TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE​ ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​ ) 
First Regular Session​
​
​
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 3523
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines, being an archipelago with very rich marine resources, can 
be a marine powerhouse. Thus, it is logical to establish a Department that is 
focused and accountable for the development, management, and conservation of 
our country’s aquatic resources and fishing industries. 
Fish and aquatic resources are some of the biggest blessings of God to 
the people. Filipinos have always relied on fish as a basic food resource and 
commodity. Our dependence on fish can be attributed to the archipelagic nature 
of the Philippines with its 7,641 islands. Our national territory comprises all the 
islands and waters, including its territorial sea, seabed, subsoil, the insular 
shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around and between the islands 
of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the 
internal waters of the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) notes that the Philippines’ coastline 
extends to 36,289 kilometers, while total territorial water area (including the 
exclusive economic zone) is at 2,200,000 square kilometers, teeming with rich 
marine resources.1  
As an archipelago, one of the major sources of livelihood in the country is 
fisheries. Based on the latest DA-BFAR statistics, the number of registered 
fisherfolk engaged in fishery activities totalled to 2,299,127 in 2023. The fishing 
industry ranks as the 3rd highest contributor in the agriculture sector with 12.0% 
gross value-added contribution in 2023. Fisheries production from the same year 
is at 4.26 million metric tons, which translates to a total contribution of Php 
328.74 billion in 2023. 2   
In the global context, the Philippines is considered to be one of the top fish  
producing countries in the world, ranking 11th in 2022 with a total production of 
804,292.15 metric tons. Similarly, we are also the world’s 4th largest producer of 
aquatic plants (including seaweeds) having produced a total of 1.55 million metric 
tons. Overall, these figures reflect the importance of the industry in the country’s 
economy and its potential to grow.3 
3 https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf 
2 https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf 
1 https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2022-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf 
1 
August 12, 2025
10:40 am


Ironically, fisherfolks remain to have the highest poverty incidence among  
basic sectors even if they contribute substantially to the country’s economy. While 
we have very good people in the Department of Agriculture, the Department’s 
priority is more on farming on land. It is time that the government provides for a 
focused, single-minded, specialised department responsive to the needs and 
concerns of the fisheries and aquatic resource industry. 
Given the above tremendous potential of fisheries and aquatic resources 
and the priority and resources made available to Departments, there is a need to 
create the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) in order to 
strengthen the institutional capacities of DFAR as the primary policy and 
regulatory body on fisheries and aquatic resources. As with any administrative 
agency, DFAR will serve public purpose, efficiency and the best interest of the 
industry. Hence, this will be a significant step in order to better protect, utilize, 
maximize, and conserve the nation’s marine resources as well as uphold the best 
interest of the fisherfolk. 
In line with the policy adopted by its original proponent Senator Alan Peter  
“Compañero” S. Cayetano, this bill therefore serves as a counterpart measure. It 
is for the reason stated above that the passage of this measure is earnestly 
sought. 
RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
2 


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE​ ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​ ) 
First Regular Session​
​
​
) 
HOUSE OF 
REPRESENTATIVES HOUSE 
BILL No. 3523
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
AN ACT  
CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS,  
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Department of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) Act.”​
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The following is hereby declared policy of 
the State that:​
(a) The State shall promote sustainable development in the management
of all fisheries and marine resources within its national territory;​
(b) The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the
islands and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the 
Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and 
aerial domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular 
shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and 
connecting the islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and 
dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the Philippines;​
(c) The Philippine waters include its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and
extended continental shelf in the adjacent high seas; 
(d) It is the primordial policy to maintain a sound ecological balance,
protect and enhance the quality of the environment in its territorial waters.  The 
State shall protect and conserve the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagic 
waters, territorial sea and EEZ and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to 
Filipino citizens;​
(e) The State shall adopt the precautionary principle and to prioritize
conservation of the country’s marine and aquatic resources, as well as to protect 
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the rights of small-scale fisherfolk in the preferential use of communal marine, 
fisheries and aquatic resources. Towards this end, it shall provide such fisherfolk 
with the appropriate technical and financial support; and​
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(f) Legitimate and recognized non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are 
considered as partners of the State in the protection and conservation of fisheries 
and aquatic resources, and the development and the promotion of the welfare of 
the fisherfolk.​
​
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Sec. 3. Creation. – To carry out the above-declared policy, the Department 
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) is hereby created structurally and 
functionally in accordance with the provisions of this Act.​
​
​
Sec. 4. Jurisdiction of the DFAR. – The DFAR shall have primary 
jurisdiction over the management, development, utilization, and disposition of all 
fishery and aquatic resources of the country, including the habitats of fish and all 
other marine life and over activities which impact on these habitats.​
​
​
The DFAR shall work closely with the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR) and other relevant agencies to ensure that its policies 
relating to fishery and aquatic resources are not in conflict with general 
government policies on the protection, preservation, and conservation of 
environment and natural resources, and are supportive of the general goal to 
ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the 
present and future generations of Filipinos.​
​
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Jurisdiction over municipal waters shall be exercised jointly by the DFAR 
and local government units (LGUs), with the latter managing the same in 
accordance with national fishery policies, laws, rules, and regulations. ​
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​
The DFAR shall have the sole authority to supervise and regulate the 
production and capture of fish and fishery products within its jurisdiction, as well 
as the processing and marketing of all fisheries and aquatic products in the 
country. It shall also have the responsibility of rationalizing all ocean sector 
initiatives which impact on fish and marine resources or their habitat including, 
but not limited to marine energy exploration and development; coastal and 
marine tourism; and designation of shipping lanes, protected areas, and marine 
industry development areas. The regulation of these marine activities, once 
rationalized by the DFAR, shall reside with the parent agency for the appropriate 
sector involved.​
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Sec. 5. Powers and Functions. – To accomplish its mandate, the 
Department shall have the following powers, functions and responsibilities:​
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(a) Prepare and implement a Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry 
Development Plan;​
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(b) Issue licenses for the operation of commercial fishing vessels;​
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(c) Issue identification cards free of charge to fishworkers engaged in 
commercial fishing;​
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(d) Monitor and review joint fishing agreements between Filipino citizens 
and foreigners who conduct fishing activities in international waters, and ensure 
that such agreements are not contrary to Philippine commitment under 
international treaties and convention on fishing in the high seas;​
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(e) Formulate and implement a Comprehensive Fishery Research and 
Development Program, such as, but not limited to, sea farming, sea ranching, 
tropical/ornamental fish and seaweed culture, aimed at increasing resource 
productivity, improving resource use efficiency, and ensuring the long-term 
sustainability of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;​
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(f) Establish and maintain a Comprehensive Fishery Information System;​
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(g) Provide extensive development support services in all aspects of 
fisheries production, processing and marketing;​
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(h) Provide advisory services and technical assistance on the improvement 
of quality of fish from the time it is caught (i.e. on board fishing vessel, at landing 
areas, fish markets, to the processing plants and to the distribution and 
marketing chain);​
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(i) Coordinate efforts relating to fishery production undertaken by the 
primary fishery producers, LGUs, FARMCs, and fishery organizations or 
cooperatives;​
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(j) Advise and coordinate with LGUs on the maintenance of proper 
sanitation and hygienic practices in fish markets and fish landing areas;​
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(k) Establish a corps of specialists in collaboration with the Department of 
National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department 
of Foreign Affairs for the efficient monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing 
activities within Philippine territorial waters and provide the necessary facilities, 
equipment and training therefor;​
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(l) Implement an inspection system for import and export of fishery/aquatic 
products and fish processing establishments, consistent with international 
standards to ensure product quality and safety;​
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(m) Coordinate with LGUs and other concerned agencies for the 
establishment of productivity enhancing and market development programs in 
fishing communities to enable women to engage in other fisheries/economic 
activities and contribute significantly to development efforts;​
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(n) Enforce all laws, formulate and enforce all rules and regulations 
governing the conservation and management of fishery resources, including in 
municipal waters where it shall closely coordinate with the LGUs for such 
enforcement, and to settle conflicts of resource use and allocation in consultation 
with the NFARMC, LGUs and local FARMCs;​
​
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(o) Develop value-added fishery-products for domestic consumption and 
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export;​
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(p) Recommend measures for the protection/enhancement of the fishery 
industries;​
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​
(q) Assist the LGUs in developing their technical capability in the 
development, management, regulation, conservation, and protection of the 
fishery resources;​
​
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(r) Formulate and implement rules and regulations for the conservation and 
management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks; and 
threatened living marine resources such as sharks, rays and ludong, inter alia, in 
the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, territorial sea, archipelagic and internal 
waters, in coordination with LGUs and integrated/municipal/city Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Management Councils;​
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(s) Train, designate and deploy fisheries observers in Philippine flagged 
fishing vessels engaged in commercial fishing in Philippine waters or distant 
water fishing to ensure compliance with conservation and management 
measures adopted by RFMOS and by the Department;​
​
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(t) Implement boarding and inspection protocols upon Philippine flagged 
fishing vessels in order to promote observance to international treaty obligations 
on food safety, to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and to comply 
with conservation and management measures;​
​
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(u) Adopt an appropriate monitoring, control, surveillance and traceability 
system for municipal fishing vessels supplying exporters with concurrence of the 
local government units;​
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(v) Adopt and implement a national plan of action to manage fishing 
capacity, implement the international code of conduct for responsible fisheries, 
and declare fishery management areas as over-exploited in coordination with the 
LGUs and FARMCs;​
​
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(w) Require performance bonds and impose and collect reasonable fees 
and charges for laboratory services, inspection, deployment of fisheries 
observers, and catch documentation and validation, taking into account the 
balance required between recovering the costs of services rendered and the 
socioeconomic impact of their imposition, upon prior consultation with 
stakeholders;​
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(x) Hear and decide administrative cases before it;​
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(y) Determine the appropriate levels of administrative and other sanctions, 
particularly for serious violations, that deprive offenders of economic benefits 
from their violations of the laws, rules and regulations;​
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(z) Initiate the criminal prosecution of offenses committed in violation of the 
Fisheries Code of 1997, as amended, regardless of their status; and​
​
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(aa) Perform such other related functions which shall promote the 
development, conservation, management, protection and utilization of fisheries 
and aquatic resources.​
​
​
Sec. 6. Composition. – The DFAR shall be composed of the Office of the 
Secretary; four (4) Undersecretaries for Fisheries Production and Utilization, for 
Fisheries Conservation and Management, for Operations, and for Administration 
and Finance; Assistant Secretaries; Bureaus; and Regional Offices. ​
​
​
Sec. 7. Secretary of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. – The Secretary of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, shall 
be appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on 
Appointments. No person shall be appointed Secretary of the Department unless 
he or she is a Filipino citizen; at least a degree holder in fisheries, public 
administration, management, economics, law or other equivalent relevant 
disciplines; has actual experience in administration and management for at least 
ten (10) years; and has general practical knowledge of fisheries and/or 
management of aquatic resources.​
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The Secretary shall have the following functions:​
​
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(a) Supervision and control of the Department and the Bureaus, Offices 
and Institutes under it;​
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(b) Authority and responsibility for the performance of the powers and 
functions of the DFAR;​
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(c) Advise the President on the promulgation of policies, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances relative to the sustainable development and 
management of fisheries and aquatic resources;​
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(d) Establish management policies and standards for the efficient and 
effective operation of the Department in accordance with the programs of the 
government;​
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(e) Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuance in carrying out the 
Department's mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects; and​
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(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
the President.​
​
​
Sec. 8. Undersecretaries. – The Secretary shall be assisted by four (4) 
Undersecretaries: ​
​
​
(a) Undersecretary for Production and Utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources;​
​
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(b) Undersecretary for Conservation and Management of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources; ​
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(c) Undersecretary for Operations; and​
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(d) Undersecretary for Administration and Finance.​
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The Undersecretaries shall be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary. No person shall be appointed Undersecretary 
of the Department unless he or she is a Filipino citizen and at least a degree 
holder in fisheries, public administration, management, economics, law or other 
equivalent relevant disciplines.​
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​
The general functions of the Undersecretaries are as follows:​
​
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(a) Assist the Secretary on the formulation of policies, programs, plans, 
rules and regulations, as well as on the promulgation of Department Order, 
Administrative Orders, and other issuance with respect to his/her area of 
responsibility;​
​
​
(b) Exercise supervision and control over the bureaus, offices, services 
and operating units under his/her responsibility;​
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​
(c) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his/her 
responsibility with those of the other units in the Department;​
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​
(d) Liaise with concerned government departments, agencies, and offices 
to ensure effective coordination in the management of the fisheries and aquatic 
resources sector; and​
​
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(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
the Secretary.​
​
​
Sec. 9. Undersecretary for Production and Utilization of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources. – The Undersecretary for Fisheries Production and 
Utilization shall assist the Secretary in the overall management of fisheries 
production, processing, marketing, utilization, development of techniques in the 
industry, among others.​
​
​
Under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Fisheries 
Production and Utilization, the following bureaus, services and offices are hereby 
created:​
​
​
(a) Bureau of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries (BAIF) – The BAIF shall, 
among others, be responsible for: regulating aquaculture operations in line with 
the International Code of Conduct for Aquaculture, promoting the intensification 
of aquaculture operations in existing areas; formulating aquaculture development 
programs; establishing and maintaining model aquaculture farms and ponds; 
providing technical assistance to cooperatives and fishpond operators in the 
development of a viable fishmeal and fish feeds industry, undertaking inland 
fishery resources evaluation; and recommending management and conservation 
measures.​
​
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The Bureau shall be headed by a Director and shall be composed of the 
following divisions: (1) Aquaculture Management and Development Division; (2) 
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Inland Fisheries Resource Assessment and Conservation Division; (3) Inland 
Fishery Development and Extension Division; and (4) Environmental Impact 
Assessment and Monitoring Division.​
​
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(b) Bureau of Postharvest and Fisheries Product Standards (BPFPS) – 
The fishery component of the Bureau of Agriculture and Product Standards 
created under Section 61 of Republic Act No. 8435 shall be transferred to the 
BPFPS which shall formulate and enforce standards of quality in the processing, 
preservation, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and 
advertising of fishery products; conduct research on product standardization, 
alignment of the local standards with the international standards; promote and 
strengthen semi-processing and handling; and shall have a Director, two 
Assistant Directors - one for Product Standards and Technical Services and the 
other for Industry Compliance and Consumer Protection.​
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Under the Assistant Director for Product Standards and Technical 
Services, the following shall be Divisions: (1) Technical Services Division; (2) 
Fish Processing Technology Division; (3) Standards Development and Promotion 
Division; and (4) Value-added Products Development and Promotion Division.​
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Under the Assistant Director for Industry Compliance and Consumer 
Protection, the following shall be the following divisions: (1) Industry Compliance 
Division; (2) Consumer Affairs Division; and (3) Arbitration and Dispute 
Resolution Division.​
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(c) Bureau of Fisheries Extension, Training, and Support Service 
(BFETSS) – The BFETSS shall coordinate all development activities with respect 
to fisheries and aquatic resources technology, and shall have a development 
section for all components including inland and ocean fishing, and fishing fears 
and methods. It shall formulate a National Extension System for Fisheries, which 
shall be composed of three (3) subsystems: the national government subsystem, 
the local government subsystem and the private sector subsystem. It shall deliver 
the following major services: training services; credit and financing support 
services, business advisory services; demonstration services, and information 
and communication support services through tri-media.​
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It shall have the following divisions: (1) Training and Skills Development 
Division; (2) Technology Transfer and Demonstration Division; (3) Business 
Advisory and Information Support Division; and (4) Training Centers.​
​
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(d) The Bureau of Fishing Technology and Capture Fisheries (BFTCF) – 
The BFTCF shall have direct supervision and control over the utilization of 
marine resources including commercial, international and small-scale fisheries. It 
shall formulate development programs for the expansion of the marine fishery 
industry; explore new fishery resources and develop environment friendly but 
efficient fishing gears.​
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It shall be headed by a Director and two Assistant Directors and shall have 
the following divisions: (1) Municipal Fisheries Division; (2) Commercial Fisheries 
Division; (3) Fishing Technology Division; and (4) High Seas Fisheries Division​
​
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(e) The Fisheries Modernization Credit and Financing Agency (FMCFA) – 
The FMCFA shall administer the funds under Sections 108 to 113 of Republic Act 
No. 8550 as well as the fisheries-related provisions of Sections 20 to 25 of 
Republic Act No. 8435, harmonizing and integrating the two so as to package 
and deliver various credit assistance programs for the following:​
​
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(1) Fisheries production including processing of fisheries products and 
inputs;​
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(2) Acquisition or construction of fishery equipment, machinery, fishing 
vessels and fishing gears;​
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(3) Acquisition of fry, fingerlings, fertilizers, feeds and similar items;​
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(4) Procurement of fisheries products for storage, trading, processing and 
distribution;​
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(5) Construction, acquisition and repair of facilities for production, 
processing, storage, transportation, communication, marketing and such other 
facilities in support of fisheries; economic activities; High Seas Fisheries Division;​
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(6) Working capital for fisheries graduates to enable them to engage in 
fisheries-related;​
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(7) Activities which support marine and freshwater bodies conservation and 
ecology-enhancing activities such as but not limited to mangrove reforestation, 
promotion of whale shark and manta ray and other endangered marine species 
watching and ecotourism; and​
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(8) Development of appropriate technology, both in fishery and ancillary 
industries that are ecologically sound, locally source based and labor intensive, 
based on the requirements of the Fisheries and Aquatic Management Councils. 
Under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Fisheries 
Conservation and Management, the following bureaus, units, board and services 
are hereby created.​
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Sec. 10. Undersecretary for Conservation and Management of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources. – The Undersecretary for Fisheries Conservation and 
Management shall assist the Secretary primarily in the development and 
implementation of conservation and protection of the fisheries and aquatic 
resources industry.​
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Under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Conservation 
and Management, the following bureaus, services and offices are hereby 
created:​
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(a) Marine Resources Conservation and Management Bureau - The 
Marine Resources Conservation and Management Bureau is a line bureau 
tasked with the formulation and implementation of a Comprehensive Fisheries 
Management Plan. It shall undertake marine fishery resources assessment and 
biological 
and 
environmental investigations and formulate conservation 
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measures. In coordination with the National Fisheries Research and 
Development Institute, it shall determine and establish the carrying capacity and 
total allowable catch (TAC) for a particular resource. It shall set the allowable 
fishing effort based on the carrying capacity of the resource and TAC and 
accordingly issue commercial fishing licenses and permits.​
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It shall be headed by a Director and two Assistant Directors and shall have 
the following divisions: 
(1) Coastal Resources Management Division;​
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(2) Oceanography Division;​
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(3) Fisheries Licensing Division;​
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(4) Biotechnology, Biosafety and Bioprospecting Division; and​
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(5) Fisheries Law Enforcement Division. ​
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The Fisheries Law Enforcement Division shall operate the National and 
Zonal Monitoring Surveillance System. It shall establish fishery air and ocean 
patrol as well as conduct law enforcement trainings and recommend to the 
Secretary the deputation of government employees and members of fisherfolk 
associations as fishery guardians. It shall have the supervision and control of 
fishery officers and guardians and the corps of specialists responsible for the 
enforcement of fishery laws, rules and regulations and the efficient monitoring 
and surveillance of fishing activities within Philippine territorial waters. It shall 
have the following units:​
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(i) The National and Fisheries Zone Monitoring and Surveillance Center 
which shall have a National Coordinating Center and several Fisheries Zones 
Monitoring and Surveillance Centers. It is further subdivided into the Vessel 
Tracking and Remote Sensing Office, and the Database and Information Center;​
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(ii) The Fisheries Air Patrol and Ocean Patrol, and the Regulatory Staff 
composed of Fishery Officers, Deputized Fisheries Guardians and the corps of 
specialists from the DND, PNP-MARICOM, DILG, DFA and DOJ. The Fishery 
Officers shall have full police powers relative to the enforcement of fishery laws, 
rules and regulations including arrest, search and seizure, and shall have the 
authority to directly file complaints for violation of fishery laws, rules and 
regulations.​
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(b) The Bureau of Marine Protected Areas and Wildlife (BMPAW) – The 
BMPAW is a line bureau responsible for establishing and maintaining marine 
protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries. It shall lead in the conduct of scientific 
research on the proper strategies for the conservation and protection of marine 
wildlife and their habitat including breeding or propagation. It shall also establish 
Marine Wildlife Rescue Centers to take custody of all confiscated, stranded or 
abandoned marine wildlife. It shall have the authority to issue Committee on 
International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES) Permits and shall be both 
the CITES Management and Scientific Authorities of the Philippines. It shall be 
the lead agency in the fulfilment of the country's obligations under CITES, the 
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Convention on Biological Diversity and other treaties and international 
agreements.​
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It shall have the following divisions:​
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(1) Marine Protected Areas Division;​
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(2) Marine Wildlife Rescue Centers;​
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(3) CITES Management Authority;​
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(4) Endangered Marine Species Captive Breeding Centers;​
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(5) Endangered Marine Wildlife Research Center - The Endangered 
Marine Wildlife Research Center shall be the Department's CITES Scientific 
Authority which shall coordinate with academic institutions designated as 
scientific authorities; and​
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(6) Biodiversity Division.​
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Sec. 11. Undersecretary for Operations. – The Undersecretary for 
Fisheries Operations shall assist the Secretary in the overall supervision and 
control over all regional offices.​
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The Undersecretary for Operations shall have direct control and 
supervision of the following units and bureau:​
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(a) The Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Inspection Service (FIQIS) – 
The FIQIS shall have the line functions and shall be responsible for the 
inspection and quarantine of all fishery related activities including the conduct of 
quarantine and quality inspection of all fish and fishery/aquatic products corning 
into and going out of the country by air or water transport to detect the presence 
of fish pest and diseases, the regular inspection of processing plants, storage 
facilities, abattoirs, as well as public and private markets in order to ensure 
freshness, safety and quality of products and to ensure that these products 
conform to the standards prescribed by the Department; and the quarantine of 
aquatic animals and fishery products determined or suspected to be with fishery 
pest and diseases and prevent the movement or trade from and or into the 
country of these products so prohibited or regulated under existing laws, rules or 
regulations and international agreements of which the Philippine is a State Party. 
It shall have the following units:​
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(1) Regional fishery Inspection and Quarantine Offices;​
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(2) Cyanide Detection Centers;​
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(3) Product Standards Enforcement Division; and​
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(4) Regional Fish Health Centers.​
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(b) The Bureau of Fishery Economics and Statistics (BFES) – The BFES 
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shall be a line bureau responsible for establishing benchmark data on the 
structure of the fishery industry. It shall conduct research and studies on the 
socio-economics of various fishery operations, collect data on fishery production, 
and establish a network of fishery information, documentation and dissemination. 
It shall have the following divisions: (1) Fishery Statistics Division; 92) 
Socioeconomic Division; and (3) Fishery Information Division.​
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Sec. 12. Undersecretary for Administration and Finance. – The 
Undersecretary for Administration and Finance shall provide the Department with 
efficient, effective, and economical services relating to records management, 
supplies, equipment, collections, disbursements, building administration and 
maintenance, security, and custodial work; as well as administer personnel 
programs including selection and placement development, performance 
evaluation, and employee relations and welfare.​
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Sec. 13. Attached Agencies. – The Office of Ocean and Marine Affairs 
shall be the Department's primary agency tasked with the implementation of the 
National Marine Policy and the relevant provisions of the United Nations 
Convention on the Law of the Sea. Any and all use of the ocean shall require the 
assessment and clearance by this Office, which shall rationalize initiatives that 
will negatively impact the fisheries or their habitat. It shall coordinate the 
implementation of fisheries and ocean sector policies, as well as plans and laws 
for all maritime components. It shall be headed by a Director and shall have the 
following divisions:​
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(a) Ocean-Use Assessment and Clearance Division;​
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(b) National and International Ocean Law and Policy Division;​
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(c) Special Projects Division; and​
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(d) Technical Division​
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The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority created by Presidential 
Decree No. 977 as amended, shall be an attached agency of the Department of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Office of the Secretary.​
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The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) 
created by Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, shall also be an attached 
agency of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to serve as the 
primary research arm thereof. To ensure the independent and objective 
implementation of its research activities, the NFRDI shall have a separate 
budget specific to its manpower requirements and operations.​
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​
Sec. 14. Organizational Structure of the Department. – The functions of the 
Department under this Act shall be carried out by the bureaus, agencies and 
services created in the Department.​
​
​
Sec. 15. Regional Offices and Functions. – The DFAR shall have such 
department-wide regional offices as may be necessary in the administrative 
regions, each to be headed by a Regional Director, who shall be assisted by an 
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Assistant Regional Director, each regional office shall have support staffs as may 
be necessary and four line divisions which shall have the following duties and 
responsibilities:​
​
​
(a) Provide efficient and effective front-line service to the fishery and 
aquatic industry sector, particularly to the municipal fishermen;​
​
​
(b) Implement in its area of jurisdiction, the laws, policies, plans, programs, 
projects, rules and regulations of the DFAR;​
​
​
(c) Coordinate with the Regional Office of the other departments, offices 
and agencies in the region; and​
​
​
(d) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Secretary.​
​
​
Sec. 16. Appointment and Qualification of Directors. – The Directors of the 
Bureau, Offices and Agencies and the Regional Directors shall be appointed by 
the Secretary, upon recommendation of the Undersecretaries concerned. The 
Directors must have a degree in law or Master of Science degree in marine 
fisheries, oceanography, fisheries biology, marine biology, fisheries technology, 
microbiology or related sciences, or public administration and at least five years 
of experience either in the public or private sector, in marine fisheries research 
and development, or in the fisheries industry.​
​
​
Sec. 17. Abolition, Transfer and Merger. – The Bureau of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reconstituted by Republic Act No 8550, is hereby 
abolished and its relevant functions, appropriations, records, properties, 
equipment and personnel are hereby transferred to the DFAR: Provided, 
however, That no official or employee of the BFAR shall be laid off in the 
implementation of this section. ​
​
​
The following National Centers managed by the BFAR shall be transferred 
to the DFAR: (a) National Mariculture Center; (b) National Freshwater 
Technology Center; (c) National Inland Fisheries Technology Center; (d) Marine 
Fisheries 
Development 
and 
Vessel 
Operations 
Center; 
(e) 
National 
Brackishwater Fisheries Technology Center; (f) National Fisheries Development 
Center; and (g) National Seaweeds Technology Development Center.​
​
​
The National and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management 
Councils created by Republic Act No. 8550 shall be transferred to the Office of 
the Secretary of the DFAR.​
​
​
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute created by 
Republic Act No. 8550 is transferred to the DFAR and shall serve as its principal 
research arm.​
​
​
The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council 
created by Executive Order No. 240 is transferred to the DFAR.​
​
​
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority created by Presidential 
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Decree No. 977 including its relevant functions, appropriations, records, 
properties, equipment and personnel, is hereby transferred to the DFAR as an 
attached agency under the Office of the Secretary: Provided, however, That the 
Secretary of the DFAR shall be the new chairman of the Board: Provided, further, 
That no official or employee of the PFDA shall be laid off in the implementation of 
this Section.​
​
​
The 
Philippine 
Technical 
Advisory Committee of the SEAFDEC 
Aquaculture Department created under Executive Order No. 834 dated October 
4, 1982, including its relevant functions, appropriations; records, properties, 
equipment and personnel, is hereby transferred and attached to the DFAR: 
Provided, That no official or employee of the Board shall be laid off in the 
implementation of this section.​
​
​
The fisheries-related functions of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, 
including its relevant appropriations, records, and personnel, are hereby 
transferred to the DFAR: Provided, however, that no official or employee of the 
LLDA shall be laid off in the implementation of this Section.​
​
​
The Marine Research and Conservation Division and the different Sections 
there under and the Coastal Environment Program including its relevant 
appropriations, personnel, records, property and equipment, all marine and 
coastal related projects and programs of the DENR, and all fisheries related 
functions of the DENR under Executive Orders No. 192 and 292, except the 
functions of the enforcement of water pollution laws, rules and regulations, are 
hereby transferred to the DFAR.​
​
​
The fisheries-related sections of the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the 
Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of 
Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries 
Standards, and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries of the 
Department of Agriculture shall be transferred to DFAR. All the personnel, 
records, appropriations, property and equipment of each section shall be 
transferred to the DFAR.​
​
​
Sec. 18. Transitory Provisions. – In accomplishing the acts of organizing 
the department as herein prescribed, the following provisions shall be complied 
with:​
​
​
(a) The transfer of a government unit or agency shall include the functions, 
Appropriations, funds, records, equipment, facilities, chooses in action, rights, 
other assets and liabilities, if any, of the. Transferred unit or agency as well as 
the personnel thereof, as may be necessary, who shall, pending reappointment, 
continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities and receive the 
corresponding salaries and benefits in a hold-over capacity.​
​
​
(b) The transfer of functions which results in the abolition of the 
government unit or agency that has exercised them, shall include the 
appropriations, funds, records, equipment, facilities, chooses in action, rights, 
other assets and personnel as may be necessary to the proper discharge of the 
transferred functions. Its liabilities, if any, shall likewise be treated in accordance 
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with the Government Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules and 
regulations. Its personnel shall, pending reappointment, continue to perform their 
duties and responsibilities and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits in 
a holdover capacity.​
​
​
Sec. 19. Organization Committee. – The duly appointed Secretary of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall immediately create an organization 
committee which shall study and formulate the staffing pattern, qualification 
standards, and placement of personnel in the DFAR, its services, bureaus, and 
offices. The Committee shall be composed of representatives from the 
Department of Budget and Management, Civil Service Commission, the fishery 
industry and the academe.​
​
​
Sec. 20. Appropriations. – For the effective implementation of this Act, the 
amount of Php5 Billion is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National 
Treasury and the current budgetary appropriations of the BFAR, including its 
regional offices, and the appropriations of the PFDA. ​
​
​
The revenues which the DFAR will generate from its licensing operations, 
the fees collected & the proprietary services delivered by the Department, and 
the administrative fines imposed by the National Fisheries Regulatory and 
Adjudication Bond shall constitute the DFAR's revolving fund from which 
amounts necessary to carry out the special research projects, management and 
conservation programs, staff development programs, and the acquisition of 
equipment, vessels, and airplanes, helicopters of the Monitoring and 
Surveillance Center shall be taken: Provided, however, That the fishpond rentals 
shall accrue to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute as 
provided under Section 46 (c) of Republic Act No. 8550. The use of such funds 
shall be subject to COA rules and regulations.​
​
​
Sec. 21. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional inoperative, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in 
force and effect.​
​
​
Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the Act or the rules and regulations 
promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.​
​
​
Sec. 23. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
14