Republic of the Philippines 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL No. 2682
Introduced by HON. JASON P. ALMONTE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The City of Oroquieta, located along the rich fishing grounds of Panguil Bay, has long depended 
on its coastal resources to support the livelihoods of its people. However, dwindling fish stocks, 
environmental degradation, and climate-related pressures have posed significant threats to the 
sustainability of fisheries in the area. 
This bill proposes the establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in the City of Oroquieta, 
Province of Misamis Occidental, under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture. The hatchery shall serve as a vital facility 
for the breeding, propagation, and production of fingerlings of key aquatic species, including fish, 
shrimp, and crab. These efforts aim to augment the supply of seed stock for local aquaculture 
ventures, reduce dependence on wild catch, and promote more stable and sustainable fishery-based 
livelihoods. 
The measure provides for a full-scale feasibility study, to be conducted by BFAR, prior to 
construction and operate the hatchery during a two-year transition period before turning over its 
management to the local government. The measure also mandates continuing research to enhance 
hatchery technologies and ensure adaptability to local conditions. 
This measure has been approved on Third Reading by the House of Representatives and 
transmitted to the Senate during the 19th Congress. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JASON P. ALMONTE 
July 30, 2025
4:16 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila  
TWENTIETH CONGRESS  
First Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL No.2682 
Introduced by HON. JASON P. ALMONTE 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE CITY OF 
OROQUIETA, PROVINCE OF MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it  enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
 Philippines 
in 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 City of Oroquieta, Province of Misamis Occidental. 
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 two (2) years after the 
construction of the multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR shall, through a memorandum 
of agreement, transfer its management to the local government of the City of Oroquieta. 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 City of Oroquieta, Province of Misamis Occidental, 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 City 
of Oroquieta, Province of Misamis Occidental. 
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,