Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. __ 345

Introduced by HON. MARLO C. BANCORO
First District, Zamboanga Sibugay

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, under Article XIII, Section 7, provides that:
“The State shall protect the rights of subsistence fishermen, especially of local
communities, to the preferential use of the communal marine and fishing resources,
both inland and offshore.”

Moreover, Article XII, Section 1 declares it a State policy to promote
industrialization’ and full employment based on sound agricultural development and
agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of natural resources
and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets.

This bill seeks to establish a multi-species hatchery in the Municipality of
Malangas, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, and to appropriate the necessary funds for
its establishment and operation.

Malangas is a coastal municipality whose communities rely heavily on fishing and
aquaculture as a primary source of livelihood. However, overfishing, environmental
degradation, and the lack of sustainable fishery support systems have posed significant
challenges to the productivity and income of small-scale fisherfolk in the area.

The proposed hatchery aims to address these challenges by supporting the
breeding, rearing, and production of fingerlings of various economically important fish
species, which will be made available to local fishers and aquaculture operators. This will
ensure a consistent and affordable supply of quality fingerlings, improve fish stock
sustainability, enhance food security, and promote income generation in the local
fisheries sector.

In addition, the hatchery is envisioned to become a center for training, research,
and extension services, providing technical knowledge and capacity-building
opportunities to fisherfolk, students, and stakeholders in aquaculture.

The establishment of this facility will not only boost local fish production but also
contribute to the overall economic growth of Malangas and its neighboring communities.

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

x

ATTY.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. __ 345

Introduced by HON. MARLO C. BANCORO
First District, Zamboanga Sibugay

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES HATCHERY INTHE THE
MUNICIPALITY OF MALANGAS, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY,
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 (DA-BFAR), a multi-
species hatchery in the Municipality of Malangas, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

SEC. 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species hatchery, the DA-BFAR
shall conduct a full-scale feasibility study in support of its construction to comply with
the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management.

The DA-BFAR, shall transfer the management of the multi-species hatchery to the
local government of Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay within two (2) years after its
construction 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.

SEC. 3. The DA-BFAR 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.

SEC. 4. Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the
conduct of the feasibility study and the consequent establishment of a multi-species
hatchery in the Municipality of Malangas, Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, 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.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall issue the rules and regulations on the supervision, operation,
monitoring, and the eventual transfer of the management of the multi-species hatchery
to the local govenrment of Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.


SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation

Approved,