Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES 
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT, AND PRODUCT CENTER IN THE PROVINCE OF 
DAVAO DEL SUR, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Touted as having the longest shoreline in Region XI stretching along its eleven 
municipalities, Davao Del Sur is endowed with an abundance of coastal natural resources and 
its residents has long depended on its fisheries, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches, coastal bays, 
and estuaries for aquaculture and other uses.  The Philippine Statistics Authority Fisheries 
Situationer Report for the first quarter of 2019 stated that the Province of Davao Del Sur has 
shown substantial contribution in the production of aquaculture at 68.51 percent of the recorded 
total of 7,956.33 metric tons. 
Unfortunately, the coastal resource base is being depleted due to a variety of reasons 
including destructive fishing methods, damaged or converted shoreline habitats, upland 
agriculture pollutants, among others.  The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected key activities 
in the fisheries or aquaculture supply chain, disrupted by impacts arising from Covid-19 and 
other related government measures.  Aside from environmental concerns, job and food security 
will be most affected by the continued depletion of marine resources.   
This representation believes that the establishment of the Provincial Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and Product Center in the Province of Davao Del 
Sur will not only provide interventions and promote inclusive growth in the fisheries and 
aquaculture sector but also recognizes the need to uplift the plight of the fisherfolk in the 
Province.  Likewise, the establishment of the Center adheres to the objectives of the Agriculture 
and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8435) which aims to modernize 
the fisheries sector to enhance profitability and prepare the same to address the challenges of 
globalization. 
It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MERCEDES “DIDI” C. CAGAS 
June 22, 2021
2:54 pm
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Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES 
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT, AND PRODUCT CENTER IN THE PROVINCE OF 
DAVAO DEL SUR, 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 of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), a Provincial Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and Product Center in the Province of Davao Del 
Sur. 
The BFAR shall collaborate with, and tap the expertise, resources and facilities of, the Davao 
Del Sur State College (DSSC) in the establishment, management and operation of these centers.  
SEC.  2. The Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and Product 
Center shall, at a minimum, provide onsite and online access to the following: 
(a) Applied technology for innovative and sustainable fish breeding and hatchery of high-
value marine species;
(b) Training activities and technical assistance to provide sustainable development and
production support and education to fisherfolk;
(c) Technical assistance for sustainable production and environmentally sound post-
harvest development services;
(d) Technical assistance in the establishment, operation, enhancement and maintenance of
government-operated marine sanctuaries, seaweed nurseries, seaweed processing
plants, and mariculture park facilities;
(e) Catalog, display, and promote local fisheries and aquatic products, and provide
marketing and product distribution assistance to fisherfolk; and
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(f) Database of available insurance and credit assistance for fisherfolk, and local and 
international grants and scholarships for fisheries and aquatic resources studies and 
research. 
SEC. 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department’s programs the 
establishment of the Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and 
Product Center, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.   Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary to support the operations of the Provincial 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Training, Development, and Product Center shall be set aside 
by the local government unit from any available local revenue.   
SEC. 4. The Department of Agriculture, through the BFAR, shall issue rules and regulations 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.  
SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.  
Approved,