President Marcos has signed laws establishing a marine hatchery in Agusan del Sur and Zamboanga City.
Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12074 to establish a freshwater fish hatchery in the Municipality of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, and Republic Act (RA) No. 12075 to establish multi-species marine hatchery in Zamboanga City.
Talacogon's freshwater fish hatchery and Zamboanga City's multi-species marine hatchery will be both under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Under the newly-signed laws, BFAR shall conduct a full-scale feasibility study prior to the construction of the hatcheries to comply with the requirements of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
"Within two years after the construction of the freshwater fish hatchery, the DA (Department of Agriculture)-BFAR, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer its management to the local government of the Municipality of Talacogon. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery," RA 12074 ordered.
For the hatchery in Zamboanga City, RA 12075 stated that the DA-BFAR "shall transfer the management of the multi-species marine hatchery to the local government of Zamboanga City within two (2) years after its construction through a memorandum of agreement."
"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 technology that shall benefit the fisheries industry," RA 12075 ordered.
The Agriculture secretary was directed to include in its programs the conduct of the feasibility study for both projects and the consequent establishment of the hatcheries, the funding of which shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.
The local government units (LGUs) concerned, on the other hand, shall set aside funds from any available local revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.
Both laws were signed by the President on Nov. 12, 2024.