shall adopt Integrated Coastal Management, hereinafter referred to as ICM, to address the connectivity of terrestrial and marine biodiversity, social and ecological systems and the different human activities taking place therein, to promote sustainable development, to achieve food security, poverty alleviation, gender equality, respect for sustainable traditional resource rights of indigenous peoples, and to reduce vulnerability to climate change, and human induced and natural hazards.

Sec. 3. Scope and Coverage. - ICM shall be implemented in all coastal and marine

areas, addressing the interlinkages among associated watersheds and wetlands, by all

1 relevant government structures at the national and local levels in consultation and partnership with all stakeholders.

Sec. 4. Definitions. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 6 shall be

defined as follows: a. "Adaptation" refers to the adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities; b. "Biological Diversity" or "Biodiversity" refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. Biodiversity consists of variety of species, their genetic make-up, and the communities or population to which they belong; c. "Climate Change' refers to a change in climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or variability of its properties and that persist for an extended period typically decades or longer, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity; d. "Disaster Risk Reduction" refers to the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the casual factors of disasters, through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events; e. "Coastal Area" or "Coastal Zone"refers to a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land) in which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic processes and uses, and vice versa; its geographic extent may include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and other areas to include coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass beds, and other soft-bottom areas; f. "Integrated Coastal Management' refers to a natural resource and environmental ecosystem-based management framework which employs an integrative, holistic management approach and an interactive planning process in addressing the complex management issues of the coastal area. The major goal is to attain sustainable costal development including maintaining the

functional integrity of ecosystems through effective coastal and ocean governance; g. "Mangroves" refers to a community of intertidal plants including all species of trees, shrubs, vines and herbs found on coasts, swamps or boarder of swamps; h. "Municipal Waters" include not only streams, lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within the municipality which are not included within the protected areas as defined under Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, as amended by RA No. 11038, public forest, timber lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves, but also marine waters included between two (2) lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a third line parallel with the general coastline including offshore islands and fifteen (15) kilometers from such coastline. Where two (2) municipalities are so situated on opposite shores that there is less than thirty (30) kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities; i. "Watershed' refers to a land area drained by a stream or fixed body of water and its tributaries having a common outlet for surface run-off; j. '''Wetland" to areas of marsh, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static, flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including adjacent areas of marine water; and k. "State of the Coasts Reporting System" refers to a tool to assist the local government units (LGUs) in assessing the progress and benefits of ICM implementation. It allows the LGUs to document and measure the effectiveness and impacts of policy and management interventions in support of sustainable coastal development and evaluate progress towards local, national, and international targets for sustainable development. CHAPTER II INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Sec. 5. National Coordinating Committee on ICM. - There is hereby established

a National Coordinating Committee on ICM, hereinafter referred to as the National

1 Coordinating Committee, to coordinate the review and implementation of the National ICM Framework. The DENR shall provide secretariat support to the National Coordinating Committee. The National Coordinating Committee shall be composed of the following: a. The Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) or his/her designated representative as chairperson; b. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) or his/her designated representative as vice-chairperson; c. The Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DUG) or his/her designated representative as vice-chairperson; d. The Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) or his/her designated representative as member; e. One representative from the academe who specializes in ICM as member; f. One representative from non-government organizations (NGOs) dealing with coastal management or fisheries as member; and g. One representative from the private sector as member. The designated permanent representatives shall be chosen in a process to be determined In the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the National Coordinating Committee on ICM. -

The National Coordinating Committee shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions; a. Formulate, adopt, Institutionalize and amend, if necessary, the National ICM Framework, in consultation with other concerned agencies, sectors and stakeholders within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act; b. Identify ICM management areas such as bays, lakes, gulfs, river basins, watersheds, wetlands, protected areas, and other resources that are shared by two or more provinces and assign the coordination of the formulation and implementation of the required Inter-Provincial ICM Plan to the appropriate Regional Development Council; c. Initiate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM especially in relation to biodiversity;

d. Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among provinces; and e.Recommend to Congress for enactment of legislations or to the appropriate government agency for issuance of policies.

Sec. 7. National ICM Framework. - The National ICM Framework shall provide

direction, support and guidance to the local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders in the development and implementation of their local ICM plans. The National 7 Coordinating Committee shall finalize the National ICM Framework within twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act. The Nacional ICM Framework shall include the following components of the framework for sustainable development of coastal areas: a. Goals and objectives; b. Strategies and action plans; c. Required policy or legislation; d. Information and public awareness campaign; e. Financing mechanisms; and f. Capacity building and National ICM Training Program.

Sec. 8. Elements of the National ICM Framework. - The implementation of ICM

Programs shall take into account the following elements: a. An inter-agency, multi-sectoral mechanism to coordinate the efforts of different agencies, sectors and administrative levels; b. People's participation in the formulation and implementation of the National ICM Framework; c. Coastal strategies and action plans that provide a long-term vision and strategy for sustainable development of the coastal areas; and a fixed term program of actions specifying responsible agencies or institutions for addressing priority issues and concerns; d. Public awareness program to increase the level of understanding and appreciation for the coastal and marine resources of the area; and to promote a shared responsibility among stakeholders in the planning and implementation of the National ICM Framework;

e. Mainstreaming the National ICM Framework into the national and local government planning and socio-economic development programs; and allocation of adequate financial and human resources for its implementation; f. Capacity building programs to enhance required human resource skills, scientific input to policy and planning processes; and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with adopted rules and regulations; g. Integrated environmental monitoring for the purpose of measuring, evaluating and reporting the status, progress and impacts of management programs against established sustainable development indicators and for use in decision- making, public awareness and performance evaluation; h. Investment opportunities and sustainable financing mechanisms for environmental protection and improvement; and resource conservation; i. Disaster risk reduction and management as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation programs; and j. Knowledge management, research and development programs in such areas as carrying capacity, limits to acceptable change, and enhancement of the analytical and predictive value of scenarios for protecting sustainable futures.

Sec. 9. Coordination of ICM Matters at the Regional Level. - The Regional

Development Councils shall mainstream ICM in the formulation of Regional Development Plans and Priority Framework, among other related documents.

Sec. 10. Coordination of ICM Matters at the Provincial Level. - The coordination

of the formulation and implementation of the ICM Plan at the provincial level shall be done by the Provincial Development Council established under Section 107(c) of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. However, instead of the Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan provided in Section 107(c) of R.A. 7160, the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall serve as the second member of the Provincial Development Council that will coordinate in the formulation and implementation of the ICM plan at the provincial level. Aside from the members mentioned under Section 107 of R.A. 7160, representatives from Provincial Fisheries Office or from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Tourism Office, and the private sector shall join the Provincial Development Council for the

purpose of coordinating the formulation and implementation of the Provincial ICM 2 Plan. In cases where two or more provinces share a common resource such as bays, 4 gulfs, river basins, lakes, watersheds, marine protected areas, marine biodiversity corridors, and upland ecosystems, the coordination, support and assistance for the formulation, establishment and implementation of the Inter-Provincial ICM Plan shall 7 be provided by the concerned Regional Development Council established under Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996. However, this provision shall not apply to provinces or common resources being 10 shared by several LCDs which have an existing ICM coordinating mechanism at the time of the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 11. Additional Functions of the Provincial Development Council. - Aside from

the functions enumerated under Section 109 of R.A. 7160, the Provincial Development Council shall: a. Formulate a Provincial ICM Plan In consultation with all the municipalities and city or cities within the province; b. Submit the approved Provincial ICM Plan to the appropriate Sangguniang and recommend the issuance of an ordinance or ordinances to facilitate the institutionalization of ICM in the local government programs; c. Submit the approved Provincial ICM Plan to the appropriate Regional Development Council for integration with the Regional Development Plan for submission to NEDA; d. Coordinate the implementation of the Provincial ICM Plan among the relevant municipalities and city or cities within the province; e. Coordinate the efforts of provinces sharing a resource to address issues that cut across their political boundaries; f. Coordinate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM especially in relation to biodiversity; and g. Resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among municipalities or cities or between an LGU and a body managing a specially administered area within the province.

Sec. 12. Coordination of ICM Matters at City and Municipal Levels. - The

2 coordination of the formulation and implementation of the ICM Plan at the city, whether highly urbanized city (HUC), independent component city (ICC), or component city, and municipal levels shall be done by the City or Municipal Development Council established under Section 107(b) of R.A. 7160. However, instead of the Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Bayan provided in Sec. 107 (b) (2) of R.A. 7160, the Chairperson of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Bayan shall serve as the second member of the City or Municipal Development Council that will coordinate the 10 formulation and implementation of the ICM plan at the city or municipal levels. Aside from the members mentioned under Sec. 107 (b) of R.A. 7160, representatives from the City or Municipal Fisheries Office or from the Office of the City or Municipal Agriculturist, City or Municipal Tourism Office, and the private sector shall join the City or Municipal Development Council for the purpose of coordinating the formulation and implementation of the City or Municipal ICM Plan. However, this provision shall not apply to cities or municipalities which have an existing ICM coordinating mechanism at the time of the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 13. Additional Functions of the City or Municipal Development Council. -

19 Aside from the functions enumerated under Sec. 109 of R.A. 7160, the City or 20 Municipal Development Council shall: a. formulate a city or municipal ICM Plan in consultation with all the barangays within the city or municipality; b. submit the approved ICM plan to the appropriate Sangguniang and recommend the issuance of an ordinance or ordinances to facilitate the institutionalization of 1CM in the city or municipal government programs; c. coordinate the implementation of the City or Municipal ICM Plan among the relevant barangays; d. coordinate the efforts of barangays sharing a resource to address issues that cut across their boundaries; e.coordinate the establishment and consolidation of baseline data on ICM especially in relation to biodiversity; and

f. resolve conflicts arising from ICM between or among barangays or between a barangay and a specially managed or administered area within the city or municipality.

Sec. 14. Representation of Other Agencies and Stakeholders. - The LGUs shall,

consider the representation in the development councils of other national agencies and stakeholder groups that will be affected by issues on ICM.

Sec. 15. Assistance from LGUs and/or National Agencies. - The Local

Development Councils may call upon any local official or any official of national agencies or offices within the LGU to assist in the formulation of local ICM plans. In providing technical assistance and other forms of support related to coastal management and the implementation of development plans, the national government agencies shall give priority to LGUs with approved or existing IC plans.

Sec. 16. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting of ICM Program. - The National

Coordinating Committee shall coordinate the preparation, consolidation and submission of an initial State of the Coasts Report one year after the effectivity of this Act based on available baseline data gathered and such report shall be submitted to Congress. Every three (3) years thereafter, the National Coordinating Committee shall coordinate the preparation, consolidation and submission of State of the Coasts Report to the President and to Congress on the implementation of the local ICM plans in line with the National ICM Framework, The LCDs shall submit their respective progress reports on the implementation of their respective ICM plans to the National Coordinating Committee. The civil society organizations shall be involved in the monitoring of the implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM plans.

Sec. 17. ICM Best Practices. - The National ICM Framework and local ICM plans

shall promote the application of best practices which includes, among others, the following: a. Coastal and marine use classification, marine spatial planning and harmonization of comprehensive land and water use plan as management tools; b. Sustainable fisheries and conservation of living resources; c. Protection and rehabilitation of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass, estuaries, and other habitats, particularly through establishment of marine protected areas, nature reserves, and sanctuaries;

d. Development of management approaches for the conservation of upland watershed, catchment areas, and river basins; e.Integrated waste management, including sewage and solid, hazardous, toxic, and other wastes by major sources; f. Natural and man-made hazards management; g. Water use and supply management; h. Payment for ecosystem services and equitable allocation of costs and benefits; i. Integrated and baywide law enforcement; j. Disaster risk reduction and management in coastal areas; k. Climate change adaptation and mitigation in coastal areas; 1. Community-led natural resource management; and m. Recognition of the concerns of indigenous peoples.

Sec. 18. Incentives. - The National Coordinating Committee shall develop a

recognition and reward system for LCDs that: a. regularly update their ICM programs or plans once every five (5) years; and b. exhibit exemplary performance in the development and implementation of their respective local ICM plans in accordance with the National ICM Framework. The details of the recognition and reward system will be provided in the 16 implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

Sec. 19. ICM Office. - Each province may establish an ICM Office to act as the

secretariat to the Provincial Development Council with regard to ICM matters and to monitor the implementation of the Provincial ICM Plan in consonance with the National ICM Framework. This may be an office under the Provincial Planning and Development Office focused solely on matters or tasks relating to ICM. Otherwise, the Provincial Planning and Development Office shall serve as the secretariat to the Provincial Development Council. Whenever the National Coordinating Committee deems it necessary, a city or 28 municipality shall also establish an ICM Office to act as the secretariat to the City or Municipal Development Council with regard to ICM matters and to monitor the implementation of the City or Municipal ICM Plan in consonance with the Provincial ICM Plan and the National ICM Framework. This may be an office under the City or Municipal Planning and Development Office focused solely on matters or tasks relating

to ICM. Otherwise, the City or Municipal Planning and Development Office 5 shall serve 2 as the secretariat to the City or Municipal Development Council.

Sec. 20. Scientific Advisory Group. - Each province shall, as far as practicable,

establish a Scientific Advisory Group which shall ensure that ICM interventions have sound scientific basis. It shall be composed of the following: a. a representative from the academe who specializes in ICM or any related discipline; b. a representative from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); c. a representative from the DENR; d. a representative from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); and e. a representative from the Philippine Association of Marine Science (PAMS). A city or municipality may also establish a Scientific Advisory Group for the same purpose and the same composition as that of a province.

Sec. 21. Role of National Government Agencies. - All concerned national agencies

shall support the implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM plans and promote ICM best practices that fall within their respective mandates. They shall identify, prepare, and provide policy guidance and technical resource assistance to the DENR, the development councils, and the LGUs in the implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM plans and in the enforcement of relevant coastal and marine policies and regulations; and regional and international commitments or treaties. These agencies shall directly consult with concerned LGUs in the development and implementation of the National ICM Framework and local ICM plans affecting coastal and marine areas in their respective localities. All government contracts entered into and permits issued by the government such as foreshore lease agreements, forest management agreements, special land use permits, and mining permits entered into or issued by the government and its instrumentalities shall be In conformity with the National ICM Framework and local ICM plans.

Sec. 22. Consistency of Local ICM Plans and National Programs and Plans with

the Nationa/ ICM Framework. - LGUs and national agencies shall formulate and implement their ICM plans and national programs and plans such as Tourism

1 Development Plan and Infrastructure Program, respectively, in consonance with the 2 National ICM Framework. Existing ICM plans shall be reconciled and harmonized with 3 the National ICM Framework.

Sec. 23. Specially Managed or Administered Areas. - Specially managed or

administered areas such as river basins. Water Quality Management Areas (WAQMAs) established under Republic Act No. 9275, special economic zones, freeport zones, ecotourism zones, and protected areas, whether established under Republic Act Nos. 7586 and 11038 or by virtue of an ordinance, shall prepare their management plans in consonance with the ICM National Framework and relevant local ICM plans. Their management plans shall incorporate ICM principles and best practices taking into account the interlinkages between and among associated watersheds and wetlands.

Sec. 24. Review of Existing ICM or Related Programs and Plans. - Provinces,

cities, municipalities, especially managed or administered areas such as special economic zones or freeport zones, ecotourism zones, bays, lakes or marine protected areas (MPAs) with existing ICM or related programs or plans shall review, revise, reconcile, and harmonize the same based on the National ICM Framework within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act. Actual use shall be preferred over future or reserve use: Provided, That ail existing locational clearances and zoning permits issued by the LGUs prior to the effectivity of this Act shall remain valid pending review of existing programs and plans and zoning ordinances (ZOs) and they shall not be invalidated because of the sole reason that the new and approved programs and plans and ZOs have determined that they should be properly located in a different coastal use zoning area: Provided, further, That appropriate measures shall be adopted by the LGU concerned, the landowner, and; the developer should any existing structures and facilities are found to be properly; covered by a different coastal use zoning category in areas where they are currently located: Provided, finally, That existing structures and facilities within extremely, hazardous and high risk danger zones which cannot be addressed by any mitigating, or protective measures shall be required to relocate.

Sec. 25. Role of LGUs. - LGUs shall act as the frontline agencies in the'

formulation, planning and implementation of ICM programs in their respective coastal and marine areas. The local ICM plan shall be in line with the National ICM Framework

and shall be prepared in consultation with the stakeholders. The LGUs shall regularly 2 update their respective ICM plans to reflect emerging issues and changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. Also, the LGUs shall ensure that their ICM 4 plans shall be reflected in their annual work and investment plans. The LGUs shall 5 furnish the DENR, within one month from adoption, with copies of their ICM plans and all subsequent amendments, modifications, and revisions. LGUs shall mobilize and 7 allocate the necessary personnel, resources and logistics to effectively implement their respective ICM plans. Barangays shall be directly involved with municipal and city governments in prioritizing coastal issues and identifying and implementing solutions. 10 Municipal and city governments shall consider ICM as one of their priority programs. Provincial governments shall provide technical assistance, enforcement and information management in support of Municipal and City ICM Plans. Inter-LGU collaboration shall be encouraged in the conduct of activities related to protecting the country's coastal and marine resources.

Sec. 26. Roles of Civil Society and the Private Sector. - In the development and

implementation of the ICM program, the NGOs, civic organizations, people's organizations, the academe, the private sector and other concerned stakeholder groups shall be engaged In activities such as planning, community organizing, research, technology transfer, information sharing, investment, training programs, and monitoring; and evaluation, response, and feedback systems.

Sec. 27. Supporting Activities. - The following activities shall be undertaken in

support of the implementation of ICM programs: a. ICM Education. The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall integrate the concept and basic principles of ICM into the primary, secondary, and tertiary education curricula, as well as in the textbooks, primers and other educational materials; b. ICM Training Program for LGUs. The DENR and DILG, through the Local Government Academy, shall develop and provide ICM training programs for LGUs. For this purpose, LGUs may allocate funds for scholarships on tertiary and graduate courses relating to ICM or source funds for such scholarships other than LGU funds;

c. Environmental and Natural Resource Accounting and Valuation for ICM Planning. The NEDA and the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) shall incorporate coastal and marine resource accounting as well as estimates of their carrying capacity in the national and regional accounts; d. Coastal and Marine Environmental Information Management System. The DENR shall oversee the establishment and maintenance of a coastal and marine environmental information management system and network, in collaboration with other concerned national government agencies, institutions, LGUs, civil society organizations and other academic institutions. The DENR shall promote the documentation and information dissemination of good practices as well as initiate replication and scaling up of ICM programs in the country. The concerned agencies, however, shall review the coastal and marine data prior to their public dissemination. CHAPTER III FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec 28. Appropriations. - All concerned government agencies and LGUs shall

allocate from their annual appropriations adequate funds for the implementation of the ICM. In subsequent budget proposals, the concerned offices and units shall appropriate funds for program and project development and implementation including continuing ICM capacity building, training, and education in ICM. LGUs shall pool their resources in establishing inter-LGU alliances in the management of shared resources such as bays, gulfs, lakes, rivers, watersheds, marine biodiversity corridors, and marine protected area networks within their jurisdiction.

Sec. 29. Other Funding Options. - The National Coordinating Committee, the local

development councils, the LGUs, and the national government agencies may source local and international grants, bequests, and donations in support of IC implementation. The Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines, the People's Credit and Finance Corporation and other relevant government financial institutions shall formulate and identify loan and financing mechanisms that will be made available to support local ICM programs, including alternative livelihood projects for small-scale fisherfolks and cooperatives.

Sec. 30. Tax Exemption. - All grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and

2 contributions made to the National Coordinating Committee, the local development 3 councils, the LGUs, and the DENR that will be actually, directly, or exclusively used for the implementation of the ICM shall be exempted from donor's tax and the same shall 5 be allowed as deduction from the gross income of the donor for purposes of computing 6 the taxable income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended

Sec. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DENR, in consultation with

9 concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing rules and 10 regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 32. Non-impairment Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to

diminish, impair, or repeal the prohibited acts under existing laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, and other issuances.

Sec. 33. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 34. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, memorandum

orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 35. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of national circulation. Approved,