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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _3280

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution provides that the goals of the national
economy include a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth.
Furthermore, it declares that expanding productivity is the key to raising the quality of life.
Additionally, Section 7, Article XIII mandates the State to protect the rights of subsistence
fishermen by providing support through appropriate technology and research, as well as
financial, production, and marketing assistance.

In line with these Constitutional mandates, this bill proposes the establishment of a
multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Bato, Province of Catanduanes, under the
supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The Bato marine hatchery will
serve as the island's marine research and production facility for breeding and distribution of
fingerlings that can thrive in the local environment. Through continuous research and
experimentation, the hatchery aims to develop new methods and technologies for application
in the local setting to boost marine production, reduce pressure on wild populations, and
contribute to the adoption of modern, efficient, and sustainable fisheries practices.

The island province of Catanduanes, being geographically separated from mainland
Luzon and frequently affected by severe typhoons, will significantly benefit from the
establishment of a hatchery. This facility promotes geographically specific and science-based
solutions, to capacitate Catandunganons to harness its marine resources sustainably, contribute
to food security, generate livelihood opportunities, and foster inclusive economic growth in the
Bicol Region.

Notably, the House of Representatives had already approved this bill seeking to
establish a Multi-Species Marine Hatchery and Research Center in the Municipality of Bato,
Province of Catanduanes on Third and Final Reading during the 19th Congress. However, due
to lack of material time, the Senate was unable to consider and approve the said measure. In
this view, to address the pressing food security and livelihood needs of the Bicol Region, this
representation has filed the same bill in the 20th Congress.

Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is earn

EULOGIO


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _3280

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY AND RESEARCH
CENTER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BATO, PROVINCE OF CATANDUANES,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR), a multi-
species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Bato, Province of Catanduanes.

SEC. 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR
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 three (3) years after the construction of the multi-species marine hatchery, the
DA-BFAR, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer its management to the local
government of the Municipality of Bato. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program
for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

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

SEC. 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 marine
hatchery in the Municipality of Bato, Province of Catanduanes, the funding of which shall be
included in the General Appropriations 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.

SEC. 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 management of the multi-species marine hatchery to the local
government of the Municipality of Bato, Province of Catanduanes.


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

Approved,