Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill proposes the establishment of a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and 
hatchery in the Municipality of Balud, Province of Masbate. This crucial initiative is specifically 
designed to address the pressing nutritional and economic needs of the residents in Balud's 
coastal barangays, whose lives are intrinsically linked to fishing for both sustenance and 
livelihood. 
The urgency of this measure is underscored by the current underutilization of vital marine 
resources. Officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Masbate 
have identified at least 2,000 hectares of coastal areas within the province that remain desolate 
and unproductive. These vast, untapped resources represent a significant opportunity for growth 
and development. 
The establishment of this modern breeding farm and hatchery will significantly improve 
the economic lives of the people, not only within the municipality of Balud but also across the 
entire Province of Masbate by providing a stable and increased supply of high-value marine 
products, it will generate excellent employment opportunities for local fishermen and coastal 
communities. This direct economic injection will play a crucial role in alleviating poverty by 
creating sustainable livelihoods and enhancing household incomes. 
This facility will act as a vital hub for replenishing the supply of crabs, shrimps, and 
milkfish. Through controlled breeding and hatching, it will contribute to the restoration of local 
fish stocks, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the marine ecosystem and bolstering food 
security for the local population. 
July 21, 2025
12:15 pm
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In view of these profound and far-reaching benefits from boosting local economies and 
creating jobs to ensuring food security and promoting sustainable resource management the 
approval of this bill is earnestly sought.  
REP. ELISA T.  KHO, M.D.,FPCCP
REP.  ANTONIO T. KHO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio 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. Establishment of a Multi-Purpose Fishery Breeding Farm and Hatchery. There 
shall be established, under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources (hereinafter referred to as BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (hereinafter 
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. 
This establishment aims to directly meet the nutritional and economic needs of the residents, 
particularly those in the coastal barangays of the said municipality. 
SECTION 2. Research and Experimentation. The BFAR shall be mandated to conduct 
continuing research and experimentation on crab, shrimp, and milkfish culture, specifically as 
they apply to local conditions. The objective of such research and experimentation shall be to 
discover new methods and technologies that will rejuvenate and enhance the fishing industry in 
the area and beyond. 
SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its 
related agencies, including the BFAR, shall jointly promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its 
effectivity. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's 
program the initial establishment and subsequent operation of the multi-purpose fishery breeding 
farm and hatchery for the production and multiplication of crabs, shrimps, and milkfish in the 
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Municipality of Balud, Province of Masbate. The funding for this purpose shall be included in 
the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules or 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,