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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._94

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 fulfilling its duty to the best of its abilities, the
mere fact that 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, which was first filed during the 17th Congress and docketed
then as House Bill no. 4719, 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 n
funds and personnel

sary

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 the consideration of this
august body,

EDGAR MXRY S. SARMIENTO.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 94

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 Representative 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 shall 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 VII
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 shsall become effective fifteen (15) days after its
publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.