Objectives
- Conduct licensure examinations and registration for fisheries technologists.
- Supervise and regulate fisheries practice in the Philippines.
- Upgrade and professionalize fisheries technologists.
Key Definitions
- Aquaculture: Culturing fish and aquatic species in various water environments.
- Aquatic Resources: Includes fish, aquatic flora, fauna, salt, and corals.
- Board: The Board of Fisheries created under the PRC.
- Fisheries: Activities related to fishing, culturing, conservation, marketing, and management of aquatic resources.
- Fisheries Technologist: Licensed professional qualified to practice fisheries.
- Practice of Fisheries Profession: Includes consultation, design, research, evaluation, teaching, management, and related fishing industry services.
Board of Fisheries Composition
- Consists of a Chairman and two Members appointed by the President from PRC recommendations.
- Board members must be licensed fisheries technologists.
Qualifications of Board Members
- Natural-born Philippine citizen, at least 40 years old, and resident.
- Of proven integrity, good moral character, and no criminal conviction involving moral turpitude.
- Holder of a relevant bachelor's degree with at least 10 years practice.
- No affiliation with fisheries educational institutions or review centers.
Term, Compensation, and Removal
- Three-year term, with staggered initial terms for continuity.
- Members may be reappointed but total service limited to six years.
- Compensation aligned with existing PRC Boards.
- Removal grounds include negligence, incompetence, immoral/unprofessional conduct, violations of the Code of Ethics, or conviction of crime involving moral turpitude.
- Due process ensured in removal or suspension cases.
Powers and Functions of the Board
- Promulgate rules and regulations.
- Conduct licensure examinations and administer professional oath.
- Register and issue licenses; suspend or revoke upon violations.
- Issue official seals and adopt Codes of Ethics and Professional Standards.
- Monitor educational institutions in coordination with CHED.
- Conduct hearings on administrative cases; issue subpoenas.
- Implement mandatory continuing professional education.
- Develop syllabi for licensure examinations.
- Provide annual reports on its activities and recommend improvements.
Administrative Supervision and Records
- Board operates under PRC supervision.
- PRC custodian of Board records including examination materials and disciplinary cases.
- PRC provides secretarial and support services.
Examination and Registration
- Licensure examination mandatory for all applicants.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens of good moral character and graduates of recognized fisheries or related courses.
- Board may suspend/revoke licenses for fraudulent application.
- Exam subjects: Aquaculture, Inland and Capture Fisheries, Post-Harvest, Aquatic Biology, Fisheries Business Management.
- Passing grade: 75% weighted average with no grade below 60%.
- Opportunities for reexamination subject to limitations.
Oath and Certificates
- Successful examinees must take professional oath before practicing.
- Issuance of certificates with photograph and signatures of Board and PRC Chairman.
- Licenses are valid and evidence of legal practice during the validity period.
Seal and Record-keeping
- Fisheries technologists to obtain and use official seals on professional documents.
- Licensed professionals must indicate license and privilege tax receipt numbers on relevant documents.
Grounds for Suspension/Revocation
- Fraudulent registration, incompetence, negligence, immoral or illegal practice, violation of Code of Ethics or regulations.
- Decisions may be appealed to the Commission.
Regulation of Practice
- Only natural persons licensed as fisheries technologists may practice.
- Registered technologists may form firms exclusively comprising licensed members.
Registration Without Examination
- Permitted for certain related degree holders with substantial experience or Civil Service Examination certification.
Integration and Accreditation
- Board to integrate all registered fisheries technologists into a national accredited association.
- Membership mandatory and confers privileges.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreign nationals allowed licensure or registration only if their country grants similar rights to Filipinos.
Funding
- Initial P10 million allocated for Board operations from Department of Agriculture funds.
- Subsequent funding to be included in PRC annual budget.
Implementing Rules and Effectivity
- Board to issue implementing rules subject to Commission approval.
- Resolution takes effect 30 days after publication.
This law provides a comprehensive framework governing the licensure, regulation, and professionalization of fisheries technologists, aiming to uphold ethical standards, technical competence, and advancement of the fisheries profession in the Philippines.