Republic of the Philippines /
HOUSE OF REPRESENTA’
Quezon City, Metro Mani

SIXTEEN CONGRES
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Rep. Wilfride Mark M. Enverga

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 1999, the government launched the “convergence strategy” as a mechanism to
achieve institutional coordination and eventually success in rural development. The 2011-
2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP) reaffirmed the mechanism and objectives of the
National Convergence Initiative towards more efficient use of resources.

Notwithstanding these policy pronouncements, the achievements of the
“convergence strategy” have been limited for the past decades. More so, the implementing
mechanisms and operational details have yet to be finalized by the three principal rural
development agencies, ie. Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
responsible for rural development. Much remains to be done to ensure that the plan itself is
founded on successful experience in rural development, and is specified to a state that is
operational and maybe monitored as to its achievements in institutional coordinstion-
particularly in terms of the direct involvement of local government units (LGUs)-and
success in sustainable rural development and poverty reduction.

The current institutional structure reveals a multiplicity of national government
agencies presently involved in managing the development of agriculture, agrarian reform
and natural resources. With no less than six departments, ie., DA, DAR, DENR, DPWH,
DOST, DTI and DILG, involved in sector development, functional overlaps, gaps, as well

as fragmentation of responsibilities have become apparent in many areas, such as but not

limited to:

1. Upland development and mangrove development and management (including
enforcement of appropriate regulations on conversion of mangroves into
fishponds provided under RA 8550) where there is a need to clearly delineate
the scope of responsibilities between the DA and DENR;


2. Promotion of support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB’s) by
DAR vis-a-vis DA’s programs on increasing agricultural productivity;

3. Research and development, wherein current efforts in agriculture and
fisheries are fragmented with the existence of the DA’s Bureau of
Agricultural Research on the one hand, and the DOST’s PCARRD and
PCAMRD on the other; and

4, Infrastructure development which involves various agencies such as the
DPWH, DILG, DA, DAR, and the LGU’s.

Institutional weaknesses also exist within the three principal rural development

agencies.

Operations have become fragmented, thus weakening the impact of development
activities on the intended beneficiaries. To mitigate the institutional coordination
problems, the government has underlined in the last three PDP’s that the three
departments need to adopt and implement joint and complementary initiatives in the rural
areas

Indeed, various formal issuances over the tow decades or so, within individual
departments and inter-departmental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) or Understanding
(MOU) among the three departments attest of their compliance to the broad development
strategy. Yet despite these efforts at vertical and horizontal coordination, assessments
of sector progress have time and again pointed to poor coordination as a serious institutional

problems and constraint.

‘What is of particular concern is that there is no discussion nor even mention in the
documentation of the process and procedures through which the lessons learned in the
convergence sites are to be applied in the three departments-as whole departments. Typically,
the departments deal with the convergence effort as just another project in specified areas
where collaboration with other departments is required. While the departments have each
allocated some resources and personnel to convergence-related activities in the identified
model sites, the rest of their respective strategies, plans, budgets and operations in other parts
of the country continue in their “unconverged” states.

More specifically, the departments have assigned specific officials and personnel to

the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group at the national level. Specific

personnel have been assigned to convergence activities at the regional level. Specific “area
investment plans”, consisting of a set of projects, are being identified and reviewed for the
model sites. Yet these assignments and activities only comprise but a negligible proportion


of the resources and more importantly, the mind set of the three departments. Convergence
is more of an attitude and a modus operandi, not a set of projects.

‘More telling is the fact that there are no major changes in the budgetary
presentations of each of the three departments that are attributable to the convergence
framework. While the supporting presentations of the three departments made mention of
the convergence strategy, such pronouncement have not been translated into any
significant budget reallocations that indicate the actual and sustained reallocation of
resources to achieve true integration of development and service goals and activities.

The current design of the convergence framework as reflected in available
documents provides nominal attention to the integrative and local development
governance role of the LGUs. Note that the criteria for the selection of sites were wholly
national in origin. The ongoing design, appraisal, decision-making and resource
mobilization of projects is wholly national-based.

Finally, the framework does not provide for the selection of sites were wholly
national in origin, The ongoing design, appraisal, decision ~making and resource
mobilization of projects is wholly national-based. Finally, the framework does not
provide for any activities which build the capacity of the LGUs to perform the tasks
associated with the achievement of sustainable rural development.

In summary, the institutionalizing the convergence framework, Congress hopes to
bring the efforts of the three key departments to bear on the challenge of rural

development-and ultimately contribute to the betterment of the quality of life in the
countryside.

In view of the foregoing, approval of the Bill is earnestly sought


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

1891

Introduced by Rep. Wilfrido Mark, M. Enverga

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CONVERGENCE STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE
RURAL DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDING THE IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

CHAPTERI
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the National Convergence Initiative Act of 2011.

SEC 2. Declaration of Policies and Objectives. — It is the policy of the State to promote agricultural
development as a means to ensure food security and alleviate poverty especially among the rural folks
‘Towards this end, the State shall develop and operationalize a common framework for sustainable rural
development (SRD) that will facilitate the convergence of the resources of the government’s three rural

development agencies to maximize its impact.
The implementation of the convergence strategy shall be guided by the following principles:

(a) The DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative shall be treated as an_institutionalized
complementation strategy between and among the three rural development agencies. Whenever,
the opportunity arises, the convergence shall also work with other national line agencies, donor
agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs);

(b) The primacy of the local government units (LGUs) as the integrating and converging force for
sustainable rural development at the local level shall be emphasized;

(©) The participatory approach shall be adopted in all phases of development: from planning,
implementation, and monitoring and evaluation;

(d) Complementation of resources and expertise of the concerned agencies and LGUs shall take


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primordial consideration in the implementation of the Convergence Initiative

(©) Convergence shall be mainstreamed in all programs, projects and activities of the national

government agencies and concerned LGUs;

(e) Funds for the Convergence Initiative shall form part of the Work and Financial Plan of each
Department to effectively and efficiently carry out convergence activities;

() Networking and linkaging with other government entities such as, but not limited to, the
Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), State
Colleges and Universities (SUCs), and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations
(GOCCs), shall be undertaken by the three rural development agencies for coverage of potential
areas under the Convergence Initiative for agribusiness development;

(g) Instituting relevant measures for an enabling environment to encourage investment by the private
sector.

SEC. 3. Scope. This Act shall aplly to all rural development areas primarily inhabited by the convergence
initiative program’s targeted beneficiaries - the marginalized farmers (both agrarian reform benificiaries and
non-agrarian reform beneficiaries), the fisherfolks and the upland dwellers.

CHAPTER IL
DEFINITIONS

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. As used in and for purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean;

(a) Agrarian reform beneficiairies (ARBs) refer to farmers who were granted lands under Presidential
Decree No. 27, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law and Republic Act No. 9700 or the
"Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Extension with Reforms” and regular farm workers who are
landless, irrespective of tenurial arrangement;

(b) Agricultural lands refer to lands devoted to or suitable for agricultural activity and not classified
by law as mineral, forest, residential, commercial or industrial land;

(©) Agro-based cluster refers to the concentration of produccers, agribusiness and institutions that are
engaged in the same agricultural or agro-industrial sub-sector, and inter-connect

(d) Coastal areas refer to a band of dry land and the adjacent ocean space (water and submerged land)
in which terrestrial processes and uses directly affect oceanic process and uses, and vice versa.
For purposes of initiating and implementing the convergence initiative, it shall include
foreshoreland;

(©) Ecosystem refers to the complex relationships among the Iving resources, habitats, and residents
ofan area. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, mciro-organisms, water, soil, and people;

(® Enahanced national convergence initiaitve (Enhanced NCI) refers to the national convergence
initiative strategy provided for under DA-DAR-DENR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01,
Series of 2010;


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(g) Farmers refer to natural persons whose primary livelihood is cultivation of land or the production
of agricultural crops, agroforest products, livestock and/or fisheries, either by himself/herself, or
primarily with the assistance of his/her immediate farm household, whether the land is owned by
him/her or by another person under a leasehold or share tenancy agreement or arrangement with
the owner thereof;

(h) Fisherfolks refer to people directly or personally and physically engaged in taking and/or
culturing and processing fishery and/or aquatic resources;

(® Good agricultural practices refers to applying available knowledge to addressing environmental,
economic and social sustainability dimensions for on-farm production and post-production
processes, resulting in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural products;

() Local government units refer to government units at the sub-national level or government units at
the regional, provincial and muncipal levels;

(k) Mangrove forests refer to silt-rich, saline (brackish water) habitat generally found along large
rivers, deltas, and estuaries in the costal areas. It is characterized by low tree diversity with a low
broken canopy. It serves as barrier to strong tidal waves and habitat of various aquatic species;

(D Primary forests or old growth forests refer to untouched, pristine forest that exists in its original
condition and has been relatively unaffected by human activity;

(m)Ridge-to-Reef strategy refers to the development approach to improve the lives of the ARBs and
small farmers, indigenous peoples, marginalized dwellers and fisherfolks ( that is from upland
and forest areas, in middle and lowland areas, down to the coastal areas);

(a) Rural development agencies refer to the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian
Reform and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

(0) Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ) refer to areas within the
Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-industrial Development (NPAAAD)

s to help develop and

identified for production, agro-processing and marketing acti
modernize, with the support of the government, the agriculture and fisheries sectors, in an
environmentally and cocio-culturally sound manner;

(p) Secondary growth forests refer to the largest and most dynamic natural forest ecosystem in the
Philippines. For purposes of this Act, it shall refer to as an area which has been disturbed in some
way, naturally or unnaturally created in a number of ways from degraded forest recovering, from

selective logging to areas cleared by slash-and-burn agriculture or “kaingin” that have been

reclaimed hy forest. It also characterized hy a less developed canopy structure, smaller trees, and
less diversity;

(q) Sustainable rural development refers to the development objective of meeting, the needs of the
present generation in the rural communities, without compromising the the ability of future
generations to meat their awn needs consistent with the principles of social equity, efficiency and
environmental integrity;

(®) Upland/forest ecosystems refer to areas with at least 18% slope. For purposes of this Act, it shall
also refer to an area that provides ecological benefits and support to agricultural production,
industries, water, and power needs. Timber production as well as agroforestry activities may be

promoted in these areas to maximize their utilization;


(8) Watershed refers to a topographically delineated area of land from which rainwater can drain as
surface run-off vis-i-vis a specific stream or river system to a common outlet point which may be
a dam, irrigation system or urban water supply take-of point, or where the stream discharges into
a river, lake or the sea;

CHAPTER I
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK

SEC. 5. Guiding Framework. The convergence strategy shall adopt the watershed and ecosystem
management approach as the intervention framework in the convergence areas. This is primarily because the
convergence strategy is an environmentally sustainable approach to development as human interventions in
the forest and upland areas would impact on the lowland areas, and this in turn would affect the coastal and
marine areas. Selection of convergence zones hall likewise take into consideration the SAFDZ provision of
the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997.

SEC. 6. Criteria for Selection of Convergence Areas. The following criteria shall guide the selection of
convergence for the agro-enterprise cluster:

(a) Completeness of ecosystem zones. The convergence sites should cut across the various
ecosystems or should be a combination of two or more ecosystems;

(b) Key production zones, agrarian reform communities (ARCs) and clusters with connectivity for
increased productivity and income. The convergence sites should be current key production
areas or with potential to substantially expand and scale-up production, As such, the area may
transform; from mono-cropping to integrated, multi-cropping or high value farming system. In
terms of connectivity, the key production zone may be linked with surrounding areas for allied
industries/services or for backward linkages,

(c) Combination of sites across major poverty groups. The convergence sites must cover a significant
number of small farmers/agricultural workers including potential and current ARB, fisherfolks,
indigenous peoples, and rurat women,

(@) Presence of development-oriented local government leaders and LGU alliances? The convergence
sites should have LGUs and LCEs (Local Chief Executives) that share a common perspective in
rural development and are willing to support the convergence initiative;

(©) Presence of NGOs, POs, private sector and academic/research community. The convergence sites
should have active POs and/or NGOs that are willing to support the convergence initiative
Presence of private/business and academic/research institutions who are willing to partner within
the convergence framework shall be an advantage.


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CHAPTER IV
NCI TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS (TWGs) AND COMPONENTS,

SEC. 8. Technical Working Groups of NCI. The implementation of the NCI shall be done through
Technical Working Groups along ecosystem, The three working groups shall be mutually re-enforcing and
are equally important in ensuring that the objectives are achieved and is seen to improve institutional

efficiencies in the governance of sustainable rural development.

(a) TWG on Coastal and Marine Resources Management- shall address the issues and concerns
on pertaining to the use and management of coral reefs, sea grasses and alga beds, brackish
wetland areas, mangroves and beach forest ecosystems. The TWG shall compose of concerned
agencies/units of the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), Interior and Local Government (DILG). Other government agencies, Non-
Government and Peoples Organizations, academe, private sector or _ business
groups/associations may also be part of the TWG whenever necessary

(b) TWG on Lowland Sustainable Agriculture- shall address issues and concerns on the use and
management of the agricultural ecosystems through application of Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP). The TWG shall compose of concerned agencies/units of the Department Of Agriculture
(DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Interior and
Local Government (DILG). Other government agencies, Non-Government and Peoples
Organizations, academe, private sector or business groups/associations may also be part of the
TWG whenever necessary.

Sec.9. Components and Outputs of the NCI. The following shall serve as cross cutting components of the
three TWGs;

(a) Policy and Advisory. The component shall address the issues and problems of conflicitng,
overlapping, and other unlear policies related to land administration, regulatory, framework,
operational strategies and jurisdictional boundaries.

(b) Agro-Enterprise and Agribusiness Development. The component shall facilitate enterprise

development and agribusiness within the convergence sites though the establishment of agro-
enterprises clusters in all provinces. These clusters shall be the focus for agribusiness initiatives
based on the potential of the areas especially those designated as strategic zones as identified by
the SAFDZ maps.

(©) Capacity Development. The component shall ensure the organziational preparedness of the

three agencies and capability of the implementers and other stakeholders to implement the

convergence initiatitve.


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(4) Knowledge Management. The component shall ensure that NCI programs, projects and
initiatives are implemented and monitored in an efficient and effective manner. It shall likewise

ensure that innovations are documented for posible adoption, expansion and scaling up,

CHAPTER V
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHNISM

Article One

Nati

SEC. 12. Creation of the National Convergence Initiative Administration (NCIA). The National
Converegence Initiative Administration is hereby created. The NCIA, which shall be the primary
coordinating body of the NCI program shall be under the Department of Agriculture (DA). As a primary
coordinating body it shall also be the convenor of the current National Comvergence Initiative -Technical
Working Group (NCI-TWG).

SEC. 12-A. Composition. Aside from the Adminsitrator, the TWG to be convened by the NCIA

shall have the following members:

(a) Administrator

(b) Deputy Administrator

(c) Chairperson, TWG on Coastal and Marine Resources Management
(d) Chairperson, TWG on Lowland Resources Management

(© Chairperson, TWG on Forestry and Upland Development

(©) Chairperson, TWG on Policy and Advocacy

(g) Chairperson, Working Group on Agro-Enterprise Development
(h) Chairperson, Working Group on Knowledge Management

(i) Chairperson, Working Group on Capacity Development

@
(k) Convergence Focal Person, DAR
@
(m) Head, NCI Secretariat

Convergence Focal Person, DA

Convergence Focal Person, DENR

SEC.12-B. Powers and Functions of the NCIA. The NCIA shall have the following powers and

functions:

(a) Formulate sustainable rural development framework and recommend to the Board (Section 13)
necessary adjustments.

(b) Integrate, harmonize and oversee the implementation of the convergence initiative plans and
programs of the sub-national TWGs,

(© Recommend to the Executive Board the operational plans, programs, and guidelines relevant to

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the NCI Framework;

(d) Mobilize concerned personnel to actively participate in various activities relative to the
Convergence Initiative:

(c) Thoroughly evaluate memorandum of agreements and other agreements;

(f) Facilitate the formation of Convergence teams together with other concerned stakeholders;

(g) Monitor and evaluate the progress of implementation of Convergence projects/activities;

SEC. 12-C. Powers and Functions of the NCIA Administrator. The Administrator shall also have
the following powers and functions:

(a) Act as the executive head of the of the NCIA and Secretary of the Board and perform the powers
and functions incident to the said positions;

(b) Be responsible for the implementation and overall execution of the policies, rules and regulations
and decisions adopted by the Board and as such, shall isssue the corresponding implementing
adminsitrative issuances and promulgate opinions and interpretative circulars and rulings to
ensure expeditious and effective implementation thereof,

(©) Approve plans and programs prepared by the Regional, Provincial and Municipal Convergence
Initiative Technical Working Group;

(d) Review fulfillment of the commitment of the respective agencies related to the implementation of
the NCI; and

(©) Perform other powers and functions as may be inherent, incident, or related to the foregoing,

SEC. 12-C. Qualifications of the Administrator. The Administrator muct have a background or
significant training preferably in the field of economics, agriculture, agribusiness, land resources
management, and developemnt planning and management for a period of at least five (5) years. The
Admisnitrator shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines and shall have
the rank of an Undersecretary.

SEC.12-D. Deputy Administrator. ‘The Administrator shall be assisted by a Deputy Adminstrator
who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the Board’s recommendation. The
Deputy Adnminstrator shall have the same qualifications as the Adminsitrator and shall have the rank
of an Assistant Secretary.

The Deputy Administrator shall be the operational and administrative manager of the NCIA and shall
assist the adminstrator in routine housekeeping functions.

SEC.13. NCIA Executive Board. The NCIA shall have an Executive Board hereinafter referred to as the
Board which shall act as the policy making body of the NCI. The shall also direct the implementation of the

provisions of this Act.


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SEC. 13-A. Composition. The Board shall be composed of five (5) voting members.

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as Chairperson;

(b) The Secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as Vice Chairpersons;

(c) The Secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Director-General fo the Natioan! Economic
Development Agency as members; (optional)

(d) A representative/s from the small farmers (agrarian and non-agrarian reform beneficiaires), fisher
folks and marginalized upland dwellers which shall be appointed by the President of the Republci
of the Philippines; (optional)

(e) The Administrator of NCIA, as ex-officio member, who shall likewise act as Secretary to the
Board.

The Secretaries may appoint their respective alternate representatives with a rank of not less than an

Undersecretary

SEC.13-B. Powers and Funtions. The NCIA Executive Board shall assume the following powers
and functions of the current National Steering Committee, namely:

(a) Provide overall policy directions for the implementation of programs/projects and other related
activities under the NCI;

(b) Approve/ratify implementing rules and regulations, programs, projects and plans pertaining to the
operation of the NCI;

(c) Consult with other concerned national government agencies, stakeholders, and partner agencies
on policies and major programs related to sustainable rural development,

(d) Approve of Memorandum of Agreements with investors and funding agencies being
recommended for approval by the NCIA;

(e) Regularly advise the President on all matters concerning the implementation of convergence

initiative strategies;

SEC. 13-C. Meetings. The Board shall meet on a monthly basis and may hold special meetings as
deemed necessary. However, hosting of NSC meetings maybe done in rotation amongst the three

rural development agencies.

SEC.14. Technical Working Groups and Components of the NCI-TWG. The Administrator shall convene
the members of the respective Working Groups to elect amongst them the Chairperson for each Working,
Group. The Chairperson of each Working Group shall then designate or appoint a Coordinator from their
respective agency. The fiunctions and composition of the Technical Working Groups and Components shall
remain in force until revised by the NCIA Board.


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SEC. 15. Convergence Focal Person. Each agency shall designate a Convergence Focal Person who shall
be responsible for the coordination and management of the convergence program in their respective agency
(national and field levels). The agency Convergence Focal Person shall likewise be a member of the NCIA
TWG. The agency Convergence Focal Person shall work closely with the NCI Secretariat for effective
coordination of concerns of NCI and the working groups relative to their respective agency.

SEC. 16. National Convergence Initiative Secretariat, The Board shall appoint the Head of the NCI
Secretariat with the Coordinators of each of the Working Groups as members, There will also be permanent
members of the Secretariat coming from the three agencies on top of the coordinators of each working group
The NCI Secretariat shall work closely with the NCIA Administrator, the Chairperson of the different
Working Groups and the agency Convergence Focal Person.

SEC.16-A. Functions of the NCI Secretariat. The NCI Secretariat shall:

(a) Implement approved plans and projects;

(b) Facilitate the provision of administrative and logistics support to the Board and the NCIA;

(c) Ensure that appropriate actions are taken on agreements reached during meetings/workshops;

(d) Submit monitoring/progress reports to the Board through the NCIA and to other oversight bodies;

(e) Work closely with the NCIA and the Working Groups;

(f) Together with the NCIA Administrator, convene the members of each Working Group and
conduct election for the Chair of the Working Groups;

(g) Maintain effective and efficient data management system of the NCL

Article Two
Sub-National Level Administratior

SEC.17. Regional Convergence Initiative ~Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG). Parallel to the NCI-
TWG, the RCI-TWG shall manage and supervise the programs, projects, and other related activities at the
regional level, The RCI-TWG shall be the regional arm of the NCIA in carrying out its functions.

SEC. 17-A. Duties and Responsibilities.

(a) Work closely with other government line agencies and offices and with the Regional
Development Council (RDC) and concerned Provincial Development Council (PDC) to ensure
that the enhanced convergence initiative 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 Local Government Units (Plus) in the
implementation of the NCI plans, programs, projects, and other related activities. The Regional
Directors of DA, DAR, and DENR may enter into an agreement with the Provincial Governor or
LGU leagues, as necessary:


(d) Meet monthly or as deemed necessary.
SEC. 17-B, Composition of the RCLTWG. The RCI-TWG shall be composed of:

(a) DA, DAR or DENR Regional Director as Chairperson;
(b) Depending on the result of the election, the two latter directors will act as Co-Chairpersons;
(c) Regional Focal Persons for all the departments and Head RCI-TWG Secretariat as Members

The chairperson of the RCI-TWG shall be a convergence champion and shall be decided by and among the
Regional Directors of DA, DAR and DENR. Upon the completion of the RCI-TWG composition, a
resolution to that effect shall be submitted to the NCI Secretariat. Membership of the RCI-TWG may be
expanded to include representatives from the Provincial LGUs and other agencies as deemed necessary.

The RCI-Secretariat shall be created and would be composed of representatives from the regional offices of
DA, DAR, and DENR. The RCI Secretariat shall be headed by the Regional Focal Person. ‘The Regional
Focal Person shall be designated by the chairperson of RCI-TWG (from the agency where the chairperson
belongs).

SEC.18. Provincial Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (PCI-TWG). The PCI-TWG shall be
responsible in implementing plans, programs, projects, and other related activities of the NCI at their
respective provinces in collaboration with RCI-TWG. The PCI-TWG shall identify or determine appropriate
interventions, resources, and support services needed such as, but not limited to infrastructure, logistics,
extension, inputs, lands, and institutional development for the implementation of the NCI plans and

programs.

‘The chairperson of the PCI-TWG shall be agreed upon by the provincial members and shall be a choice
between the provincial head of DAR or of DENR. The Governor of the province shall be the co-chairperson.
‘The members of the PCI-TWG are the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO),
Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO), Provincial Agriculture Officer (PAO), and Provincial Planning
and Development Coordinator (PPDC), and Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources
Officer (PG-ENRO).

‘The respective interface mechanisms shall be LGU-led with DA, DAR, and DENR providing technical and
operational support. Existing LGU mechanisms may be adopted to spearhead or manage the convergence
initiatives at the LGU level.


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SEC.19. Municipal Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (MCI-TWG). The MCI-TWG shall
be responsible in implementing plans, programs, projects, and other related activities of the NCI at their
respective municipalities in collaboration with the PCI-TWG. The MCI-TWG shall identify or determine
appropriate interventions, resources, and support services needed such as, but not limited to, infrastructure,
logistics, extension, inputs, lands, and institutional development for the implementation of the NCI plans and

programs.

The chairperson of the MCI-TWG shall be agreed upon by the municipal members and shall be a choice
between the Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) or the Community Environment and Natural
Resources Officer (CENRO). The Mayor of the municipality shall be the co-chairperson. The members of
the MCI-TWG are the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), City/Municipal
Environment and Natural Resource Officer (C/MENRO), Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO),
Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) and concerned City/Municipal Planning and Development
Coordinator (C/MPDC),

‘The respective interface mechanisms shall be LGU-led with DA, DAR, and DENR providing technical and
operational support. Existing LGU mechanisms may be adopted to spearhead or manage the convergence
initiatives at the LGU level.

Article Three
O ional G .

SEC. 20. Scope and Nature of Support from Government Line Agencies and Offices. The NCIA shall
work closely with other government line agencies and offices to ensure complementation and alignment of
NCI interventions with that of other related agencies and offices. Conversely, all concerned NG
agencies/bodies shall render technical and administrative support if called upon by the NCIA relative to the
implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 21, Local Government Units. ‘The Local Government Units which have the mandate to coordinate
and manage local development shall take an active role in the implementation of an institionalized
convergence strategy especially on the identification and stewardship of agro-industrial cluster sites.

CHAPTER VI
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 22. Convening of the NCIA. Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall convene the NCIA. The current head of the enhanced National Convergence Initiative
Secretariat shall sit temporarily as Administrator and ex-officio member of the NCIA Executive Board until
such time that a regular Administrator has been appointed by the President.


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SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days from effectivity of this Act, the
NCIA shall promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Said rules and
regulations shall be submitted to the Congressional Oversight Committee on the National Conversion
Initiative (COCNIA) for approval

SEC. 24. Congressional Oversight Committee on the National Conversion Initiative. There is hereby
created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed of five members each from the Committee on
Agriculture of the Senate of the Philippines and the Committee on Rural Development of the House of
Representatives. The members from the Senate shall be appointed by the Senate President based on
proportional representation of the parties or coalitions therein with at least two (2) senators representing the
minority, The members from the House of Representatives shall be appointed by the Speaker also based on
proportional representation of the parties or coalitions therein with at least two (2) congressmen representing
the minority,

‘The oversight committee which shall function for a period of not more than five (5) years, shall have the
power to review the implementing rules issued by NCIA within thirty (30) days from the promulgation of the
said rules and oversee the implementation of this Act: Provided, That the Secretariat of the Oversight
Committee shall be drawn from the existing Secretariat personnel of the committees comprising the

oversight.
Funding shall be taken from the appropriations of both the Senate and the House of Representatives,

SEC. 25. Effectivity of the Creation of the NCIA. Until such time that the NCIA has been organized and
fully operational, the current operational set-up on the NCI as provided for under DA-DAR-DENR Joint
Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2010 shall continue. Hiring, separation, replacement, and
appointment of personnel shall be in accordance with existing Civil Service rules and regulations.

SEC. 26. Structure and Staffing Pattern. Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
NCIA Board Chairperson shall formulate and submit to the Congressional oversight Committee for its
review and approval the NCIA’s proposed organizational structure and staffing pattern. After such review
and approval, the proposed organizational structure and staffing pattern of the NCIA shall be submitted to
the President for final approval through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) within ninety
(90) days.

SEC. 27. Appropriations. Funds necessary to carry out the implementation of the NCI shall be taken from
the available funds of the three rural development agencies under the current General Appropriations Act.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its staggered implementation shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

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 NCI Board and/or the NCIA to support the

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program, subject to regular auditing guidelines and procedures. Cost-sharing or counter- parting schemes
among national government and LGUs is also encouraged to support the implementation of the Convergence

Initiative.

SEC. 28, Non-Impairment Clause. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal
rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or basic sectors under existing laws including but not
limited to Republic Act Nos. 8371, 8550 and 6657.

SEC. 29, Separability Clause. If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Act shall be
declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof, which are not affected

thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC.30. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,