Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEHNTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousE islLi No. 5 5 3 1
Introduced by Re|)resentative Wilbert T. Lee
AN ACT
HSTABLlsHING THE NATIONAL MARIcuLTURn PROGRAM ANI]
PROVIDING FUNDS THHREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution explicitly provides that the State shall
protect the rights of subsistence fisherfolk, especially of local communities, to the preferential
use of the communal marine and fishing resources, both inland and offshore. It shall provide
support to  such fisherfolk through appropriate technology and research,  adequate financial,
production, and marketing assistance, and other services. The right of fish workers to receive
ajust share of their labor in the utilization of marine and fishing resources is likewise expressly
affirmed in the same provision.
Fishing is inevitably part of our way of life as an archipelago. Undeniably, the country
enjoys the vastness of the oceans and seas that surround its peripheral territories. Suffice to say
that the country is truly blessed with its bounty of natural resources thriving in these water
bodies. It is one of our major sources of food and nourishment, as well as livelihood for many
of our countrymen.
The fishing industry contributes roughly 1.5% to the country's gross domestic product
(GDP)  at  both  current  and  constant  2018  prices],  as  the  sector provides  employment  and
livelihood  to  more  than  two million Filipinos.  The  country  also  ranks  among  the  top  fish
producing countries in the world, and one of the biggest producers of aquatic plants, including
seaweed.
Mariculture  refers  to  an  integrated branch  of aquaculture  designed to  produce  fish
through sea cages,  long lines  and other culture structures in marine and coastal areas.  This
method is usually used to grow high value species, such as bfzHgrs, sz.g¢#z.d, seaweeds, oysters,
mussels, red snappers, groupers, among others.
As early as 2000, Mariculture or Marine Aquaculture started in the Philippines and has
been promoted by the government by establishing the mariculture park program.  Implemented
I Depaithent of Agriculture Fisheries Profile 2020
1


by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), it aims to develop efficient and
regulated  mariculture  operation,   at  the  same  time  provide  employment  and  alternative
livelihood to the marginalized fisherfolks.2
Mariculture parks are areas in the sea that are similar to industrial parks or estates on
land where the appropriate infrastructure such as roads. other facilities, and support services
are provided to attract entrepreneurs/investors. In mariculture parks, the infrastructure provided
is a mooring (anchoring) system for floating fish cages, fish landings, cold storage, etc. and
support services for processing, transport, and marketing.
With  the  continued  threats  and  impact  of climate  change  on  marine  capture  and
acknowledging the need to increase local food production and ensure food security, this bill
seeks to establish by legislation, a National Mariculture Program which is a current program
being  implemented  at  scale  by  the  Bureau  of Fisheries  and  Aquatic  Resources  (BFAR).
Through  this  bill,  the program  shall be  expanded throughout the  country  in  areas  that  are
deemed conducive for mariculture.
Mariculture, if implemented correctly and scientifically, will provide an affordable and
scalablesourceoffoodforourcountryandprovideasustainablelivelihoodforourcountrymen
in fishing and coastal communities.
It is the hope of this representation that this program can significantly contribute to the
food security of our country as well as our local economy.
In view of the foregoing, the swift approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
AGRI PARTYLIST
2 Ferrer, A, Francisco, H Et al. (2015J Affztnd€£ 7bwardr Marz.c#//wrg .47„o#g We" a#d Wromc# i.„ W4rz.c`w/Jwrg
4re&s I.73 f4e Prfez./I+p!.rles. Retrieved last 7 October 2022 from:
https://genderaquafish.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/36-fen.er.pdf
2


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVHS
Quezon City
NINEITHENTH CONGRHSS
First Regular Session
H6usEB`]ifiro.5531
Introduced by Representative Wilbert T. Lee
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL MARICULTURE PROGRAM AND
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted by  the  Senate  and  House  Of Represehiatiwes  Of the  Philippines  in  Congress
assembled..
1                    SECTION.1. S%orf Tz.de.    This Act shall be known  as  "The National  Mariculture
2       ProgramAct."
3                    SEC. 2. DcchrafroH a/Po/I.ey. The state shall ensure food security for everyone by
4      utilizing and developing the country's natural wealth, and by protecting the country's aquatic
5       resources  as  a valuable  food resource.  Towards  this  end,  the  State  shall ensure  the utmost
6      protection of the country's marine environment and optimize its potential as a major contributor
7       to food security. Likewise, the state shall uphold the rights and interests ofFilipino fisherfolk
8      through the preferential use of marine and fishing resources in the country. Pursuant to this,
9       there  shall  be  a  comprehensive  program  on  marine  fisheries  and  aquaculture  technology
10       implemented  by  the   national  government,   which  shall   include  research,   financial   and
11      marketing assistance, and other services for the benefit offisherfolk and local communities.
12                     SEC.  3.  IVc#.oHflJ A4l¢rl.cw/f%re  Program.   The  National  Government,  through  the
13      Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture @FAR-DA),
14       shall undertake a National Mariculture program, guided by the following objectives:
15                          a.   To promote mariculture as a major source of livelihood for fishermen;
16                           b.   To identify and establish mariculture parks in suitable areas in consultation with
17                                 the local government units (LGUs) concerned;
18                           c.    To   ensure   food   security   and   enhance   socioeconomic   growth   through   a
19                                 sustainable mariculture industry;
1


20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
d.   To adopt the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management which shall
ensure that the marine environment remains conducive to sustainable fisheries,
species management and mariculture investment;
e.    To develop procedures in order to minimize the adverse effects of mariculture
in view of the multiple uses of marine and coastal areas;
f.    To   develop   the  teclmical  skills   of  fishermen  throughout  the  production,
harvesting, processing, storage, and transport stages in the value chain;
9.   To    provide    appropriate    infrastructure    and    equipment    for   postharvest
technology;
h.   To provide stakeholders easy access to financial institutions; and
i.    To enable stakeholders to implement activities that will enhance climate change
resiliency and increase capabilities for disaster risk reduction and management.
32                   SEC. 4. Dcf#r.f!.o" a/rcrms. -as used in this Act:
13                           ti.   Ecosystem-Based Approach to Fisheries Management -refers to a[n approzLchto
34                                  fisheries that strives to balance diverse societal objectives or needs by taking
35                                  into account the knowledge and uncertainties about biotic, abiotic, and human
36                                 components  of ecosystems  and their interaction,  and  applying  an  integrated
37                                  approach to fisheries management within ecologically meaningful boundaries.
38                                  It   may   be   synonymously   used   with   "ecosystem   approach   to   fisheries
39                                 management" (EAFM);
40                           b.   A4lar!.cc//Jwrg -refers to an integrated branch of aquaculture designed to produce
41                                  fish through sea cages,  long lines, and other culture structures in marine and
42                                    coastal areas to  grow high-value  species,  such as bcz#g#£, sz.ga#;.cJ,  seaweeds,
43                                  oysters, mussels, red snappers, groupers, and other related species;
44                            c.   A4rirz.c#/¢wre  Pclrfa  or  zo#€  -  refers  to  duly  designated  fishery  areas  where
45                                  mariculture is undertal{en; and
46                           d.   A4loorz.7.g spoc.e -refers to a unit of space within a mariculture park or zone to
47                                  which vessels,  sea  cages,  lines  of other culture  structures  can be moored or
48                                  secured in place;
49                    SEC. 5. d4l¢ri.cziJfwrc DciJe/apmc#f p¢rds or zo#es. Subject to the limitations set forth
50       under  Sections 20  and 22  of Republic Act No.  8550,  otherwise known  as  "The Philippine
51       Fisheries code ofl998"; Section 149 ofRepublicActNo. 7160, otherwiseknownas the "Local
52       Government Code  of 1991";  and relevant provisions  of Republic  Act No.  7586,  otherwise
53       known  as  the  "National  Integrated  Protected  Areas  System  Act  of  1992",  the  LGU  shall
54       supervise the establishment of mariculture parks and zones in duly designated areas located
55      within the municipal waters. In case of waters located outside of municipal waters, the DA
56       shall designate and supervise the respective mariculture areas.
57                    The technical, social, environmental, and economic viability and sustainability of the
58      project shall be taken into consideration in selecting an area for a mariculture park or zone:
59       Provided,  that  no  maricultui.e  park  or zone  shall  be  established  in  marine  protected  areas
60      identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the BFAR.
61                    In the establishment of a mariculture park or zone, the province, city or municipality
62       shall enter into a lease agreement, joint venture or other modalities with registered flsherfolk
63       cooperatives or private investors. The terms and conditions,  as well as profit sharing terms,
64       shall be specifled therein.
2


65                    In  determining  the  rental  ceiling  in  the  mariculture  park  or  zone,  the  BFAR,  in
66       consultation   with   the   Local   Sanggunian   concerned,   shall   take   into   consideration   its
67      affordability to ordinary fisherfolks and its economic viability for continued operation. LGUs
68       shall give preference to local fisherfolks in awarding lease agreements to the mariculture parks.
69                    Applicants for the development of the mariculture park shall submit a comprehensive
70       business and development plan to the concerned LGUs.
71                    Considering the competing uses of seas and ocean space, the philippine coast Guard
72       shall be required to determine if a proposed mariculture park or zone and its facilities therein
73       pose a significant navigational hazard or obstruct safe travel, and to issue a certification of its
74      findings and recommendations and submit the same to the DA.
75                    SEC. 6. Moori."g fpaces. The establishment ofmariculture zone areas shall be based
76       on mooring spaces to ensure that usage of the area for sea cages, long lines and other culture
77       structures is limited to the granted space provided. Granted mooring spaces not developed or
78       installed with culture structures within six (6) months will be forfeited and awarded to other
79       qualified applicants. The BFAR shall prescribe the guidelines in the installation of sea cages,
80       long lines and other culture structures.
81                    SEC. 7. SwpporfJ#/usfrwc.f#res. To ensure reliable access, cost-effective location, and
82       economic feasibility of the mariculture park or zone, the LGUs or private investors, or both, as
83       the case may be, shall cause the establishment of support infrastructui-es, such as fish hatcheries
84       and/or nurseries, security facilities, onshore feed warehouse, net mending and drying sheds,
85       ice plants and cold storage facilities.
86                   SE,C. 8. Aquaculture Technical Assistance and Training to Local Government units,
8]       Fisherfolk cooperatives/Associedons, and Non-governmental organizoitions. -The DA
88       shall    provide    technical   training,    and    marketing    support   to    the    LGUs,    fisherfolk
89       cooperatives/associations, and nongovemment organizations with respect to the establishment,
90       utilization, and management ofmariculture systems in their respective jurisdictions.
91                    Through   a  memorandum   of  agreement  between   the   Southeast   Asian   Fisheries
92       Development   Center   -   Aquaculture   Department   (SEAFDEC-AQD)   and   the   BFAR,
93       SEAFDEC-AQD shall facilitate the transfer of the latest aquaculture technologies and assist in
94      the DA's training programs for sustainable mariculture while promoting the adoption of good
95       aquaculture practices.
96                    SEC.   9.  Prl.vflfg  Sector  ¢s  Eco#ounl.c  P&rfi®ers.   Private   individual   investors   or
97       enterprises  shall be  encouraged to  take  an active role in the  establishment,  utilization,  and
98      management   of  mariculture   systems.   For   this   puxpose,   qualified   private   investors   or
99       entrepreneurs shall coordinate with the local government officials concerned, the local fishing
100       community, and appropriate government agencies.
102                     SEC.10. Fi.#¢#cz.ng scfeeime. The Land Bank of the philippines (LBP) shall provide
103       loan assistance to qualified fisherfolk organizations/cooperatives for the construction of the
104       fish cage, the procurement of the initial stocks and feeds, and for related expenses.
105                     SEC.11.  Co#f±.#wi.i®g J[csc¢rch &#d Devf7/apmg#£  The BFAR, in cool.dination with
106       fisheries schools and/or state universities and colleges in the area, and the concerned LGUs,
3


107       shall  conduct continuing research and development as well  as  application  of technological
108       advancements in the mariculture Industry.
109                    SEC.12. Mo#i.loring owd Ev¢JwafroH. -The DA shall monitor the implementation of
110      research and development programs and mariculture projects. A technical advisory committee
111       composed   of  the   BFAR,   the   SEAFDEC-AQD,   the   National   Fisheries   Research   and
112       Development Institute, and the academe, shall review all existing mariculture parks or zones
113       every four (4) years to determine their viability or effectiveness.
114                    SEC.13. ,4prprapH.¢fz.o#s. The amount needed for the implementation of this Act shall
115      be  included  in  the  budgets  of the  concerned  departments/agencies  in  the  annual  General
116       Appropriations Act.
117                    The implementation of the program at the local level shall be funded from the National
118      Tax Allotment (NTA) and other intemally generated funds of the LGUs concerned.
119                     SEC.14.  Jde#fj/gcofI.o#  a/ n4:¢ri.cwJfwre  ,4rt7¢s.   Within  six  (6)  months  fi.om  the
120       effectivity of this Act, the BFAR shall identify the LGUs which have potential areas for the
121       establishment  of mariculture  parks:  Provided,  that  not  later  than  one  (1)  year  from  the
122       effectivity of this Act, the BFAR, in coordination with the LGUs concerned, shall complete the
123       master plan of each mariculture park in the Identified areas: Provided, further, that the number
124       offish cages to be installed in the duly designated mariculture parks shall be determined by the
125       LGUs concerned through the enactment of an ordinance.
126                    SEC.15..4###fl/ Rcporf After three (3) years of implementation of this Act and every
127       three (3) years thereafter, the DA, through the BFAR, shall submit an annual report to congress
128       on the accomplishment of the program.  The report shall contain a continuing review on the
129      viability of the program and an updated list ofmariculture park and possible areas suitable for
130      the establishment ofmariculture parks in the country.
131                    SEC.16.  J#/ormofl.o#  C¢xp¢I.g"  The  BFAR  shall  undertake  an  intensive  public
132       information campaign within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act.
133                    SEC.17. JxpJe"e#fr.#g jRw/cs ¢#d jRcg#/¢fro#s.  Within ninety  (90)  days  upon the
134      approval of this Act, the DA, through the BFAR, together with the Department of the Interior
135       and Local Government (DILG) and the representatives of the League of provinces, League of
136       Cities, and League of Municipalities, shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement
137       the provisions of this Act.
138                     SHC.18. jRepc¢/I.J!g CJflHsc. A111aws,  decrees, orders, or regulations, or part thereof
139       inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
140                     SEC.19.  Ej7e: crfu.vrty. This  Act  shall  take   effect  fifteen   (15)   days   following   its
141       publication in three (3) newspapers ofgeneral circulation.
Approved,
4