Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No.____________ 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by EMMANUEL A. BILLONES 
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Explanatory Note 
The proposed establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of 
Pontevedra, Province of Capiz, holds great promise for bolstering the local economy in this 
renowned seafood hub of the Philippines. 
Once approved, this initiative would empower the Province of Capiz to provide various fish 
species to businesses, fish ponds, fish farms, and other enterprises with a substantial demand 
for fish and related products. 
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, operating under the Department of 
Agriculture, will impart technical expertise, systems, and operational guidelines to the local 
government unit. Subsequently, control of the hatchery will be transferred to the local 
government unit. This progressive approach ensures that the LGU gains the necessary skills 
and knowledge, guaranteeing the hatchery's success. 
In light of these considerations, we earnestly request the passage of this bill. 
EMMANUEL A. BILLONES 
Representative 
1st District, Capiz 
October 18, 2023
3:00 pm
9415


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No.____________ 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by EMMANUEL A. BILLONES 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
PONTEVEDRA, PROVINCE OF CAPIZ, 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 (BFAR-DA), a multispecies 
marine hatchery in the Municipality of Pontevedra, Province of Capiz.  
SEC. 2. The BFAR-DA shall, within two (2) years after the establishment of the 
multispecies marine hatchery, transfer the management of the same to the local government 
concerned through a memorandum of agreement. The BFAR-DA shall implement a training 
and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation 
of the hatchery. 
SEC. 3. The Secretary of Agricultures shall include the Department’s programs the 
establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Pontevedra, 
Province of Capiz, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.  The local government unit concerned shall set aside funds from any available local 
revenue in an amount deemd appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery. 
SEC. 4. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of 
Agriculture shall isse the rules and regulations on the supervision, operation, monitoring, and 
the eventual transfer of the management of the multi-species marine hatchery to the local 
government of Pontevedra. 
SEC. 5.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
9415