Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3615

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA.

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MARINE MULTISPECIES HATCHERY IN BARANGAY
BARANGAY IV (POB.), MUNICIPALITY OF PIO DURAN, PROVINCE OF ALBAY,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a Marine Multispecies Hatchery in Barangay Barangay IV
(Pob.), Municipality of Pio Duran, Province of Albay.

The proposed hatchery will be under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA) and will focus on the breeding,
propagation, and distribution of fry and fingerlings of high-value marine species suited to the
coastal conditions of the locality. Pio Duran has strong maritime connectivity to Masbate via
its RORO port and is home to a booming tinapa (smoked fish) industry.

The hatchery will support this local industry by ensuring a steady supply of quality marine
seedstock, enhancing both domestic and inter-island fisheries trade.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

Page | 1


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3615

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MARINE MULTISPECIES HATCHERY IN BARANGAY
BARANGAY IV (POB.), MUNICIPALITY OF PIO DURAN, PROVINCE OF ALBAY,
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 marine
multispecies hatchery in Barangay Barangay IV (Pob.), Municipality of Pio Duran, Province
of Albay.

SEC. 2. The Hatchery and the BFAR-DA shall focus on the breeding, propagation, and
distribution of fry and fingerlings of high-value marine species suited to the local coastal
conditions, to improve local fisheries production.

SEC. 3. There shall be established a Local Advisory Council that shall provide policy
direction for the Hatchery and facilitate the exchange of information among the Hatchery and
stakeholders. The Council shall be composed of the BFAR Regional Director as Chairperson,
the Provincial Governor as Co-chairperson, the Mayor of the Municipality of Pio Duran, and
three (3) representatives from the local fisheries sector to be appointed by the Governor.

SEC. 4. The Hatchery shall disperse fry and fingerlings in public waters in such
intervals as may be recommended by the Local Advisory Council. It may also sell such fry and
fingerlings to fish farmers at prevailing market prices.

SEC. 5. The BFAR-DA may transfer the management of the Hatchery to the local
government of the Municipality of Pio Duran, subject to mutual agreement between BFAR-
DA and the local government. If such transfer is agreed upon, BFAR-DA shall implement a
training and phasing-in program for local government personnel.

SEC. 6. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the
establishment of the Hatchery, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General

Page | 1


Appropriations Act. The local government concerned shall set aside funds from any available
local revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for its operationalization.

SEC. 7. Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall issue the rules and regulations for the supervision, monitoring, and operation
of the Hatchery, and for its possible transfer to the local government.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

Page | 2