Establishment of multi-species marine hatchery pushed

THIRD District Representative Dr. Jose Francisco B. Benitez filed this week House Bill 3890, seeking the establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in the municipality of E. B. Magalona.

As the Constitution mandates for provision of support for fisherfolks through appropriate technology, research, adequate financial, production and marketing assistance, he notes that the facility will further strengthen aquaculture development and further enhance seafood production to benefit local fisherfolks and coastal communities.

E. B. Magalona, according to Benitez , is now a major producer of blue crabs, averaging at five (5) tons per day that are processed for export. It is also a major source of oysters, sardines (tuloy), milkfish (bangus), threadfin breams (lagaw) and squid that help steer local economy.

In 2016, the municipality launched its Ugyonan Seafood Festi

val, drawing both local and foreign visitors to the activity and ensuring EB Magalona as an exciting destination for seafood lovers.

The multi-species marine hatchery will ensure the sustainable supply of marine products, Congressman Benitez added.

The Bill provides for the supervision of the multi—species marine hatchery for two years by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture. Through a memorandum of agreement, BFAR shall conduct a training and phase-in plan for the local government on the management and operation of the facility./tde