Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill proposes the creation of a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery in 
the Municipality of Mandaon, Masbate. Its primary goal is to produce crabs, shrimps, and 
milkfish, directly addressing the nutritional and economic needs of Mandaon's coastal 
communities. These residents heavily rely on fishing for both food and livelihood, making this 
initiative crucial for their well-being. 
Officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Masbate have 
identified at least 2,000 hectares of currently unused coastal areas in the province. Establishing 
this breeding farm and hatchery would not only significantly enhance the economic 
competitiveness and quality of life for Mandaon residents, but also for the entire province of 
Masbate. It promises to create valuable employment opportunities for local fishermen, directly 
contributing to poverty alleviation. 
Furthermore, this project will play a vital role in replenishing the local supply of crabs, 
shrimps, and milkfish. This increased production will enable the community to meet the growing 
demand for these marine products, both within the Philippines and globally. 
Therefore, the urgent approval of this bill is earnestly sought to unlock the full potential 
of Mandaon's coastal resources and empower its fishing communities. 
REP. ELISA T.  KHO, M.D.,FPCCP
REP.  ANTONIO T. KHO 
July 21, 2025
12:15 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
1st   Regular Session 
    HOUSE BILL NO.___ 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Rep. Elisa  T.  Kho and Rep. Antonio T.  Kho 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MULTI-PURPOSE FISHERY BREEDING FARM AND 
HATCHERY FOR THE PRODUCTION AND MULTIPLICATION OF CRABS, 
SHRIMPS AND MILKFISH IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MANDAON, PROVINCE OF 
MASBATE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Establishment of a Multi-Purpose Fishery Breeding Farm and Hatchery. There 
shall be established, under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic 
Resources (hereinafter referred to as BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (hereinafter 
referred to as DA), a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery for the production and 
multiplication of crabs, shrimps, and milkfish in the Municipality of Mandaon, Province of 
Masbate. This establishment aims to directly meet the nutritional and economic needs of the 
residents, particularly those in the coastal barangays of the said municipality. 
SECTION 2. Research and Experimentation. The BFAR shall be mandated to conduct 
continuing research and experimentation on crab and shrimp culture, specifically as they apply to 
local conditions. The objective of such research and experimentation shall be to discover new 
methods and technologies that will rejuvenate and enhance the fishing industry in the area and 
beyond. 
SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and its 
related agencies, including the BFAR, shall jointly promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from its 
effectivity. 
SECTION 4. Appropriations. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's 
programs the initial establishment and subsequent operation of the multi-purpose fishery 
breeding farm and hatchery for the production and multiplication of crabs, shrimps, and milkfish 
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in the Municipality of Mandaon, Province of Masbate. The funding for this purpose shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, rules or 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,