An Act Establishing a Technology Verification Station with Tilapia and Freshwater Prawn Hatcheries in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo, Province of Nueva Ecija, and Appropriating Funds Therefor

May 27, 2022

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11778

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION STATION WITH TILAPIA AND FRESHWATER PRAWN HATCHERIES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF STO. DOMINGO, PROVINCE OF NUEVA ECIJA, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 technology verification station with tilapia and freshwater prawn hatcheries in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo, Province of Nueva Ecija.

SECTION 2. Prior to the establishment of the technology verification station with tilapia and freshwater prawn hatcheries, the BFAR-DA 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 technology verification station with tilapia and freshwater prawn hatcheries, the BFAR-DA, through a memorandum of agreement, shall transfer its management to the local government of the Municipality of Sto. Domingo. It shall implement a training and phasing-in program for local government personnel on the management and operation of the technology verification station and hatcheries.

SECTION 3. The BFAR-DA shall conduct continuing research and experimentation on the breeding and production of tilapia and freshwater prawn species, especially as they apply to local conditions, to discover new methods and technologies that will enhance the fishing industry.

SECTION 4. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs the conduct of the feasibility study and the consequent establishment of the technology verification station with tilapia and freshwater prawn hatcheries in the Municipality of Sto. Domingo, Province of Nueva Ecija, 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 deemed appropriate for the operationalization of the technology verification station and hatcheries.

SECTION 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 technology verification station and hatcheries to the local government of the Municipality of Sto. Domingo.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. cSEDTC

Approved:

Lapsed into law on May 27, 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance with Article VI, Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.