Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session `
•^r.
HOUSE BILL NO.
5981
Introduced by Rep. Dante S. Garcia
HXPLANATORY NOTE
An  estimated  eighty-eight percent  (88%)  of the  world's  poorest  are  in rural  areas,
according to a data gathered by the lnternational Labour Organization.  This is especially true
of developing nations,  thus the need to  develop  a  solid rural  development agenda.     In  the
past,  agriculture was  seen  as  the backbone  of rural  economy  and the key to  development.
However,  as  societies  have  progressed  and  modemized,  rural  activities  have  diversified
making it clear that a centralized approach to rural development is not an efficient way to go
about.     It  is  therefore  important  that  a  convergence  of National  Government  Agencies
(NGAs)  and Local  Government Units  (LGUs),  with the  support and participation  of Non-
Govemment  Organizations  (NGOs)  and the  mral  community  itself,  be  institutiollalized  to
develop a sustainable development plan.
In its pursuit to achieve such plans, the Philippine Government launched in I 999, the
National Convergence Initiative (NCI) as a mechanism for institutional coordination.   Under
the  arrangement,  the  three  principal  agencies  attached  to  rural  development,  namely  the
Department  of Agriculture  (DA),  Department  of Agrarian  Reform  (DAR),  Depaithent  of
Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (DENR)  plus  the  Department  of Interior  and  Local
Government (DILG) are supposed to undertake joint planning, budgeting, implementation as
well as moritoring and evaluation in the achievement of sector-wide goals and targets.
Unfortunately,  the  NCI  has  achieved  limited  results  in  more  than  two  decades.
Structural,  operational  and  political  issues  have  affected the  coordination  of rural  service
delivery.    The  three  principal  agencies  are  still  fragmented  into  a  multitude  of attached
agencies  and  bureaus  while  having  overlapping  functions  across  and  within  each  other.
Moreover, vertical coordination with LGUs js supported by law, but have been ha]'npered by
capacity constraints on both national and local government units.  Meanwhile, despite always
being  a  prominent  idea  in  Philippine  Development  Plans   (PDPs)  since   1999,  political
commitmellt is not guaranteed as the NCI had to be reactivated by three Joint Memorandunl
Circulars (JMCs) under different administrations.


It has therefore come to fore that institutionalizing a National Convergence Strategy
for Sustainable Rural Development is necessary to finally achieve the results needed for rural
development.  In doing so, it is hoped that complementation of efforts and resources between
the  principal  NGAs  will  finally  be  achieved  by  providing  the  necessary  implementing
mechanism critical to its success.  This will ultimately equate to a better life for people in the
oral areas.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this proposed measure is eamestly sought.
E S. GARCIA
of La Union


Republic Of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH  CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HousE BiLL^N®o.   5981
Introduced by Representative Dante S. Garcia
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CONVERGENCE STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDING THE IIVIPLEIVIENTING IVIECHANISMS
THEREFOR
Be  it  enacted   by  the   Senate  and  the   House  of  Representatives  of  the
Philippines in Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
General Provisions
SECTION   1.   Short   rftfe.   -  This   Act   shall   be   known   as   the   "Ivafr.ona/
Convergence Strategy for Sustainable Rural Development (NCS-SRD) Act."
SEC.  2.  Dec/arafi-on  of Po/I.cy.  -  It  is  the  policy  of  the  State  to  promote
agricultural  development as a  means to  ensure food  security and  alleviate  poverty.
Towards this end, the State shall  develop and  operationalize a common framework
for equitable,  inclusive,  and sustainable rural development through the convergence
of the resources of the principal departments of the National Government concerned
with  rural  development,  namely the  Department of Agriculture  (DA),  Department  of
Agrarian    Reform    (DAR),    Department   of   Environment   and   Natural   Resources
(DENR),   and   the   Department   of   Interior   and   Local   Government   (DILG).      This
convergence shall be implemented through a national convergence strategy.
SEC.    3.    Gu/-d/.ng   Pr7-nc/.p/es.    -   The    implementation    of   the    National
Convergence  Strategy  for  sustainable  rural  development  (NCS-SRD)  is  guided  by
the following principles:
a)           The      National      Convergence      Strategy     is     an      institutionalized
complementation  strategy among the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and the  DILG.   The four (4)
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rural  development  departments  shall  work  with  other  national  line  agencies  and
government-owned   and   controlled   corporations   (GOCCs),   primarily  the   National
Electrification   Administration   (NEA),   National   Irrigation   Administration   (NIA),   and
National Food Authority (NFA), the academe, donor agencies,  international and local
non-government   organization   (NGOs),   people's   organizations   (POs),   and   other
relevant stakeholders to mitigate institutional coordination problems.
b)   The complementation of resources and expertise of the DA,  DAR,  DENR,
and   the    DILG,    and    local    government   units    (LGUs)   shall    be   the    primordial
consideration    in    the    implementation    of   the    National    Convergence    Strategy:
Prov/.bed,  that  such  collaborative  activities  shall  not  alter  or  impair  the  respective
mandates of the DA, DAR, DENR, and the DILG;
c)    The  primacy  of  the  LGUs  as  the  integrating  and  converging  force  for
sustainable rural development at the local level shall be emphasized.  The NCS-SRD
shall aim to strengthen the LGUs into becoming sustainable economies;
d)    The  National  Convergence  Strategy  must  have  a  defined  constituency.
Intervention  following  the  ridge-to-reef strategy  shall  focus  on  smallholder farmers,
both  agrarian  reform  beneficiaries  (ARBs),  and  nan-ARBs,  small  fisherfolk,  upland
dwellers, and Indigenous Peoples (lps);
e)  The participatory approach shall be adopted in all phases of development:
planning  and  budgeting,  implementation,  monitoring  and  evaluation,  reporting  and
knowledge sharing;
f)   The  National  Convergence Strategy shall  be incorporated  in  all  programs,
projects and activities of the national government departments and concerned LGUs
to enhance the complementation of resources and expertise of the DA, DAR, DENR,
DILG,  and  LGUs;
g)  The National Convergence Strategy shall include relevant measures for an
enabling  environment to  encourage  investment  by the  private  sector,  cooperatives
and other NGOs.
SEC. 4.  Scope. -This Act shall apply to all rural development areas primarily
inhabited by targeted beneficiaries,  namely, the small holder farmers, both ARBs and
non ARBs, small fisherfolk, upland dwellers, and  lps.
SEC. 5. Defini'fi.on of rerms. As used in this Act:
(a)  Agrar/.an reform bene#c/.aries /ARBSJ refer to landless farmers and regular
farm  workers,  irrespective  of  tenurial  arrangement,  who  were  awarded  lands  as
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evidenced  by  an   Emancipation   Patent  (EP)  or  a  Certificate  of  Land  Ownership
Award  (CLOA)  under  Presidential  Decree  (PD)  No.  27  or  Republic  Act  (RA)  No.
6657,  as amended, otherwise known as the "Comprehens/.ve Agrar/.an Reform Law
of 7988", including the leaseholders to the landowners' retained areas who represent
the ARB group which were not awarded with lands but whose tenurial rights maybe
evidenced by the registration of leasehold contracts;
(b)    Agr/.bus/.ness  refers  to  agriculture  and  fishery-based  activities  that  put
farmers,  processors,  distributors, consumers, and other players within a system that
produces,  processes,  transports,  markets,  and  distributes  agricultural  and  fishery
products using appropriate technologies and applications;
(c)    Convergence  refers  to  the  integration,  complementation,  harmonization
and optimization of institutional, technical, financial, and human resources;
(d)    Ecosystem  refers  to  a  physically  defined  environment  made  up  of two
inseparable    components    which    are   the    i)    biotope,    or   a    particular   physical
environment with specific characteristics such as the climate, temperature,  humidity,
and   concentration   of  nutrients,   and   the   ii)   biocenosis   which   is   a   set  of  living
organisms   such   as   animals,   plants   or   micro-organisms   that   are   in   constant
interaction and are, therefore, in a situation of interdependence;
(e)   Forest ecosystem refers to a dynamic complex of plant animal and micro-
organism  communities and their abiotic environment interacting  as a functional unit,
where trees are a key component and where humans,  with their cultural,  economic
and environmental needs are an integral part of;
(f)    /nd/.genous  peap/es  //PsJ  refers  to  a  group  of  people  or  homogenous
societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by others who have continuously
lived as an organized community on communally bounded  and defined territory,  and
who,   under   claims   of   ownership   since   time   immemorial,   occupied   the   same;
possessed   customs,   tradition   and   other  distinctive   cultural  traits,   or  who   have,
through   resistance  to   political,   social   and   cultural   inroads   of  colonization,   non-
indigenous religions and  culture]  became  historically differentiated  from the  majority
Of Filipinos;
(g)       Sma//   ho/der   ra/mers   refer   to   marginal   and   sub-marginal   farms
households that own  or cultivate  not more than  three  (3)  hectares  of land  including
ARBs and non-ARBs;
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(h)     Sma//  fi-sherfo/*  refer  to   people  directly  or  personally  and   physically
engaged in culturing and processing fishery and aquatic resources;
(i)   Susfai'nab/e rt/ra/ deve/opmerif (SRD) refers to the development objective
of  meeting  the  needs  of the  present  generation  in  the  rural  communities,  without
compromising  the  ability  of future  generations  to  meet their own  needs,  consistent
with the principles of social equity, efficiency and environmental integrity.
CHAPTER 11
Physical Framework
SEC.  6.  Gujd/.ng  Framework.  -  The  convergence  strategy  shall  adopt  the
ridge-to-reef   or   sustainable   integrated   area   development   approaches   as   the
intervention framework in the convergence areas.
The ridge-to-reef strategy refers to the development approach where coastal
and estuarine ecosystems are managed so human settlements in  upland and forest
areas,  in  middle  and  lowland  areas,  or  in  coastal  areas]  may  use  the  resources
therein  to  support  livelihood  and  derive  income therefrom  in  a  sustainable  manner,
minimizing  therefore  damage  to  wetlands  and  marine  environments.    On  the  other
hand,  integrated area development refers to a development approach that considers
the  ecological,  economic,  political,  cultural  and  human  challenges  and  opportunities
in a specific area.
For purposes of this Act,  convergence area refers to the physical area that is
selected according to a set of criteria mandated under Section 7 of this Act, and shall
be   developed   according   to   a   Convergence   Area   Development   Plan   (CADP)
proposed  by  the  LGU,  and  approved  by  the  NCS-SRD  Executive  Board  created
under Section 10 of this Act.
SEC.  7.  Cr/-feri.a  for Se/ecfjon Areas.  - There  shall  be  a  set of mandatory
and   prioritization   criteria   that   shall   guide   the   identification   and   selection   of   a
convergence area.
(a)  The mandatory criteria include the following:
(1)   Adequacy or ecosystem zones.  -The  convergence  area  must  cut
across  the  various  ecosystems  or  must  be   a   combination   of  at  least  two   (2)
ecosystems;
{2)   Good financial housekeeping record. - The LGu must show proof Of
good  governance  performance  in  internal  housekeeping,  particularly  in  sound  fiscal
management.
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(b)  The prioritization criteria include the following:
(1)   Key production areas with connectivity for increased productivity and
/.ncome. -the convergence areas must have been identified by the DA, DAR, DENR,
and  the  DILG  for  agro-forestry  and  fisheries  development  for  major  production  or
with potential for expansion, scaling up or connection to allied industries, services for
backward and forward integration;
(2)  Combination of sites across major poverty groups. -The corNergence
areas  must  cover a  significant  number of smallholder farmers,  agricultural  workers
including   actual   and   potential   ARBs,   fisherfolk,   lps,   rural   women,   and   upland
dwellers;
(3)    Presence  of  relevant  stakeholders  and  civil  society  organizations
/CSOsJ.  - The  convergence  areas  must  have  active  CSOs  that  may  be  tapped  to
support  the  convergence  initiative;  these  include  private,  business,  academic,  and
research institutions that are willing to partner within the convergence area.
CHAPTER Ill
NCS€RD Ecosystem Technical Working Groups and Components
SEC.  8.  Ecosystem  Technical  Working  Groups  of NCS-SRD. Three  (3)
technical  working  groups  (TWGs)  shall  implement the  NCS-SRD  in  an  ecosystem.
They shall be equally important and mutually re-enforcing,  and  shall ensure that the
objectives  of  the  NCS-SRD  as  a  means  of  improving  institutional  efflciencies  are
achieved.
Infrastructure   development   shall   from   part   of   the   improvement   of   the
ecosystem   and   shall   silfflciently   consider  the   impact   of  such   development   on
ecosystem services.
The TWG  on  Coastal and  Marine  Resources  Management shall address the
issues  and  concerns  pertaining  to  the  use  and  management  of  coral  reefs,  sea
grasses  and  algal  beds,   brackish  wetland  areas,  mangroves  and  beach  forests
ecosystems.    The  TWG  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  concerned
offices  and  units  of the  DA,  BAR,  DENR  and  DILG.    Other  government  agencies,
NGOs, POs, the academe, private sector or business groups, and other associations
may,  upon determination of the NCS-SRD  Executive Board,  be invited to participate
in the work of the TWG.
The  TWG  on  Sustainable  Lowland  Agriculture  shall  address  the  issues  and
concerns  on  the   use  and   management  of  agricultural  ecosystems  through  the
5


application of good agricultural practices or applied  knowledge and  practices geared
at  addressing  environmental,  economic  and  social  sustainability  dimensions  of on-
farm  production  and  post-production  processes,  resulting  in  unique  and  exceptional
non-food  agricultural  products,  and  safe  and  nutritious  food  products.    The  TWG
shall  be  composed  of representatives  of the  concerned  offices  or  units  of the  DA.
DAR,  DENR,  and  DILG.    Other government  agencies,  NGOs,  POs,  the  academe,
and private sector may upon the determination of the NCS-SRD Executive Board, be
invited to participate in the meetings and activities of the TWG.
The TWG on  Forestry and Upland Development shall address the issues and
concerns on the  use and  sustainable management of the upland  areas and forests
ecosystems through conservation of biodiversity,  protection of primary or old growth
forests  and  secondary growth  forests,  and  rehabilitation  of degraded  and  denuded
ecosystems.    The  TWG  shall  be  composed  of  representatives  of  the  concerned
offices  and  units  of the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and  DILG.    Other government agencies,
NGOs,    POs,    the    academe,    private   sector   or   business   groups   may,    upon
determination  of  the  NCS-SRD  Executive  Board,   be  invited  to  participate  in  the
meetings and activities of the TWG.
For purposes of this section, pn.mary or a/d growth forests refer to untouched,
pristine  forests  that  exist   in  their  original   condition   and   relatively  unaffected   by
human  activity,  while   secondary  growth  roresf     refers  to  the  largest  and   most
dynamic natural forest ecosystem  in the  Philippines which  is typically an area which
has been disturbed, whether naturally or unnaturally, such as those recovering from
the effects of selective logging, or areas that have been degraded by slash-and-burn
agriculture    or   kaingin    but   have    been    reclaimed    by   forest   growth    and    are
characterized by a less developed canopy structure, smaller trees, and less diversity.
SEC. 9.  Components of the NCS-SRD -The components of the functions of
the three (3) TWGs are as follows:
(a)    Po//.cy  and  Advocacy.    This  component  shall  address  the  issues  and
problems   of  conflicting,   overlapping,   and   other  unclear  policies   related   to   land
administration,    regulatory   framework,    operational    strategies,    and   jurisdictional
boundaries.
(b)        Agro-Enterprise and Agribusiness Development. Thiis component shall
facilitate  enterprise  development  and  agribusiness  within  the  convergence  areas
through the establishment of agro-enterprise clusters in all provinces. These clusters
6


shall  be  the  focus  for  agribusiness  initiatives  based  on  the  potential  of the  areas,
especially  those  designated   as  strategic  zones  in  the  strategic  agricultural  and
fisheries development zones maps.
For purposes Of th.is sectiion3 a strategic agricultural and fisheries development
zone  refers  to  an  area  within  the  Network  of  Protected  Areas  for Agricultural  and
Agro-industrial     Development    identified    for    production,     agro-processing,     and
marketing   activities   to   help   develop,   and   modernize,   with   the   support   of   the
government,  the  agriculture  and  fisheries  sectors  in  an  environmentally  and  socio-
cultural[y sound manner.
c)           CapacJ'£y Deve/apmenf. This component shall ensure the organizational
preparedness  of  the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and  the  DILG  and  the  building  up  of  the
capacity  of  other  stakeholders  to  implement  the  NCS-SRD  through  training  and
technology-transfer activities.
(d)         Know/edge Management.  This component shall ensure that the  NCS-
SRD  programs,  projects  and  activities  are  properly  and  efficiently  monitored  and
documented  to  facilitate  adoption,  expansion  and  scaling  up  of  innovations,  when
possible and necessary.
CHAPTER IV
Implementing Structure and Mechanism
Article One
National Policy Administration
SEC.10.   WCS-SRD  Execufi.ve  Board.   -The  NCS-SRD  Executive  Board,
hereinafter referred to as the Board,  is established to act as the policy making  body
of the  NCS-SRD. The Board shall direct the implementation of the  provisions of this
Act, and shall have the following as ex-off/.c/.o members:
(a) Secretary of Agriculture as Chairperson;
(b) Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources;
(c) Secretary of Agrarian Reform;
(d) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; and
(e) Executive Director of the NCS-SRD National Secretariat.
The Department Secretaries may appoint their respective permanent alternate
representatives whose rank shall not be lower than Undersecretary.
SEC.11.  Powers and Funcfi.ons.  -The  Board  shall  exercise the following
powers and functions:
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(a)          Provide   the   overall    policy   directions   for   the   implementation    of
programs, projects and other related activities under the NCS-SRD;
(b)        Approve  programs,  projects,  and  plans]  and  the  implementing  rules
and regulations pertaining to the operation of the NCS-SRD;
(c)         Appoint  the   national  focal   person   (NFP)  with   a   rank  of  Assistant
Secretary  and  a  deputy  national  focal  person  (DNFP) with  a  rank  of Director  lv to
spearhead the  NCS-SRD  Technical Working  Group  (NCS-SRD TWG) and  oversee
and supervise NCS-SRD operations.
(d)           Consult    with    other    concerned    national    government    agencies,
stakeholders,   and   partner  agencies  on   policies  and   major  programs  related  to
sustainable rural development;
(e)          Approve    memoranda   of   agreement   with    investors   and   funding
agencies as recommended for approval by the NCS-SRD national focal person;
(f)          Approve  the  implementation  and  coordination  structure  of  the  NCS-
SRD,  including  the  membership  of  the  National  Convergence  Strategy  Technical
Working  Group  (NCS-SRD  TWG),  the  three  (3)  NCS-SRD  Ecosystem  Technical
Working Groups (NCS-SRD ETWG) and the four (4) NCS-SRD Component Working
Groups (NCS-SRD CWG), through a Joint Special Order;
(g)          Allocate the  resources to carry out the plans,  programs,  projects,  and
other related activities of the NCS-SRD;
(h)            Regularly   advise   the   President   of  the   Philippines   on   all   matters
concerning the imp[ementation of convergence initiative strategies;
SEC.12.  Meefi.ngs of ffle Board -The Board shall meet on  a quarteriy basis
and  may hold special meetings as deemed  necessary. The Secretary of Agriculture
shall   act   as   the   Lead    Convenor   and   the   Secretaries   of   Agrarian    Reform,
Environment  and  Natural  Resources,  and  the  Interior  and  Local  Government  shall
act  as  Co-Convenors.  The  meetings  may  be  held  in  rotation  amongst the four  (4)
departments   of  the   convenors.   In  the   absence   of  the   Lead   Convenor  or  Co-
Convenor  of  the  host  department,  the  principal  members  present  may  decide  or
choose among themselves who shall chair the meeting.
SEC. 13. National Focal Person and Deputy National Focal Person. -The
Board   shall   appoint   a   National   Focal   Person   (NFP),   with   a   rank   of  Assistant
Secretary,  to spearhead the NCS-SRD Technical Working  Group (NCS-SRD TWG)
and  supervise the  NCS-SRD  operations.  The  NFP  shall  act  as the  Chairperson  of
8


the  NCS-SRD  TWG  and  shall  be  assisted  by  a  Deputy  National  Focal  Person
(DNFP),  with  a  rank  of  Director  lv,  and  by  the  NCS-SRD  Executive  Director.  The
NFP shall also convene the members of the NCS-SRD TWG to discuss the status of
the   NCS-SRD   programs,   projects   and   activities   before   the   conduct   of   Board
meetings. The NFP shall come from the DA as the lead department, the DNFP shall
come from the DENR, DAR, or DILG.
SEC.14. Conyengence Foca/ Persons. -The DA, DAR, DENR, and the DILG
shall  designate  a  Convergence  Focal  Person  responsible  for the  coordination  and
management  of  the  convergence  program  in  their  respective  departments  in  the
national and field levels.
SEC.15.  NCS-SRD  Tyre.  -The  NCS-SRD TWG  shall serve as the  advisory
and recommendatory body to the Board  on matters related to the implementation  of
the NCS SRD.
SEC.16. Composi.fi-on of the NCS-SRD rM/G. -The NCS-SRD TWG shall be
composed of the following members:
(a) Chairperson, TWG on Coastal and Marine Resources Management
(b) Chairperson, TWG on Lowland Resources Management
(c) Chairperson, TWG on Forestry and Upland Development
(d) Convergence Focal Person, DA (Agro-Enterprise Development)
(e) Convefflence Focal Person, DAR (Policy and Advocacy)
(f) Convergence Focal Person, DENR (Knowledge Management)
(g) Convergence Focal Person, DILG (Capacity Development)
(h) Executive Director, NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office
SEC.  77.  NCS-SAD  Na(I.ona/ Secrefarr.af Office.  I A  permanent  NCS-SRD
National Secretariat is created with a plantilla for its administrative and technical staff
complement.  Filling  up  of permanent  personnel  must  be  based  on  the  current  and
existing   NCS-SRD   National   Secretariat   organizational   structure.   The   NCS-SRD
National  Secretariat Office  headed  by an  Executive Director who shall  be appointed
by the  Secretary of Agriculture. The  Executive  Director shall have a rank of Director
lv   and   shall   oversee   and   supervise   NCS-SRD   operations   and   the   National
Secretariat.  The  Executive  Director shall  come  from  DA and  shall  directly  report to
the Board.
The  NCS-SRD  National  Secretariat  shall  be  composed  of  personnel  to  be
selected  and  seconded  from  the  DA,  DENR,  DAR  and  the  DILG  in  addition  to  the
9


designated  coordinators of each working  group.  The  NCS-SRD  National  Secretariat
shall work closely with the NCS SRD national focal person and deputy national focal
person,   the   Chairpersons   of  the   different   TWGs   and   the   Convergence   Focal
Persons.
SEC.18. Functions of the NCS-SRD National Secretariat. -The NCS-SF`D
National Secretariat shall have the following functions:
(a)          Assist  in  the  conduct  of  Board  and  NCS-SRD  TWG  meetings  and
workshops, write shops, seminars, fora, and consultations;
(b)          Provide  administrative  and  technical  support  to  the  Board  and  NCS-
SRD TWG;
(c)           Document  and  disseminate  the  highlights  of  the  proceedings  of  the
Board and NCS-SRD TWG meetings and activities;
(d)          Ensure  that  appropriate  actions  are  taken  on  agreements  reached
during the Board and NCS-SRD TWG meetings and activities;
(e)          Submit  monitoring  and  progress  reports  to  the  Board  and  NCS-SRD
TWG and other oversight bodies;
(f)           Follow up on the activities to  be conducted  by the three  (3) NCS-SRD
ETWGs   and   four  (4)   NCS-SRD   CWGs,   and   ensure  that  the  timelines  for  the
activities are strictly followed;
(g)          Manage  the  databa§e  of the  convergence  areas  in  coordination  with
the CWG on knowledge management; and
(h)         Perform other functions as the Board may direct.
There  shall   be  a  satellite  secretariat  office  to  be  established   in  the   rural
development departments. Each satellite secretariat office shall be composed of staff
from the offices of the respective permanent Alternate Board Representatives.
Article Two
Sub-National Level Administration
SiEC.   19.   Regional   Convergence   Strategy  -  Technical  Working   Group
/RCS-7-M/G).  -  Parallel  to  the  NCS-SRD  TWG,  the  RCS-TV\/G  shall  manage  and
supervise the programs, projects, and other related activities at the regional level.
SEC.  20.  Dufi-es  and Responsi.b/./i.fi.es.  -  The  duties  and  responsibilities  of
the RCS-TWG are as follows:
(a)        Work closely with the other government line agencies and  offices and
with    the    Regional    Development    Council    (RDC)    and    concerned    Provincial
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Development  Council  (PDC)  to  ensure  that  the  enhanced  convergence  strategy_
interventions are aligned with the regional development agenda and initiatives;
(b)        Facilitate complementation of efforts and resources for greater impact;
/c)           Coordinate    and    work   closely   with   the    Provincial    LGUs    in   the
implementation   of  the   NCS-SRD   plans,   programs,   projects,   and   other   related
activities.  The  Regional  Directors  of rural  development  departments  may enter into
an agreement with the Provincial Governor or LGU leagues, as necessary;
(d)         Meet  monthly  or  when  necessary,  to  discuss  issues  and  problems
related to the implementatjon of plans, programs and activities.
SEC.   21.   Composi.fi-o»   of  the   RCS-7-WG.   -   The   RCS-TWG   shall   be
composed of the following:_
(a)         Regional  Directors of the  DA,  DENR,  DAR,  AND  DILG,  one  of whom
maybe elected as the chairperson;
(b)        The three (3) other rural development department regional directors will
act as co-chairpersons; and
(c)        Regional Focal persons of the rural development departments and the
Head of the RCS-TWG Secretariat as Members.
The  Chairperson  of  the  RCS-TWG  shall  be  a  convergence  champion  and
shall  be voted  upon  by and  among  the  Regional  Directors  of the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,
and   DILG.   Upon   the   organization   of   the   TWG,   a   resolution   attesting   to   the
assumption  of  duties  and  functions  shall  be  submitted  to  the  NCS-SRD  National
Secretariat.  If  necessary,  the  membership  of the  RCS-TWG  may  be  expanded  to
include representatives from the Provincial LGUs and other agencies.
The RCS-Secretariat is composed of representatives from the regional offices
of DA,  DAR, DENR and DILG.
The RCS Secretariat is headed by the Regional Focal Person. The
Regional Focal Person and the members of the RCS Secretariat shall be designated
by the Chairperson of the RCS-TWG.
SEC.  22`  Provincial  Convergence  Strategy  Technical  Working  Group
/PCS-rwG). - The  PCS-TWG  is responsible for implementing the  plans,  programs,
projects,   and   other  related   activities  of  the   NCS-SRD  at  the   provincial   level   in
collaboration    with    RCS-TWG.    The    PCS-TWG    shall    identify    and    determine
appropriate    interventions,    resources,    and    support   services   needed    such    as
infrastructure, logistics, extension,  inputs,  lands, and institutional development for the
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implementation of the NCS plans and programs.
The   Provincial   Governor   shall   chair   the   PCS-TWG   and   the   Provincial
Directors of the  DAR,  DENR and  DILG shall act as Co-Chairpersons. The members
of  the  PCS-TWG  are  the  Provincial  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Officer
(PENRO),  Provincial  Agrarian  Reform  Officer  (PARO),  Provincial Agriculture  Officer
(PAO),    Provincial    planning   and    Development   Coordinator   (PPDC),    Provincial
Government-Environment  and  Natural  Resources  Officer  (PG-ENRO),  Agricultural
Program  Coordinating  Officer  /APCO)  of the  DA  and  Provincial  Interior  and  Local
Government    Officer    (PILGO).    The    provincial    LGU    shall    lead    the    interface
mechanisms and the rural development departments shall provide the technical and
operational  support.  Existing  LGU  mechanisms  may  be  adopted  to  spearhead  or
manage the convergence initiatives at the LGU level.
SEC.  23.  Municipal  Convergence  Strategy  Technical  Working  Group
/mos-"/GJ. - The MCS-TWG is responsible for implementing the plans,  programs,
projects, and other related  activities of the NCS-SRD at the respective municipalities
in  collaboration  with  the  PCS-TWG.  The  MCS-TWG  shall  identify  and  determine
appropriate    interventions,    resources,    and    support   services   needed   such    as
infrastructure, logistics, extension, inputs, lands, and institutional development for the
implementation of the NCS-SRD plans and programs.
The Chairperson of the MCS-TWG is headed  by the Municipal  Mayor and the
Municipal Head of DAR, DENR and DILG are the Co-Chairpersons. The members of
the  MCS-TWG   are  the  Community  Environment  and   Natural   Resources  Officer
(CENRO),  City or Municipal  Environment and  Natural  Resource Officer (C/MENRO),
Municipal  Agrarian   Reform   Officer  (MARO),   Municipal  Agriculture   Officer  (MAO),
concerned   Municipal   Planning   and   Development  Coordinator  (MPDC),   Municipal
Interior and  Local  Government  Officer  (MILGO)  and  a  designated  DA regional field
office representative. The municipal or city LGU shall lead the interface mechanisms
and  the  DA,   DAR,   DENR  and  DILG  shall  provide  the  technical  and  operational
support.  Existing  LGU  mechanisms  may  be  adopted  to  spearhead  or  manage  the
convergence initiatives at the LGU level.
Article Three
Monitoring and Evaluation
SEC.  24.  Mon/-fori.ng and Eya/uafi.on.  -A monitoring  and evaluation system
based   on   the   performance   indicators   set   by   the   Department   of   Budget   and
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Management  (DBM)  shall  be  developed  and  strictly  implemented  and  managed.  A
regular  reporting  system  shall  be  installed  in  an  open  and  transparent  manner  in
accordance with the  Management for Development Results (MDR) principles aimed
to help keep track of the progress and end result of the project implementation of the
convergence area. The  monitoring  and  evaluation  report must identify and  describe
the   gaps   and   issues   experienced   during   the   implementation   of  the   NCS,   the
learnings on convergence as an approach to sustainable rural development, and the
proposed policy recommendations.
CHAPTER VI
Final Provisions
SEC. 25. Convening of NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office. -W.lth.ln stlxty
(60)  days from  the  effectivity of this Act,  the  Secretary  of Agriculture  shall  convene
the   NCS   SRD   National   Secretariat  Office.   The   current  head   of  the   NCS-SRD
National   Secretariat  shall   sit  temporarily   as   Officer-in-Charge   of  the   NCS-SRD
National   Secretariat   Ofrice   until   such   time   that  a   regular   Executive   Director   is
appointed.
SEC.  26.  Implementing  Rules  and  Regulations.  - W.tth.in  siirty  (60)  days
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretaries of the DA,  DAR,  DENR, and the DILG
shall    jointly    issue    the    necessary    rules    and    regulations    for    the    effective
imp[ementation of this Act.
SEC.  27.  Srrt/cfure ancf S{affl.ng Pattern.  - Within  sixty  (60)  days from  the
effectivity of this Act, the NCS Executive Board shall formulate and  submit the NCS-
SRD   National  Secretariat  Office's  proposed  organizational  structure  and  staffing
pattern for final approval to the DBM.
The  DA  shall  assist  in  the  preparation  of the  Organizational  Structure  and
Staffing  Pattern  to  ensure  that  the  NCS-SRD  National  Secretariat  may  effectively
carry out its mandated functions under this Act.
SEC.    28.   Approp"`afi.ons.    -   The   funds   necessary   to   carry   out   the
implementation  of the  NCS-SRD shall  be taken from the available funds Of the  rural
development departments under the current General Appropriations Act. Thereafter,
such  sums  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  full  operation  of the  NCS-SRD  National
Secretariat  Office  and  the  staggered  implementation  of  NCS  plans  and  programs
shall   be   included   in   the   respective   annual   budget   of   the   rural   development
departments in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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Other  sources  of  funds  such   as  grants,   donations,   and   other  forms   of
assistance from  donor agencies  and  other public or private  entities  may be tapped
and facilitated by the NCS-SRD Executive Board to support the program, subject to
the   regular  auditing   guidelines  and   procedures.   Cost-sharing   or  counter  parting
schemes among national government and LGUS are also encouraged to support the
implementation of the NCS-SRD.
SEC.  29. Non-/mpa/.menf C/ause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
diminish,  impair,  or repeal rights recognized]  granted]  or available to marginalized  or
basic  sectors  under  existing  laws  including  Republic  Act  No.  6657,  as  amended,
F`epubl.ic Act Mo. 8371, cither".ise known as "The  Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of
7997," and  Republic Act No. 8550] as amended,  otherwise known as the  "Ph/.//.pp/.ne
Fisheries Code of 1998."
SEC. 30. Saparabi'Ji-fy C/ause. - lf any part or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions or parts not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.
SEC. 31.  Rapea/I.ng C/ause.  -All  laws,  decrees,  executive orders,  rules and
regulations   or   parts   thereof  which   are   not   consistent   with   or   contrary   to   the
provisions of this Act are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 32. Effecfi.yi.fy. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Off/.c/.a/ Gaze#e or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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