Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4908

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As a manifestation of support to this timely piece of legislation, this
representation respectfully refiles this bill, which has constantly been
receiving support from the past and present Congress.

Recent developments have pointed out the misgivings of the local fish
market to supply the increasing demand of the growing populace. While the
government has adopted different policy actions to address this issue, this
representation strongly believes that there is a need to further expand the
approach in addressing it. Introducing measures that will eventually lead to
the long-term development of the fishing industry must also be put into
action to better compliment the short-term effort of the government.

The proposed measure aims to empower marginal fishermen by organizing
them into cooperatives. This would tremendously help the fishing industry as
the growth of cooperatives among fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen, and
small fish farmers will enable them to receive an equitable share in the
benefits delivered to the industry. Logistically speaking, it will also be easier
for the government to provide support and assistance logistically speaking.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.

JOHN TIN “¥UL SERVO” C. NIETO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

08
HOUSE BILL NO. a2

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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 the purpose 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-half 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 6939 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,