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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. pcs

Introduced by Honorable Roger G. Mercado

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime transportation are important sectors in the
Province of Southern Leyte and its neighboring coastal municipalities. Subsistence fishing
communities dot the coast of the island of Southern Leyte and fishing provides for the
livelihoods of a significant portion of those below the poverty line in the island.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) supervises, regulates, promotes and
develops the use of vessels, both small-scale fishing boats and large crafts for transport. The
agency likewise provides financial assistance to the industry and technological assistance to
fishermen.

In light of this difficulty, this bill seeks to expand the capacity of the MARINA satellite
office in Maasin City, Province of Southern Leyte to act as a sub-provincial hub and address
the needs of the residents of the province by converting it into an extension office and
providing the necessary resources, funds and personnel.


Furthermore, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and the MARINA are
authorized under this bill, for a limited period, to reorganize the offices within region VIII to
deliver efficient services to both islands. For instance, the MARINA may see fit to subdivide
its services for two regional hubs. Region VIII-A for Leyte Island and Biliran

Provinces; and Region VIII-B for Samar Island or subdivided them into six (6)
provincial hubs; one (1) each for Leyte, Western Samar, Northern Samar, Biliran and Southern
Leyte.

For the aforementioned reasons, the undersigned submits this bill for the consideration
of this august body

ROGER GAVIOLA MERCADO.


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Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

6066
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Roger G. Mercado

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE SATELLITE OFFICE OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
AUTHORITY LOCATED IN MAASIN CITY, PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE
INTO AN EXTENSION OFFICE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,

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

SECTION 1. The Existing Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Satellite Office
in Maasin City, Province of Southern Leyte is hereby converted into a MARINA Extension
Office. The MARINA Extension Office shall serve as the sub-regional hub for the Province
of Southern Leyte and its neighboring coastal municipalities of Inopacan, Hilongos, Bato and
Matalom, all of Leyte, and provide services for the residents of the aforementioned province
in the municipalities.

SECTION 2. The Administrator of the MARINA shall include in the agency's
program the operationalization of the MARINA Extension Office in Maasin City, the initial
funding of which shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the MARINA.


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Region VIII Office in Tacloban City. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the regular
and continued operation of the MARINA Extension Office in Maasin City shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 3. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Transportation, through the Administrator of the MARINA, shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations for its implementation.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,