EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
)
SENATE
s.B. n o . _ M 5 .
v 
-A ’’v 
:'n-v
’19 
J'j'_ 30 P5:14
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE AND 
FISHERIES 
EXTENSION SYSTEM TO ACCELERATE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 
DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THERFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 9 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"The State shall promote a just and dynamic social order that 
will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free 
people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social 
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an 
improved quality of life for all."
Agriculture and fisheries are essential factors in our lives since they both 
contribute to the food we consume to feed our families every day as well as 
providing the resources that are necessary for us to survive. Thus, it is critical to 
our society and therefore should be promoted and provided for by the State.
This proposed measure seeks to create the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries 
Extension Agency (PAFEA) to serve as the national organization to unify 
agricultural and fisheries extension systems to ensure food security and to 
accelerate development.


In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURDES NAI^Y S. BINAY 
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B.NO. 8 3 5
))
••V’-':,7 • (0Ku> c i . f - ' f l i p
*19 J'J'. 30 P5n5
TT
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
NATIONAL AGRICULTURE 
AND 
FISHERIES 
EXTENSION SYSTEM TO ACCELERATE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 
DEVELOPMENT, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THERFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House o f Representatives o f the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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ARTICLE I
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GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Section 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "Agriculture and
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Fisheries Extension Act."
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Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. -  The goals of national economy are a more
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equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth; a sustained increase
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in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of
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the people; and expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for
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all, especially the underprivileged.
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The State shall promulgate economic modernization and full employment
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based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through
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industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources, and
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which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. In pursuit of these
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goals, all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country shall be given
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optimum opportunity to develop.


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Thus, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to enable those who
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belong to the agriculture and fisheries sector to participate and share in the fruits
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of development and growth in a manner that utilizes the nation's resources in
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the most efficient and sustainable way possible by establishing a more equitable
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access to assets, income, basic and support services, and infrastructure.
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The State shall give priority to promote science, technology and human
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resource development as essentials for national development and progress.
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The State shall utilize research results through information, education,
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extension and communication services. It shall support the development of a
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national extension system that will help accelerate the transformation of
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agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country from a resource-based industry to
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a knowledge-based and market-oriented industry.
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The State shall adopt a market approach as the enabling framework for
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the agriculture and fisheries sector to attain food security, poverty alleviation,
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sustainable development and environmental protection, and balanced urban and
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rural development while addressing the welfare of the consumers for more
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affordable nutritious food especially among the lower income groups. The State
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shall promote market-oriented policies in its agricultural development program to
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enable agriculture producers to transform their enterprises into technologically
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advanced profitable ventures.
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The State shall empower the agriculture and fisheries sector to develop
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and sustain itself to meet present and future needs of the country. Towards this
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end, the State shall ensure the establishment and development of the agriculture
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and fisheries extension system that increases and sustains its contributions
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towards the achievement of the goals of agriculture modernization as mandated
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by Republic Act No. 8435: (a) Poverty Alleviation and Social Equity; (b) Food
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Security; (c) Rational Use of Resources and Sustainable Development; (d) Global
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Competitiveness; and (e) People Empowerment.
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Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms. -  As used in this Act, the terms:
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(a) "Agriculture Development Worker (ADW)" or "Agriculture 
Extension Worker (AEW)" shall refer to a person who is a 
graduate of at least a bachelor's degree in agriculture, 
agriculture engineering, agriculture economics, or any 
related course registered and licensed with the Professional 
Regulation Commission (PRC) or Civil Service Commission 
(CSC); 
who 
perform 
communication, 
curriculum 
development, agricultural/coastal community organizing, 
econometrics, 
water 
management, 
veterinary 
work, 
statistical work, training and extension works in agriculture 
production, trade, and processing including crop and animal 
protection, food safety, agriculture and natural resource 
economics, and marketing. For purposes of this Act, the 
term 
"Agriculture 
Development 
Worker 
(ADW)" 
is 
interchangeably used with "Agriculture Extension Worker 
(AEW)";
(b) Agriculture Engineer" refers to a person registered with the 
Professional 
Regulation 
Commission 
or 
Civil 
Service 
Commission performing training and extension work in 
agricultural 
and 
fisheries 
mechanization, 
irrigation, 
drainage, soil and water conservation, agricultural buildings 
and structures, agricultural processing and post-harvest 
facilities;
(c) "Agriculture 
Extension" refers to an 
educational and 
informative service aimed at the transformation of the 
behavioral traits or characteristics of agriculture and fishery 
producers, consumers, or traders as a consequence of "new 
knowledge" or research results. Agriculture extension 
services include all those provided by both national and


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local governments, non-governmental organizations, and 
the private sector;
(d) "Agroforester" refers to a person who is a graduate of a 
four-year course in forestry, agroforestry, or related fields 
and licensed with the Professional Regulation Commission 
or Civil Service Commission;
(e) "Barangay 
Technician" 
refers 
to 
a 
successful 
agriculture/fishery producer who volunteers and is assigned 
to assists farmers and other agriculture producers in their 
respective barangays towards the modernization of their 
respective 
AF 
enterprises. 
The 
barangay 
agricultural 
technician works closely with the barangay agriculture 
committee for the planning of projects to be implemented 
at the barangay level;
(f) "Catalytic Financing" refers to the provision of financial 
assistance by the National Government as a counterpart 
grant to the resources provided by the local government 
units to achieve increased investment by the private sector 
in the implementation of agriculture and fisheries extension 
services to accelerate the achievement of national goals;
(g) "Civil Society" refers to the group of organizations whose 
voluntary collective action revolves around shared interests, 
purposes and values. Civil societies are organizations 
composed of community groups, women's organizations, 
faith-based organizations, professional associations, trade 
unions, 
self-help groups, 
social 
movements, 
business 
associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups;
(h) "Consumers" are those that acquire goods or services for 
direct use or ownership rather than for resale or use in 
production and manufacturing;
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(i) 
"Empowerment" refers to the expansion of assets and 
capabilities of people to participate in, negotiate with, 
influence, control and hold accountable institutions that 
affect 
their 
lives; 
it 
involves 
providing 
authority, 
responsibility, and information to people directly engaged in 
agriculture and fishery production, primarily at the level of 
the farmers, fisherfolk, and those engaged in food and non­
food production and processing, in order to give them 
enhanced economic rights;
(j) "Extension System for Agriculture and Fisheries" refers to 
the extension service delivery system of the country that 
includes all services provided by national, local, non­
governmental organizations, and the private sector;
(k) "Farmer-to-Farmer or Fisher-to-Fisher Extension Approach" 
refers to the modality of extension where farmers or fishers 
systematically learn from their successful 
peers new 
knowledge or skills to improve the productivity and income 
of their enterprises;
(l) "Fisheries" refers to all interrelated activities which include 
the production, growing, harvesting, processing, marketing, 
developing, conserving, and managing of all aquatic and 
fisheries areas;
(m) "Fisheries Technologist" refers to a person who is a 
graduate of a four-year course in Fisheries and registered 
and licensed with the Professional Regulation Commission 
or Civil Service Commission;
(n) "Food Security" refers to the national policy objective of 
meeting the food requirements of the present and the 
future generations of Filipinos in substantial quantity, 
ensuring the availability and affordability of safe and
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nutritious food for all, either through local production or 
importation, or both, based on the country's existing and 
potential resource endowment and related production 
advantages, and consistent with the overall 
national 
development objectives and policies;
(o) "Formula Grants" refer to financial transfers from the 
National Government to the local governments to enable 
them to meet national standards in the provision of 
Agriculture 
and 
Fisheries 
Extension 
Sen/ices 
(AFES) 
especially among the poor. The funding formula takes into 
consideration, among others, the financial capacity of a 
municipality or a province.
(p) "Knowledge Management" is a systematic approach which 
invents, 
understands, 
shares, 
creates 
and 
utilizes 
knowledge in order to create values such as producer's 
value, customer's value, employee's value, stockholder's 
value, business partner's value and social value to achieve 
the vision and goal of the organization;
(q) "Partnership" refers to the relationship between and among 
agencies that is characterized by mutual cooperation and 
responsibility towards the achievement of shared goals;
(r) "RBOs" 
are 
rural 
based 
organizations 
or 
people's 
organizations composed of various sectors of the rural 
community such as farmers, fisherfolk, growers, seed 
producers, women, and youth;
(s) "Targeted Financial Transfer" is a financial support provided 
by the National Government to the LGUs to enable them to 
plan and implement projects in agriculture extension aimed 
at helping the poor and economically disadvantaged rural 
beneficiaries;
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(t) "Value Chain" is a process from seed to shelf or from the
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producers to the 
consumers, 
showing 
activities and
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interventions of/for a chosen commodity/ties based on
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understanding the needs for such interventions; and
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(u) "Veterinarian" refers to a person registered with the
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Professional 
Regulation 
Commission 
performing
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professional services related to the practice of veterinary
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medicine including training and extension on disease
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prevention control and animal health.
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Sec. 4. Statement o f Goals. -  Agricultural Extension is a policy instrument
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for agriculture and fisheries development aimed at empowering individuals and
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organizations; 
Public 
agriculture 
extension 
shall 
contribute 
towards the
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achievement of the national goals of agriculture development.
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Sec. 5. Statement o f Objectives. -  Agriculture and fisheries extension shall
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contribute to the following objectives:
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(a) To enhance the economic right of producers, especially the
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poor, to use the most appropriate technologies they feel
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will give them the best profit and to choose the most
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affordable loans in producing the quality and quantity of
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products and to sell their products freely; traders, to move
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goods in the expectation of profits unconstrained by serious
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lack of knowledge and information; 
and consumers,
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regardless of their geographic location, to buy safe and
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nutritious foods at the lowest prices possible;
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(b) To manage knowledge in strengthening the individual and
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organizational 
capabilities 
of 
producers, 
traders 
and
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consumers; and


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(c) To help create an enabling environment that strengthens 
the linkage between knowledge generation and knowledge 
use, and encourages increased investment in agriculture 
extension by the private sector, civil society, and local 
governments.
Sec. 6. Clients. -  The clients of Philippine agricultural and fisheries 
extension system are the producers (farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural 
processors), traders and consumers along the value chain. Public extension shall 
focus on the delivery of public goods. The priority clients shall be the 
economically and socially disadvantaged groups in agriculture and fisheries. Local 
government units shall put primary attention to these groups in the provision of 
extension services.
ARTICLE I I
STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION
Sec. 7. Creation o f the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension 
Agency (PAFEA). -  The Agricultural Training Institute is hereby strengthened and 
transformed into the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Agency 
(PAFEA). It shall serve as the national apex organization for a unified and 
efficient agriculture and fisheries extension system of the country. It shall ensure 
that public extension services meet the national standards of performance and 
effectively contribute towards the achievement of national goals of agriculture 
and fisheries modernization and sustainable development.
Sec. 8. Powers and Functions. -
(a) Provide direction in the development of national extension 
policies in agriculture and fisheries;


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(b) Orchestrate the development of an extension strategic plan 
including its financing in coordination with the Department 
of Budget and Management and stakeholders;
(c) Develop and implement national policies and programs 
aimed at the continuous improvement of the quality of 
extension methods, products, and services towards a more 
efficient and client-responsive national agriculture and 
fisheries knowledge management system;
(d) Develop a system towards the 
management of the
country's extension resources for agriculture and fisheries 
to ensure a sustainable participatory and efficient system of 
funding for information education, and communication 
materials (lEC); and to help achieve optimal efficiency 
along the value chain;
(e) Provide leadership in the development and implementation
of the 
National Agriculture and 
Fisheries 
Knowledge
Network (NAFKN) in agriculture 
and fisheries of the
Department through a system of partnerships that may 
include, but is not limited to, the local government units 
(LCDs), the Regional Development Council (RDC), the 
Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFCs), the 
academe especially the state universities and colleges 
(SUCs) of agriculture and fisheries, the Civil Society 
Organizations 
(CSOs), 
producers, 
Rural-Based 
Organizations (RBOs), and the private sector;
(f) 
Provide 
national 
leadership in 
developing 
extension
partnerships towards increased investment and robust 
private sector participation in consultation with agriculture 
and fisheries councils (AFCs);


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(g) Harness centers of research excellence in collaboration with
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state universities and colleges (SUCs) of agriculture and
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fisheries for the implementation of national programs
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particularly in the areas of extension innovations, national
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training, impact assessment, and monitoring and evaluation
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of extension institutions, programs and projects;
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(h) Provide leadership in developing and implementing a
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national system of strengthening institutional extension
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capacities at all levels of implementation; and
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(i) 
In coordination with the Department of Budget and
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Management (DBM), the Local Government Units, the
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Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and
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other stakeholders, the PAFEA shall set up a review
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mechanism for all agriculture and fisheries extension
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programs and budgets of national agencies to determine
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cost-effectiveness of operations and impacts to national and
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local goals.
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Sec. 9. Structure o f PAFEA. -  The PAFEA shall be headed by a Director
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General (DG) with a rank of Assistant Secretary who shall be assisted by two
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Deputy Director Generals (DDG) who shall be appointed by the President upon
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recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture from a list submitted by an
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Independent Search Committee organized and based on the qualification
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standards set by the Council of Extension Research Development in Agriculture
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and Fisheries (CERDAF). They shall have a fixed tenure of six (6) years and may
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be re-appointed for an additional term of four (4) years based on very
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satisfactory performance.
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Sec. 10. The Council for Extension Research Development in Agriculture
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and Fisheries (CERDAF). -  The Council for Extension Research Development in
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Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF) is hereby strengthened. It shall ensure that
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the agriculture and fisheries research, development and extension policies and
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programs of the Department are consistent with national policies and priorities.
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As part of its functions and duties, the Council for Extension Research
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Development in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF) shall:
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(a) Recommend to the Secretary of the Department of
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Agriculture policies covering program priorities and resource
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allocation 
in 
agriculture and 
fisheries 
research 
and
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extension of all agencies of the Department;
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(b) Enhance 
coordination 
and 
linkage 
of 
government
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institutions involved in agriculture and fisheries research,
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development and extension;
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(c) Strengthen 
the 
participation 
of various 
stakeholders,
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especially the civil society, local government units, and
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private sector in the development of the National Research
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Development and Extension (NRDE) agenda and programs;
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(d) Strengthen the institutional efficiency of the NRDE system
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including the creation of a monitoring 
and evaluation
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system on the effectiveness and efficiency of its various
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components; and
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(e) Set guidelines for the use of services and facilities,
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collection of fees, and the utilization of income.
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Sec. 11. Composition o f the Council for Extension Research Development
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in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF). -  The Undersecretary for Policy and
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Planning of the DA shall be the Chair of the Council. There shall be a Vice Chair
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to be elected from among the other members of the Board. The Executive
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Director of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Agency (PAFEA)
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and the Director of the Bureau of Agriculture Research (BAR) shall be the ex-
11


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officio members, and the Chair shall appoint the Executive Director of the PAFEA
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as Secretary of the Council.
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The CERDAF shall have the following members:
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(a) Designated Undersecretaries for Policy and Planning of the
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following Departments:
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(1) Department of Science and Technology;
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(2) Department 
of 
Environment 
and 
Natural
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Resources; and
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(3) Department of Interior and Local Government;
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(b) Presidents of the following LGU organizations:
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(1) League of Provinces; and
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(2) Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines
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(ULAP);
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(c) Four (4) CSO representatives or one each from the rural
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youth, rural women, farmer, and fisherfolk as identified and
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selected by the Department of Agriculture;
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(d) One (1) private sector representative appointed by the DA
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Secretary;
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(e) One (1) representative each from the following national
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professional scientific societies/organizations recommended
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by the Secretary of the Department of Science and
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Technology:
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(1) crops;
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(2) agriculture economics;
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(3) fisheries and aquatic science;
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(4) livestock/animal science;
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(5) plant protection; and
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(6) sociology/anthropology/communications.
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Sec. 12. Offices under the PAFEA. -  To carry out and discharge its
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functions, the PAFEA shall have four technical offices as follows:
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(1) Policy Development;
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(2) Extension Innovations and National Training;
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(3) Knowledge Products and Services Development; and
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(4) Extension Governance and Partnerships.
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The PAFEA shall maintain a small regional office to:
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(1) Liaise with Department Regional Field Units (RFUs), which
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should serve as the principal arm of the Department in the
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implementation of extension policies and programs in the
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regions;
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(2) Provide technical assistance in the efficient implementation
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of PAFEA policies and programs; and
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(3) Monitor and evaluate extension programs and projects
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funded by the DA that are being undertaken in the region.
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The PAFEA is authorized to utilize existing Agricultural Training Institute
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(ATI) plantilla positions and to convert them into positions most appropriate to
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the Agency to provide national technical and managerial leadership.
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ARTICLE I I I
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ORGANIZATION OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXTENSION SERVICES
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Sec. 13. Province as the LCD Unit o f Operation for Agriculture and
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Fisheries Extension. -  To achieve efficiency and to provide more responsive
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services, the planning and implementation unit of the extension services at the
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level of the LGUS shall be the province through a Provincial Agriculture and
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Fisheries Extension Services under the Office of the Governor. Towards this end,
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all technical and financial assistance for agriculture and fisheries development
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from the National Government to the LGUs shall be coursed through, and
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coordinated by, the province.
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The Provincial Agriculture and Extension Services shall be headed by a
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technically qualified career Provincial Agriculturist and Fisheries Officer (PAFO).
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The PAFO shall have two deputies or Assistant PAFOs; on for fisheries and one
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for agriculture development. The PAFOs shall be appointed by the Director
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General of PAFEA chosen from three qualified nominees per position submitted
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by the Governor. Its staff shall be composed of technically qualified career
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agriculturists, 
economists, 
statisticians, 
agricultural 
engineers, 
fishery
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technologist, and veterinarians appointed by the Provincial Governor.
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Sec. 14. Extension Personnel in Municipalities and Non-chartered Cities. -
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Upon the effectivity of this Act, all municipal and non-chartered cities agriculture
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and fisheries extension personnel shall become provincial government employees
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unless the LGU concerned chooses to retain these personnel under their own
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plantilla and budget. Municipal and city extension employees transferred to the
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province shall be issued a new appointment by the Governor as organic
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personnel of the Provincial Agriculturist and Fisheries Office (PAFO). Transferred
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extension personnel may continue to serve their respective municipalities and
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non-chartered cities as detailed employees of the province based on a
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rationalized organizational structure submitted by the LGUs and approved by the
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PAFEA and the DBM. Existing employees of municipalities or cities that opt to
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retain their personnel do not need to issue new appointments to staff of the
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same positions.
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The Municipal/City Agriculture and Extension Services shall be headed by
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a technically qualified career Municipal/City Agriculturist and Fisheries Officer
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(M/CAFO) based on the criteria set by the PAFEA. They shall be appointed by the
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PAFEA chosen from three (3) qualified nominees submitted by the governors.
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Existing MAOs or CAOs who are not reappointed for reasons other than for just
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cause, shall serve as Supervising Agriculturists with salaries equal to that of their
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existing positions. M/CAFO whether under the plantilla of the province or the
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municipalities/cities shall have direct day-to-day supervision of all extension
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munidpal/dty personnel whether organic or detailed to the municipalities.
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On the other hand, the PAFO shall have direct technical supervision of all
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M/CAFOs in the province regardless of their sources of salaries. As such,
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M/CAFOs and their personnel are obligated to attend meetings, workshops,
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seminars, and other activities organized by the province that require their
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participation. In addition, they shall, on a periodic basis, submit data and reports
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required by the province or the national government. In cooperation with the
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PAFEA and the state colleges and universities of agriculture, all provinces are
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required to design and implement a periodic external or third party evaluation of
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all municipal and city extension programs and services.
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Sec. 15. Salaries and Wages o f Extension Personnel -  The salaries and
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wages of all agriculture and fisheries technical extension personnel under the
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payroll of the provincial government shall be paid by the National Government
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through an annual grant-in-aid to be paid out of the regular appropriation of the
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PAFEA of the Department of Agriculture; Provided, however, That during the first
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year of the effectivity of this Act, the local government concerned shall reallocate
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its savings from the personal services for agriculture personnel to its agriculture
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and fisheries extension; Provided, further. That ever year thereafter, the
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concerned LGU shall appropriate the equivalent funds paid by the national
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government as the minimum amount for its agriculture and fisheries operation or
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counterparts to national grant-in-aid in agriculture and fisheries, without
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prejudice to the provision of additional funds that may be allocated by the LGUs
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for this purpose.
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The salaries and wages of technical extension personnel for both
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agriculture and fisheries shall be standardized so as to equal or be comparable
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with similar positions of national employees without prejudice to the provision of
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additional staff benefits by concerned LGUs where their finances warrant. The
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provision of grants-in-aid to pay for the salaries and wages of the technical
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personnel of the LGU extension services shall be subject to external review and 
evaluation every five (5) years to determine its impact to the quality of services, 
its cost-effectiveness, and impact on the goals of AFMA. A copy of the report 
shall be provided to Congress and serve as the basis for the continuation or 
modification of the grants-in-aid.
Sec. 16. Structure o f the Provincial Extension Services. -  The provincial 
and municipal agriculture and fisheries extension services shall organize and 
structure its services based on the agricultural and extension needs of the 
province and on the standards set by the PAFEA. The technical positions of the 
Provincial and Municipal Extension Services shall be rationalized to provide the 
appropriate number of positions for agriculturists, mixed crop-livestock/tree 
specialist, 
communication 
and 
curriculum 
specialists, 
community 
organizers/anthropologists, 
economist/agribusiness 
economists, 
agricultural 
engineers, fisheries technologists, and veterinarians.
Sec. 17. LGU Livestock Production Services. -  In recognition of the need 
to provide an integrated extension approach to total farm development, the LGU 
livestock production services shall be part and parcel of the Provincial Agricultural 
Office (PAO). In cases where these functions were earlier integrated into the 
Provincial Veterinary Services, they shall be returned and re-integrated to the 
rest of the PAO services. This is to prevent conflict of interest between regulatory 
functions and livestock extension functions.
Sec. 18. Strategic Plan in Agriculture and Fisheries. -  To provide 
coherence of all government plans in agriculture and fisheries and to achieve 
efficiency in the use of resources, all provincial governments are required to 
develop a five-year strategic plan in agriculture and fisheries based on the 
framework and principles provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA). The
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Strategic Plan shall serve as the basis for the Provincial Annual Work Program 
and Budget and for the DA to provide short-term and long-term assistance.
ARTICLE IV
AGRICULTURAL SERVICE CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 19. Professionalization o f Extension Services. -  The State shall 
support the development and professionalization of agricultural service by 
providing the necessary compensation and benefits to various extension workers 
based on their duties, responsibilities and qualifications. For this purpose, the 
PAFEA, in coordination with the Civil Service Commission, shall develop 
qualification standards beyond the minimum set by the Civil Service Commission 
for the various managerial, technical and non-technical positions of the extension 
services of the country including that of all local government units. The PAFEA 
shall also develop a career path of all technical extension personnel that will 
allow them, regardless of assignment or location in government, to move 
vertically in the promotion system. Managerial positions shall be open to all 
qualified personnel regardless of geographic or agency assignment.
Towards this end, the PAFEA shall issue guidelines for the creation of a 
merit promotion boards in all extension agencies/office to include representatives 
of civil societies and the SUCs of agriculture and fisheries. In determining the 
salaries of agriculture and fishery development workers, the provisions of Joint 
Resolution No. 4, series of 2009, entitled "Joint Resolution Authorizing the 
President of the 
Philippines to Modify the Compensation and 
Position 
Classification System of Civilian Personnel and the Base Pay Schedule of Military 
and Uniformed Personnel in the Government, and for Other Purposes," shall 
apply.
Sec. 20. Mandatory Managerial Positions for Agricultural Services in Local 
Government Units. -  The creation of the following positions are hereby made
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mandatory in addition to the prescribed positions under the Local Government
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Code of 1991:
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(a) Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Officers (PAFO)
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(1) Asst. PAFO for Fisheries Development
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(2) Asst. PAFO for Agriculture Development;
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(b) City Agriculturist and Fisheries Officer (CAFO); and
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(c) Municipal Agriculturist and Fisheries Officer (MAFO).
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Sec. 21. Transfer o f Geographical Reassignment o f Agricultural Officers
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and Employees o f the LGUs. -  No transfer or geographical reassignment shall be
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made or effected without prior written notice to the personnel concerned stating
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therein the reason therefor; Provided, That said written notice shall be made
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thirty (30) days prior to the date of transfer or reassignment; Provided, further,
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That if the employee concerned disagrees with the order of transfer or
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reassignment, he/she may appeal said order with the Civil Service Commission or
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the Department of Agriculture, as the case may be; Provided, further. That
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pending appeal, such transfer or reassignment shall be held in abeyance;
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Provided, furthermore. That no transfer or reassignment shall be made three (3)
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months prior to any local or national election; Provided, finally. That the
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necessary expenses of the transfer and/or reassignment of the agricultural
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worker or employee and his/her immediate family shall be paid by the
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Government.
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Sec. 22. Security o f Tenure. -  An agricultural extension worker holding a
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permanent position shall not be terminated except for just cause; Provided, That
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in the event he/she is found to unjustly dismissed as verified by the Civil Service
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Commission, he/she shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of seniority
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rights and back wages with twenty per centum (20%) interest to be computed
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from the time compensation has been withheld. In cases, however, where the
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agricultural extension worker does not desire to be reinstated, he/she shall be
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entitled to back wages and separation pay with twenty per centum (20%) 
interest.
Sec. 23. Discrimination Prohibited. -  An agricultural extension worker shall 
not be discriminated by reason of creed, sect, political belief, civil status, and 
ethnic grouping in the exercise of his/her profession.
Sec. 
24. 
Safeguards in Administrative 
Proceedings. 
-  
In 
every 
administrative proceeding, an agricultural extension worker shall have:
(a) The right to be informed of the charges;
(b) The right to full access to evidence against him/her;
(c) The right to defend himself/herself through counsel of 
his/her choice;
(d) The right to be given adequate time to prepare his/her 
case, which shall not be less than seven (7) days from 
receipt of the formal charge;
(e) The right to appeal to designated authorities;
(f) The right to cross-examine witness and to process for the 
production of witnesses;
(g) The right to reimbursement for reasonable expenses 
incurred in his/her defense in case of exoneration or 
dismissal of the charges; and
(h) Such other rights provided by other national agencies and 
local government units to their respective officers and 
employees 
to 
ensure 
fairness 
and 
impartiality 
in 
prosecution.
Sec. 25. Code o f Conduct -  All agricultural extension workers shall be 
guided by a code of ethics not contrary to law, morals, safety, health, public 
policy and public order, which shall be prepared by the Secretary of Agriculture
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in consultation with the recognized national associations of agricultural extension 
workers.
Sec. 26. 
Training and Schoiarship Programs. -  The Department of 
Agriculture through the PAFEA shall undertake training and scholarship programs 
for agricultural extension workers, which shall be provide adequate budgetary 
support by the National Government.
Sec. 27. Married Agricuiturai Extension Workers. -  Whenever possible, the 
proper authorities shall take steps to enable married couples both of whom are 
public agricultural extension workers, to be employed or assigned in the same 
municipality.
ARTICLE V
INCENTIVES AND REWARDS SYSTEM
Sec. 28. Criteria for Incentives and Rewards System. -  The PAFEA shall 
develop a reward and incentive system for agricultural extension workers 
provided under this Act, to encourage them to stay in the service, promote their 
productivity and reward them for extraordinary performance.
Sec. 29. Other Compensation and Benefits. -  All agricultural extension 
workers shall be entitled to the following additional compensation and benefits:
(a) Representation Allowance and Traveling Allowance -  All 
Provincial/City/Municipal AF Officers shall be entitled to 
Representation Allowance and Traveling Allowance (RATA) 
equivalent to the Department Head of the equivalent Local 
Government Units;
(b) Hazard Allowance -  All agricultural extension workers 
assigned in difficult areas, strife-torn or embattled areas.
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distressed 
or 
isolated 
stations, 
animal/plant/fisheries 
breeding 
station, 
plant 
nurseries, 
plantations 
and 
demonstration farms, laboratories especially those handling 
x-rays, radioisotopes, chemicals, etc., sea-borne patrols, 
construction and instailation of agricultural infrastructure 
projects, and other areas declared under a state of calamity 
or emergency which exposes them to great danger, 
occupational risks of perils of life, shall be compensated 
with hazard allowance equivalent to at least twenty per 
centum (20%) of the monthly basic salary;
(c) Subsistence Allowance -  All agricultural extension workers 
who are required to render services in the communities, 
institutions, 
animal 
and 
plant 
breeding 
nurseries, 
plantations and demonstration farms and other barrier 
programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture in 
order to make their services available at all times, shall be 
entitled to full daily subsistence allowance of three (3) 
meals, which shall be computed in accordance with the 
prevailing circumstances;
(d) Longevity Pay -  A longevity pay equivalent to five per 
centum (5%) of the monthly basic pay shall be paid to an 
agricultural extension worker for every three (3) years of 
continuous, efficient and meritorious services rendered;
(e) Clothing Allowance -  All agricultural extension workers shall 
be entitled to a clothing allowance in accordance with the 
approved laws and regulations or as mandated by law;
(f) 
Housing -  All agricultural extension workers who are on 
tour of duty and those who, because of unavoidable 
circumstances, are forced to stay in the institution or 
community shall receive housing allowances unless the
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government is able to provide free public accommodation. 
Housing allowance shall be reviewed periodically and 
adjusted accordingly.
(g) Motor and Vehicle Loan -  All agricultural development 
workers shall be entitled to avail of the motor and vehicle 
loan of the Department of Agriculture. The National 
Government shall provide adequate budgetary support for 
this purpose.
ARTICLE VI
THE FARMER-TO-FARMER APPROACH
Sec. 30. 
The Farmer-to-Farmer Approach. -  The farmer-to-farmer 
approach in extension is hereby institutionalized. The PAFEA, in cooperation with 
centers of research excellence and interested LGUs, shall take leadership in 
developing a highly flexible and innovative system in no more than ten (10) 
years. For the initial implementation of this provision, an initial budget of Twenty 
Million Pesos (P20,000,000.00) is hereby allocated for the first year. Every year 
thereafter the budget shall be adjusted accordingly depending on the needs and 
response of the LGUs and non-governmental organizations subject to review by 
the CERDAF.
ARTICLE V II
FUNDING FOR EXTENSION SERVICES
Sec. 31. Initial Appropriation. -  For the first year of implementation of this 
Act, the initial amount of Ten Billion Pesos (P10,000,000,000.00) shall be 
appropriated out of the total budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for 
personal services, grants-in-aid to the LGUs, operation and capital outlay 
requirements of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Agency 
(PAFEA).
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is hereby mandated 
to include annually in the President's program of expenditures for submission to 
Congress 
and 
release, 
an 
amount 
not 
less 
than 
Ten 
Billion 
Pesos 
(PIO,000,000,000.00) or one percent of the gross value added in agriculture and 
fisheries, whichever is higher, for the implementation of this Act. Five Billion 
Pesos (P5,000,000.00) of this amount shall be allocated to the salary grant to 
LCDs for the local extension personnel and operation of the PAFE. The 
Department of Agriculture is hereby tasked accordingly to rationalize its budget 
to meet the requirements of this Act.
The PAFEA is authorized to utilize part of its yearly appropriation to set up 
or upgrade necessary facilities to improve the provision of national extension 
services. All assets, resources both human and financial of Agricultural Training 
Institute (ATI), shall be transferred to the PAFEA.
All revenues generated out of the use of services, facilities and equipment 
shall be utilized by the Agency to augment its maintenance and operating 
expenditures subject to the approval of the Governing Board.
ARTICLE V III 
FINAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 32. Phased Implementation. -  The implementation of this Act shall be 
phased over a period of five (5) years.
Sec. 33. Oversight Committee. -  The Congressional Oversight Committee 
for Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) shall oversee the 
implementation of this Act for a period not exceeding five (5) years from its 
effectivity.
Sec. 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) shall
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be formulated by the Department of Agriculture in close coordination with the 
Department of Interior and Local Government, the Leagues of Governors and 
Mayors, and relevant members of the civil society, which shall include an 
implementation plan indicating a phased approach to provide smooth transition 
from the present to the reformed extension system under this Act. The Secretary 
of the Department of Agriculture shall furnish a copy of the IRR to the 
Committee of Agriculture of both Houses of Congress.
Sec. 35. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
repealed or amended accordingly.
Sec. 36. Separability Clause. -  If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain 
valid and subsisting.
Sec. 37. Effectivity Clause. -  This Act shall take effect thirty (30) days 
after its publication in at least in two (2) national newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,
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