Solon urges Marcos admin to prioritize blue economy

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez urged the Marcos administration to prioritize programs promoting the blue economy for national economic security.

Benitez emphasized that maritime domains make up 88 percent of the country's territory and around 60 percent of Filipinos live in coastal communities, stressing the need to maximize benefits from maritime industries such as fisheries, shipping, and tourism.

During the initial deliberation of House Bill No. 69, Benitez highlighted the Philippines' potential as a powerhouse maritime economy but questioned who reaps the benefits from its seas.