Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8505

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Recent developments have pointed out the inadequacy of the local fish market to supply
the increasing demand of a growing populace. Such is the situation that the low supply has
contributed to the historically high inflation rate.

On the supply side, we have, scattered along coastal communities in the country, large
numbers of small scale fisher folk, subsistence fisherman died fry-gatherers, whose individual
and collective efforts are dwarfed by the more organized work of big and commercial fishing
operations.

Empowering these marginal fishermen must be an urgent objective of the national
government. As is the situation today, these small fishermen have inadequate and substandard
fishing gear and equipment that could only allow them to fish limited distances using dilapidated
bancas and overused fishing nets. On worse days when inclement weather prevents them from
venturing out to sea, their families suffer. On better days when catch is abundant, they have no
access to cold storage facilities that would enable them to preserve their catch to sell for better

prices.

Organizing these marginal fishermen into cooperatives would help tremendously. Having
strength in members they could, through small gradual individual contributions and pool
resources to acquire the needed fishing gear and equipment. Governmental action can also
facilitate for them the acquisition of motorized bancas, cold storages, and market linkages one
they are organized.

Given the above premises, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

FRED VAHGAS.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._8505_

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COOPERATIVES FOR FRY
GATHERERS, SMALL SCALE FISHERMEN AND FISHFARMERS

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy- It is policy of the State to promote the growth of
cooperatives among fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen, and small fish farmers to enable them
to receive an equitable share in the benefits delivered from the fishing industry. Such
cooperatives shall receive the support and assistance of the government.

SECTION 2. Definition- For purposed of the Act, the following definitions shall apply.

A. Fry gatherer- shall refer to an individual, usually self-employed who is engaged in the
catching, gathering or collecting of fish fry with the use of nets, traps, or other fishing
gear for the purpose of selling them.

B. Small scale fishermen- shall refer to an individual, either self-employed or employed by
others who is engaged in fishing, utilizing for the purpose fishing boats of three gross
tons or less or using gear without the use of such boats.

C. Small fish farmer- shall refer to an individual who owns not more than one hectare of
fishpond or leases not more than three hectares of fishpond or owns not more than one-
halt hectare of fish pens.

D. Cooperative- shall mean an association of fry gatherers, small farmers organized and
registered pursuant to Presidential Decree Numbered One Hundred Seventy-Five, as
amended.

E. Organization of Cooperatives- fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen and small fish
farmers shall be organized as cooperatives and be registered under Republic Act


Numbered Six Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Nine under the supervision of the
Cooperative Development Authority.

SECTION 3. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture
and the Cooperative Development Authority under the Office of the President shall initiate and
develop programs to promote, encourage, and assist the organization of such cooperatives.

SECTION 4. Privileges of Cooperatives- In addition to the privileges granted to cooperatives
under Presidential Decree Numbered One Hundred Seventy-Five, as further amended by
Republic Act Numbered Six Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Nine, fishery cooperatives
organized under this Act shall have the following fishery privileges:

a. Availment of the privilege of constructing and operating oyster culture beds;
gathering fish fry in municipal waters; operating fish fry in municipal water operating
fishing boats of three gross or less in municipal waters, or fishing in municipal waters
with nets, traps or other fishing gear not prohibited by Republic Act. No. 8550, as
provided in Section Twenty-Nine of Presidential Decree Numbered Seven Hundred
Four, subject to the conditions imposed thereof

b. Availment of loans under liberal terms as provided for in Section Forty-Two and

Forty-Three of Presidential Decree Numbered Seven Hundred Four and Republic
Act. No. 8550;

c. Availment of training programs, measures and studies conducted by the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other government agencies and institutions; and

d. Availment of technical assistance provided by government agencies and private
institutions.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations-The Cooperative Development Authority
shall, in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause- All law decrees order rule and regulation or part thereof
inconsistent with the provision of this act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity —This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,