Establishing a Central Multi-Species Marine Hatchery in the City Environmental Estate in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Case Overview and Summary

Republic Act No. 11734

Establishment of a Central Multi-Species Marine Hatchery
- A central multi-species marine hatchery shall be established in the City Environmental Estate in Barangay Sta. Lucia, City of Puerto Princesa, Province of Palawan. (Section 1)
- The hatchery will be under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (BFAR-DA). (Section 1)

Transfer of Management to Western Philippines University
- The BFAR-DA shall transfer the management of the central multi-species marine hatchery to the Western Philippines University (WPU) within five (5) years after its construction through a memorandum of agreement. (Section 2)
- The BFAR-DA, with the assistance of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Division, shall implement a training and phasing-in program for WPU personnel on the management and operation of the central hatchery. (Section 2)

Extension Program for Marginal Fisherfolk
- The BFAR-DA and the WPU shall develop an extension program which shall cater to marginal fisherfolk to educate them on new methods and technology especially on the propagation of high-value marine species. (Section 3)

Funding and Appropriations
- The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the establishment of the central multi-species marine hatchery, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (Section 4)
- The WPU shall set aside funds from any available revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the central hatchery. (Section 4)

Rules and Regulations
- Within sixty (60) days from the passage of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue the rules and regulations on the supervision, operation, monitoring, and the eventual transfer of the management of the multi-species marine hatchery to the WPU. (Section 5)

Effectivity
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (Section 6)