AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TABINA, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12061, October 31, 2024 ]

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TABINA, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR), a multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Tabina, Province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Section 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR shall conduct a full-scale feasibility study in support of its construction to comply with the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management.

Within two (2) years after the construction of the multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer its management to the local government of the Municipality of Tabina. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

Section 3. The DA-BFAR shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on the breeding and production of marine species, especially as they apply to local conditions, to discover new methods and technologies that will enhance the fishing industry.

Section 4. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the conduct of the feasibility study and the consequent establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Tabina, Province of Zamboanga del Sur, the funding of which shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. The local government unit concerned shall set aside funds from any available local revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

Section 5. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 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 local government of the Municipality of Tabina, Province of Zamboanga del Sur.

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

Approved,

This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Philippines on August 9, 2023 and August 27, 2024, respectively.

Approved: OCT 31 2024

(SGD.) FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR.
President of the Philippines