Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19th CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  ____ 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
___________________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT CREATING A DEPARTMENT  OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Philippines is globally recognized as one of the major contributors to the world's fisheries industry. 
In 2018, our country made a significant impact by contributing 1.89 million metric tons (MT) of fish, 
accounting for 2% of the global marine capture production and ranking 13th worldwide. Additionally, we 
are the 4th largest seaweed producer globally, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization 
(FAO) in 2020. 
Our fisheries industry is comprised of three sectors: aquaculture, municipal fisheries, and 
commercial fisheries. In 2018, aquaculture alone accounted for 53% of the total production, with 2.3 
million MT, focusing on the cultivation of species such as seaweeds, milkfish, tilapia, and shrimps/prawns. 
Municipal fisheries constituted 25% of the total production with 1.1 million MT, while the commercial 
fisheries sector contributed about 946 thousand MT, comprising 22% of the overall fisheries production. 
These numbers, sourced from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA), highlight the immense potential of our fisheries sector. 
Furthermore, fisheries are a cornerstone of our nation's export earnings, contributing significantly 
to our economic stability. In 2018, the Philippines earned approximately US$1.6 billion through fishery 
exports. Our primary fishery exports include tuna, seaweeds, shrimps/prawns, crabs, octopus, grouper, 
round scad, cuttlefish and squid, sea cucumber, and ornamental fish, according to BFAR's 2019 data. 
To harness the full potential of our fisheries sector, it is crucial to establish a dedicated 
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Such a department will enable us to consolidate efforts, 
streamline regulations, and implement policies that promote sustainable fishing practices, protect our 
marine environment, and support the livelihoods of our coastal communities and fisherfolks. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
     BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
September 5, 2023
4:55 pm
9051


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19th CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  ____ 
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
__________________________________________________________________________________________ 
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: 
Section   1.  Title.  -  This  Act  shall  be  known as  the  "Department  of Fisheries and 
Aquatic Resources Act". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The following is hereby declared policy  of the State: 
a) 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 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
f)
Legitimate    and    recognized    non-governmental,  organizations   (NGOs)   are considered as
partners of the State in the protection and conservation of fisheries
9051


and   aquatic  resources.   These   NGOs are   likewise   partners  of  the   State   in 
development and the promotion of the welfare of the fisher folk. 
 
Sec. 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. 
 
Sec. 4. Jurisdiction  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 of 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. 
 
Sec. 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; 
c) 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; 
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; 
f) 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 of fish 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; 
l) 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; 
s) Train,  designate  and  deploy  fisheries  observers in  Philippine  flagged  fishing vessels   engaged   
in  commercial  fishing  in  Philippine   waters  or distant water fishing  to  ensure  compliance 
with  conservation  and  management  measures adopted by RFMOS and by the Department; 
t) 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; 
u) Adopt an appropriate monitoring,  control,  surveillance and  traceability system for municipal  
fishing vessels  supplying exporters with concurrence of the local government units; 
v) 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 LGUs and FARMCs; 
w) Require performance bonds  and impose  and collect reasonable fees and charges for laboratory 
services, inspection, deployment of fisheries observers, and catch documentation and validation, 
taking into account the balance  required between recovering the costs of services rendered and 
the socioeconomic impact of their imposition, upon prior  consultation with stakeholders;  
x) Hear and decide administrative cases before it; 


y) 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; 
z) Initiate  the  criminal   prosecution  of  offenses  committed  in  violation  of  the Fisheries Code 
of 1997, as amended, regardless of their status; and 
i. Perform  such  other  related  functions  which  shall  promote  the  development, 
conservation,  management,  protection  and  utilization  of fisheries  and  aquatic 
resources. 
 
Sec.  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. 
 
Sec. 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  othe   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; 
c) Advise the  President on the  promulgation  of policies,  rules  and  regulations, and other 
issuances  relative  to  the  sustainable  development and  management  of fisheries 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; 
e) 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. 
 
Sec.  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 Flipino 
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 
Sec.  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 International  Code  of 
Conduct  for  Aquaculture,  promoting  the  intensification  of aquaculture  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 standards 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 BFETSS  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; 
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 for 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. 
 
Sec. 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. 
 
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 formulation  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 
Surveillance 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 fishery  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, rules   and   regulations   and   the   efficient   monitoring   and   
surveillance   of  fishing activities within  Philippine territorial waters. It shall have the following units: 
 
 
a. 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; 
i. 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  DOJ. 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  (BM PAW) - 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 
the  country's obligations  under CITES,  the  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity  
another treaties and  international agreements. 
 
It shall have the following divisions: 
 
a. Marine Protected Areas Division;  
b. Marine Wildlife Rescue Centes; 
c. CITES Management Authority; 
d. Endangered Marine Species Captive Breeding Centers; 
e. 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 
 
Sec. 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 shall   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 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 that 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 
3. Fishery Information Division 
 
Sec. 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. 
 
Sec. 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. 
 
Sec.  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. 
 
Sec. 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 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. 
 
Sec. 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  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 of water 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. 
 
Sec.  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. 
 
Sec. 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. 
 
Sec. 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: Provided,  however, That the fishpond  rentals shall accrue  to the National  Fisheries Research 
and Development Institute as provided  under  Section 46 (c) of Republic Act No. 8550. The use of 
such funds shall be project to COA rules and regulations. 
 
Sec.   20.   Separability  Clause.   -   If  any  provision   of  this  Act  is   declared unconstitutional  
inoperative,  the  other provisions  not so declared shall  remain  in force and effect. 
 
Sec. 21. Repealing Clause.  - All laws, decrees, orders, rules  and regulations or parts thereof 
inconsistent  with  the Act or the  rules  and  regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby 
repealed or amended  accordingly. 
 
Sec. 22. Effectivity  Clause.  -  This Act shall  take  effect  fifteen  (15)  days after publication in two 
(2) national  newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,