NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S. B. No. ei4
of tl)C Ji:rtiTtru-^
72 JUL14 P2 *08
RHCEiVED BV.
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER "COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines, being an archipelago with very rich marine resources, can be a 
marine powerhouse. Thus, it is logical that a Department that is focused and 
accountable for the development, management, and conservation of our country's 
aquatic resources and fishing industries be established.
Fish and aquatic resources are some of the biggest blessings of God to the people. 
Filipinos have always relied on fish as a basic food resource and commodity. Our 
dependence on fish can be attributed to the archipelagic nature of the Philippines 
with its approximately 7,600 islands. Our national territory comprises all the islands 
and waters, including its territorial sea, seabed, subsoil, the insular shelves, and other 
submarine areas. The waters around and between the islands of the archipelago, 
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of the 
Philippines. The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources (DA-BFAR) notes that the Philippines' coastline extends to 36,289 
kilometers, while total territorial water area (including the exclusive economic zone) 
is at 2,200,000 square kilometers, teeming with rich marine resources.1
As an archipelago, one of the major sources of livelihood in the country is fisheries. 
Based on the latest DA-BFAR statistics2, the number of registered fisherfolk engaged 
in fishery activities totaled to 2,078,913 in 2020. The fishing industry ranks as the 3>'d 
highest contributor in the agriculture sector with 12.27% gross value added 
contribution in 2020. Fisheries production from the same year is at 4.4 million metric 
tons, which translates to a total contribution of Php 273.5 billion in 2020. At constant 
prices, this equates to a 1.52% share to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In the global context, the Philippines is considered to be one of the top fish producing 
countries in the world, ranking 8th in 2018 with a total production of 4.35 million
1 http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/profile
2 https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/iiploads/2022/02/2020-Fisheries-Profile-Final.pclf


metric tons. Similarly, we are also the world’s 4* largest producer of aquatic plants 
^including seaweeds} having produced a total of 1.48 million metric tonss. Overall,
these figures reflect the importance of the industry in the country’s economy and its 
potential to grow.
Moreover, by investing in methods to increase yields offish and aquatic resources, it 
niakes the produce more accessible to all. It inadvertently encourages healthy dietary 
choices, which in turn lessens the expenses on medical or health-related issues later 
on. While we have very good people in the Department of Agriculture, the 
Department's priority is more on agriculture. It is time that the government provides 
for a focused, single-minded, specialised department responsive to the needs and 
concerns of the fisheries and aquatic resource industry.
Given the above tremendous potential of fisheries and aquatic resources and the 
priority and resources made available to Departments, there is a need to create the 
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) in order to strengthen the 
institutional capacities of DFAR as the primary policy and regulatory body on 
fisheries and aquatic resources. As with any administrative agency, DFAR will serve 
public purpose, efficiency and the best interest of the industry. Hence, this will be a 
significant step in order to better protect, utilize, maximize, and conserve the nation's 
marine resources as well as uphold the best interest of the fisher folk.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate enactment of this measure is sought.
ALAN PETER “COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2020-Fisheries-ProfiIe-FinaI.pdf


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
^ senate
of ilic ^Su'tri-tacjp
*22 JUL 14 P2 :09
S. B. No. 814
RECEIVED BY.
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR ALAN PETER ''COMPANERO" S. CAYETANO
AN ACT
CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Department of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources Act".
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - The following is hereby declared policy of the
State:
aj The State shall promote sustainable development in the management of all 
fisheries and marine resources within its national territory;
b} The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with all the islands 
and waters embraced therein, and all other territories over which the Philippines 
has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial 
domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, 
and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the 
islands of the archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part 
of the internal waters of the Philippines;
c} The Philippine waters include its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended 
continental shelf in the adjacent high seas;
d) It is the primordial policy to maintain a sound ecological balance, protect and 
enhance the quality of the environment in its territorial waters. The State shall 
protect and conserve the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, 
territorial sea and EEZ and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino 
citizens;
e] The State shall adopt the precautionary principle and to prioritize conservation of 
the country's marine and aquatic resources, as well as to protect the rights of


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small-scale fisher folk in the preferential use of communal marine, fisheries and 
aquatic resources. Towards this end, it shall provide such fisher folk with the 
appropriate technical and financial support; and
0 Legitimate and recognized non-governmental , organizations (NGOs] are 
considered as partners of the State in the protection and conservation of fisheries 
and aquatic resources. These NGOs are likewise partners of the State in 
development and the promotion of the welfare of the fisher folk.
SECTION 3. Creation. - To carry out the above-declared policy, the Department of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, hereinafter referred to as the Department, is hereby 
created structurally and functionally in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
SECTION 4. lurisdiction of the Department. - The Department shall have primary 
jurisdiction over the management, development, utilization and disposition of all 
fishery and aquatic resources of the country, including the habitats of fish and all 
other marine life and over activities which impact on these habitats. Provided, That 
the Department shall work closely with the Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources and other relevant agencies to ensure that its policies relating to fishery 
and aquatic resources are not in conflict with general government policies on the 
protection, preservation and conservation of environment and natural resources, and 
are supportive of the general goal to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived 
therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos. Provided 
further, That the jurisdiction over municipal waters shall be exercised jointly by the 
Department and local government units (LGUs), with the latter managing the same in 
accordance with national fishery policies, laws, rules and regulations.
The Department shall have the sole authority to supervise and regulate the 
production and capture of fish and fishery products within its jurisdiction, as well as 
the processing and marketing of all fisheries and aquatic products in the country. It 
shall also have the responsibility of rationalizing all ocean sector initiatives which 
impact on fish and marine resources or their habitat including, but not limited to: 
marine energy exploration and development; coastal and marine tourism; 
designation of shipping lanes; protected areas; and, marine industry development 
areas. The regulation of these marine activities, once rationalized by the Department, 
shall reside with the parent agency for the appropriate sector involved.
SECTION 5. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate, the Department 
shall have the following powers, functions and responsibilities:
a) prepare and implement a Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry 
Development Plan;
b} issue licenses for the operation of commercial fishing vessels;
cj issue identification cards free of charge to fishworkers engaged in commercial 
fishing;
d) monitor and review joint fishing agreements between Filipino citizens and 
foreigners who conduct fishing activities in international waters, and ensure that 
such agreements are not contrary to Philippine commitment under international 
treaties and convention on fishing in the high seas;


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e] formulate and implement a Comprehensive Fishery Research and Development 
Program, such as, but not limited to, sea farming, sea ranching, 
tropical/ornamental fish and seaweed culture, aimed at increasing resource 
productivity, improving resource use efficiency, and ensuring the long-term 
sustainability of the country's fishery and aquatic resources;
fj establish and maintain a Comprehensive Fishery Information System;
g} provide extensive development support services in all aspects of fisheries 
production, processing and marketing;
h} provide advisory services and technical assistance on the improvement of quality 
offish from the time it is caught (i.e. on board fishing vessel, at landing areas, fish 
markets, to the processing plants and to the distribution and marketing chain);
i) 
coordinate efforts relating to fishery production undertaken by the primary 
fishery producers, LGUs, FARMCs, fishery and organizations/cooperatives;
j) 
advise and coordinate with LGUs on the maintenance of proper sanitation and 
hygienic practices in fish markets and fish landing areas;
k) establish a corps of specialists in collaboration with the Department of National 
Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of 
Foreign Affairs for the efficient monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing 
activities within Philippine territorial waters and provide the necessary facilities, 
equipment and training therefor;
1} implement an inspection system for import and export of fishery/aquatic 
products and fish processing establishments, consistent with international 
standards to ensure product quality and safety;
m) coordinate with LGUs and other concerned agencies for the establishment of 
productivity enhancing and market development programs in fishing 
communities to enable women to engage in other fisheries/economic activities 
and contribute significantly to development efforts;
n) enforce all laws, formulate and enforce all rules and regulations governing the 
conservation and management of fishery resources, including in municipal 
waters where it shall closely coordinate with the LGUs for such enforcement, and 
to settle conflicts of resource use and allocation in consultation with the NFARMC, 
LGUs and local FARMCs;
o) develop value-added fishery-products for domestic consumption and export;
p) recommend measures for the protection/enhancement of the fishery industries;
q) assist the LGUs in developing their technical capability in the development, 
management, regulation, conservation, and protection of the fishery resources;
r) 
formulate and implement rules and regulations for the conservation and 
management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks; and 
threatened living marine resources such as sharks, rays and ludong, inter alia, in 
the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, territorial sea, archipelagic and internal 
waters, in coordination with LGUs and integrated/municipal/city Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Management Councils;
si train, designate and deploy fisheries observers in Philippine flagged fishing 
vessels engaged in commercial fishing in Philippine waters or distant water


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t)
u)
V)
w]
X}
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aa)
fishing to ensure compliance with conservation and management measures 
adopted by RFMOS and by the Department;
implement boarding and inspection protocols upon Philippine flagged fishing 
vessels in order to promote observance to international treaty obligations on 
food safety, to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and to comply 
with conservation and management measures;
adopt an appropriate monitoring, control, surveillance and traceability system 
for municipal fishing vessels supplying exporters with concurrence of the local 
government units;
adopt and implement a national plan of action to manage fishing capacity, 
implement the international code of conduct for responsible fisheries, and 
declare fishery management areas as over-exploited in coordination with the 
LCDs and FARMCs;
require performance bonds and impose and collect reasonable fees and charges 
foi laboratory services, inspection, deployment of fisheries observers, and catch 
documentation and validation, taking into account the balance required between 
recovei ing the costs of services rendered and the socioeconomic impact of their 
imposition, upon prior consultation with stakeholders;
hear and decide administrative cases before it;
determine the appropriate levels of administrative and other sanctions, 
particularly for serious violations, that deprive offenders of economic benefits 
from their violations of the laws, rules and regulations;
initiate the criminal prosecution of offenses committed in violation of the 
Fisheries Code of 1997, as amended, regardless of their status; and
perform such other related functions which shall promote the development, 
conservation, management, protection and utilization of fisheries and aquatic 
resources.
SECTION 6. Composition. - The Department shall be composed of the Office of the 
Secretary, three (3} Undersecretaries for Fisheries Production and Utilization; for 
Fisheries Conservation and Management; and for Operations.
SECTION 7. Secretary of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. - The Secretary of 
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, shall be 
appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. No 
person shall be appointed Secretary of the Department unless he or she is a Filipino 
citizen; at least a degree holder in fisheries, public administration, management, 
economics, law or other equivalent relevant disciplines; has actual experience in 
administration and management for at least ten (10) years; and has general practical 
knowledge of fisheries and/or management of aquatic resources.
The Secretary shall have the following functions:
(a) Supervision and control of the Department and the Bureaus, Offices and Institutes 
under it;
(b) Authority and responsibility for the performance of the powers and functions of 
the Department;


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(c) Advise the President on the promulgation of policies, rules and regulations, and 
other issuances relative to the sustainable development and management of 
risheries and aquatic resources;
(d] Establish management policies and standards for the efficient and effective 
operation of the Department in accordance with the programs of the government;
[ej Promulgate rules, regulations and other issuance in carrying out the Department's 
mandate, objectives, policies, plans, programs and projects; and
[f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
President.
SECTION 8. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3) 
Undersecretaries:
1. Undersecretary for Production and Utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources;
2. Undersecretary for Conservation and Management of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources; and
3. Undersecretary for Operations.
The Undersecretaries shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation 
of the Secretary. No person shall be appointed Undersecretary of the Department 
unless he or she is a Filipino citizen; at least a degree holder in fisheries, public 
administration, management, economics, law or other equivalent relevant 
disciplines.
The general functions of the Undersecretaries are as follows:
(a) Assist the Secretary on the formulation of policies, programs, plans, rules and 
regulations, as well as on the promulgation of Department Order, Administrative 
Orders, and other issuance with respect to his/her area of responsibility;
(b) Exercise supervision and control over the bureaus, offices, services and operating 
units under his/her responsibility;
(c) Coordinate the functions and activities of the units under his/her responsibility 
with those of the other units in the Department;
(d) Liaise with concerned government departments, agencies, and offices to ensure 
effective coordination in the management of the fisheries and aquatic resources 
sector; and
(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Secretary
SECTION 9. Undersecretary for Production and Utilization of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources. - The Undersecretary for Fisheries Production and Utilization 
shall assist the Secretary in the overall management of fisheries production, 
processing, marketing, utilization, development of techniques in the industry, among 
others.
Under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Fisheries Production and 
Utilization, the following bureaus, services and offices are hereby created:
(a) Bureau of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries (BAIF) - The BAIF shall, among 
others, be responsible for: regulating aquaculture operations in line with the


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nternational Code of Conduct for Aquaculture, promoting the intensification of 
aquacu ture operations in existing areas; formulating aquaculture development 
programs; establishing and maintaining model aquaculture farms and ponds; 
providing technical assistance to cooperatives and fishpond operators in the 
development of a viable fishmeal and fish feeds industry, undertaking inland fishery 
resources evaluation; and recommending management and conservation measures.
The Bureau shall be headed by a Director and shall be composed of the following 
divisions:
(1} Aquaculture Management and Development Division;
(2} Inland Fisheries Resource Assessment and Conservation Division;
(3) Inland Fishery Development and Extension Division; and the 
(4} Environmental Impact Assessment and Monitoring Division
(b) Bureau of Postharvest and Fisheries Product Standards (BPFPS) - The fishery 
component of the Bureau of Agriculture and Product Standards created under Section 
61 of RA 8435 shall be transferred to the BPFPS which shall formulate and enforce 
standai ds of quality in the processing, preservation, packaging, labeling, importation, 
exportation, distribution, and advertising of fishery products; conduct research on 
product standardization, alignment of the local standards with the international 
standards; promote and strengthen semi-processing and handling; and shall have a 
Director, two Assistant Directors - one for Product Standards and Technical Services 
and the other for Industry Compliance and Consumer Protection.
Under the Assistant Director for Product Standards and Technical Services, the 
following shall be Divisions:
(1} Technical Services Division
(2) 
Fish Processing Technology Division
(3) 
Standards Development and Promotion Division; and the 
(4} Value-added Products Development and Promotion Division
Under the Assistant Director for Industry Compliance and Consumer Protection, the 
following shall be the following divisions:
(1) Industry Compliance Division;
(2} Consumer Affairs Division; and the
[3} Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Division.
(c) Bureau of Fisheries Extension, Training, and Support Service (BFETSS) - The 
BFEISS shall coordinate all development activities with respect to fisheries and 
aquatic resources technology, and shall have a development section for all 
components including inland and ocean fishing, and fishing fears and methods. It shall 
formulate a National Extension System for Fisheries, which shall be composed of 
three [3} subsystems: the national government subsystem, the local government 
subsystem and the private sector subsystem. It shall deliver the following major 
services: training services; credit and financing support services, business advisory 
services; demonstration services, and information and communication support 
services through tri-media.
It shall have the following divisions:
(1} Training and Skills Development Division;


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(2} Technology Transfer and Demonstration Division;
(3} 
Business Advisory and Information Support Division; and
(4} 
Training Centers
(d) 
The Bureau of Fishing Technology and Capture Fisheries [BFTCF}- The BFTCF 
shall have direct supervision and control over the utilization of marine resources 
including commercial, international and small-scale fisheries. It shall formulate 
development programs for the expansion of the marine fishery industry; explore new 
fishery resources and development environment friendly but efficient fishing gears.
It shall be headed by a Director and two Assistant Directors and shall have the 
following divisions:
[1} Municipal Fisheries Division;
(2} Commercial Fisheries Division;
(3) 
Fishing Technology Division; and
(4} 
High Seas Fisheries Division
(e) 
The Fisheries Modernization Credit and Financing Agency (FMCFA} - The 
FMCFA shall administer the funds under Sections 108 to 113 of RA 8550 as well as 
the fisheries-related provisions of Sections 20 to 25 of RA 8435, harmonizing and
integrating the two so as to package and deliver various credit assistance programs 
lor the following:
[1} Fisheries production including processing of fisheries products and inputs;
(2} Acquisition or construction of fishery equipment, machinery, fishing vessels 
and fishing gears;
[3] Acquisition of fry, fingerlings, fertilizers, feeds and similar items;
(4} Procurement of fisheries products for storage, trading, processing and 
distribution;
[5] 
Construction, acquisition and repair of facilities for production, processing, 
storage, transportation, communication, marketing and such other facilities in 
support of fisheries; economic activities; High Seas Fisheries Division;
[6) 
Working capital for fisheries graduates to enable them to engage in fisheries- 
related;
(7} Activities which support marine and freshwater bodies conservation and 
ecology-enhancing activities such as but not limited to mangrove reforestation, 
promotion of whale shark and manta ray and other endangered marine species 
watching and ecotourism; and the
[8} Development of appropriate technology, both in fishery and ancillary 
Industries that are ecologically sound, locally source based and labor intensive, based 
on the requirements of the Fisheries and Aquatic Management Councils. Under the 
supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Fisheries Conservation and 
Management, the following bureaus, units, board and services are hereby created.
SECTION 10. Undersecretary for Conservation and Management of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources. - The Undersecretary for Fisheries Conservation and 
Management shall assist the Secretary primarily in the development and 
implementation of conservation and protection of the fisheries and aquatic resources 
industry


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1 Under the supervision and control of the Undersecretary for Conservation and 
Management, the following bureaus, services and offices are hereby created:
(a) Marine Resources Conservation and Management Bureau - The Marine 
Resources Conservation and Management Bureau is a line bureau tasked with the 
rormulation and implementation of a Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan. It 
shall undertake marine fishery resources assessment and biological and 
environmental investigations and formulate conservation measures. In coordination 
with the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, it shall determine 
and establish the carrying capacity and total allowable catch [TAC} for a particular 
resource. It shall set the allowable fishing effort based on the carrying capacity of the 
resource and TAC and accordingly issue commercial fishing licenses and permits.
It shall be headed by a Director and two Assistant Directors and shall have the 
following divisions:
[1] Coastal Resources Management Division;
(2} Oceanography Division;
[3} Fisheries Licensing Division;
[4} Biotechnology, Biosafety and Bioprospecting Division; and the 
(5) Fisheries Law Enforcement Division -
The Fisheries Law Enforcement Division shall operate the National and Zonal 
Monitoring Sui veillance System. It shall establish fishery air and ocean patrol as well 
as conduct law enforcement trainings and recommend to the Secretary the 
deputation of government employees and members of fisher folk associations as 
lishery guardians. It shall have the supervision and control of fishery officers and 
guardians and the corps of specialists responsible for the enforcement of fishery laws, 
lules and regulations and the efficient monitoring and surveillance of fishing 
activities within Philippine territorial waters. It shall have the following units;
i. The National and Fisheries Zone Monitoring and Surveillance Center which 
shall have a National Coordinating Center and several Fisheries Zones 
Monitoring and Surveillance Centers. It is further subdivided into the Vessel 
Tracking and Remote Sensing Office, and the Database and Information Center; 
ii. The Fisheries Air Patrol and Ocean Patrol, and the Regulatory Staff composed 
of Fishery Officers, Deputized Fisheries Guardians and the corps of specialists 
from the DND, PNP-MARICOM, DILG, DFA and DO]. The Fishery Officers shall 
have full police powers relative to the enforcement of fishery laws, rules and 
regulations including arrest, search and seizure, and shall have the authority 
to directly file complaints for violation of fishery laws, rules and regulations.
(b) 
The Bureau of Marine Protected Areas and Wildlife (BMPAW) - The BMPAW is
a line bureau responsible for establishing and maintaining marine protected areas 
and wildlife sanctuaries. It shall lead in the conduct of scientific researches on the 
proper strategies for the conservation and protection of marine wildlife and their 
habitat including breeding or propagation. It shall also establish Marine Wildlife 
Rescue Centers to take custody of all confiscated, stranded or abandoned marine 
wildlife. It shall have the authority to issue Committee on International Trade on ■ 
Endangered Species (CITES) Permits and shall be both the CITES Management and 
Scientific Authorities of the Philippines. It shall be the lead agency in the fulfilment of


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1 the country s obligations under CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity and 
2- other treaties and international agreements.
It shall have the following divisions:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Marine Protected Areas Division;
Marine Wildlife Rescue Centers;
CITES Management Authority;
Endangered Marine Species Captive Breeding Centers;
Endangered Marine Wildlife Research Center - The Endangered Marine Wildlife 
Research Center shall be the Department's CITES Scientific Authority which
shall coordinate with academic institutions designated as scientific authorities; 
and the
f. 
Biodiversity Division
SECTION 11. Undersecretary for Operations. - The Undersecretary for Fisheries
Operations shall assist the Secretary in the overall supervision and control over all 
regional offices.
The Undersecretary for Operations shall have direct control and supervision of the 
following units and bureau:
(a] The Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Inspection Service (FIQIS) - The FIQIS 
ohall have the line functions and shall be responsible for the inspection and 
quarantine of all fishery related activities including the conduct of quarantine and 
quality inspection of all lish and fishery/aquatic products corning into and going out 
of the country by air or water transport to detect the presence of fish pest and 
diseases, the regular inspection of processing plants, storage facilities, abattoirs, as 
well as public and private markets in order to ensure freshness, safety and quality of 
products and to ensure chat these products conform to the standards prescribed by 
the Department; and the quarantine of aquatic animals and fishery products 
determined or suspected to be with fishery pest and diseases and prevent the 
movement or trade from and or into the country of these products so prohibited or 
regulated under existing laws, rules or regulations and international agreements of 
which the Philippine is a State Party.
It shall have the following units:
[1) Regional fishery Inspection and Quarantine Offices;
(2} 
Cyanide Detection Centers;
(3} 
Product Standards Enforcement Division; and the
[4} Regional Fish Health Centers
(b) The Bureau of Fishery Economics and Statistics (BFES) - The BFES shall be a 
line bureau responsible for establishing benchmark data on the structure of the 
fishery industry. It shall conduct research and studies on the socio-economics of 
various fishery operations, collect data on fishery production, and establish a 
network of fishery information, documentation and dissemination. It shall have the 
following divisions:
[1) Fishery Statistics Division;
[2} Socioeconomic Division; and the


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(3) Fishery Information Division
SECTION 12. Attached Agencies. - The Office of Ocean and Marine Affairs shall be 
the Department's primary agency tasked with the implementation of the National 
Marine Policy and the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the 
Law of the Sea. Any and all use of the ocean shall require the assessment and clearance 
by this Office, which shall rationalize initiatives that will negatively impact the 
fisheries or their habitat. It shall coordinate the implementation of fisheries and 
ocean sector policies, as well as plans and laws for all maritime components. It shall 
be headed by a Director and shall have the following divisions:
(a) 
Ocean-Use Assessment and Clearance Division;
(b) 
National and International Ocean Law and Policy Division;
(c) 
Special Projects Division; and
(d) 
Technical Division
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority created by Presidential Decree No. 
977 as amended, shall be an attached agency of the Department of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources under the Office of the Secretary.
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI] created by 
Republic Act No. 8550, as amended, shall also be an attached agency of the 
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to serve as the primary research arm 
thereof. To ensure the independent and objective implementation of its research 
activities, the NFRDI shall have a separate budget specific to its manpower 
requirements and operations.
SECTION 13. Organizational Structure of the Department. - The functions of the 
Department under this Act shall be carried out by the bureaus, agencies and services 
created in the Department.
SECTION 14. Regional Offices and Functions. - The Department shall have such 
department-wide regional offices as may be necessary in the administrative regions, 
each to be headed by a Regional Director, who shall be assisted by an Assistant 
Regional Director, each regional office shall have support staffs as may be necessary 
and four line divisions which shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) 
Provide efficient and effective front-line service to the fishery and aquatic 
industry sector, particularly to the municipal fishermen;
(b] 
Implement in its area of jurisdiction, the laws, policies, plans, programs, 
projects, rules and regulations of the Department;
[c] 
Coordinate with the Regional Office of the other departments, offices and 
agencies in the region; and
[d) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Secretary.
SECTION 15. Appointment and Qualification of Directors. - The Directors of the 
Bureau, Offices and Agencies and the Regional Directors shall be appointed by the 
Secretary, upon recommendation of the Undersecretaries concerned. The Directors 
must have a degree in law or Master of Science degree in marine fisheries, 
oceanography, fisheries biology, marine biology, fisheries technology, microbiology
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or related sciences, or public administration and at least five years of experience 
either in the public or private sector, in marine fisheries research and development, 
or in the fisheries industry.
SECTION 16. Abolition, Transfer and Merger. - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources reconstituted by Republic Act No 8550, is hereby abolished and its 
relevant functions, appropriations, records, properties, equipment and personnel are 
hereby transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources: Provided, 
however, That no official or employee of the BFAR shall be laid off in the 
implementation of this section.
The National and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils 
created by Republic Act No. 8550 shall be transferred to the Office of the Secretary of 
the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute created by Republic Act 
No. 8550 is transferred to the department and shall serve as its principal research 
arm.
The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council created by 
Executive Order No. 240 is transferred to the Department.
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority created by Presidential Decree No. 
977 including its relevant functions, appropriations, records, properties, equipment 
and personnel, is hereby transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources as an attached agency under the Office of the Secretary: Provided, 
however. That the Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 
shall be the new chairman of the Board: Provided, further, That no official or 
employee of the PFDA shall be laid off in the implementation of this Section.
The Philippine Technical Advisory Committee of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture 
Department created under Executive Order No. 834 dated October 4,1982, including 
its relevant functions, appropriations; records, properties, equipment and personnel, 
is hereby transferred and attached to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources: Provided, That no official or employee of the Board shall be laid off in the 
implementation of this section.
The fisheries-related functions of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, including 
its relevant appropriations, records, and personnel, are hereby transferred to the 
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources: Provided, however, that no official 
or employee of the LLDA shall be laid off in the implementation of this Section.
The Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development is 
abolished and all its personnel, records, appropriations, property and equipment are 
transferred to the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute of the 
Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
The Marine Research and Conservation Division and the different Sections there 
under and the Coastal Environment Program including its relevant appropriations, 
personnel, records, property and equipment, all marine and coastal related projects
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and programs of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and all 
fisheries related functions 'of the DENR under Executive Orders No. 192 and 292, 
except the functions of the enforcement ofwater pollution laws, rules and regulations, 
are hereby transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The fisheries-related sections of the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the Bureau of 
Agricultural Statistics and the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of 
Agriculture are hereby abolished and all its personnel, records, appropriations, 
property and equipment are transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Marine 
Resources.
SECTION 17. Transitory Provisions. - In accomplishing the acts of organizing the 
department as herein prescribed, the following provisions shall be complied with:
a) The transfer of a government unit or agency shall include the functions, 
Appropriations, funds, records, equipment, facilities, chooses in action, rights, 
other assets and liabilities, if any, of the. Transferred unit or agency as well as the 
personnel thereof, as may be necessary, who shall, pending reappointment, 
continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities and receive the 
corresponding salaries and benefits in a hold-over capacity, 
b} The transfer of functions which results in the abolition of the government unit or 
agency that has exercised them, shall include the appropriations, funds, records, 
equipment, facilities, chooses in action, rights, other assets and personnel as may 
be necessary to the proper discharge of the transferred functions. Its liabilities, if 
any, shall likewise be treated in accordance with the Government Auditing Code 
and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Its personnel shall, pending 
reappointment, continue to perform their duties and responsibilities and receive 
the corresponding salaries and benefits in a holdover capacity.
SECTION 18. Organization Committee. - The duly appointed Secretary of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources shall immediately create an organization committee which 
shall study and formulate the staffing pattern, qualification standards, and placement 
of personnel in the Department, its services, bureaus, and offices. The Committee 
shall be composed of representatives from the Department of Budget and 
Management, Civil Service Commission, the fishery industry and the academe.
SECTION 19. Appropriations. - For the effective implementation of this Act, the 
amount of Php5 Billion is hereby appropriated from the funds of the National 
Treasury and the current budgetary appropriations of the Bureau of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources, including its regional offices, the appropriations of the Philippine 
Fishing Development Authority, and the budgetary provision of the Philippine 
Council for Aquatic and Marine Research Development.
The revenues which the Department will generate from its licensing operations, the 
fees collected & the proprietary services delivered by the Department, and the 
administrative fines imposed by the National Fisheries Regulatory and Adjudication 
Bond shall constitute the Department's revolving fund from which amounts 
necessary to carry out the special research projects, management and conservation 
programs, staff development programs, and the acquisition of equipment, vessels, 
and airplanes, helicopters of the Monitoring and Surveillance Center shall be taken:
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rZIS arnr:,’ That flShp0nd rentalS Shal1 accrue t0 National Fisheries 
d 
a"d Deve]jpnifn;InstItute as provided under Section 46 (c) of Republic Act
. 8550. The use of such funds shall be project to COA rules and regulations.
SECTION 20. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
forceTnd effect ,n°Perat,Ve’ the °ther Rrovisions 110t so declared shall remain in
narTr 21;RepeaIlng Clause- ‘ AH laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
pursuant therpt1'0"51]51611!^ With the ACt °r th6 rUleS and 
promulgated
pursuant thereto are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
SECTION 22. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen fl5) days 
after publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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