2

Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED

House of Representatives (= ave-AUG
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3953

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Recent developments have pointed out the inadequacy of the local fish market to supply the
increasing demand of a growing populace. Such is the situation that the low supply has
contributed to the historically high inflation rate.

On the supply side, we have, scattered along coastal communities in the country, large
numbers of small scale fisher folk, subsistence fisherman died fry-gatherers, whose
individual and collective efforts are dwarfed by the more organized work of big and
commercial fishing operations.

Empowering theses marginal fishermen must be an urgent objective of the national
government. As is the situation today, these small fishermen have inadequate and
substandard fishing gear and equipment that could only allow them to fish limited distances
using dilapidated bancas and overused fishing nets. On worse days when inclement weather
prevents them from venturing out to sea, their families suffer. On better days when catch is
abundant, they have no access to cold storage facilities that would enable them to preserve
their catch to sell for better prices.

Organizing theses marginal fishermen into cooperatives would help tremendously. Having
strength in members they could, through small gradual individual contributions and pool
resources to acquire the needed fishing gear and equipment. Governmental action can also
facilitate for them the acquisition of motorized bancas, cold storages, and market linkages
one they are organized

Thus, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALFI VARGAS


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. dese

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ALFRED VARGAS

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

Be it enacted by the senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - \t 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 purposed 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, utilizing for the purpose fishing boats of
three gross tons or less or using gear without the use of such boats.

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 of
fishpond or leases not more than three hectares or fishponds 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 Cooperative - fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen and small
farmers shall be organized as cooperatives and be registered under Republic Act
Numbered Six Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Nine 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. 8500, as provided in Section Twenty-Nine of Presidential Decree Numbered
Seven Hundred Four, subject to the conditions imposed thereof;

b. Availment of training programs, measures and studies conducted by the Bureau of

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other government agencies and instructions;
and

c. 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 Resources promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause - All |aw decrees order rule and regulation or part thereof
inconsistent with the provision of this act hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity - This shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,