REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11912, July 30, 2022

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11912, July 30, 2022 ]

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BAGAC, PROVINCE OF BATAAN, 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 (BFAR-DA), a multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Bagac, Province of Bataan.

SECTION 2. Prior to the establishment of the mangrove crab hatchery, the BFAR-DA 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 hatchery, the BFAR-DA, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer its management to the local government of the Municipality of Bagac. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

SECTION 3. The BFAR-DA 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 hatchery in the Municipality of Bagac, Province of Bataan, 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 mangrove crab hatchery to the local government of the Municipality of Bagac.

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

Approved,

(SGD.) VICENTE C. SOTTO III President of the Senate

(SGD.) LORD ALAN JAY Q. VELASCO Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on September 14, 2021, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on May 23, 2022, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on May 30, 2022.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary of the Senate

(SGD.) MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: Lapsed into law on JUL 29 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE President of the Philippines