Six members of the House of Representatives are sponsoring a bill that will create a department that will be responsible for developing and securing the country's fishery and aquatic resources. Rogelio Amatorio, a fisherfolk representative to the National Anti-Poverty Commission, said the six lawmakers have agreed to push House Bill 3184, or the Law creating The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The bill also stipulates that the functions, appropriations, records, properties, equipment and personnel of government agencies like the National and Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils; National Fisheries Research and Development Institute; the Philippine Technical Advisory Committee of the SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department; and the Laguna Lake Development Authority will all be transferred to the DFAR.

Apanay, I. K. (2007, December 20). Department for fisheries proposed at Congress. The Manila Times, p. A3.