EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No, 1125

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTISPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, PROVINCE OF ILOILO AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

The Municipality of Estancia is a second-class municipality in the Province of
lloilo, Philippines. Based on the 2010 census, it has a Population of 42,666 people. It is
located in the northern part of the Province of lloilo approximately 135 kilometers (84
miles) from the provincial capital of lloilo City.

Estancia is not known for its agricultural products nor livestock but rather for its
location as it is adjacent to the Municipality of Carles’ impressive marine resources.
Estancia has a fish port and a pier - these being one of the most developed in Northern
Visayas.

Estancia is known around the country as a center for commercial fishing, so
much so that it shares to carries the name "Alaska of the Philippines, with Carles (The
true Alaska of the Philippines) as a testament to its location adjacent to Carles’ bountiful
marine resources. The reason for this is that Carles lies in the Visayan Sea triangle, an
imaginary triangle extending from the provinces of Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, Samar, and
Masbate. This triangle is a part of the "Sulu-Sulaweisi Triangle" of the Sulu Sea and
neighboring Indonesia where a large concentration of marine organisms coupled with
climate conditions support a massive marine ecosystem. Various commercial species
are harvested along Carles’ waters, namely mackerel, barracuda, sardines, shad,
Pompano, grouper, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, prawns, shells, seaweed and others
These catches from Carles' water territory are brought to Estancia's fish port.

The method predominantly used is purse Seining, trawling and gill netting as
these are suited for the relatively shallow waters (up to 60 fathoms) of the Visayan Sea

However, as of recent years, pollution, heavy overfishing, and irresponsible
fishing practices have slowly diminished the once abundant fish stocks of Estancia. and
now problems like diminishing catches and unpredictable weather are beginning to
surface. These factors have raised awareness in the government as well as the private


Sector. This dilemma is in need for governmental intervention. The establishment of
multi-species marine hatchery presents a practical and sustainable solution to this end

This Bill seeks to ensure that the Municipality of Estancia will continue its
Strategic importance in supporting commercial fishing through the establishment of a
multi-species marine hatchery.

The bill was deliberated and approved on Third Reading by the House of
Representatives during the 17" Congress.

In view thereof, approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

RAUL "BOBO" Cc. TUpAS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.No. 1125

Introduced by Representative Raul C. Tupas

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTISPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF ESTANCIA, PROVINCE OF ILOILO 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 (BFAR-DA), a
multispecies marine hatchery in the Municipality of Estancia, Province of lloilo.

SECTION 2. The BFAR-DA shall, within three (3) years after the establishment of the
multispecies marine hatchery, transfer the management of the same to the Northern
lloilo Polytechnic State College (NIPSC) through a memorandum of agreement. The
BFAR-DA shall implement a training and phasing-in program for NIPSC personnel on
the management and operation of the multispecies marine hatchery.

The BFAR-DA and the NIPSC 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 technology that shall benefit the
fisheries industry,

SECTION 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs
the establishment of the multispecies marine hatchery in the Municipality of Estancia,
Province of lloilo, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act. The NIPSC concerned shall set aside funds from any available
revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

SECTION 4. Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Department of
Agriculture and the NIPSC shall issue the rules and regulations on the establishment,
Supervision, monitoring, and the eventual transfer of the management of the
multispecies marine hatchery to the NIPSC.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation
Approved.