Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
Introduced by REP. JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ, Ph.D. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 21, Article II of the 1987 Constitution mandates the State to promote 
comprehensive rural development. Towards this end, the National Convergence Initiative for 
Sustainable Rural Development was established.  
The NCI-SRD is a strategic framework that integrates planning, budgeting, 
implementation and monitoring and evaluation of rural development programs of the 
Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources, and Department of Interior and Local Government. It addresses the 
fragmented interventions for rural development and promotes integrated ecosystem 
management or sustainable integrated rural development which takes into consideration the 
conservation, restoration and protection of natural ecosystems and resources from ridge to reef. 
Its implementation mechanism involves inter-agency bodies at regional, provincial and 
municipal levels. 
It ensures that development is guided by ecological principles, and development 
pressures do not disrupt natural cycles that sustain the rich biodiversity in the mountains and 
down its rolling slopes to the coast and the sea. Verily, NCI-SRD embeds social responsibility 
to conserve and protect our environment so that future generations can benefit from its 
abundance. 
Established in 1999 through DA-DAR-DENR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 
1999, the NCI-SRD was expanded to include the DILG in 2015, pursuant to DA-DAR-DENR-
DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, s. 2015. It started with nine pilot convergence areas 
in 2000 to demonstrate the feasibility of the convergence framework. This has grown into 15 
convergence areas in 10 regions in 2019. Convergence areas are selected based on a set of 
criteria, including potential for fisheries and agro-forestry, target groups, status of intersecting 
ecosystem services, and performance of local government units. 
This bill aims to institutionalize the NCI-SRD as an integral component of the poverty 
reduction policy of the Government. This bill had been thoroughly deliberated and approved 
on third reading in the 18th Congress, through the leadership of Rep. Elisa Olga Kho, then 
Chairperson of the House Committee on Rural Development. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ 
February 7, 2023
5:38 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _____ 
Introduced by REP. JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” B. BENITEZ, Ph.D. 
AN ACT 
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CONVERGENCE STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE 
RURAL 
DEVELOPMENT 
AND 
PROVIDING 
THE 
IMPLEMENTING 
MECHANISMS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
General Provisions 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Convergence 
Strategy for Sustainable Rural Development (NCS-SRD) Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — 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. Guiding Principles. — 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) 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
organizations (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
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implementation of the National Convergence Strategy: Provided, 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 non-ARBs, small fisherfolk, upland dwellers, and
Indigenous Peoples (IPs);
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 smallholder farmers, both ARBs and non- ARBs, small 
fisherfolk, upland dwellers, and IPs. 
SEC. 5. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
a)
Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) refer to landless farmers and regular farm
workers, irrespective of tenurial arrangement, who were awarded lands as evidenced
by as 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 “Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988”, 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)
Agribusiness 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)
Indigenous peoples (IPs) 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, now-indigenous religions and culture, became
historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos;
g)
Small holder farmers refer to marginal and sub-marginal farm households that own or
cultivate not more than three (3) hectares of land including ARBs and non-ARBs;
h)
Small fisherfolk refer to people directly or personally and physically engaged in
culturing and processing fishery and aquatic resources;
i)
Sustainable rural development (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 II 
Physical Framework 
SEC. 6. Guiding 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. Criteria for Selection of Convergence 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 of 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. 
 
b)  
The prioritization criteria include the following: 
 
1)   Key production areas with connectivity for increased productivity and 
income. — 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 convergence 
areas must cover a significant number of smallholder farmers, 
agricultural workers including actual and potential ARBs, fisherfolk, 
IPs, rural women, and upland dwellers; 
 
3)   Presence of relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations 
(CSOs). — 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 III 
 
NCS-SRD 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 efficiencies are achieved. 
 
Infrastructure development shall form part of the improvement of the ecosystem and shall 
sufficiently 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, DAR, DENR and DfLG. 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 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, primary or old growth forests refer to untouched, pristine 
forests that exist in their original condition and relatively unaffected by human activity, while 
secondary growth forest 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-bum 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)  
Policy 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. This component shall facilitate 
enterprise development and agribusiness within the convergence areas through the 
establishment of agro-enterprise 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 in the strategic agricultural and fisheries development 
zones maps. 
 
For purposes of this section, 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-culturally sound 
manner. 
 
c)  
Capacity Development. 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)  
Knowledge 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. NCS-SRD Executive Board. — The NCS-SRD Executive Board, hereinafter 
referred to as the Board, is established to act as the policy making body of the NCP-SRD. The 
Board shall direct the implementation of the provisions of this Act, and shall have the following 
as cx-officio 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 Functions. — The Board shall exercise the following powers and 
functions: 
 
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 IV 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 (NHS-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 
implementation of convergence initiative strategies. 
 
SEC. 12. Meetings of the Board. — The Board shall meet on a quarterly 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 the NCS-SRD TWG and shall be assisted 
by a Deputy National Focal Person (DNFP), with a rank of Director IV, and by the NCS-SRD 
Executive Director. The NFP shall also convene the members of the NHS-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. Convergence Focal 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 TWG. — 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. Composition of the NCS-SRD TWG. — The NHS-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)  
Convergence Focal Person, DAR (Policy and Advocacy) 
f)  
(I) Convergence Focal Person, DENR (Knowledge Management) 
g)  
Convergence Focal Person, DILG (Capacity Development) 
h)  
Executive Director, NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office 
 
SEC. 17. NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office. — A permanent NCP-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 NHS-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 IV and shall oversee and supervise NHS- 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 designated coordinators 
of each working group. The NCS-SRD Nations 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 NCSMRD National Secretariat. — The NCS-SRD 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 database 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 
 
SEC. 19. Regional Convergence Strategy - Technical Working Group (RCS-TWG). – 
Parallel to the NCS-SRD TWG, the RCS-TWG shall manage and supervise the programs, 
projects, and other related activities at the regional level. 
 
SEC. 20. Duties and Responsibilities. — 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 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 
implementation of plans, programs and activities. 
 
SEC. 21. Composition of the RCS-TWG. — 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-TWG). — 
The PCS-TWG is responsible for implementing the plans, programs, projects, and other related 
activities of the NHS-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 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 Group (MCS-TWG). — 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 tor 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. Mentoring and Evaluation. — A monitoring and evaluation system based on 
the performance indicators set by the Department of Budget and 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-SGD National Secretariat Office. — Within sixty (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 Office until such time 
that a regular Executive Director is appointed. 
 
SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (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 implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 27. Structure and Staffing 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. Appropriations. – 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 
NCP plans and programs shall be included in the respective annual budget of the rural 
development departments 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 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-Impairment CIause. — 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, Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise 
known as “The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997,” and Republic Act No. 8550, as 
amended, otherwise known as the “Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.”  
 
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. — If 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. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, niles 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. Activity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved.