Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR PAVEMENT DRYERS FOR 
SEAWEEDS, FISH, SQUID, SHRIMP AND OTHER MARINE PRODUCTS IN ALL 
SUITABLE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Statistics Authority Fisheries Situationer Report for the first quarter of 
2019 stated that the Province of Davao Del Sur has shown substantial contribution in the 
production of aquaculture at 68.51 percent of the recorded total of 7,956.33 metric tons.  
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has greatly affected key activities in the 
fisheries or aquaculture supply chain, disrupted by impacts arising from Covid-19 and other 
related government measures.  Seaweeds, fish, squid, shrimp and other marine products are 
highly perishable produce, and such disruptions in the transportation and distribution supply 
chain due to the pandemic have gravely affected the economic situation of fisherfolks and the 
food security of the citizenry.  The aquaculture production sector is extremely diverse, both 
freshwater and marine, but it nevertheless relies heavily on labor, inputs, financing and 
markets, which have been and will continue to be impacted during and after the COVID-19 
pandemic. 
To protect the aquaculture producers in the Province of Davao Del Sur from losses and 
help modernize post-harvest processes, this representation proposes the construction of solar 
pavement dryers for seaweeds, fish, squid, shrimp and other marine products in all suitable 
municipalities in the Province.  Solar assisted drying is one of the most promising post handling 
process of agricultural produce as it can improve the quality and extend the shelf life of these 
products, improve the bargaining position of the fisherfolks, reduces post-harvest losses, and 
lower transportation costs.  
It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MERCEDES “DIDI” C. CAGAS 
June 17, 2021
1:59 am
9632


Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOLAR PAVEMENT DRYERS FOR 
SEAWEEDS, FISH, SQUID, SHRIMP AND OTHER MARINE PRODUCTS IN ALL 
SUITABLE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO DEL SUR AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. There shall be constructed, under the supervision of the Department of 
Agriculture, solar pavement dryers for seaweeds, fish, squid, shrimp and other marine products 
in all suitable municipalities in the Province of Davao Del Sur.  
SEC.  2. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this 
Act. 
SEC. 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department’s programs the 
construction of solar pavement dryers for seaweeds, fish, squid, shrimp and other marine 
products, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the repair and maintenance of the solar pavement 
dryers for seaweeds, fish, squid, shrimp and other marine products shall be included in the 
annual budget of the Department of Agriculture Davao Del Sur Provincial Office. 
SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
9632