Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1302 
Introduced by REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Marine Hatcheries are important for conservation, sustainable aquaculture, 
research, and economic development.  
Hatcheries play a big role in conserving and restoring the population of marine 
species. Marine hatcheries also provide a reliable source of seedlings and juveniles for 
aquaculture, which is an increasingly important source of food for the growing population. 
In terms of research, hatcheries provide an opportunity for scientists to study the life cycle 
of marine organisms in a controlled environment. Through such research, our scientists 
will have the opportunity to better understand the biology and behavior of these 
organisms. This will result in more informed conservation and management decisions. 
Significantly, marine hatcheries will provide economic benefits to local 
communities as it will produce a source of food and thereafter will lead to the creation of 
jobs among the constituents in the field of aquaculture. 
Foregoing considered, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
First District, Samar 
July 7, 2025
8:00 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No.  1302 
Introduced by REP. STEPHEN JAMES T. TAN 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF GANDARA, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
the Congress Assembled: 
SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA), a multi-species 
marine hatchery in the Municipality of Gandara, Province of Samar.  
SECTION 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery, the BFAR-
DA shall conduct a full-scale feasibility study in support of its construction to comply with 
the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 
The BFAR-DA shall, within two (2) years after the construction of multi-species marine 
hatchery, transfer the management of the same to the local government unit concerned 
through a Memorandum of Agreement. It shall implement a training and phasing-in 
program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the 
hatchery. 
SECTION 3. The BFAR-DA shall conduct continuing research and development on the 
multi-species marine hatchery to discover new methods that will enhance the fishing 
industry. 
SECTION 4. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department of Agriculture’s 
programs the establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery in the municipality of 
Gandara, Samar 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. 
SECTION 5. Within sixty (60) days from enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
issue the rules and regulations on the supervision, monitoring, transfer, or withdrawal by 
the BFAR of the multi-species marine hatchery. 
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in tow (2) 
newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.  
Approved,