Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9459)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 9459 is to establish an oyster, mussel, crab, prawn, and shrimp farm in the Municipality of Calabanga, Province of Camarines Sur, including allocation of funds and providing for its operation and maintenance.
The Department of Agriculture is authorized to establish the farm under Republic Act No. 9459.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture, or its equivalent office, is responsible for the supervision and control of the farm.
BFAR is required to demonstrate the scientific culture of oyster, mussels, crab, prawn, and shrimp and other marine and aquatic animals, provide necessary facilities, technology, and issue rules and regulations to implement the purposes of the Act.
Yes, the Department of Agriculture is authorized to conduct research and experiments to improve existing technology on oyster, mussel, crab, prawn, and shrimp farming and to enhance and maximize the income potential of the industry.
Yes, the Department of Agriculture shall assist local governments in establishing their own oyster, mussel, crab, prawn, and shrimp farms as pilot demonstration farms or economic enterprises for local revenue purposes.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall include the funding requirements in the Department's programs, and necessary sums for continuing operation and maintenance shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
RA 9459 took effect upon its approval on May 15, 2007.
The Act was signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.