TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBUC OF THE PHIUPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL -7 P1 32
S. No.
SENATE 
221
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines, an archip>elagic nation, heavily relies on its fisheries sector for 
food security and livelihood. In the first quarter of 2025, the country's fisheries 
output reached 1.01 million metric tons contributing Php 55.10 Billion to the national 
agriculture and fisheries value, a 1.5% increase in the previous year.1
Projections from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) anticipate 
the Philippines remaining the 5th largest fish producer in Asia by 2032, with 
production expected to increase by 12% to nearly 2.9 million metric tons (MT), 
primarily driven by aquaculture.2
Despite this vital role and growth potential, Filipino farmers (27.0%) and 
fisherfolks (27.4%) consistently registered among the highest poverty incidences in
1 
Philippine Statistics Authority, Fisheries Situation Report. Published on May 6, 
2025. Available at
https://Dsa.oov.Dh/content/fisheries-situabon-reDort-1anuarv-march-2025. (Accessed on June 28, 2025); GMA Newrs Online, PH 
Agriculture output up 1.9% in Q1 2025. Published on May 7, 
2025. Available at
https://vww.amanetwork.com/news/monev/economv/945262/Dh-aQriculture-outDut-up-l-9-in-Ql-2025/storv/. (Accessed on 
June 28, 2025).
2 Philippine Star, Arcalas, Jasper Emmanuel, Aquaculture to drive up Philippine fish harvest, says FAO. Published on June 
11,2024. Available at https://wvw.philstar.eom/business/2024/06/ll/2361852/aauaculture-drive-philippine-fish-harvest-savs- 
fao. (Accessed on June 29, 2025).
1


2023 according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).3 This paradox highlights a 
basic disconnect: those who feed the nation remain among its poorest.
The massive scope and unique challenges of the fisheries and aquaculture 
sector, including issues like overfishing, illegal fishing, environmental degradation, 
and limited access to resources, often exceed the capacity of the Bureau of Fisheries 
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a bureau under the Department of Agriculture.
To strategically develop and sustainably manage the country's vast fisheries and 
aquatic resources, and to uplift the millions of flsherfolk from poverty, this bill 
proposes the creation of a dedicated Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 
(DFAR). This new department will provide the focused attention and support 
necessary for the comprehensive development, effective management, protection, 
and conservation of marine wealth, ensuring the needs of fisherfolks are adequately 
addressed and their welfare is prioritized.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.
FRANCIS Mk PANGILINAN
SerWor
3 Philippine Statistics Authority, Poverty Statistics, Poverty Incidence Declined from 2021 to 2023 in Ten Basic Sectors. Available 
at https://psa.oov.ph/statistics/povertv. (Accessed on June 28, 2025).


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
JUL-7 PI 32
SENATE
S. No. 221
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Title-This Act shall be known as the "Department of Fisheries and
2 
Aquatic Resources Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies- It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:
4 
(a) promote the sustainable development and management of all fisheries,
5 
marine, and aquatic resources in Philippine waters, including its exclusive
6 
economic zones (EEZs), in the adjacent high seas and in coastal and inland
7 
aquatic resources consistent with the objective of maintaining 
a sound
8 
ecological balance, protecting and enhancing 
the quality of 
the
9 
environment;
10 
(b) protect and conserve the nation's aquatic wealth in its archipelagic waters,
11 
territorial seas, and EEZs and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to
12 
Filipino citizens;
13 
(c) safeguard the rights of small-scale fishermen in the preferential use of
14 
communal marine, fisheries and aquatic resources;


1 
(d) ensure sustainable fisheries production in inland aquatic resources
2 
consistent with the objective of ensuring availability of food staples and
3 
achieving food security;
4 
(e) protect fisherfolk communities from the adverse effect of climate change
5 
and natural and man-made hazards;
6 
Sec. 3. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- The Department
7 
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, hereinafter referred to as the "Department", is
8 
hereby created in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
9 
Sec. 4. Mandate- The Department shall have primary jurisdiction over the
10 
management, conservation, development, protection, utilization, and disposition of
11 
all fishery and aquatic resources of the country, including the habitats of fish and all
12 
other marine life and other activities which impact these habitats, with the exception
13 
of municipal waters, which shall remain under the jurisdiction of local government
14 
units (LGUs): Provided, That LGUs shall manage their respective municipal waters in
15 
accordance with national fishery policies, laws, rules, and regulations, and in a
16 
manner consistent with the policies set forth herein.
17 
The Department shall have the authority to supervise and regulate the
18 
production and capture of fish and fishery products within its jurisdiction, as well as
19 
the processing and marketing of all fisheries and aquatic products in the country.
20 
The Department shall also have the responsibility of rationalizing all ocean
21 
sector initiatives which impact on fish and marine resources or their habitat,
22 
including, but not limited to, exploration and development of marine energy,
23 
promotion and management of coastal and marine tourism, designation of shipping
24 
lanes, and identification of and management of protected areas and marine industry
25 
development areas.
26 
Sec. 5. Powers and Functions- The Department shall exercise the following
27 
powers and functions:
28 
(a) Exercise authority and the responsibility over the utilization of the ocean,
29 
including its fisheries and their habitat;
30 
(b) Coordinate and monitor the implementation of fisheries and ocean sector,
31 
statutes, policies, plans and programs for all maritime components;


,SB\\s 6u!puB| yspod 6u!hsij iib p uoipadsui. puB uopBjado '0dubu0P!Bui 
yUO!PnJ5SUOD 'UOpBDUlSSBp 0ip 6U!UJ0DUOD SUOpB|n60J pUB S0|m 0qUDS0Jd (>|)
■p0UJ0DUOD snD1 puB (DWyVdN) ipunoo P0UU06bubw 
S0Djnos0y Djpnbv puB S0U0Ljsy ibuopbn sip M4!M uopBiinsuoD u| s0Djnos0j 
DpBnbB J0ipo puB S0U0L|sy p uopBDO||B puB 0sn 0L14 LUOJj Buisub SPiyUOD 
p 4U0lU0|i;0S 0Lp U! 0DUB4SISSB p SUiJOj J0qp pUB |BDIUL|D01 0P!AOJd (D 
10LUBS 0L|; p p0UJ0DJop0 0L|4 u| s0pu06b p0luuj0ao6 0pudojddB 
LP|M 0PU!PJOOD pUB SUOpB|n60J pUB S0|m /SMB| Aj0LjSIJ ||B 0DJOJU3 (|)
'6U!L)Sy |6PJ0LUUJOD U! P06b6u0 SJ0>|JOM
qsy o; 06JBL1D p 00Jj spJBD UOPBDUPU0P! puB S0SU0D!| J0>|JOM qsy 0nssi (q)
JSJ0PM |Bd|D!UnLU 04 /4!LU!X0Jd Ul P04BPI4IS 
s0!4!unuJUiOD |BDO| 04 popjODDB 0q ||BL|S 0DU0j0pjd 4eqi ‘papiAOJd :0DU0P!A0 
0|qB||BAB 4S0q JO S0!pn4s Dijpuops q6nojq4 pau!LUJ040p sb soppBdBo 
BuiAjjbd 03jnos0j oypods 0q4 04 4D0fqns /s0!4!AipB Ajoqsy p pnpuoD 044 JOj 
S4!iuj0d puB S10SS0A 6uiqsy |B!DJ0luluod p uo!4BJ0do 0q4 joj s0su0O!| 0nssi (6)
p0UJ0DUOD
snDl p uoipipsunf 0q4 J0pun uiblubj ||Bqs qoiqM sj04Gm iBdpmnoi 
p uo!4d0DX0 0M4 M4!M ys0Djnos0J opBnbB puB S0U0qsy p uopeziipn 
j0dojd puB UOI4BAJ0SUOD 0q4 6u!UJ0ao6 suoi4Bin60J puB S0|m 04B6|niuoJd 0)
f4U0lUdO|0A0p
0|qBuiBpns puB A4unD0s pooj p S0|dpuud 0q4 M4!m odubpjoddb 
u! Xj4snpu! 6uiqsy 044 P uoi4BJ0do DjLuouoDO puB 40001440 0M4 J04 spjBpUB4S 
pUB S0P!|Od 40s pUB UB|d 4U0UJdO|0A0p 1BU0I.4BU 0q4 M4!M 4U04SISUOD 
LUBjSoJd 4U0Ludo|0A0a Aj4snpui Aj0qsy ub 4U0UJ0|dui! puB 04B|nujJOd (o) 
fS0Djnos0J 0UUBLU puB S0U0Msy 0q4 40 sn4Bp 0q4 uo 0DU0pjA0 
0|qB|!BAB p0q JO U0I4BIUJ04U! p04BJ0U06-A||BDy!4U0!DS bupn 4U0UJdo|0A0p 
0|qBU!B4sns 40 0|dpuud 0q4 puB 0|dpuud AjBuopnBOOJd uo posBq 
'uB|d 4U0lu06bub|/\| puB souoqsy OApuoqojdujOD b 4U0Uj0|duJ! puB ojBdoJd (p)
fsuB|d 4U0UJ06BUBUJ SUB0DO puB S0ij0qsy poqsjiqnd 0q4 
q4!M 0DUBpJODDB U| 04BpUBUJ |B4U0LU4JBd0p p0UO!4U0UJ0JO4B 0L|4 A4||dUJB pUB 
A4UBP 04 suoi4Bin60j 4B4iqBq subodo puB souoqsy 0djo4U0 puB 04B6|nujoJd (o)
xe
oe
6Z
82
a
92
S2
fZ
€2
22
12
02
61
81
Zl
91
SI
n
ex
2X
XX
OX
6
8
L
9
S
f
£
2
X


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
and fish markets, and the operation of business therein, with the exception 
of those owned, controlled or operated by LGUs;
(l) Establish and maintain a Philippine Fisheries and Aquatic Information 
System (PFARIS) which shall function as the primary repository of all 
information pertaining to fisheries, oceanic and other aquatic resources, 
including, but not limited to, fisheries and aquaculture production, domestic 
and international fisheries trade, consumption, and utilization of fisheries 
and other aquatic resources, and researches on fisheries conservation, 
production, processing, marketing and innovations;
(m) Enforce laws, treaties, rules and regulations concerning the conservation 
and protection of rare, threatened and endangered marine and other 
aquatic species and their respective habitats, including the conservation 
and management of straddling stocks and other highly migratory marine 
and aquatic species;
(n) Designate marine protected areas such as marine sanctuaries, marine 
reserves and marine parks pursuant to existing laws, treaties, rules and 
regulations;
(o) Formulate and enforce a Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and 
Code of Conduct for Responsible Aquaculture;
(p) Promote international cooperation with in the sector of fisheries and 
integrated ocean management;
(q) Impose administrative sanctions, including fines and penalties, for minor 
infractions in accordance with the schedules and limits as embodied in 
fisheries laws, rules and regulations and as agreed upon by the 
Department of Justice;
(r) Acquire, maintain, operate, purchase, ease, or dispose fisheries equipment 
and facilities such as, but not limited to, fish port, fish yard, fishing vessel, 
fishing gear, refrigerated truck, ice plant, cold storage, and aquaculture 
facilities through the Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority 
(PFDA);


1 
(s) Fix, assess, collect, and adjust fees and charges for the use and sale of
2 
properties, equipment, facilities, and services, to support the programs and
3 
projects of the Department;
4 
(t) Provide infrastructure support such as, but not limited to, municipal fishing
5 
port, municipal fish landing site, municipal fish market, fish health, and
6 
food safety laboratory, local shipbuilding and repair facility, post-harvest
7 
facilities and access roads through the PFDA;
8 
(u) Establish and implement a National Marketing Assistance Program through
9 
the PFDA to ensure the generation of highest possible income for
10 
fisherfolk, and fishery-related enterprises by harmonizing fisheries supply
11 
with the demand from domestic and international markets; and
12 
(v) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the
13 
purposes of this Act or as may be provided by law.
14 
Sec. 6. Composition- The Department shall be headed by a Secretary. The
15 
Department proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of
16 
the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries.
17 
Sec. 7. The Secretary of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-
18 
The Secretary of the Department, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, shall be
19 
appointed by the President subject to the confirmation of the Commission on
20 
Appointments, and shall exercise the following duties and functions:
21 
(a) Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus, institutes, center and
22 
offices under the Department;
23 
(b) Exercise authority and assume responsibility for the performance of the
24 
powers and functions of the Department;
25 
(c) Provide advice to the President on the promulgation of policies, rules and
26 
regulations, and other matters pertinent to the sustainable development,
27 
utilization and management of fisheries and other aquatic resources;
28 
(d) Formulate policies and standards for the efficient and effective operation of
29 
the Department in accordance with the established plans, programs, and
30 
standards of the Government;
31 
(e) Promulgate rules and regulations, and other issuances to carry out the
32 
mandates, objectives, plans, programs and projects of the Department;


1 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the
2 
President.
3 
Sec. 8. Undersecretaries- The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3)
4 
Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the
5 
recommendation of the Secretary: Provided, that two (2) of the Undersecretaries
6 
shall be career officers.
7 
Sec. 9. Assistant Secretaries.- The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3)
8 
Assistant Secretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon the
9 
recommendation of the Secretary. Provided, that two (2) of the Assistant Secretaries
10 
shall be career officers.
11 
Sec. 10. Regionai Offices.- The Department may establish, operate, and
12 
maintain a regional office in the different administrative regions of the country as
13 
may be necessary. Each regional office shall be headed by a Regional Director, who
14 
may be assisted by one (1) Assistant Regional Director. The Regional Director and
15 
Assistant Regional Director shall be appointed by the President upon the
16 
recommendation of the Secretary The regional offices shall have support staffs as
17 
may be necessary to perform the following duties and functions:
18 
(a) Implement laws, policies, plans, projects, rules and regulations of the
19 
Department;
20 
(b) Provide efficient and effective frontline services to the fisheries sector,
21 
particularly to municipal farmers;
22 
(c) Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices, and
23 
agencies, as well as with the LGUs within their respective jurisdictions; and
24 
(d) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the
25 
Secretary.
26 
Sec. 11. Qualifications.- No person 
shall 
be appointed Secretary,
27 
Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary of the Department unless the appointee is a
28 
citizen and a resident of the Republic of the Philippines, of good moral character, of
29 
proven integrity, and with at least seven (7) years of competence and expertise in
30 
any of the following: biology, ecology, biogeochemistry, biotechnology, marine
31 
science, limnology, oceanography, fisheries management or other related disciplines,
32 
either in the private or public sector.


1 
Sec. 12. AboHtion/ Transfer and Merger of Agencies and Personnel- The
2 
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reconstituted under Republic Act
3 
No. 8550, is hereby abolished. All relevant functions, appropriations, records,
4 
properties, equipment, and personnel shall be transferred to the Department.
5 
Provided, That no official or employee of the BFAR shall be separated from the
6 
service in a manner inconsistent with Section 13 of this Act.
7 
The National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC)
8 
created by Republic Act No. 8550, shall be transferred to the Department: Provided,
9 
that an Undersecretary of the Department shall be appointed as Chairperson of the
10 
NFARMC.
11 
The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) created
12 
by Republic Act No. 8550 shall be transferred to the Department and shall serve as
13 
the principal research arm of the Department: Provided, That an Undersecretary of
14 
the Department and the Executive Director of the NFRDI shall be appointed as
15 
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the NFRDI Governing Board: Provided further,
16 
That no official or employee of the NFRDI shall be separated from the service in a
17 
manner inconsistent with Section 13 of this Act.
18 
The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) created by Presidential
19 
Decree No. 977, as amended, shall be transferred as an attached government to the
20 
Department, including its relevant functions, appropriations, records, properties,
21 
equipment, and personnel: Provided, That the Secretary shall be appointed as
22 
Chairperson of the PFDA Board of Directors: Provided, further. That no official or
23 
employee of the PFDA shall be separated from the service in a manner inconsistent
24 
with Section 13 of this Act.
25 
All other operating units of the Department of Agriculture (DA) with functions
26 
and responsibilities dealing with fisheries and aquatic resources, including units
27 
under its attached agencies and corporations, are hereby transferred to the
28 
Department: Provided, That no official or employee of the DA shall be separated
29 
from the service in a manner inconsistent with Section 13 of this Act.
30 
Sec. 13. Separation and Retirement from Service- Employees who are
31 
separated from service within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act as a
32 
result of the consolidation and/or reorganization under the provisions of this Act


1 
shall receive separation benefits to which they may be entitled to under Executive
2 
Order No. 366, s. 2004: Provided, That those who are qualified to retire under
3 
existing retirement laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to
4 
which they may be entitled to under applicable laws and issuances.
5 
Sec. 14. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern.- Subject to the approval
6 
of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Department shall
7 
determine its organizational structure and create new bureaus, divisions or units as
8 
it may deem necessary, and shall appoint officers and employees of the Department
9 
in accordance with the civil services law, rules and regulations.
10 
Sec. 15. Transition Period.- The transfer of functions, assets, funds,
11 
equipment, properties, transactions and personnel of the affected agencies, and the
12 
formulation of internal organic structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and
13 
revised budget of the Department, shall be completed within six (6) months from
14 
effectivity of this Act., during which time, the existing personnel shall continue to
15 
assume their posts in hold over capacities until new appointments are issued:
16 
Provided, That the Department, in coordination with the DBM, shall determine and
17 
create new positions, the funding requirements of which shall not exceed the
18 
equivalent cost of positions that may be abolished or reorganized.
19 
Sec. 16. Appropriations.- The amount needed for the initial implementation of
20 
this Act shall be taken from the current fiscal year's appropriation of the BEAR and
21 
all agencies herein absorbed by or attached to the Department. Thereafter, the
22 
amount needed for the operation and maintenance of the Department shall be
23 
included in the General Appropriations Act.
24 
Sec. 17. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- Within sixty (60) days from the
25 
effectivity of this Act, the BEAR, Civil Service Commission (CSC) and DBM, in
26 
coordination with the DA, PEDA, NERDI, NEARMC, and other government agencies
27 
concerned, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively
28 
implement the provisions of this Act.
29 
Sec. 18. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act or
30 
any part thereof shall be held unconstitutional and invalid, the other parts or
31 
provisions of this Act, which are not affected thereby, shall remain in full force and
32 
effect.


1 
Sec. 19. Repealing Clause.- All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or
2 
parts thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act or the rules and
3 
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto are hereby repealed, amended or
4 
modified accordingly.
5 
Sec. 20. Effectivity Clause.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
6 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
7 
circulation in the Phiiippines.
Approved,