Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6968

Introduced by Representative ROMEO S. MOMO, SR.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING FRESHWATER FISH HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MIGUEL, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL
SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Explanatory Note

The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that, “The State shall promote
a just and dynamic order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the
nation and free the people from poverty through policies that will promote full
employment, opportunities and improved quality of life for all.” This measure is
a major step towards the fulfillment of this mandate.

A freshwater aquaculture is intended to be established in the Municipality
of San Miguel in Surigao del Sur. The municipalities of Tago and San Miguel in
Surigao del Sur are blessed with bodies of water teeming with freshwater
produce. With this, the provincial government has capitalized in developing
aquaculture industry in various municipalities of the province to intensify and
develop an approach towards innovative propagation of its freshwater resources.
The provincial government aims to increase fresh water fish production by
promoting fish cage and fish pond technology. With this program, fish farmers
benefit from technical assistance and supply of quality fingerlings.


This initiative aims to improve the economic competitiveness of the
province by maximizing its potential stakeholders in the grassroots—the fish
farmers. Under the existing program of the agriculture sector in the province, the
establishment of new strategic municipal hatcheries has helped meet farmers'
needs. Hence, it is critically important to advance our agricultural ideals for
research and breeding activities to further develop what has been started. The
establishment of this Freshwater Aquaculture Center in San Miguel, Surigao del
Sur is truly a necessity and a step to right direction to benefit the people of Surigao
del Sur.

The immediate passage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6968

Introduced by Representative ROMEO S. MOMO, SR.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRESHWATER FISH HATCHERY IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF SAN MIGUEL, PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL SUR,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. There shall be established a freshwater fish hatchery in the
Municipality of San Miguel, Province of Surigao del Sur under the supervision
ofthe Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of
Agriculture(BFAR-DA).

SECTION 2. The BFAR-DA shall transfer the management of the
freshwater fish hatchery to the local government of San Miguel 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.

The BFAR-DA shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on
freshwater aquaculture, especially as they apply to local conditions, to discover
new methods and technology that shall benefit the freshwater fisheries industry.


SECTION 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
Department’s programs the establishment of the freshwater fish hatchery in the
Municipality of San Miguel, Province of Surigao del Sur, the funding of which
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The local government
unit shall set aside funds from any available local revenue in an amount deemed
appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

SECTION 4. 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
freshwater fish hatchery to the local government of San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.