PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. signed into law six measures creating fishing and multi-marine hatcheries in different provinces in the country in a bid to enhance the fishing industry, boost fishing productions, and rehabilitate aquaculture fish farms.
All six laws were published in the Official Gazette on December 21.
One of the commitments of the President since he assumed office is to rehabilitate the agriculture industry, including the fishing industry, to support the food chain and ensure food sufficiency in the country.
Marcos, on December 13, signed Republic Acts (RA) No. 12106, 12107, 12109, 12110 and 12111, 12 which establishe a multi-species marine hatchery in Liloy in Zamboanga Del Norte, Baybay City in Leyte, Minalabac in Camarines Sur, Argao in Cebu, and Sta. Catalina in Ilocos Sur, respectively.
He also signed RA 12108 which rehabilitates the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ Northern Mindanao Brackish Water Aquaculture Fish Farm in Lala in Lanao Del Norte.
Under RA 12108, the coastal aquaculture center shall be under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-BFAR and shall, among others, conduct technological verification and experimentation on coastal aquaculture, especially as they apply to local conditions.
It shall also look and discover new methods and technologies that would rejuvenate the fishing industry.
The DA secretary is tasked to ensure that appropriate funding for the aquaculture center is allocated as well as for the rehabilitation of the Northern Mindanao Brackish Water Fish Far. — Jocelyn Montemayor
