Republic Act No. 9471

Section 1. There shall be established in suitable or appropriate municipalities in the Province of Camarines Sur, aquatic research and technology center for the breeding, culture and propagation of such as, but not limited to, mud fish ("dalag") , native hito, gurami and freshwater shrimp and other aquatic animals under the guidance and supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture.

Sec. 2. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in coordination with the Province of Camarines Sur and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) , is hereby authorized to assist in the establishment and maintenance of such facilities and equipment as may be necessary to implement the intents and, purposes of this Act. For this purpose, the aquatic research and technology center shall formulate such operating guidelines as shall be recommended by the Department of Agriculture for the breeding, propagation and distribution of spawners, fry or fingerlings of said aquatic species.

Sec. 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's program the funding requirements for the establishment and operationalization of the aquatic research and technology center in the Province of Camarines Sur. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for their continued operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval

Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,

(Sgd.) MANNY VILLAR President of the Senate

(Sgd.) JOSE DE VENECIA, JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 20, 2007 and February 19, 2007, respectively.

(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES Secretary of Senate

(Sgd.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO Secretary General House of Represenatives

Approved: May 21, 2007

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO President of the Philippines