Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
          NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
 Introduced by Rep. Wilfrido 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 mechanisms 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 two decades.  More so, the implementing 
mechanisms and operational details have yet to be finalized by the three principal rural 
development agencies, i.e. 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 may be monitored as to its achievements in institutional 
coordination—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, i.e. DA, DAR, DENR, 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of 
Interior and Local Government (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: 
August 12, 2022
8:48 am
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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. Provision of support services to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by DAR 
vis-avis 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 LGUs. 
 
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 PDPs that the 
three departments need to adopt and implement joint and complementary initiatives in 
the rural areas.  
 
Indeed, various formal issuances over the two decades or so, within individual 
departments 
and 
inter-departmental 
Memoranda 
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 problem 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 pronouncements 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. 
Finally, 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 any activities which build the capacity of the LGUs to perform the tasks 
associated with the achievement of sustainable rural development. 
In summary, in 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 this proposed measure is earnestly sought. 
WILFRIDO MARK M. ENVERGA 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
          NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 
 Introduced by Rep. Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga 
  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CONVERGENCE STRATEGY FOR  
SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDING THE IMPLEMENTING 
MECHANISMS THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title.   This Act shall be known as the National Convergence Initiative Act 
of 2022. 
SECTION 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 and equitable rural development 
that will facilitate the convergence of the resources of the principal rural development 
agencies to maximize its impact. 
The implementation of the National Convergence Strategy shall be guided by the 
following principles: 
(a) The Department of Agriculture-Department of Agrarian Reform-Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DA-DAR-DENR) National Convergence
shall be treated as an institutionalized complementation strategy between and
among the three rural development agencies. Whenever the opportunity arises,
the Convergence shall work with other national line agencies, donor agencies,
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international and local non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s 
organizations (POs) mentioned in Section 6 hereof; 
 
(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; 
 
(c) The participatory approach shall be adopted in all phases of development: from 
planning and budgeting, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation; 
 
(d) Complementation of resources and expertise of the concerned agencies and 
LGUs shall take primordial consideration in the implementation of the 
Convergence Initiative; 
 
(e) Convergence shall be mainstreamed in all programs, projects and activities of 
the national government agencies and concerned LGUs; 
 
(f) 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 rural development; 
 
(g) Instituting relevant measures for an enabling environment to encourage 
investment by the private sector. 
 
SECTION 3. Scope. This Act shall apply to all rural development areas primarily 
inhabited by the convergence initiative programs targeted beneficiaries - the 
marginalized farmers (both agrarian reform beneficiaries and non-agrarian reform 
beneficiaries), fisherfolks, upland dwellers, and indigenous people.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


CHAPTER II 
 
DEFINITIONS 
 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms.  As used in and for purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall mean: 
 
 
(a) Agrarian reform beneficiaries (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; 
 
(c) Agro-based cluster refers to the concentration of producers, 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 foreshore land; 
 
(e) Ecosystem refers to the complex relationships among the living resources, 
habitats, and residents of an area. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, 
micro-organisms, water, soil, and people; 
 
(f) Enhanced National Convergence Initiative (Enhanced NCI) refers to the National 
Convergence Initiative Strategy provided for under DA-DAR-DENR Joint 
Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2010;  
 
(g) Farmers refer to natural persons whose primary livelihood is cultivation of land 
or the production of agricultural crops, agro-forestry 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; 
 
(i) Good agricultural practices refer 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; 
 
(j) Local Government Units refer to government units at the sub-national level or 
government units at the regional, provincial and municipal levels; 
 
(k) Mangrove forests refer to silt-rich, saline (brackish water) habitat generally 
found along large rivers, deltas, and estuaries in the coastal 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; 
(l) 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); 
 
        (n) Rural development agencies refer to the Department of Agriculture, the  
              Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Environment and  
              Natural Resources; 
 
       (o) Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ) refer to areas  
             within the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-industrial    
             Development  (NPAAAD) 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; 
 
 
 
 


        (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  
               number of ways from degraded forest recovering from selective logging to areas  
             cleared by slash-and-burn agriculture or “kaingin” that have been reclaimed by  
              forest. It also characterized be a less developed canopy structure, smaller trees,  
             and less diversity; 
 
         (q) Sustainable rural development refers to the development objectives of meeting  
              the needs of the present generation in the rural communities, without  
              compromising theability of future generations to meet their own needs  
              consistent with the principles of social equity, efficiency and environmental  
              integrity;   
 
           (r) 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; 
 
(s) Watershed refers to a topographically delineated area of land from which  
      rainwater can drain as surface run-off vis-à-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 III 
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK 
 
SECTION 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 “ridge to reef” 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 shall likewise take 
into consideration the SAFDZ provision of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization 
Act (AFMA) of 1997. 
 


SECTION 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 
actual and potential ARBs, fisherfolks , indigenous people, a rural women and 
upland dwellers; 
(d) Presence of development-oriented local government leaders and LGU alliances. 
The convergence sites should have LGUs and Local Chief Executives (LCEs) that 
share a common perspective in rural development and are willing to support the 
convergence initiative;  
(e) 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 that are willing to partner within the 
convergence framework shall be an advantage. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
NCI TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS (TWGs) AND COMPONENTS 
 
SECTION 7. 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 algal beds, brackish wetland areas, mangroves and beach forests 
ecosystems. The TWG shall be composed of concerned agencies / units of the DA, 
DENR and the DILG.  Other government agencies, NGOs/ POs, the 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 be composed of concerned 
agencies / units of the DA, DAR, DENR, and DILG. Other government agencies, 
NGOs / POs, the academe, private sector or business groups / associations may 
also be part of the TWG whenever necessary. 
(c) TWG on Forestry and Upland Development – shall address 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 forest, and rehabilitation of degraded and 
denuded ecosystems. The TWG shall be composed of concerned agencies / units 
of the DA, DAR, DENR, and DILG.  Other government agencies, NGOs/ POs, the 
academe, private sector or business groups / associations may also be part of the 
TWG whenever necessary. 
 
SECTION 8.  Components of NCI.  The following shall serve as cross cutting 
components of the three TWGs.  
 
(a) Policy and Advocacy. The 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. 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. 
(c) Capacity Development. The component shall ensure the organizational 
preparedness of the three agencies and capability of the implementers and other 
stakeholders to implement the convergence initiative. 


(d) 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 
possible adoption, expansion and scaling up. 
 
 
CHAPTER V 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHNISM 
 
Article I 
National Policy Administration 
 
SECTION 9.  Creation of the National Convergence Initiative Administration (NCIA). 
The National Convergence Initiative Administration is hereby created. The NCIA shall be 
the primary coordinating body of the NCI program and shall be under the Office of the 
President.  As a primary coordinating body it shall also be the convenor of the current 
National Convergence Initiative - Technical Working Group (NCI-TWG). 
 
SECTION 9 - A. Composition. The NCI -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 
(e) Chairperson, TWG on Forestry and Upland Development 
(f) Chairperson, Working Group 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 
(j) Convergence Focal Person, DA 
(k) Convergence Focal Person, DAR 
(l) Convergence Focal Person, DENR 
(m) Head, NCI Secretariat 
 
 
 
 


SECTION 9 - 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; 
(c) Recommend to the Executive Board the operational plans, programs, and 
guidelines relevant to the NCI Framework;  
(d) Carry out data-based management of convergence area and prospective 
convergence areas nation-wide; 
(e) Mobilize concerned personnel to actively participate in various activities relative 
to the Convergence Initiative; 
(f) Thoroughly evaluate memorandum of agreements and other agreements; 
(g) Facilitate the formation of Convergence teams together with other concerned 
stakeholders; 
(h) Monitor and evaluate the progress of implementation of Convergence 
projects/activities; 
 
SECTION 9 - 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 issue the 
corresponding implementing administrative issuances and promulgate opinions 
and interpretative circulars and rulings to ensure expeditious and effective 
implementation thereof; 
(c) Approve plans and programs prepared by the Regional, Provincial and Municipal 
Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group; 
(d) Review fulfillment of the commitments of the respective agencies related to the 
implementation of the NCI; and 
(e) Perform other powers and functions as may be inherent, incident, or related to 
the foregoing; 
 
 


SECTION 9 - D. Qualifications of the Administrator. The Administrator must have 
a background or significant training preferably in the field of economics, business 
economics, agriculture, agribusiness, land resources management, and development 
planning and management for a period of at least five (5) years.  The Administrator 
shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines and shall have 
the rank of Undersecretary. 
 
SECTION 9 - E.  Deputy Administrator.  The Administrator shall be assisted by a 
Deputy Administrator who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines 
upon the Board’s recommendation. The Deputy Administrator shall have the same 
qualifications as the Administrator and shall have the rank of Assistant Secretary. 
 
The Deputy Administrator shall be the operational and administrative manager of 
the NCIA and shall assist the administrator in routine housekeeping functions. 
 
SECTION 10.  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 Board shall direct the implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 10 - A.  Composition.  The Board shall be composed of five (5) voting 
members:  
 
(a) The Secretary ofthe Department of Agriculture as Chairperson; 
(b) The Secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and 
the Department of Agrarian Reform as Vice Chairpersons;   
(c) The Secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government and the 
Director-General for  the National  Economic Development Agency as members;  
(d) The Administrator of NCIA, as ex-officio member, who shall likewise act as 
Secretary to the Board. 
 
The Secretaries may appoint their respective permanent alternate representatives 
with a rank of not lower than Undersecretary.  
 
 
 
 


SECTION 10 - B.  Powers and Functions. 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;  
 
SECTION 10 - C.  Meetings. The Board shall meet on a quarterly basis and may hold 
special meetings as deemed necessary. However, hosting of NSC meetings may 
rotate amongst the three rural development agencies. 
 
SECTION 11.  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 functions and composition of the Technical Working Groups and 
Components shall remain in force until revised by the NCIA Board. 
 
SECTION 12.  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. 
 
 
 
 


         SECTION 13.  National Convergence Initiative Secretariat. The Board shall 
appoint the Head of the NCI Secretariat with the Coordinators of each of the Technical 
Working Groups and components 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.  
 
SECTION 13 - 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 NCI. 
 
Article Two 
Sub-National Level Administration 
 
SECTION 14. 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. 
 
SECTION 14 - 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 LGUs 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. 
 
SECTION 14 - B. Composition of the RCI-TWG. 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 Persons and the members of the RCI 
Secretariat shall be designated by the chairperson of RCI-TWG (from the agency where 
the Chairperson belongs).  
 
SECTION 15.  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 the Provincial Governor and the Provincial 
head of DAR and DENR shall be the Co-Chairpersons. 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.  
 
SECTION 16.  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 headed by the Municipal / City Mayor. The 
Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer (MARO) and the Community Environment and 
Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) shall act as Co-Chair. 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 
Other National Government Agencies and Local Government Units 
 
SECTION 17.  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 National Government agencies/bodies 
shall render technical and administrative support if called upon by the NCIA relative to 
the implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 18.  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 institutionalized convergence strategy.  
 
CHAPTER VI 
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 19.  Convening of NCIA. Within thirty (30) days from the effectively 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.    
 
SECTION 20.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. The said rules and regulations 
shall be submitted to the Congressional Oversight on the National Convergence 
Initiative as created by the succeeding provision for approval. 
 
SECTION 21.  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. 
 
SECTION 22.  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, 
and its relevant amendments,  shall continue.  Hiring, separation, replacement, and 
appointment of personnel shall be in accordance with existing Civil Service rules and 
regulations.   
 
SECTION 23.  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.  
 
SECTION 24.  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 respective annual 
budget of the aforementioned rural development agencies 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 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.   


 
SECTION 25.  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.  
 
SECTION 26.  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.  
 
SECTION 27.  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.