REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12111 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MULTI-SPECIES MARINE HATCHERY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF STA. CATALINA, PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR, AND APPROPRIATING FUND THEREFOR December 13, 2024

SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA-BFAR), a multi-species marine hatchery in the Municipality of Sta.Catalina, Province of Ilocos Sur.

SEC. 2. Prior to the establishment of the multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR 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 satellite multi-species marine hatchery, the DA-BFAR, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer the management of the same to the local government of the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of Ilocos Sur. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the hatchery.

SEC. 3. 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 technologies that will enhance the fishing industry.

SEC. 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 marine hatchery in the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of Ilocos Sur, 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 appropriate for the operationalization of the hatchery.

SEC. 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 management of the multi-species marine hatchery to the local govenrment of the Municipality of Sta. Catalina, Province of Ilocos Sur.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in theOfficial Gazetteor in a newspaper of general circulation.