Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

8557

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

Explanatory Note

As a manifestation of support to this timely piece of legislation, this
representation respectfully refiles this bill, which has constantly been receiving
support from the past and present Congress.

Recent developments have pointed out the misgivings of the local fish market
to supply the increasing demand of the growing populace. While the
government has adopted different Policy actions to address this issue, this
representation strongly believes that there is a need to further expand the
approach in addressing it. Introducing measures that will eventually lead to the
long-term development of the fishing industry must also be put into action to
better compliment the short-term effort of the government.

The proposed measure aims to empower marginal. fishermen. by organizing
them into cooperatives. This would tremendously help the fishing industry as
the growth of cooperatives among fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen, and
small fish farmers will enable them to receive an equitable share in the benefits
delivered to the industry. Logistically speaking, it will also be easier for the
government to provide support and assistance logistically speaking.

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

JOHN M. “YUE SERVO” C. NIETO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bitte, __°°97

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Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF COOPERATIVES FOR
FRY GATHERERS, SMALL SCALE FISHERMEN AND FISH FARMERS

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is policy of the State to Promote the
growth of cooperatives among fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen, and small
fish farmers to enable them to receive an equitable share in the benefits
delivered from the fishing industry. Such cooperatives shall receive the support
and assistance of the government.

SECTION 2. Definition. For the purpose of the Act, the following definitions
shall apply:

a. Fry gatherer - shall refer to an individual, usually self-employed who is
engaged in the catching, gathering or collecting of fish fry with the use of
nets, traps, or other fishing gear for the Purpose of selling them.

b. Small scale fishermen - shall refer to an individual, either self-employed
or employed by others who is engaged in fishing, utilizing for the Purpose
fishing boats of three gross tons or less Or using gear without the use of
such boats.

¢. Small fish farmer - shall refer to an individual who owns not more than
one hectare of fishpond or leases not more than three hectares of
fishpond or owns not more than one-half hectare of fish pens.

d. Cooperative - shall mean an association of fry gatherers, small farmers
organized and registered pursuant to Presidential Decree Numbered One
Hundred Seventy-Five, as amended.

€. Organization of Cooperatives - fry gatherers, small-scale fishermen and
small fish farmers shall be organized as cooperatives and be registered
under Republic Act 6939 under the supervision of the Cooperative
Development Authority.


SECTION 3. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department
of Agriculture and the Cooperative Development Authority under the Office of
the President shall initiate and develop programs to promote, encourage, and
assist the organization of such cooperatives.

SECTION 4. Privileges of Cooperatives. In addition to the privileges granted
to cooperatives under Presidential Decree Numbered One Hundred Seventy-
Five, as further amended by Republic Act Numbered Six Thousand Nine
Hundred Thirty-Nine, fishery cooperatives organized under this Act shall have
the following fishery privileges:

a. Availment of the privilege of constructing and operating oyster culture
beds; gathering fish fry in municipal waters; operating fish fry in
municipal water operating fishing boats of three gross or less in municipal
waters, or fishing in municipal waters with nets, traps or other fishing
gear not prohibited by Republic Act. No. 8550, as provided in Section
Twenty-Nine of Presidential Decree Numbered Seven Hundred Four,
‘subject to the conditions imposed thereof;

- Availment of loans under liberal terms as provided for in Section Forty-
Two and Forty-Three of Presidential Decree Numbered Seven Hundred
Four and Republic Act. No. 8550;

¢. Availment of training Programs, measures and studies conducted by the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other government
agencies and institutions; and

d. Availment of technical assistance Provided by government agencies and

Private institutions.

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SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Cooperative
Development Authority shall, in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources Promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All law decrees order rule and regulation or
Part thereof inconsistent with the Provision of this act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,