[1] Agritrends (Edge Davao), “Philippines tops semi-refined carrageenan exports with 1.63M MT seaweed production in 2023”, May 2024.
https://edgedavao.net/agri-trends/2024/05/agritrends-seaweed-discovering-its-export-potentials/
[2] Maritime Fairtrade, “Philippines revitalizes seaweed industry”, Dec 2024.
https://maritimefairtrade.org/philippines-revitalizes-seaweed-industry/
[3] Philippine Seaweed Industry Roadmap 2022–2026 (BFAR), citing climate, disease, and infrastructure challenges.
https://pcaf.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Philippine-Seaweed-Industry-Roadmap-2022-2026.pdf
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines has long been recognized as one of the world’s most important producers of 
seaweed, supplying a key raw material for the global food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. 
In 2023, the country produced 1.63 million metric tons of seaweed, maintaining its position as a top 
exporter of semi-refined carrageenan and contributing significantly to coastal livelihoods and the 
national economy[1]. 
Yet, while production shows modest growth, our share in the global seaweed market has 
narrowed in recent years. Farmers face persistent challenges such as environmental degradation, 
disease outbreaks like “ice–ice,” unstable market prices, and a lack of modern post-harvest 
facilities[2][3]. Without timely interventions, these issues risk eroding our competitive advantage and 
the incomes of the over 1.2 million Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on the industry[2]. 
This measure seeks to promote sustainable farming practices, advance research and 
technology, expand support for seaweed farmers, and strengthen market competitiveness, ensuring 
the sector’s growth and resilience in the years ahead. 
A similar legislation was passed in the 19th Congress under House Bill No. 10255, reflecting 
the call for the revitalization and promotion of the sustainable development of the seaweed industry 
in the Philippines. 
In lieu of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
First District, Camarines Sur 
August 26, 2025
2:38 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
AN ACT 
TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SEAWEED INDUSTRY IN THE 
PHILIPPINES, ENHANCING RESEARCH, SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Seaweed Industry Development and 
Sustainability Act of 2025." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to revitalize and promote 
the sustainable development of the seaweed industry, recognizing its importance to the national 
economy and the livelihood of coastal communities, and to reassert the Philippines’ status as a global 
leader in seaweed production and export. 
SEC. 3. Objectives. – The objectives of this Act are to: 
a)
Encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly seaweed farming practices;
b)
Support research and development initiatives for the advancement of the seaweed industry;
c)
Provide comprehensive support and assistance to seaweed farmers and producers;
d)
Enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines seaweed industry in the global market.
SEC. 4. Sustainable Seaweed Farming Practices. – The Department of Agriculture (DA), in 
coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), shall develop and promote 
sustainable seaweed farming practices, ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems and 
biodiversity. 
SEC. 5. Research and Development. – The DA, through BFAR and in collaboration with the Department 
of Science and Technology (DOST), shall initiate and support research and development projects 
aimed at improving seaweed production technologies, disease management, and product innovation. 
SEC. 6. Support and Assistance for Seaweed Farmers. – The government shall provide comprehencise 
support to seaweed farmers, including access to quality seedlings, technical training, and financial 
assistance. Special emphasis shall be placed on small-scale farmers and community-based initiatives. 
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SEC. 7. Market Competitiveness and Export Promotion. – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), 
in collaboration with the DA and BFAR, shall implement strategies to enhance the market 
competitiveness of Philippine seaweed, including branding, marketing, and establishing trade 
partnerships to expand export opportunities. 
 
SEC. 8. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience. – Recognizing the vulnerability of seaweed 
farming to climate change, the government shall develop and implement strategies to increase the 
resilience of the seaweed industry to environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and 
increasing ocean temperatures. 
 
SEC. 9. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged 
against the current budget of the DA. Thereafter, such as may be necessary for the continuous 
implementation, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) and may also be 
sourced from BFAR or other applicable funds. 
 
SEC. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DA, in consultation with BFAR, DTI, DOST, and 
other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days after its enactment. 
 
SEC. 11. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the 
other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. – All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and other issuances, or parts 
thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 13. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
 
 
 
Approved,