Republic of the Philippines
HousE oF REPRESENTATlvns
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
H.useBillN..     6461
Introduced by:  REPRESENTATIVE RONALD V. SINGSON
EXPLANATORY NOTE
ln the Philippines, the aquaculture industry has grown to become an industry of major importance. The
industry  is essential  to addressing poverty  and food  insecurity, while providing employment to over
one million Filipinos. However, environmental problems caused by climate change and irresponsible
fishing practices contribute to the decline of the country's fish production.
It is on this  score that the potential  of the  industry  should be recognized and maximized  in order to
guarantee   aquaculture   sustainability   so  that  fish  demand  from  a  rapidly  growing  population   is
constantly met and that the socioeconomic well-being of our fisherfolk communities is secured.
The waters of Ilocos Sur show great potential for marine hatcheries because of the abundance of marine
species of high commercial value. The establishment of a marine hatchery in Sta. Catalina, which is a
coastal municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, likewise presents an opportunity that will not only
promote  the  aquaculture  industry,  but  will  also  make  fishing  more  profitable  for  our  fisherfolk.
Likewise,  a  stable  and  sufficient  supply  of fish  and  other  marine  products  in  the  municipality  and
nearby areas can be guaranteed.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESHNTATIVHS
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FirstRegu|ars6es!si8n|
House Bill No.
Introduced by:  REPRESHNTATIVE RONALD V. SINGSON
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINH HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF
STA.   CATALINA,   PROVINCH   0F   ILOCOS   SUR,   AND   APPROPRIATING   FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives Of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
SECTION  I.  There  shall  be  established,  under the  supervision  of the  Bureau  of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), a multi-species marine
hatchery in the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of Ilocos Sur.
SEC. 2. The BFAR-DA shall transfer the management of the multi-species marine hatchery to
the  local  government  of Sta.  Catalina  within  two  (2)  years  after  its  construction  through  a
memorandum  of agreement.  It  shall  implement  a training  and  phasing-in  program  for  local
government personnel on the management and operation of the multi-species marine hatchery.
SEC.  3.  The  Secretary  of Agriculture  shall  include  in  the  Department's  program  the
establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of
llocos Sur, the funding of which shall be included in the annual 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.  4.  Within  sixty  (60)  days  from  the passage  of this Act, the  Secretary  of Agriculture
shall  issue,  the  rules  and  regulations  on  the  supervision  and  monitoring,  and  the  transfer  or
withdrawal by the BFAR, of the multi-species marine hatchery.
SEC.  5.  This  Act  shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days  after  its  publication  in  the  O#7.cz.cz/
Gczzef/e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,