SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No. 4460

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

The Municipality of Estancia is a second class municipality in the Province of
lloilo, Philippines. Based on the 2010 census, it has a population of 42,666 people. It
is located in the northern part of the Province of Iloilo approximately 135 kilometers
(84 miles) from the provincial capital of lloilo City.

Estancia is not known for its agricultural products nor livestock but rather for its
location as it is adjacent to the Municipality of Carles' impressive marine resources.
Estancia has a fish port and a pier - these being one of the most developed in
Northern Visayas.

Estancia is known around the country as a center for commercial fishing, so
much so that it shares to carries the name “Alaska of the Philippines, with Carles (The
true Alaska of the Philippines) as a testament to its location adjacent to Carles’
bountiful marine resources. The reason for this is that Carles lies in the Visayan Sea
triangle, an imaginary triangle extending from the provinces of lloilo, Negros, Cebu,
Samar, and Masbate. This triangle is a part of the “Sulu-Sulaweisi Triangle" of the
Sulu Sea and neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms
coupled with climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem. Various
commercial species are harvested along Carles' waters, namely mackerel, barracuda,
sardines, shad, pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, shells, seaweed
and others. These catches from Carles’ water territory are brought to Estancia's fish
port.

The method predominantly used is purse seining, trawling and gill netting as
these are suited for the relatively shallow waters (up to 60 fathoms) of the Visayan
Sea.

However, as of recent years, pollution, heavy overfishing, and irresponsible
fishing practices have slowly diminished the once abundant fish stocks of Estancia,
and now problems like diminishing catches and unpredictable weather are beginning
to surface. These factors have raised awareness in the government as well as the


private sector. This dilemma is in need for governmental intervention. The
establishment of multi-species marine hatchery presents a practical and sustainable
solution to this end.

This Bill seeks to ensure that the Municipality of Estancia will continue its
strategic importance in supporting commercial fishing through the establishment of a
multi-species marine hatchery.

For this reasons, the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

RAUL “orp C. TUPAS


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

H.No. 4

HOUSE OF REPRES| TIVES:
460"

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Establishment of Multi-Species
Marine Hatchery in the Municipality of Estancia Act.”

SECTION 2. Establishment of Multi-Species Marine Hatchery - There shall be
established under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), a multi-species marine hatchery in the
Municipality of Estancia, Province of lloilo.

SECTION 3. Supervision of the BFAR - Within three (3) years after the construction
of the multi-species marine hatchery, the BFAR-DA shall transfer its management to
the Northern lloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC). It shall implement a training and
phasing-in program for NIPSC personnel on the management and operation of the
multi-species marine hatchery. .

SECTION 4. Continuing Research- The BFAR-DA and NIPSC shall conduct
continuing research and development on the multi-species marine hatchery to
discover new methods that will enhance the fishing industry.

SECTION 5. Budget Allocation. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
Department of Agriculture's programs the establishment of the multi-species marine
hatchery in the Municipality of Estancia, Iloilo, the funding of which shall be included in
the General Appropriations Act. The NIPSC shall set aside funds from any available
revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The BFAR-DA and the
NIPSC shall issue the rules and regulations on the supervision and monitoring, and
the transfer or withdrawal by the BFAR, of the multi-species marine hatchery.

SECTION 7. Effectivity- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,