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

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

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House Bill No,_2°°*

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Introduced by: REPS. WILFREDO MARK M. ENVERGA, MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA PRYDE
HENRY A. TEVES, FRANCISCO T. MATUGAS, REYNALDO V. UMALI, BERNADETTE R.
HERRERA-DY and REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

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, DPWH, DOST, DTI and DILG, involved in sector
development, functional overlaps, gaps, as well as fragmentation of responsibilities have become
apparent in many areas, such as but not limited to:

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


2, 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.

‘The current design of the convergence framework as reflected in available documents provides nominal
attention to the integrative and local development governance role of the LGUs. Note that the criteria
for the selection of sites were wholly national in origin. The ongoing design, appraisal, decision-making
and resource mobilization of projects is wholly national-based. Finally, the framework does not provide


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

in summary, 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.

ALERIDO
MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA
FRANCISCO T. MATUGAS
BERNADETTE R. HERRERA-DY REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

CHRISTOPHER S. CO ALFREDO A, GARBINJR.


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

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by: REPS. WILFREDO MARK M. ENVERGA, MARK LLANDRO L. MENDOZA
PRYDE HENRY A. TEVES, FRANCISCO T. MATUGAS, REYNALDO V. UMALI, BERNADETTE
R, HERRERA-DY and REENA CONCEPCION G. OBILLO

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

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

CHAPTER |
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS

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

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 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, 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 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 (IPs).

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;

{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;

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

{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;

(I) 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;

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

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

{b) TWG on Lowland Sustainable Agriculture — shall address issues and concerns on the
use and management of the agricultural ecosystems through application of Good
Agricultural Practices (GAP). The TWG shall compose of concerned agencies / units of
the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natu-
ral Resources (DENR), Interior and Local Government (DILG). Other government



agencies, Non-Government / Peoples Organizations (NGOs / POs), academe, private
sector or business groups / associations may also be part of the TWG whenever nec-
essary.

(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 compose of concerned agencies / units of the Department of Agricul-
ture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Inte-
rior and Local Government (DILG). Other government agencies, Non-Government /
Peoples Organizations (NGOs / POs), academe, private sector or business groups /
associations may also be part of the TWG whenever necessary.

SECTION 9. 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.

() 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|
National Policy Administration

SECTION 12. Creation of the National Convergence Initiative Administration (NCIA). The
National Convergence Initiative Administration is hereby created. The NCIAshall be the



primary coordinating body of the NCI program and shall be under the Department of the
Agriculture. As a primary coordinating body it shall also be the convenor of the current
National Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (NCI-TWG).

SECTION 12-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

(i) Convergence Focal Person, DA

(k) Convergence Focal Person, DAR

(I) Convergence Focal Person, DENR

(m) Head, NCI Secretariat

SECTION 12-8. 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) Mobilize concerned personnel to actively participate in various activities relative to
the Convergence Initiative;

(e) Thoroughly evaluate memorandum of agreements and other agreements

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

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

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


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

(b) Be responsible for the implementation and overall execution of the policies, rules
and regulations and decisions adopted by the Board and as such, shall 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 12-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 12-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 administratorin routine housekeeping functions.

SECTION 13.NCIA Executive Board. The NCIA shall have an Executive Board hereinafter
referred to as the Board which shall act as the policy making body of the NCI. The Board
shall direct the implementation of the provisions of this Act.

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

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

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

(c) The Secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
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 alternate representatives with a rank of
not lower than Undersecretary.

SECTION 13-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 13-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 14, Technical Working Groups and Components of the NCI-TWG. The
Administrator shall convene the members of the respective Working Groups to elect
amongst them the Chairperson for each Working Group. The Chairperson of each Working
Group shall then designate or appoint a Coordinator from their respective agency. The
functions and composition of the Technical Working Groups and Components shall remain
in force until revised by the NCIA Board.

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

SECTION 16. 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 16-A. Functions of the NCI Secretariat. The NCI Secretariat shall:
(a) Implement approved plans and projects;

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

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

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

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

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

{g) Maintain effective and efficient data management system of the NCI.

Article Two
Sub-National Level Administration

SECTION 17. Regional Convergence Initiative - Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG6).
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 17-A. Duties and Responsibilities.

(a) Work closely with other government line agencies and offices and with the Regional
Development Council (RDC) and concerned Provincial Development Council (PDC) to
ensure that the enhanced convergence initiative interventions are aligned with the
regional development agenda and initiatives;

(b) Facilitate complementation of efforts and resources for greater impact;

(c) Coordinate and work closely with the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGU) 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 17-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 be the 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 RCl-Secretariat shall be created and would be composed of representatives from the
regional offices of DA, DAR, and DENR. The RC! 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 18. Provincial Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (PCI-TWG). The
PCI-TWG shall be responsible in implementing plans, programs, projects, and other related
activities of the NCI at their respective provinces in collaboration with RCI-TWG. The PCI-
WG 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-Chair. 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 19. Municipal Convergence Initiative Technical Working Group (MCI-TWG). The
MCI-TWG shall be responsible in implementing plans, programs, projects, and other related
activities of the NCI at their respective municipalities in collaboration with the PCI-TWG. The
MCI-TWG shall identify or determine appropriate interventions, resources, and support


services needed such as, but not limited to, infrastructure, logistics, extension, inputs, lands,
and institutional development for the implementation of the NCI plans and programs.

The Chairperson of the MCI-TWG shall be 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 20. Scope and Nature of Support from Government Line Agencies and Offices.
The NCIA shall work closely with other government line agencies and offices to ensure
complementation and alignment of NCI interventions with that of other related agencies
and offices. Conversely, all concerned 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 21. Local Government Units. The Local Government Units which have the mandate
to coordinate and manage local development shall take an active role in the implementation
of an institutionalized convergence strategy.

CHAPTER VI
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 22. 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 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The said rules and regulations shall be
submittedto the Congressional Oversight on the National Convergence Initiative as created
by the succeeding provision for approval.

SECTION 24. Congressional Oversight Committee on the National Conversion Initiative.
There is hereby created a Congressional Oversight Committee composed of five members
each from the Committee on Agriculture of the Senate of the Philippines and the Committee


‘on Rural Development of the House of Representatives. The members from the Senate shall
be appointed by the Senate President based on proportional representation of the parties
or coalitions therein with at least two (2) senators representing the minority. The members
from the House of Representatives shall be appointed by the Speaker also based on
proportional representation of the parties or coalitions therein with at least two (2)
congressmen representing the minority.

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

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

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

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

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

Other sources of funds such as grants, donations, and other forms of assistance from donor
agencies and other public or private entities may be tapped and facilitated by NCI Board
and/or the NCIA to support the 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 28. Non-Impairment Clause. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish,
impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or available to marginalized or basic sectors
under existing laws including but not limited to Republic Act Nos. 8371, 8550 and 6657.


SECTION 29. Separability Clause. If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this
‘Act shall be declared or held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions
hereof, which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 30. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,