President Rodrigo R. Duterte
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed the law creating Professional Regulatory Board of Fisheries (PRBF) to professionalize the practice of the fisheries profession in the country.
Duterte signed the “Philippine Fisheries Profession Act” or Republic Act 11398 on Aug. 22 but a copy of the document was released to media on Wednesday (August 28).
Under the law, the government must “provide a program to set up an appropriate and healthy environment for the practice of the fisheries profession" and "establish quality standards for fisheries professionals that will guide fisheries schools/colleges."
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will supervise the PRBF within 90 days after the effectivity of said law. The board will be composed of a chairperson and four members.
Among others the board will have the authority to promulgate, adopt, and issue rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of the law; administer and supervise the licensure examination for admission to the practice of the fisheries profession; and supervise and regulate the licensure, registration, and practice of the fisheries profession.
The board will also have the authority to administer the oath of the profession to successful examinees in the licensure examination for fisheries professionals; register and issue certification of registration to successful examinees; and suspend or revoke the certificate of registration and professional identification cards.
The law also prohibits the unauthorized practice of the fisheries profession; against the corporate practice, and against hiring unlicensed fisheries professionals and penalizes violators with a fine ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP500,000 or imprisonment of six months.
The fisheries professional will be integrated into one national professional organization of fisheries professionals.
Aquatic resources training center
Meanwhile, Duterte also signed RA 11397, a law establishing provincial fisheries and aquatic resources training, development, and product center in the province of Aklan.
"There shall be established in the Province of Aklan, a provincial fisheries and aquatic resources training development, and product center, under the supervision of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture (DA)," the law read.
Under the law, the DA-BFAR shall collaborate with, and tap the expertise, resources, and facilities of the state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the province in the establishment, management, and operation of the center.
The provincial center should provide technology for innovative and sustainable fish breeding and hatchery of high-value marine species; training activities and technical assistance; a database of available insurance and credit assistance for fisherfolk, and local and international grants and scholarships for fisheries and aquatic resources studies and research.
The Agriculture Secretary will be tasked to include in the department's programs the establishment of the provincial fisheries and aquatic resources training, development, and product center, the funding of which will be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Meanwhile, the local government units concerned will be tasked to set aside funds from any available local revenue in an amount deemed appropriate for the operationalization of this center.
The DA-BFAR shall issue rules and regulations necessary to carry out the act. (PNA)
