OCT 5, 2015

NR # 3978

Bill creates multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery in Albay

A lawmaker has proposed the establishment of a multi-purpose fishery breeding
farm and hatchery for the production and multiplication of crabs and shrimps
in Ligao City, Albay to meet the nutritional and economic needs of the residents living in
the coastal barangays.
Rep. Fernando V. Gonzalez (3rd District, Albay) said the passage of House Bill
6145 will greatly improve the economic lot not only of the people of Pio Duran, Oas,
Ligao and Libon but of the whole province of Albay as well.
Gonzalez, a vice-chairperson of the House Committees on Bicol Recovery and
Economic Development and Transportation, said the measure would also provide
excellent employment opportunities and help alleviate poverty.
The farm and hatchery will help replenish the supply of crabs and shrimps there
and will enable the people to keep pace with the increasing demand for these marine
products, locally and even worldwide, Gonzalez said.
The measure mandates the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of
the Department of Agriculture (DA) to conduct continuing research and experimentation
on crabs and shrimp culture to discover new methods and technology that will rejuvenate
the fishing industry.
The DA and its related agencies shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act.
Also, the bill directs the DA to include in the Departments program the
establishment and operation of a multi-purpose fishery breeding farm and hatchery for the
production and multiplication of crabs and shrimps in the City of Ligao, the funding of
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. (30) lvc