Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

7611

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Municipality of Sto. Tomas significantly contributes to making our district, the 4°
District Pampanga, and our Province of Pampanga as the top aquaculture producer in the
country. We are number one in tilapia production and a top producer of mud crabs and prawns.

This bill is in support of our thriving aquaculture industry as well as of our government's
efforts for food self-sufficiency. This bill seeks to establish a multi-species freshwater hatchery
in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Province of Pampanga which shall be under the supervision
of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-
DA). The BFAR-DA shall, consequently, transfer the management of the hatchery facilities to
the local government unit and shall implement a training and phasing-in program for the local
government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

Aquatic hatcheries provide the seed for aquaculture and promote commercial
fisheries. It allows the replenishment of fish in these man-made facilities at a rate much faster
than nature would allow. It provides for an optimum environment for fish eggs to develop and
hatch by maintaining proper water temperature and oxygen levels, as well as providing
adequate food supplies and safety from predators.

As such, the establishment of multi-species freshwater hatchery is exponentially
pivotal in addressing the deficiency in the supply of fish seedlings to aquaculture sectors.
Moreover, the hatcheries would improve the country fish fry supply and boost the local
aquaculture sector.

In the view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bills earnestly sought.

Grae Y wh f Krk’

P. Bondoc
4 District Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

ETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7611

Introduced by Rep. Anna York P. Bondoc

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES FRESHWATER HATCHERY I
MUNICIPALITY OF STO. TOMAS, PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. 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
freshwater hatchery in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Province of Pampanga

Section 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species freshwater hatchery, the
BFAR-DA shall conduct a full-scale feasibility study in support of its construction to comply
with the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management.

Within two (2) years after the construction of the multi-species freshwater hatchery, the
BFAR-DA, through a Memorandum of Agreement, shall transfer its management to the local
government of the Municipality of Sto. Tomas. It shall implement a training and phasing-in
program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

Section 3. The BFAR-DA shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on the
breeding and productions of freshwater species, especially as these apply to local conditions, to
discover new methods and technologies that will enhance the fishing industry.

Section 4, The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department’s Programs the
conduct of the feasibility study and the consequent establishment of the multi-species
freshwater hatchery in the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, Province of Pampanga, the funding of
which shall be included in the General Appropriation Act. The local government unit
concerned shall set aside funds from any available local revenue in an amount deemed
appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

Section 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall issue the rules and regulations on the supervision, operation, monitoring, and
the eventual transfer of the multi-species freshwater hatchery to the local government of the
Municipality of Sto. Tomas.

Section 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.