Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH (19) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 8681

Introduced by: Rep Olga “Ara” T. Kho and Rep. Ricardo T. Kho

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery for the
production of crabs, shrimps and milkfish in the Municipality of Balud, Province of Masbate,
to meet the nutritional and economic needs specifically of the residents of the coastal barangays
of Balud. The people of these coastal town rely upon fishing as their source of food and
livelihood.

According to the officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
in the Province of Masbate, there are atleast 2,000 hectares in the coastal areas of Masbate that
are desolate until now.

The establishment of such breeding farm and hatchery will greatly improve the
economic lives of the people not only in the above-mentioned area but also in the entire
province of Masbate. It will also provide excellent employment opportunities and help alleviate
poverty. In addition, the farm and hatchery will help replenish the supply of crabs, shrimps and
milkfish there and will enable the people to keep pace with the increasing demand for these
marine products, locally and even worldwide.

In view thereof, the approval of this bill is earnestly sough.

REP. OUGA “Ara” T. KHO
2"4 District, Masbate

. RICARDO T. KHO
1° District, Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH (19%) CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 8681

Introduced by: Rep Olga “Ara” T. Kho and Rep. Ricardo T. Kho

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-PURPOSE FISHERY BREEDING FARM AND
HATCHERY FOR THE PRODUCTION AND MULTIPLICATION OF CRABS,
SHRIMPS AND MILKFISH IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALUD, PROVINCE OF
MASBATE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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 (hereinafter referred to as BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture
(herein referred to as DA), a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery for the
production and multiplication of crabs, shrimps and milkfish in the Municipality of Balud,
Province of Masbate, to meet the nutritional and economic needs of the residents of the coastal
barangays in the area.

SEC. 2. The BFAR shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on crabs,
shrimp and milkfish culture, especially as they apply to local condition, to discover new
methods and technology that will rejuvenate the fishing industry.

SEC. 3. The DA and its related agencies shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 4. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department’s program the
establishment and operation of a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery for the
production and multiplication of crabs, shrimps and milkfish in the Municipality of Balud,
Province of Masbate, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

APPROVED.