Bataan Representative Tony Roman III has emerged as one of the most active advocates of the proposed Blue Economy Act, following its recent approval at the committee level. Congressman Roman has been pushing for stronger, people-centered provisions in House Bill No. 9662, ensuring that fisherfolk and coastal families—particularly in Bataan—stand to benefit directly from the measure as it moves closer to full House approval.

Rep. Roman’s contributions to the bill focus on expanding livelihood support, modernizing local fishing practices, and securing long-term economic resilience for coastal communities. He championed the inclusion of the Blue Economy Skills Program, which aims to provide modern training and capacity-building for fisherfolk. He also pushed for improved value chain systems to help small-scale fishers gain better access to markets and increase income stability. His efforts include strengthening national planning mechanisms to ensure that coastal development programs align with both environmental protection and economic opportunity.

A key element Roman strongly supported is the inclusion of Blue Finance, a dedicated funding mechanism for fisherfolk and coastal MSMEs. This provision is intended to offer direct and accessible financing for equipment upgrades, community enterprises, and livelihood expansion—an intervention Roman has repeatedly said is necessary for coastal families to progress in a modernized ocean economy.

Roman also emphasized the importance of safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring that the lived experience and long-standing practices of fishing communities remain central to national marine policy. Under his advocacy, the measure recognizes the cultural, environmental, and economic contributions of local fishers, allowing their voices to guide sustainable development efforts.

House Bill No. 9662, originally filed in December 2023, aims to develop a cohesive national framework for the Blue Economy, covering maritime planning, resource management, livelihood expansion, and conservation. With the committee’s approval, the measure advances in the legislative process, further strengthening Roman’s long-term push for reforms in a sector that has long supported Bataan’s coastal population.

Roman said he remains committed to ensuring that the bill delivers tangible outcomes for families that rely on the sea, reaffirming his legislative focus on elevating the welfare, opportunities, and economic security of fisherfolk in Bataan and across the country.

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