Republic Act No. 11734

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 central multi-species marine hatchery in the City Environmental Estate in Barangay Sta. Lucia, City of Puerto Princesa, Province of Palawan.

Section 2

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. With the assistance of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Division, the BFAR-DA shall implement a training and phasing-in program for WPU personnel on the management and operation of the central hatchery.

Section 3

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 4

The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the establishment of the central multi-species marine hatchery in the City Environmental Estate in Barangay Sta. Lucia, City of Puerto Princesa, Province of Palawan, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The WPU shall set aside funds from any available revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the central hatchery.

Section 5

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 6

The 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 ALLAN 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 and the Senate of the Philippines on September 16, 2020 and January 31, 2022, respectively.

(SGD.) MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary of the Senate	(SGD.) MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: APR 27 2022

(SGD.) RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE President of the Philippines