1 
    Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. 10255  
_____________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO 
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
_____________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines has historically been one of the world's leading exporters 
of seaweed, a critical component in various industries such as food, cosmetics, 
and pharmaceuticals. The seaweed industry not only contributes significantly 
to the country's economy but also supports the livelihoods of numerous 
coastal communities. However, in recent years, the industry has faced 
challenges including environmental degradation, climate change, and the need 
for technological modernization to sustain its growth and competitiveness. 
This bill seeks to revitalize the Philippine seaweed industry by promoting 
sustainable practices, advancing research and development, enhancing 
support for seaweed farmers, and improving market competitiveness. It aims 
to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry, safeguard the livelihoods of 
those dependent on it, and maintain the Philippines' position as a leading 
seaweed exporter on the global stage 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ALFRED DELOS SANTOS 
April 17, 2024
8:03 am


2 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila  
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 10255
_____________________________________________________
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO  
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF 
THE SEAWEED INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, ENHANCING 
RESEARCH, SUPPORT, AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines 
in 
Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Seaweed Industry 
Development and Sustainability Act”  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to revitalize and promote the sustainable development of the seaweed 
industry, recognizing its importance to the national economy and the 
livelihood of coastal communities, and to reassert the Philippines' status as a 
global leader in seaweed production and export. 
SECTION 3. Objectives – The objectives of this Act are to: 
a) Encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly seaweed farming
practices;


3 
 
b) Support research and development initiatives for the advancement of 
the seaweed industry; 
c) Provide comprehensive support and assistance to seaweed farmers 
and producers; 
d) Enhance the competitiveness of the Philippine seaweed industry in the 
global market. 
 
SECTION 4. Sustainable Seaweed Farming Practices – The Department of 
Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources (BFAR), shall develop and promote sustainable seaweed farming 
practices, ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 
 
SECTION 5. Research and Development – The DA, through BFAR and in 
collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall 
initiate and support research and development projects aimed at improving 
seaweed production technologies, disease management, and product 
innovation. 
 
SECTION 6. Support and Assistance for Seaweed Farmers. – The government 
shall provide comprehensive support to seaweed farmers, including access to 
quality seedlings, technical training, and financial assistance. Special 
emphasis shall be placed on small-scale farmers and community-based 
initiatives. 
 
SECTION 7. Market Competitiveness and Export Promotion – The Department 
of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the DA and BFAR, shall 
implement strategies to enhance the market competitiveness of Philippine 
seaweed, including branding, marketing, and establishing trade partnerships 
to expand export opportunities. 
 


4 
 
SECTION 8. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience – Recognizing the 
vulnerability of seaweed farming to climate change, the government shall 
develop and implement strategies to increase the resilience of the seaweed 
industry to environmental challenges, including rising sea levels and 
increasing ocean temperatures. 
 
SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations – The DA, in consultation 
with BFAR, DTI, DOST, and other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act 
within ninety (90) days after its enactment. 
 
SECTION 10. Separability Clause – If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect. 
 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause – All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and 
other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
SECTION 12. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the Philippines.