Title
Supreme Court
Implementation of Integrated Fisheries Development
Law
Letter Of Instructions No. 459
Decision Date
Sep 8, 1976
The Letter of Instructions No. 459 outlines the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies involved in fisheries development in the Philippines, including monitoring activities, implementing infrastructure programs, promoting education and training, enforcing fishery laws, providing financial support, and coordinating fishery activities.

Law Summary

Role of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

  • Monitor implementation activities of involved agencies.
  • Develop new programs and systems for effective fisheries development.
  • Prepare and execute integrated infrastructure plans for fishing industry facilities.
  • Regionalize the development plan to address area-specific needs.
  • Establish a dedicated Fisheries Research Fund.

Responsibilities of the Department of Education and Culture (DEC)

  • Work jointly with DNR, University of the Philippines, and Educational Projects Implementing Task Force.
  • Prepare and implement a master plan for fisheries education and training programs.

Duties of the Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD)

  • Organize fishermen's groups called Samahang Nayon, focusing on Muslim Mindanao sustenance fishermen.
  • Provide training for BFAR extension workers in organizing these groups.

Functions of the Department of Industry (DI)

  • Promote small and medium-scale fishing and related industries.
  • Provide technical and management assistance for project identification, development, and implementation.

Role of the Department of National Defense (DND)

  • Assist enforcement and implementation of fishery laws and regulations through the Philippine Constabulary and Coast Guard.
  • Operate under a Memorandum of Agreement with DNR dated July 31, 1976.

Obligations of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications (DPWTC)

  • Draw plans and construct infrastructures like fishing ports, harbors, and markets when requested by DNR.

Responsibilities of the Department of Public Highways (DPH)

  • Prioritize planning and construction of access roads to fishery industry infrastructures.
  • Special focus on Muslim Mindanao region.

Role of the University of the Philippines (UP)

  • Prepare and implement a comprehensive fisheries research program coordinated with DNR and Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research.
  • Assist DEC with fisheries education and training master plan.

Financial Institutions Involved

  • Central Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, and Presidential Committee on Agricultural Credit provide financial support for fisheries development.
  • The Presidential Committee on Agricultural Credit coordinates programming and negotiations of financial requirements.

Role of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research

  • Monitor and evaluate all fisheries research activities in coordination with DNR, Fishery Industry Development Council, and UP.

Functions of the Fishery Industry Development Council

  • Formulate policies on management, conservation, utilization, and development of fisheries resources.
  • Collect data for policy formulation.
  • Coordinate fishery activities among agencies.
  • Monitor and evaluate fisheries projects with the National Economic and Development Authority.
  • Lead updating efforts of the Integrated Fisheries Development Plan.

Philippine Fish Marketing Authority (PFMA) Duties

  • Conduct site surveys for marketing infrastructure.
  • Prepare and implement market development programs.
  • Operate Fishery Market News Service in major fish landing centers in coordination with BFAR.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Responsibilities

  • Implement fisheries extension programs.
  • Carry out fisheries regulation and licensing system rationalization.
  • Provide technical support for fishermen organizations in coordination with DLGCD.
  • Implement improved fisheries statistical systems with PFMA.
  • Recommend plans to Fishery Industry Development Council consistent with the integrated plan.

Reporting and Effectivity

  • DNR must keep the President informed on implementation progress.
  • All inconsistent administrative issuances are revoked or modified.
  • The Letter of Instruction is effective immediately from the date signed.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur is a legal research platform serving the Philippines with case digests and jurisprudence resources. AI digests are study aids only—use responsibly.