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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1418

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, ie. Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian
Reform (DAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
responsible for rural development. Much remains to be done to ensure that the plan
itself is founded on successful experience in rural development, and is specified to a state
that is operational and 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:


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

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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.


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
1418
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Wilfride 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:

CHAPTERI
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the National Convergence Initiative Act
of 2019.

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;

(6) 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 ruraldevelopment;

(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 I
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;

() 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;

() 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;

() 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;

() 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;

(mn) 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;

(0) 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
which has been disturbed in some way, naturally or unnaturally created in a
number of ways from degraded forest recovering from selective logging to areas
cleared by slash-and-burn agriculture or “kaingin” that have been reclaimed 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-d-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 II
PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK

SECTION 5S. Guiding Framework. The convergence strategy shall adopt the watershed
and ecosystem management approach as the intervention framework in the convergence

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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;

() 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;

(a) 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;

(©) 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

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(h) Chairperson, Working Group on Knowledge Management
(i) Chairperson, Working Group on Capacity Development
() Convergence Focal Person, DA

(k) Convergence Focal Person, DAR

() 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;

wu


(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;

(©) 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.

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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;

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(©) 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;

(a) 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 shalll 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

15


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.

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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.

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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.

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