Marcos signs laws to establish fish hatcheries in Agusan del Sur and Zamboanga City

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed laws to create a freshwater fish hatchery in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, and a multi-species marine hatchery in Zamboanga City. These laws were approved on November 12, 2024. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will manage the hatcheries initially but will transfer control to local governments through agreements. Local governments must allocate funds for the hatcheries' operations. BFAR aims to achieve 100% fish sufficiency in the Philippines by 2028. Currently, the fish sufficiency level is 92.5%, based on 2022 data, excluding imports and exports.