THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI 
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OF THE PHILIPPINE 
First Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia 111 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Recent statistics showed that there are 20 million Filipinos living in the 
uplands and about I O  million hectares of the degraded uplands need to be 
transformed into productive and ecologically stable area. These Filipinos 
compromising about 24 percent of the present population of 83 million (2003 
estimate from NSO) is a huge sector that needs assistance to improve their 
socio-economic welfare at the same time help arrest environmental degradation. 
One of the logical strategies used in many countries to address this 
dilemma is the institutionalization of the science and practice of agroforestry and 
produce a cadre of a new breed of agroforesters whose competencies cuts 
across the interaction or synergy between the Agriculture and Forestry 
continuum. Agroforestry is defined as the science, art and practice that deals 
with the production, management and utilization of woody perennials in 
combination with other agricultural crops, animals, aquatic and/or other 
resources either zonally, mixed simultaneously or sequentially for twin purpose of 
conservation and socio-economic productivity. 
The practice of agroforestry in the Philippines has been in existence for 
centuries and its potentials as a land-use management system have been 
recognized as indicated by the presence of agroforestry-related program being 
implemented by at least 147 government and non-government organizations.. 
This has further been enhanced by Executive Order No. 263 issued by former 
President V. Ramos specifying agroforestry to be the main production technology 
in the implementation of the community-based forest management program. 
As of the year 2003, there are 35 state colleges and universities in the 
country offering various types of agroforestry curricula at the baccalaureate level 
(Le. BS Agroforestry, BS Agroforestry Entrepreneurship, 6s Agriculture major in 
Agroforestry and BS Forestry major in Agroforestry); technical level (2-year 
terminal Diploma in Agroforestry, and ladderized Diploma in Agroforestry 
Technology); as well as the graduate level (MS Agroforestry, MS Rural 
Development cognate in Agroforestry, Ph.D. Crop Production cognate in 
Agroforestry, post baccalaureate Diploma in Agroforestry, and Master in Forestry 
major in Agroforestry). These institutions produces 1,275 graduates on average 
(data based on 15 institutions surveyed, 1998-2002) per year which are 
employed as follows, 14% are employed in AF-related jobs, 32% are employed in 
non-AF related jobs, 15% are self-employed and 13% are unemployed. Majority 
(68%) of them are holding contractual positions. 


One of the policy needs that was identified to help alleviate this 
phenomenon is to have a Board of Agroforestry to institutionalize and 
professionalize the science and practice of agroforestry in the Philippines. Such a 
field of study has very unique features which demand specialized competencies 
that are neither purely agriculture nor forestry. 
At present, the Board of Forestry does not accept the agroforestry 
graduates to take their licensure examination. Recently, the Board of Agriculture 
and Fisheries created under RA 8435 (AFMA Section 75 in its Implementing 
Rules and Regulations) has also excluded agroforestry graduates to take 
examination except with those with majors under the BS Agriculture curriculum. 
Therefore, there is an apparent disenfranchisement of the agroforestry graduates 
thereby necessitating the classification of Agroforestry Education as a new 
Occupational Cluster requiring a separate Board examination. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
SERGIO OSMEfdA 111 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
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S. No. 
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Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia 111 
AN ACT 
CREATING 
THE 
BOARD 
OF 
AGROFORESTRY 
UNDER 
THE 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATIONS 
COMMISSION, 
PROW DING 
FOR 
MECHANISMS OF IMPLEMENTATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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ARTICLE I. 
TITLE AND POLICIES 
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SECTION 1. Shorf Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Board of 
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Agroforestry Act of 2004” 
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SEC. 2. Declarafion of Sfafe Policies. - 
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a. The State shall, in response to the need of professionalizing the 
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agroforestry occupation and improving the practice of agroforestry, enhance 
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sustainable socio-economic development and protect the environment. 
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b. The State shall establish and maintain a Board of Agroforestry that shall 
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among other conduct a national board examination to all graduates of a four year 
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degree program in agroforestry or its equivalent, regulate and sustain the 
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practice of the profession for efficient and effective public service. 
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ARTICLE II. DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE OF 
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AGROFORESTRY 
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SEC. 3. Definition of Terms- For purposes of this Act, the following 
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terms shall mean: 


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a. Board - refers to the Board of Agroforestry (BOA), hereby created as 
2 the regulatory body, under the administrative,executive and policy supervision of 
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the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), for the practice of Agroforestry 
4 in the Philippines and tasked with powers, functions and responsibilities herein 
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prescribed; 
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b. Commission - refers to the Professional Regulations Commission 
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(PRC), created under RA No. 8981, otherwise known as the “PRC Modernization 
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Act of 2000”; 
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c. Agroforester - refers to any person who have passed the licensure 
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examination for the agroforestry professional administered by the Board/ 
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Commission, taken the oath of an Agroforester, and duly registered and issued 
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with a certification of good standing and is allowed under this act to engage in or 
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to perform activities, acts or services constituting the professional practice of 
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agroforestry including those who hold a positions in the government service or 
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teaches subjects in schools, colleges or universities, requiring the knowledge of 
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Agroforestry; 
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d. Agroforestry - refers to the science, art, and practice and business that 
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deals with the production, arrangement and utilization of woody perennials in 
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combination with other agricultural crops, animals, aquatic 
and/or other 
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resources either zonally, mixed simultaneously or sequentially grown for the twin 
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purpose of conservation and socio-economic productivity; 
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e. Agroforestry professional practice - refers to activities, acts, services or 
pursuits exclusively performed by BOA/PRC registered and licensed professional 
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SEC. 4. Scope of fhe Professions/ Pracfice of Agroforesfry. - The 
agroforesters, the scope thereof is prescribed and/or specified herein; 
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practice of Agroforestry under this Act, is a profession that requires the 
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application of competencies, (knowledge, skills and willingness to perform it) in 
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agroforestry as defined in Section 4.c. which embraces acts such as: 
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a. Preparation and certifications of Agroforestry systems and interactive 
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diagnosis and design (D and D approach), feasibility studies, and specifications 
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for the production, harvesting, processing, utilization and marketing of woody 
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perennials and agricultural crops and/or animals for multiple products and 
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services including conservation and cleaner production practices. 
b. Development of management plans with a step-by-step time-line plans 
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with recommendations on appropriate species and strategies for the unique site; 
a plan for long- term fertility management; for marketing final products including 
budget and economic projections; farm and pasture diversification plans of 
ranches, fruit growers and farms to diversify products and integrate more trees 
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into their plantings, with appropriate species and techniques to support existing 
crops, reduce expenses and increase the diversity and economic resiliency of the 
project. These can include animal fodder, windbreaks, mulch banks, shade, 
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integrated timber or native trees, and many other practices; 
c. Planning and implementation of agroforestry nurseries including seed 
orchards, tissue-cultured and clonal banks operations; soil and water resources 
conservation measures; conduct of environmental risk and impact assessments 
and geospallal analysis and management of resources; wood products 
manufacturing and marketing; 
d. Provision related activities or services such as that the conduct of 
agroforestry experiments, research, extension, development, training or 
communications; the teaching of subjects in academic institutions and for 
licensure examinations in conformity with Section II of RA No. 8981; undertaking, 
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supervision and/or administration of studies, programs, stations, centers, 
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corn mu nity/provincial/reg iona I/na tional off ices of govern men t agencies and 
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institutions requiring agroforestry professionals; technical or management 
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consultants needed by or required of local government units, private 
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corporations, foundations, non-government associations and foreign-assisted 
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projects. 
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e. All agroforestry concerns, projects, business, activities or related 
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services must be certified by a professional Agroforester before such will be 
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accepted by any entities for registration, getting business permits or licenses in 
municipalities, any financial institutions, legal transactions and the like. Such 
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requirements shall ensure that agroforestry activities will conform to the 
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observance 
of 
the 
requirements 
of 
good 
agroforestry 
environmental 
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protectionlpollution, conservation, health risks and cleaner production practices 
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affecting the natural resources and the ecosystem; Furthermore the certification 
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of and by an Agroforester on projectslbusinesses is an evidence of careful 
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studies made on the projects in accordance with the Strategic Agriculture and 
Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZs), the land use and zoning ordinances, 
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protection of watershed areas, the housing and land use regulations as provided 
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for in RA 8435 and other laws. 
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ARTICLE I l l .  THE BOARD OF AGROFORESTRY 
SEC. 5. Powers, Functions and Responsibilities - the following are 
the powers, functions and responsibilities of the Board as a collegial body in 
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addition to the pertinent general functions of the Professional Regulations 
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Commission (PRC) under RA No. 8981 otherwise known as the PRC 
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Modernization Act of 2000; 
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a) Put up a registry of agroforestry professionals in the country. 
b) Prepare, administer, conduct and checklcorrect on agroforestry board 
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licensure examinations and other forms of certifications and publish the results in 
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newspapers of wide circulation in accordance with its rules and regulations. 
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c) Provide information and other educational materials, promotions and 
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networking services to facilitate the activities of the Board. 
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d) To hear, investigate cases, issue summons, subpoena duces tecum to 
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concerned individuals to compel their attendance, and conduct summary 
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proceedings on cases arising from violations of this Act, the rules and regulations 
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promulgated there under and its code of Ethics. 


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e) After due process, to suspend, revoke or reissue, reinstate certificates 
of registration or licenses for course as provided by the law. 
9 To adopt and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Commission, 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act and such rules and regulations as 
may be necessary including its Code of Ethics to effectively implement the 
pertinent provisions of this Act and the policies with respect to the regulation and 
practice of Agroforestry in the Philippines. 
g) To perform all powers, functions, duties and responsibilities expected 
of the Board in accordance to and as provided for in RA No. 8981, otherwise 
known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000. 
SEC. 6. Composition. Organization and Terms of Office. - 
a. The Board shall be composed of six (6) members with a Chairperson 
and five (5) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines upon recommendation from the Commission from at least six (6) 
qualified nominees endorsed by the accredited professional organization within 
ninety (90) working days after approval of this Act. They shall receive 
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compensation and all other remunerations, incentives and privileges as provided 
for by the other Boards under the PRC. The Chairperson as the Executive. 
Officer, presides and may attend meetings at all levels and represent the Board 
with the Commission and other agencies/ organizations and perform such other 
activities and functions the Commission may assign. 
b. The members of the Board shall have a term of office for three (3) 
years without prejudice for reappointment to another term, but in no case shall 
he/she serve continuously for more than six (6) years. 
c. At the expiration of the term of the Chairperson, the most senior of the 
remaining members of the Board shall assume and perform the duties and 
functions of and receive the emoluments and entitlements of the Chairperson. 
The incumbent members of the Board shall continue to serve their respective 


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remaining terms until their successors shall have been appointed and qualified in 
accordance with this Act. 
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SEC. 7. Qualifications of a Member of the oard. - A member of the 
Board shall at the time of his or her appointment, possess the following 
qualifications: 
a. Must be a natural-born citizen of, and residing in the Philippines; 
b. Must have engaged in or known and recognized expert in the active 
certified to by the Accredited Professional Organization; 
c. Must not, for a period of at least one year prior to his or her 
appointment, be connected directly or indirectly with any department, school, 
Institute or College of Agroforestry of a University or University System, any 
review classes or centers for agroforestry licensure examination or be an elected 
officer of the accredited professional organization concerned; 
d. Must never have been convicted of any of the offenses enumerated 
under RA No. 3815 otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code of the 
Philippines and RA No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and 
Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. 
SEC. 8. Disqualification and Removal of Any Member of the Board 
and Filling-up of Vacancy in the Board. - The President of the Philippines, 
after due process undertaken by, and upon recommendation of the Commission, 
may disqualify and remove any member of the Board for any of the following. 
off en ses : 
a. 
6. 
C. 
d. 
e. 
Unethical, immoral or dishonorable conduct; 
Neglect of duties and responsibilities; 
Dishonesty or incompetence; 
Malpractice; or, 
Graft and corruption practices. 
In cases of vacancy in the Board, the same to the extent of the unexpired portion 
of the term thereof, shall be filled-up by the President of the Philippines by 


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appointing one from among at least three (3) qualified Professional Agroforester 
nominees endorsed by the accredited professional organization concerned to, 
and recommended by, the Commission. 
ARTICLE IV. GENERAL, PENAL AND OTHER PROVISIONS 
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SEC. 9. lmplementing Rules and Regulations- Subject to the approval 
of the Commission, the Board shall adopt and promulgate the implementing rules 
and regulations (IRR) within ninety (90) working days after their appointment 
including among others, a code of Ethics for Agroforester, Examination, 
Registration and licensing mechanisms, to carry out the provisions of this Act, 
which shall be effective after thirty (30) days following their publication in the 
official Gazette or in a major daily newspaper of general circulation. The Board 
may at any time amend, modify or repeal these IRR or any provision thereof in 
order to ensure the attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
SEC. I O .  Employment of Agroforester in the Government. - The 
success in the implementation of the government-led agroforestry projects relies 
on the hands of Agroforestry graduates and professionals, thus, there is a need 
to ensure the placement/employment of these graduates in the government 
sector: 
a. It is hereby directed that all municipalities having at least 20% of the 
total upland area of the municipality shall create at least one (I) 
plantilla position 
at the Municipal Agriculturist Office as Agroforestry Officer and at the same time 
all provinces shall create an Agroforestry Specialist plantilla position at the Office 
of the Provincial Agriculturist. All the said agroforestry positions shall be occupied 
by a professional Agroforester as defined in this Act. Whenever necessary, 
national government agencies concerned in agroforestry-related activities may 
also create such appropriate positions. 
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b. The Board shall initiate the development of a position classification 
standards to be led by the Civil Service Commission in collaboration with the 
Department of Agriculture, Interior and Local Government and Environment and 


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Natural Resources, one year after the approval of this Act in accordance with the 
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Existing Salary Standardization Law. 
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SEC. 11. Budgetary Allocafion and Trust Fund - This act shall hereby 
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allocate ten million pesos (PI 0,000,000.00) for the organization, mobilization and 
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the initial year of operation of the Board" program of work to be taken from the 
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General Appropriations Act and five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) yearly 
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thereafter. Further, the Board shall create a revolving trust fund in the"initia1' 
amount of one million pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO) to be taken from a fifty percent 
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(50%) of professionalization licensure examination or other fees paid by the 
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applicants and the balance from the government safety net appropriations for 
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agriculture. 
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SEC. 12. Enforcement. - The Professional Regulation Commission 
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shall be in the enforcement agency of the Board. As such, the Commission shall 
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implement the concerned provisions of this Act, enforce its implementing Rules 
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and Regulations as adopted by the Board conduct investigations or complaints 
including violations of the Code of Ethics/ Conduct of the profession and 
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prosecute when so warranted. If necessary, the Commission, may seek the 
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assistance of other duly constituted authorities in the enforcement of the law. 
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SEC. 13. Foreign Reciprocity. - No foreign professional Agroforester 
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shall be issued a certificate of registration or license to practice the agroforestry 
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profession or consultancy thereof or be entitled to any of the rights and privileges 
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under this Act unless the country of which he is a subject or citizen specifically 
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permits Filipino professional agroforesters to practice within its territorial limits on 
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the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign state or economy. 
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SEC. 
14. 
Penal Provision. - Any person who shall practice the 
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agroforestry profession in the Philippines within the meaning of this Act without a 
Certificate of Registration and/or professional license in accordance herewith, or 
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any person presenting or using hidher own Certificate of Registration or 
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professional licensure of another, or any person giving any false or forged 


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evidence to the Commission in order to secure a professional license, or any 
person assuming, been conferred such title, or advertising any title description 
tending to convey the impression that he or she is a registered professional 
Agroforester, shall, upon conviction, be sentenced by imprisonment or fine, or 
both, pursuant to the pertinent provisions of the Revised Penal Code of the Civil 
Service Act, or RA No. 8891 whichever is applicable. 
SEC. 
15. 
Repealing Clause - All existing laws, decrees, rules, 
regulations, executive orders and other administrative issuances and parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provision of this Act are hereby repealed, 
suspended or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 16. Separability Clause. - If any part, section, or provision of this 
Act shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional, no other part, section or 
provision thereof shall be affected thereby. 
SEC. 
17. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following its official publications in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) 
newspapers of general circulations in the Philippines, whichever comes first. 
Approved,