Senate to deliberate proposed Aklan fisheries center

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

A bill introduced by Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez to establish a provincial fisheries and aquatic resources, training, development and product center in Aklan remains pending in the Senate. 

AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

House Bill 7491 seeks to put up the fisheries center under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). 

The bill also aims to tap also the expertise and services of state colleges and universities in Aklan in the operation, establishment and management of the center.

Marquez said the provincial center will also provide online and onsite access on technical assistance in the establishment and operation of government-operated sanctuaries, seaweed processing plants and nurseries, mariculture development park facilities and for the sustainable production and environmentally-sound post-harvest development services.

The solon stressed the provincial center will also offer training activities and technical assistance to fisherfolk and applied technology for innovative and sustainable fish breeding and hatchery of high-value marine species.

The center will also promote local fisheries and aquatic products and provide marketing and product distribution assistance to fisherfolks. 

HB 7491 passed the third and final reading on May 28, 2018 in the 17th Congress after the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources recommended for its approval. The bill was transmitted to the Senate on May 29, 2018 for deliberations.