Objectives and Scope of Guidelines
- Develop systems and procedures for FARMC integration and operation in Laguna de Bay Region.
- Clarify agency roles and enhance coordination among stakeholders.
- Institutionalize FARMC operations regionally.
Key Definitions
- Agreement: MOA among IACC members.
- Authority or LLDA: Laguna Lake Development Authority.
- Crater Lakes: Seven Lakes of San Pablo City and Tadlak Lake.
- DA-BFAR Region IV: Bureau of Fisheries Region covering Southern Tagalog.
- FARMC: Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council.
- Fisherfolks: Persons directly engaged in fishery activities.
- Fisherfolk Cooperative: Registered association for common economic/social goals.
- Fisherfolks Organizations: Groups with at least 15 members with formal structure.
- Fisheries: Activities related to fishing, culturing, processing, conservation, and management.
- Fishery Operator and Fishworker: Distinguished roles related to ownership and labor.
- Inter-Agency Coordinating Council: Body with multiple government agencies and fisherfolk groups to implement Fisheries Code.
- Laguna de Bay Region: Includes provinces around the lake and selected cities in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
- NGOs and POs: Legitimate organizations involved in fisheries activities.
Formation and Structure of FARMCs
- FARMCs formed by fisherfolk organizations, cooperatives, NGOs; LGUs and LLDA assist.
- Barangay FARMCs (BFARMCs) established in lakeshore barangays, advisory to LGUs and LLDA.
- Municipal/City FARMCs consolidate BFARMCs and integrate into province-wide councils.
- Province-wide FARMCs from Laguna, Rizal, and Metro Manila form Laguna de Bay Integrated FARMC (LdBIFARMC).
- Special FARMCs for Seven Crater Lakes with federated BFARMCs.
Composition and Functions of Councils
- BFARMC/LFARMC includes barangay officials, NGO and private sector reps, agricultural office reps, and at least eleven fisherfolk representatives.
- Functions include assisting in fishery development plans, advising local councils, recommending ordinances, enforcing fishery laws, and other tasks.
- MFARMC/CFARMC composed similarly with municipal officers and fisherfolk reps.
- Province-wide and integrated lakewide councils advise provincial governments, recommend ordinances, assist enforcement, and perform assigned functions.
- LdBIFARMC acts advisory to IACC and LLDA, involved in policy formulation and ordinance recommendations.
Membership and Governance
- Fisherfolk/fishworker members must be licensed, endorsed by organizations, residents for at least one year with good character.
- Youth and women reps must come from accredited fisherfolk youth and women groups.
- NGO and private sector reps endorsed based on involvement and expertise.
- Commercial fishers nominated by recognized associations; failure to nominate results in fisherfolk filling the slot.
- Officers elected from fisherfolk representatives with a two-year term, limited to three consecutive terms.
- FARMCs adopt by-laws consistent with national fisheries and local government laws.
- Council structure includes advisory bodies and task forces for enforcement, livelihood, rehabilitation, education, and other functions.
Election and Technical Committees
- COMELEC established to administer elections of FARMC officers; composed of LLDA and DA-BFAR reps.
- A Technical Committee reviews election mechanics and FARMC IRR; comprises LLDA (Chair), DA-BFAR (Vice Chair), provincial representatives, fisherfolk rep, and FARMC Chair.
Funding and Financial Administration
- Funds appropriated by DA, LGUs, and Department of Agriculture's Aprofishtech Fund.
- LLDA allotted corporate funds subject to board approval and availability.
- LGUs to allocate budget from fishpen/fishcage fees based on agreements.
- FARMC funds administered per government auditing and accounting rules.
- Fund releases based on approved annual work program and budgets submitted before fiscal year-end.
Law Enforcement Provisions
- Technical Committee to formulate enforcement programs, including training, monitoring, and information campaigns.
- Coordination among LLDA, LGUs, DA, DOJ, DILG, CHR, Coast Guard, and MARICOM for effective enforcement.
- Deputized FARMC members entitled to privileges and free legal services to protect rights.
Transition and Reporting
- Pre-existing FARMCs recognized but to be reorganized under new guidelines.
- Existing officers serve until Dec 31, 2001, with elections to be held beforehand.
- LdBIFARMC to prepare semi-annual accomplishment reports to LLDA and DA.
Effectivity
- Guidelines effective fifteen days after publication and remain until revoked or superseded.