Republic of the Philippines
Bouse of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2565

Introduced by HON. TUPAY T. LOONG of the I* District of Sulu

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is hypothesized that poverty breeds criminality. Thus, this bill
seeks to provide an opportunity for the people of Sulu to break free from
abject. poverty and thereby distance themselves from the extremist groups.
and lawless elements.

Since the Province of Sulu is an archipelago, it has very rich marine
resources that need only to be utilized efficiently. Setting up modified
mariculture development parks in suitable locations in the First District of
Sulu will definitely provide its people sustainable sources of livelihood. With
a modified approach, this will likewise ensure that the environment is
protected and ecological biodiversity be maintained. With the wanton and
unsystematic approach to fishing and aquamarine resources gathering, it is
indeed possible that there will come a time when the bodies of water of Sulu
will no longer be able to provide substantial economic benefits. Using the
modified mariculture development approach will reverse said situation and
guarantee a sustainable livelihood for the fisherfolks.

As science advances, its benefits to the people, particularly the poor,
must be made available at the soonest time possible. Specifically, the
technologies of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) must
be cascaded to the fisherfolks without delay. This will definitely mitigate the
poverty being experienced by our people.

With the foregoing, the approval of this bill is urgently and earnestly
requested.

HO! AY/T. LOONG


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No,_2965

Introduced by HON. TUPAY T. LOONG of the I* District of Sulu

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING MODIFIED MARICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PARKS
IN SUITABLE AREAS IN THE FIRST DISTRICT OF SULU,
AUTHORIZING MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO
MANAGE SAID PARKS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This piece of legislation shall be known by its
short title as the “Sulu Modified Mariculture Development Act of 2014.”

SECTION 2. Establishment. There is hereby established, under the
supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA), a modified mariculture
development park in suitable areas in all the municipalities of the First
District of the Province of Sulu.

SECTION 3. Authority to Municipal LGUs. The local government units
(LGUs) of concerned municipalities are hereby authorized to manage said
modified mariculture development parks in cooperation with the
Department of Agriculture and the private sector as the case may be.

SECTION 4. Technical Support. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR), under the supervision of the DA Head Office, is hereby
tasked to provide technical assistance to LGUs and concerned private sector
in the establishment and maintenance of such mariculture parks as may be
necessary to implement the intents and purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. Research and Development. The BFAR is further
mandated to identify suitable academic institutions in the Province of Sulu
to act as its research and development arm to ensure the feasibility,


continuity and sustainability of said modified mariculture development
parks. For this purpose, all academic institutions in the Province of Sulu
are hereby enjoined and authorized to take an active role in the
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The concerned
local government units of the municipalities covered under this Act shall
formulate, with the assistance of BFAR, the implementing rules and
regulations that will put into reality the intents and purposes of this Act.

SECTION 7. People's Participation. The Municipal LGUs are hereby
directed to enjoin community organizations, such as _fisherfolk
organizations, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in
the implementation of this Act. Whenever necessary, the LGUs are hereby
authorized to organize fisherfolks in their respective areas in order to ensure
the participation of as many people as possible in the implementation of this
Act.

SECTION 8. Security for Mariculture Parks. The LGUs of Barangays
are hereby tasked to provide safety and security to mariculture parks and all
concerned persons working in said parks. In case of untoward incidents,
the local police units and the Bantay-Dagat Task Force of BFAR are hereby
deputized to effect security and police measures, as the case may be.

SECTION 9. Funding Requirement. The Secretary of the Department
Agriculture shall include in the Department’s program the initial funding
requirements to establish and operate the said modified mariculture
development parks. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued
operation and maintenance of the same shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.

HON. "AY WY. LOONG