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OF

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House sito. 4719
Introduced by REP. EDGAR MARY S. SARMIENTO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Fisheries, aquaculture, and maritime transportation are important sectors in Samar Island.
Subsistence fishing communities dot the coast of the island of Samar and fishing provides for the
livelihoods of a significant portion of those below the poverty line in the island,

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) supervises and regulates the use of vessels, both
small-scale fishing boats and large crafts for transport, The agency likewise provides for financial
assistance to the industry and technological assistance to fishermen,

While the MARINA in Region VIII has been fulfiling its duty to the best of its abilities, the mere fact
thal its regional office is located in Tacloban City, Leyte makes it difficult for residents of Samar
Island to consult the agency, request for assistance, and comply with its regulations,

In light of this difficulty, this bill seeks to expand the capacity of the MARINA satellite office in
Calbayog City, Samar Province to act as a sub-regional hub and address the needs of the
residents of Samar Island by converting it to an extension office and providing the necessary funds
and personnel.

Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation and the MARINA are authorized under this bill, for a
limited period, to reorganize the offices within Region VIII to deliver efficient services to both
islands. For instance, the MARINA may see fit to subdivide its services in the region to provide for
two regional hubs: Region VIII-A for Leyte Island and Biliran Province; and Region VIII-B for Samar
Island.

For the aforementioned reasons, the undersigned submits this bill for
august body.

1 consideration of this

EDGAR MARY S.,\SARMIENTO

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

House BittNo, 4719

Introduced by REP, EDGAR MARY S, SARMIENTO

AN ACT CONVERTING THE SATELLITE OFFICE OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
AUTHORITY LOCATED IN CALBAYOG CITY, PROVINCE OF SAMAR INTO AN
EXTENSION OFFICE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. The existing Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Satellite Office in Calbayog City,
Province of Samar is hereby converted into a regular MARINA Extension Office. The extension
office shall serve as the sub-regional hub for the Provinces of Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern
Samar and provide services for the residents of the aforementioned provinces.

Section 2, The Administrator of MARINA shall include in the Agency's programs the
operationalization of the regular extension office in Calbayog, City, the initial funding, of which
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the MARINA Region VIII located in
Tacloban City. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the regular and continued operation
of the MARINA Extension Office shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 3. The Secretary of Transportation, thru the Administrator of MARINA, are hereby
authorized to reorganize the offices, personnel, funds, and properties of the MARINA within
Region VIII towards the effective and efficient delivery of services for the residents within the
islands of Samar and Leyte. ‘The Secretary of Transportation and the MARINA shall submit the
consolidated reorganization plan and any amendments thereof to the President of the Philippines
for his approval.

The authority granted under this Section may be exercised only until December 31, 2021

Section 4, Effectivity. - This Act shall become effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in a
newspaper of general circulation,

Approved.

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