Chapter 4:
POLICY FRAMEWORK AND ACTION PLANS
4.1. POLICY FRAMEWORK, OPTIONS,
AND APPROACHES FOR THE
VARIOUS ZONES
Policy framework is necessary in achieving
solutions for the issues previously discussed. The
rationalization of present activities along Manila
Bay and western coastal side of Bataan should be
done to guide the present uses of the province’s
coastal/marine areas for proper utilization. It
should also take into consideration all existing
laws, administrative orders, development plans
and other similar documents of the different levels
of governance focusing primarily on regulatory
and developmental matters. Some policies can
be extracted from the statements and views of
responsible public officials and leaders of various
organizations with deep concern on the coastal
areas of the province.
Multi-level policy framework for the
different functional zones of coastal and marine
areas should be crafted to ensure clear perspective
on the different uses and to guide them in proper
development and management of coastal and
marine areas, including the protection of habitats,
resources, and historical and cultural sites.
National/Regional Level
The Manila Bay area, which encompasses
the eastern coastal area of Bataan, serves as the
prime mover in national economic development
in terms of shipping, industrial, agricultural and
other socio-economic activities. In the coastal
part of Bataan in particular, the bay serves as the
main contributing lane of boosting the economic
development of the province. Large economic
and industrial zones concentrated in Limay and
Mariveles utilize the bay as their gateway in loading
and unloading their products to and from other
places of destination.
Most large industrial enterprises have
established their own ports. The Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA) had been able to put up major
ports located in Orion, Limay, and Mariveles that
are being utilized for passengers and cargoes.
The natural advantage of the deep
harbors in Limay and Mariveles encourage future
development and continuing industrialization of
the coastal areas. Thus, zoning and programs
for conservation of coastal ecosystems must be in
place to ensure sustainable development of the
coastal areas.
Provincial/Municipal Level
The provincial government has an explicit
policy regarding coastal/marine protection as
indicated in the Bataan Declaration and Bataan
Sustainable Development Strategy (updated Bataan
Coastal Strategy). Much of its policies were attuned
to the physical framework or the land usage of the
province as embodied in the Provincial Physical
Framework Plan (PPFP). The PPFP also provides the
direction of land development and utilization up
to the shoreline area, however, it does not include
provisions and guidelines for the water bodies of
municipal waters. The CLSUZP aims to delineate
the zones and uses of the coastal land and waters,
and then integrate and harmonize this with the
PPFP.
Although all the coastal city and
municipalities of the province have formulated
their own policies/ordinances for the utilization and
protection of their municipal waters, the dilemma
lies in the confusion among different uses of the
coastal/marine areas which often take place due to
different views on the implementation of policies/
ordinances.
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Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans
Assigning specialized function and
delineating allowed and prohibited uses and activities
for the different zones based on their characteristics,
suitability criteria, compatibility/incompatibility
criteria, potential for development, and legal
provisions resulted in common understanding and
vision for the proper management and sustainable
development of each zone and the entire coastal
and marine area, and in the formulation of
supporting policies and action programs.
a. Municipal Fisheries and Aquaculture
At present, multiple activities, such as
fishing and established shellfish and aquaculture
structures, are in existence in the different municipal
waters. These multiple activities oftentimes result
in several conflicts which caused the continuous
degradation of coastal/marine resources. RA
8550 stipulates that municipal fishing area should
be properly delineated based on functional uses,
and adoption of the policy of shared opportunities
among the different types of fishermen and focusing
on sustainable management. Aquaculture areas
should not exceed ten percent of the municipal
waters.
Actions:
1. Delineate areas intended for traditional
fishing, aquaculture, and municipal
fishing zone and place demarcation
materials (buoys/markers).
2. Establish fishery reserves/sanctuaries in
strategic places.
3. Conduct Information, Education, and
Communication (IEC) campaign.
4. Strictly implement fishery laws and
ordinances. Strengthen the Anti-illegal
Logging and Anti-illegal Fishing Task
Force.
5. Provide technical assistance to the
fisherfolks for proper fishing and
aquaculture practices.
72
The provision of supplemental livelihood projects and
microfinancing through the ICM Program has resulted in the
protection of coastal habitats and increase in income of the
fisherfolks.
b. Coastal Settlements and Built-up Areas
Actions:
A detailed survey and assessment of the
number of informal settlers on the coastal areas
and waterways should be conducted in order to
formulate the necessary interventions to mitigate
the adverse impact on coastal management.
A decision has to be made regarding the
outcome of the informal settlers along the coastal
areas. Immediate control is to be done. Transfer of
informal settlers as well as designation of transfer
sites, and provision of alternative housing and
livelihood for affected settlers must be reviewed and
considered in the zoning plan implementation.
Proposed coastal reclamation should be
subject to a series of evaluation and consultation
regarding the advantages and negative effects
to the community and coastal resources prior
to its implementation. An environmental impact
assessment (EIA) should be conducted. There
should be consultation and coordination wih the
Public Reclamation Authority, DENR and other
concerned offices of the provincial government,
affected LGU/municipal government, and other
stakeholders.
Construction of houses and other
buildings must comply with the National Building
Code and zoning of residential and commercial
areas. Building permits should be secured and
complied with.

c. Buffer and Easement
Buffer and easement should be established
in and around the identified protection and
sanctuary zones and along banks of waterways
to avoid encroachment of other incompatible
activities. Setback (salvage) zones must be
established along beaches and foreshore areas
to avoid coastal erosion, protect marine turtles,
birds, etc., and preserve aesthetic values. Buffer
zones around waste management facilities (e.g.
sanitary land fill) should also be established.
d. Industrial Areas
Actions:
Appropriate criteria should be developed
by LGUs in granting location clearance to new
industries seeking waterfront access.
Industries to be located in coastal and
other critical and environmentally sensitive areas
have to submit Environmental Impact Assessment
and secure Environmental Clearance Certification
(ECC) from DENR. LGUs shall give building permits
only upon submission of ECC by the industry and
compliance with the National Building Code. The
DENR and LGUs should also monitor compliance
with the provisions of the ECC and building
permits, as well as the national laws, particularly
those pertaining to waste management.
The Limay Grinding Mills Corporation along the coast of
Limay, Bataan.
Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans
The Shrine of Valor atop Mt. Samat is the most recognized
historical landmark of the province.
e. Tourism and Recreation Areas
Tourism and recreation areas are
mostly located on the western part of Bataan.
Establishment of structures must be regulated
based on the national laws and local ordinances.
No obstruction or structure is constructed within
the 20-meter salvage zone.
Objectives:
1. Preservation of cultural and historical
sites.
2. People-oriented and community-based
ecotourism plan.
3. Conservation of habitats (e.g.
mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs,
forests, etc.) and environmental
protection.
Actions:
1. Review and assess existing policies on
tourism and recreation.
2. Formulate provincial ecotourism master
plan and necessary regulatory and
market-based incentives.
3. Strengthen tourism linkages with other
sectors.
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Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

4. Conduct IEC for responsible tourism. Actions:

5. Establish user fee system and use 1. Enact ordinance designating port,
of the collected user fees for the shipping and navigational zones
conservation of natural habitats,
resources, cultural and historical sites 2. Delineate navigational zones and
and waste management. set up markers (buoys), demarcation
lines and other navigational aids.
f. Ports, Shipping, and Navigation
3. Conduct IEC campaign.
Shipping and navigation could come in
conflict with other coastal/marine users such as 4. Implement vessel traffic scheme.
municipal fishers. To pave the way for effective
shipping activities, permanent navigational lanes 5. Establish port reception facilities.
should be established. Upon identifying these
lanes, fishermen should be cautioned on the area
intended for shipping vessel lanes. Industrialization
that has to do with shipping must ensure that good
water quality is maintained, particularly for oil and
other petroleum products. Port reception facilities
should be established to manage the solid and
liquid wastes from ships. Ballast water (which may
contain invasive species) must likewise be propertly
managed.

With the exception of private ports

handling specialized types of cargo, other
ports should be prevented from interfering with
major shipping lanes. Appropriate vessel traffic Industries in the province require the use of ports in their
management scheme must be observed and daily operations.
infrastructure support, such as navigational aids,
good road network and other amenities must g. Agriculture
be provided to encourage maximum patronage
of major ports in Orion, Limay, and Mariveles. Objectives:
Regulatory measures should be enforced to
discourage further reclamation and construction 1. Sustainable agricultural management
of private ports. (including fishpond operation).

Objectives: 2. Increased income from agriculture.

1. Management of sea-based sources of 3. Food security.

pollution.
Actions:
2. Reduction of shiping-related accidents.
1. Provide guidelines and technical
3. Development of ports and shipping assistance, and conduct IEC on proper
industry. application of fertilizers and feeds.

2. Provide extension services for more

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Agriculture remains a major industry in Bataan.
effective and efficient agricultural and
fishpond operations.
3. Implement integrated pest management.
h. Coral Reefs
Objectives:
1. Coral reef restoration and protection.
2. Protection of biodiversity.
3. Increased fish abundance and species
composition.
Actions:
1. Conduct inventory/assessment of
existing coral reefs. Identify areas for
The people of the province have been conscious of protecting their mangroves and rehabilitating denuded areas. The establishment
of mangrove nurseries aims to provide seedlings and propagules for mangrove reforestation activities.
Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans
restoration.
2. Formulate ordinance for the protection
and restoration of coral reefs. Establish
marine protected areas.
3. Encourage community participation/
involvement for the restoration and
protection of coral reefs.
4. Conduct IEC campaign on the
importance of coral reefs, and damages
caused by illegal fishing, dumping of
wastes, siltation and sedimentation.
i. Mangrove and Mudflat Areas:
Objectives:
1. Protection and conservation of
mangrove and mudflat areas.
2. Protection of biodiversity and
endangered species.
3. Increased fish abundance.
Actions:
1. Establish mangrove nurseries.
2. Introduce community-based mangrove
forest management areas.
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Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

3. Strictly implement laws/ordinance k. Sanctuaries

regarding illegal cutting of mangroves
and unauthorized conversion of areas Objectives:
(mangrove/mudflat) into other uses.
1. Strict protection and management of
4. Conduct IEC campaign regarding the
sanctuaries.
importance of mangrove and mudflat
areas.
2. Protection of rare and endangered
5. Restore degraded mangrove areas. species.

6. Provide supplemental livelihood 3. Increase in fish stocks, composition,

program. and abundance.

j. Seagrass beds Actions:

Objectives: 1. Assess marine areas and identify

areas suitable for establishment of
1. Restoration and protection of seagrass
sanctuaries and marine protected
beds/areas.
areas.
2. Improvement of biodiversity and
protection of endangered species. 2. Establish fish, turtle, and birds
sanctuaries and marine reserves.
3. Increase in fish abundance and diversity.
3. Involve community in the protection
Actions: and management of the sanctuaries.

1. Establish community-based seagrass 4. Strictly implement of laws and

rehabilitation and management ordinances for the protection of
program. sanctuaries.
2. Conduct IEC program on the ecological
5. Conduct IEC campaign and advocacy
importance of seagrass.
on the importance of sanctuaries.
3. Strictly implement laws and
ordinances.

4. Provide supplemental livelihood

program.

One of the priority actions to restore Manila Bay is the Bataeños are increasingly becoming aware of the value of
rehabilitation and protection of seagrass beds. establishing sanctuaries.

Caption needed scouts cleanup.

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l. Water use
Objective:
1. Improvement water quality and
sustainable use of water resources.
Actions:
1. Formulate pollution control strategy and
action plans.
- Implementation of Solid Waste
Management Program (per RA 9003).
- Regular monitoring and sampling of
water bodies (rivers, coastal bathing
waters, offshore waters).
- Implementation of Clean Water Act,
Toxic and Hazardous Waste
Management Act and Sanitation
Code.
2. Activate Solid Waste Management
Board (SWM) and implement SWM Plan.
3. Establish Material Recovery Facilities
in all municipalities (or cluster
municipalities/city) and sanitary landfill.
Coastal cleanups have become a regular practice among the stakeholders of Bataan.
Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans
4. Establish and operate sewage treatment
system.
5. Formulate and implement water
conservation strategy.
6. Protect and restore forests, watershed
areas and water reservoirs.
7. Formulate program to improve
water supply system, reduce reliance
on groundwater, and improve access
and distribution.
4.2. ACTION PROGRAMS TO
ADDRESS MAJOR ISSUES
AND PROBLEMS
The objective tree analysis identifies
options and alternative solutions or activities to
address each major problem and issue of concern
in the coastal environment of Bataan. The analysis
also provides clear direction and understanding of
the outcomes. Appendix C presents the objective
trees for each of the key problems or issues
of concern. The following matrices show the
objectives and activities corresponding to each
major environmental problem in Bataan.
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Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

Table 11
Problem: ILLEGAL AND DESTRUCTIVE FISHING METHODS
Affected Zones: Traditional fishing, Aquaculture, Municipal fishing, Coral reef protection, Seagrass
protection, and Sanctuaries Zones

SUPPORTING
TIME RESPONSIBLE
OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES INDICATOR POLICIES
FRAME INSTITUTION
AND LAWS

Abolish/wipe Enact/implement an Number of Long-term LGUs RA 8550

out illegal integrated fishing ordinance ordinances FARMCs RA 9147
fishing encompassing the different drafted and BFAR, OPA, MAOs
activities uses and harvesting of fishes implemented in
and other marine resources each municipality/
and appropriate penalties city.

Harmonized
fishing
ordinances.
Strengthen Anti-Illegal Number of Short-term LGUs, FARMCs,
Fishing Task Force through seminars/ BFAR, PNP,
paralegal courses, additional workshops Fishermen’s
manpower, boats and conducted; Organizations
equipment.
Number of boats
and equipment
Conduct regular patrolling Number of Long-term LGUs, PNP,
of coastal and sea areas patrolling activities FARMCs, Bantay
(municipal waters). Dagat

Strictly implement fishery Number of cases Long-term LGUs, PNP, BFAR,

laws and ordinances. filed and resolved FARMCs, Anti-
Illegal Fishing Task
Force
Conduct IEC Campaign. IEC program in Short- to LGUs, PNP, BFAR,
Involve stakeholders in place long-term DepEd, OPA,
monitoring and reporting of MAOs, PIA, PIO,
incidents/violations. FARMCs, media

Provide technical assistance Number of fisher Short- to LGUs, BFAR,

and training and skills folk trained medium-term DepEd, FARMCs
development for appropriate
fishing and aquaculture
practices/methods.

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 Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

Table 12
Problem: POLLUTION (LAND- AND SEA-BASED)
Affected Zones: Mangrove protection, Coral reef protection, Seagrass protection, Traditional fishing,
Municipal fishing, Industrial, Tourism, Shipping and navigation, and Built-up Zones

SUPPORTING
RESPONSIBLE
OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES INDICATOR TIME FRAME POLICIES AND
INSTITUTION
LAWS

Develop and 1. Reactivate local Solid Waste A sanitary landfill Long-term LGUs RA 9003
implement Management Board and and materials DENR PD 984
proper prepare a 10-year SWM plan. recovery facilities Private Sector
waste (solid (MRFs) established
and liquid) and operationalized
management
system. 2. Establish an integrated solid An SWM plan Short-term LGUs, DENR, DOST, RA 9003
waste management system formulated and DepEd, DILG PD 984
in all municipalities and city of adopted
Bataan.
3. Establish a toxic and 1 system Medium term LGUs, DENR, DOH, RA 6969;
hazardous waste management DOST, private sector PD 1586 (EIA)
system.
4. Establish sewage and Length of sewerage Medium- to LGUs, DENR, RA 9275;
wastewater treatment facilities system; Long-term Private Sector, the PD 856
(for residential, commercial and Number of Community (Sanitation Code)
industrial). treatment facilities;
Number of
household and
establishments
covered/served
Control the Develop alternative land-based Treatment and Short-term LGUs RA 9003
dumping of treatment and disposal site. disposal site DENR RA 9275
sewage, solid established DOST RA 6969
waste and PCG PD 600, PD 979,
contaminated Enact and enforce ordinances Ordinances passed PPA PD 984, London
dredged on illegal dumping of waste by the province and MARINA Convention,
materials in each municipality MARPOL
the coastal and city Convention
areas of
Bataan.
Stop discharge Establish collection system for Number of Short-term LGUs PD 600, PD 979,
of operational used oil from fishing boats and collection system DENR PD 984, London
waste (i.e. ships. and facility FARMCs, PPA, PCG, Convention,
used oil, oily MARINA, Private MARPOL
bilge, and Sector, Fishermen’s Convention,
ballast water) organizations OPRC
from ships and
fishing boats. Establish shore reception Number of shore Short-term LGUs, PPA, DENR,
facilities in major ports (national reception facilities Private Sector
and private) of Bataan. established
Immediate Formation of a multi-sectoral One team trained Short-term LGUs, DENR, PPA,
response oil-spill prevention and quick and maintained PCG, MARINA,
on oil-spill response team. Coast Guard, PDCC,
incidences. MDCCs, Private
Formulate local/provincial oil Oil spill contingency Sector (oil and
spill contingency plan in line plan for Bataan shipping companies)
with the Manila Bay Oil Spill developed
Contingency Plan. and adopted;
regular exercises
conducted
(together with
Manila Bay team)

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Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

Table 13
Problem: SILTATION AND SEDIMENTATION
Affected Zones: Mangrove protection, Coral reef protection, Seagrass protection, Traditional fishing,
Municipal fishing, Built-up, Agriculture, Tourism, Shipping and Navigation Zones

SUPPORTING
RESPONSIBLE
OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES INDICATOR TIME FRAME POLICIES AND
INSTITUTION
LAWS
Reduce Identification and evaluation of Number of areas Short-term LGUs, DPWH,
siltation and heavily silted areas (e. g., rivers identified DENR, POs, NGOs,
sedimentation and waterways). Private Sector
along the
coastal area. Conduct dredging activities: Long-term LGUs
- prioritize areas to be List of priority areas DENR
dredged DPWH
- dumping of dredged Volume (cm3)
materials to proper sites dredged
Reforestation of denuded Areas (ha) planted; Long-term LGUs, DENR, PD 705 (Forestry
upland/ watershed areas. Private Sector, the Code);
Number of Community EO 318
Forge community-based forest seedlings planted; (Sustainable
management agreements Forest
Number of Management)
Develop alternative livelihood CBFMAs;
programs for kaingeros and
upland farmers Livelihood program
established

Removal/dismantling of illegal Number of Short-term LGUs, DENR, PNP,

fishing structures along rivers illegal structures BFAR, FARMCs,
and waterways. demolished DPWH

Table 14
Problem: INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
Affected Zones: Mangrove and Mudflat Protection Zone, Built-up Areas, Agricultural Zone, Tourism Zone,
Sanctuaries

SUPPORTING
RESPONSIBLE
OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES INDICATOR TIME FRAME POLICIES AND
INSTITUTION
LAWS
Control/resettle Conduct inventory and Number of informal Short-term LGUs, DPWH, RA 7279;
informal assessment of informal settlers/ settlers/structures FARMCs PD 1084;
settlers along structures along the coastline, EO 648
the coastal riverbanks and waterways.
areas and
waterways. Implement a program for the Number of Long-term LGUs, DPWH, NHA
relocation of informal settlers programs/projects
along the coastline, riverbanks
and waterways.
Provide alternative livelihood Number of livelihood Long-term LGUs, DSWD, DA,
program for the relocated programs TESDA
informal settlers.
Develop and implement Short-term LGUs, DENR,
standard guidelines concerning POs, FARMCs,
buffer and set back zones for Private Sector, the
mangrove/mudflat, riverbanks Community
and beaches, and tourism
areas.

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 Chapter 4: Policy Framework and Action Plans

Table 15
Problem: DEGRADED HABITATS
Affected Zones: Mangroves and Mudflats, Seagrass, and Coral Reef Protection Zones, Tourism Zones,
Built-up areas, Industrial Zone, Shipping and Navigation Zone, Sanctuaries

SUPPORTING
RESPONSIBLE
OBJECTIVE ACTIVITIES INDICATOR TIME FRAME POLICIES AND
INSTITUTION
LAWS

Restoration Establish buffer zones on the Areas (ha) Short-term LGUs, BFAR, DENR, RA 9147 (Wildlife
and protection identified areas of seagrass established FARMCs Resources
of seagrass beds, seaweeds and coral and Habitat
beds, reefs. Conservation and
seaweeds, and Protection Act);
coral reefs. Conduct inventory and Areas (ha) covered; Short-term LGUs, BFAR, DENR, RA 7586 (NIPAS
assessment of seagrass beds, Species FARMCs Act);
seaweeds, coral reefs, marine composition and PD 1219 (Coral
flora and fauna, and rare and abundance Resources
endangered species. Development and
Conduct regular patrolling on Number of Long-term LGUs, BFAR, PNP, Conservation
the areas of seagrass beds, patrolling activities FARMCs, Bantay Decree);
seaweeds and coral reefs. Dagat PD 705 (Forestry
Code);
Establish seaweed/marine- Area (ha) of Short- to long- LGUs, BFAR, DENR, Biodiversity
culture and livelihood program seaweed culture. term FARMCs, Pos, OPA, Convention
in suitable areas MAOs, Private sector EO 578 (National
Number of Biodiversity
beneficiaries. Policy)

Restore and perfect seagrass Area (ha) of Short- to long- LGUs, BFAR, DENR,
beds and coral reefs restored seagrass term FARMCs, POs, OPA,
beds and coral MAOs, Private Sector
reefs
Restoration/ Establish mangrove nursery. Number of sites Short-term LGUs, DENR,
rehabilitation established FARMCs
and protection
of mangrove Conduct/implement mangrove Area (ha) Long-term LGUs, DENR,
and mudflat reforestation projects. reforested POs, NGOs,
areas. Number of Private Sector, the
seedlings planted Community
Establish buffer zones on Width (meters) of Short-term LGUs, DENR,
mangrove and mudflat buffer zone FARMCs, Fishpond
areas vis-à-vis built-up and operators
aquaculture areas.
Forge community-based Number of sites Short-term LGUs, DENR,
forest management identified and FARMCs, POs
agreements (BCFMAs) established
between government and
POs for sustainable mangrove
resource use.

Conduct inventory and Areas (ha) covered; Short-term LGUs, BFAR, DENR,
assessment of mangrove and Species FARMCs
mudflat areas, marine turtles, composition and
avi-fauna, and other rare and abundance
endangered species.
Monitor and report any Regular monitoring Long-term FARMCs, POs,
shoreline development that and evaluation NGOs, the
threatens existing mangrove, reports Community
mudflat, seagrass, and coral
reef areas.
Strict enforcement of laws Number of Long-term LGUs, PNP, DENR,
protecting coastal habitats. apprehensions and BFAR, FARMCs,
cases filed and POs, NGOs, Anti-
resolved against Illegal Fishing Task
violators of the laws Force
and ordinances

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