RepublicoftLephilippines
HOUSF OF REPRFSENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HouseBi||No.7995
Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirlno
ANACTINSTITUTI0NALIZINGTHECONVERGENCESTRATEGYFORSUSTAINABLE
RURALDEVELOPMENTANDPROVIDINGTHEIMPLEMENTINGMECHANISMS
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Around 46% of Filipinos, or 50.10 million,live in rural areas]. Farmers and fisherfolk in rural areas
specifically have comprised some of the poorest households in the Philippines since 2006, with 5.5
million poor farmers and 4.6 million poor fishers2. Such a situation exists despite agriculture serving
as   the  backbone   of  the  rural   economy   and   the  key  to   development.   With  the   progress   and
modemizationexperiencedbysocietycomesthediversificationofruralactivities.Thismakesitclear
that  a  centralized  approach  to  rural  development  is  inefficient,  supporting to  the  importance  of a
convergence of National Government Agencies OVGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), with
the support and participation of Non-  Government Organizations O{cOs) and the rural community
itself.Suchconvergenceshouldbeinstitutionalizedtodevelopasustainabledevelopmentplan.
In  1999, the National Convergence Initiative OVCI) was launched as a mechanism to consolidate and
coordinateruraldevelopmentefforts.Afterwards,the2011-2016PhilippineDevelopmentPlan(PDP)
was crafted which reaffirms the objectives of the Ncl towards a more efficient use of resources for
rural development. Pursuant to these policies, the DA, DAR, DENR and the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG)  issued Joint Administrative Order No.1,  Series of 2015  (DA-DAR-
DENR-DILG   JAO  No.   1)   creating  the  National   Convergence  Initiative  for   Sustainable   Rural
Development   OrcI-SRD).   The   NCI-SRD   addresses   the   fragmented    interventions   for   rural
development   and   promotes   integrated   ecosystem   management   or   sustainable   integrated   rural
development which takes  into  consideration the  conservation,  restoration  and protection  of natural
ecosystems  and  resources from  ridge to  reef.  Its  implementation  mechanism  involves  inter-agency
bodies at regional, provincial and municipal levels.
This  I)ill  aims  to  institutionalize  the  NCI-SRD  as  an  integral  component  of the  poverty  reduction
policy of the  Government.  It  seeks to  institutionalize the  convergence  strategy  for sustainable  rural
developmentaswellasprovidetheimplementingmechanismnecessayforitssuccess.
Thismeasurepreviouslypassedthethirdreadingofthe18thCongress.Itwaspreviouslyproposedby
Representatives Elisa "01ga"  T.  Kho,  Wilfrido Mark M.  Enverga,  Victor A.  Yap,  Alfred C.  DeLos
I  PSA data
2 DA data


Santos, Ronnie L. Ong, Femando T. Cabredo, Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr., Alan "Aldu" R. Dujali. Alan
8. Ecleo, I., Ciriaco 8. Gato, Jr., Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., Romeo M. Jaolosjos, Jr., Sergio C. Dagooc,
Godofredo N.  Guya, Jose Francisco "Kiko" 8. Benitez, Joseph  Stephen  S.  Paduano,  Allen Jesise C.
Mangaoang, Isidro T. Ungab, Josey Sarte Salceda, Junie E. Cua, Jose "Ping-Ping" I. Tejada, M.Icaela
S. Violago, Greg G. Gasataya, Jose Enrique "Joet" S. Garcia, Ill, Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo, Ed
ChristopherS.Go,WayKuratZamora,NarcisoR.Bravo,Jr.,GlonaG.Labadlabad,Joselito"Joel"S.
Sacdalan, Ramon "Mon-Mon" V. Guico, Ill, Tyrone D. Agabas, Kristine Singson-Meehan, Abdullch
D. Dimaporo, Yasser Alonto Balindong,  Gabriel H.  Bordado, Jr.,  Stella Luz A.  Quimbo,  Isagani  S.
Amatong,  Joel  Mayo  Z.  Almario,  Lorenz  R.  Defensor,  Ferdinand  R.  Gaite,  and  Rosanna  "Ria"
Vergara as authors thereof.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HouseBE,,No.79L±5
Introduced by Repi.esentative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino
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AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CONVERGENCE STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE
RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDING THE IMPLEMENTING MECHANISMS
THEREFOR
BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseOfRepresentativesOfthePhilippinesinCongressa.ssembled:
CHAPTER I
General Provisions
SIICTI0N  I.  S/„W  r7.//e.  -  This  Act  shall  be  knoun  as  the  "IVcr/j.o#c}/  Co#verge#ce  Sfrcr/egy /or
Sustainable Rural Development arcs-SRD) Act."
SEC. 2. DecJc}rcr/I.a" a/Po/I.cy. - It is the policy of the State to promote agricultural development as a
means to  ensure  food  security  and  alleviate poverty.  Towards this  end, the  State  shall  develop and
operationalize  a  common  framework  for  equital)1e,  inclusive,  and  sustainable  rural  development
through the  convergence  of the  resources of the principal  departments  of the National  Government
concerned  with  rural  development,  namely  the  Department  of Agriculture  (DA),  Department  of
Agrarian  Refom  (DAR),  Department  of  Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (DENR),  and  the
Department  of  Interior  and  Local  Government  (DILG).  This  convergence  shall  0e  ;implemented
through a national convergence strategy.
SEC.  3.   G%I.dj.#g  Prl.#c!.p/es.   -  The   implementation  of  the  National  Convergence  Strategy  for
sustainable rural development OVCS-SRD) is guided by the following principles:
a)    The National Convergence Strategy  is an institutionalized  complementation  strategy among
theDA,DAR,DENR,andtheDILG.The four(4)ruraldevelopmentdepartmentsshallwork
with   other   national   line   agencies   and   government-owned   and   controlled   corporations
(GOCCs),  primarily  the  National  Electrification  Administration  OVEA),  National  Irrigation
Administration  OJIA),  and National  Food  Authority  O{FA),  the  academe,  donor  agencies,
international and local non-government organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (POs),
and other relevant stakeholders  to mitigate institutional coordination problems.
b)ThecomplementationofresourcesandexpertiseoftheDA,OAR,DENR,andtheDILG,and
locaLgoverrmentunits(LGUs)shallbetheprimordialconsiderationintheimplelnentationof
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the National Convergence Strategy: Prov!.c7ed, that such collaborative activities shall not alter
or iinpaii. the respective mandates of the DA9 DAR, DENR, and the DILG;
c)    The  primacy  of the  LGUs  as  the  integrating  and  converging  force  for  sustainable  rural
development at the local level shall be emphasized. The NCS-SRD shall aim to strengthen the
LGUs into becoming sustainable economies;
d)   The National Convergence Strategy must have a defined constituency. Intervention following
the   ridge-to-reef   strategy   shall   focus   on   smallholder   farmers,   both   agrarian   reform
beneficiaries  (ARBs),  and  non-ARBs,  small  fisherfolk,  upland  dwellers,  and  Indigenous
Peoples (lps);
e)    The  participatory  approach  shan  be  adopted  in  all  phases  of development:  planning  and
budgeting,implementation,monitoringandevaluation,reportingandknowledgesharing;
I)    The  National  Convergence  Strategy  shall  be  incorporated  in  all  programs,  projects  and
activities  of  the  national  government  departments  and  concerned  LGUs  to  enhance  the
complementationofre§ourcesandexpertiseoftheDA,DAR,DENR,DILG,andLGUs;
g)    The   National   Convergence   Strategy   shall   include   relevant   measures   for   an   enabling
environment to encourage investment by the private sector, cooperatives and othel. NGOs.
SEC. 4. Scare.  - This Act shall apply to all rural development areas primarily inhabited by targeted
beneficiaries,  namely,  the smallholder farmers,  both ARBs  and  non-ARBs,  small  fisherfolk.  upland
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SEC. 5. De/#!./i.o# o/re"s. -As used in this Act:
(a)  4grarj.cr# re/orm 6e%e/cl.aH.e.5 rzjiBSJ refer to landless farmers and regular farm workers.
irrespective  of  tenurial   arrangement,   who  were  awarded  lands   as  evidenced  Oy  an
Emancipation  Patent  (EP)  or  a  Certificate  of Land  Ownership  Award  (CLOA)  under
Presidential Decree (PD) No. 27 or Republic Act (RA) No. 6657, as amended, otherwise
known as the  "Coxprche#Ji.ve i4grarj.a# Re/om fow a//988 ", including the leaseholders
to the landowners' retained areas who represent the ARE group which were not awarded
with  lands  but whose tenurial  rights  maybe  evidenced  by  the  registration  of leasehold
conti.acts;
(b)  j4grj.aw5!.ness refers to agriculture and fishery-based activities that put farmers, processors,
distributors,  consumers,  and  other  players  within  a  system  that  produces,  processes,
transports,  markets,  and  distributes  agricultural  and  fishery  products  using  appropriate
technologies and applications;
(c)  ComJerge»ce refers to the integration, complementation, harmonization and optimization
of institutional, technical, financial, and human resources;
(d)  Ecoeys"  refers  to  a  physically  defined  environment  made  up  of  two  inseparable
components which are the i) biotope, or a particular physical environment with specific
characteristics such as the climate, temperature, humidity, and concentration of nutrients,
andtheii)biocenosiswhichisasetoflivingorganismssuchasanimals,plantsormicro-
organisms   that   are   in   constant   interaction   and   are,   therefore,   in   a   situation   of
interdependence;
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(e)  Fares/  ecorysfe"  refers  to  a  dynamic  complex  of  plant  animal  and  micro-organism
cominunities and their abiotic environment interacting as a functional unit, where trees are
a key  component and  where humans,  with  their  cultural,  economic  and  environmental
needs are an integral part of;
(I)  Jndj.ge#o%s pear/es /lps/ refers  to a group of people or homogenous societies identified
by self-ascription and ascription by others who have continuously lived as an organized
community  on  communally  bounded  and  defined  territory,  and  who,  under  claims  of
ownership since time immemorial,  ocoupied the same; possessed customs, tradition and
other distinctive  cultural  traits,  or who  have,  through resistance to  political,  social and
cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and culture, became historically
differentiated from the majority of Filipinos;
(g)  Smc}// fro/der /armers  refer to  marginal  and  SUO-marginal  ram households  that own  or
cultivate not more than three (3) hectares of land including ARBs and non-AREs;
(h)  Sma///steer/a/fr refer to people directly or personally and physically engaged in culturing
and processing fishery and aquatic resources;
(i)   Sw5/a;.#ab/e r%rcl/ deve/apme#f tsRD/ refers to the development objective of meeting the
needs  of the  present  generation  in  the  rural  communities,  without  compromising  the
aoility  of future  generations  to  meet their own needs,  consistent with  the  principles  of
social equity, efficiency and environmental integrity.
CHAPTFR 11
Pliysical Framework
SEC. 6. G%i.d;.ng Framewor4. - The convergence strategy shall adopt the ridge-to-reef or sustainal)le
integratedareadevelopmentapproachesastheinterventionframeworkintheconvergenceareas.
The  ridge-to-reef strategy  refers  to  the  development  approach  where  coastal  and  estuarine
ecosystems  are  managed  so  human  settlements  in  upland  and  forest  areas,  in  middle  and  lowland
areas,  or  in  coastal  areas,  may  use  the  resources  therein  to  support  livelihood  and  derive  income
there from   in   a   sustainable   manner,   minimizing   therefore   damage   to   wetlands   and   marine
environments. On the other hand. integrated area development refers to a development approach that
considers the  ecological,  economic,  political,  cultural  and human  challenges  and opportunities  in  a
specific area.
For  purposes  of this  Act.  converge#ce  c7rea  refers  to  the  physical  area  that  is  selected
accordingtoasetofcriteriamandatedunderSection7ofthisAct,andshaubedevelopedaccording
toaConvergenceAreaDevelopmentPlan(CADP)proposedbytheLGU,andapprovedbytheNCS-
SRD Executive Board created under Section 10 of this Act.
SEC.  7.  Crj./erj.a /or  SeJec/I.o#  a/ Co#`Jerge#ce  Areas.  ~  There  shan  be  a  set  of mandatory  and
prioritizationcriteriathatshallguidetheidentiflcationandselectionofaconvergencearea.
(a)  The mandatory criteria includes the following:
(1)  j4degwcrcy a/ ecosysfeffl  zo#es.  -The  convergence  area must  cut  across  the  various
ecosystemsormustbeacomoinationofatleasttwo(2)ecosystems;
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(2)  Good  ##cr#ci.a/  howsc*eep!.ng  recorc7.   -   The   LGU   must   show   proof  of  good
governance   performance   in   internal   housekeeping,   particularly   in   sound   fiscal
management.
(b)  The prioritization criteria include the following:
(I)Keyproductionareaswithconnectivityfo_rip?Yea.sed_p:od_u?trity_::I,d.inco`y`e.-_:I:A
convergence areas must have been identified by the DA, DAR, DENR and the DILG
for agro-forestry and flsheries development for major production or with potential for
expansion,  scaling  up  or  connection  to  allied  industries,  services  for backward  and
forward integration;
(I)  Combination  Of sites  across  motor pov?rty _groups.  - Tpe .corlrergen.ce  arFas` T[::!13:
cover  significant  number  of  smallholder  farmers,  agricultural  workers  including
actual and potential ARBs, fisherfolk, lps, rural women, and upland dwellers;
(5)  Presence  Of relevant  stakeholders  _and _c|w!l  s?ciety  org?nizations` (fsos). :.T!_a_
convergence  areas  must  have  active  CSOs  that  may  be  tapped  to   support  the
convergence   initiative;   these   include   private,   business,   academic,   and   research
institutions that are willing to partner within the convergence area.
CHAPTFR 111
NCS-SRD Ecosystem Technical Working Groups and Components
SEC.  8.  Ecosysre"  recfo#!.CCJ/  Wor#J.ng Ghowps  o/IVCS-SRD.  -Three  (3) technical  working groups
(TWGs)shallimplementtheNCS-SRDinanecosystem.Theyshallbeequallyimportantandmutually
re-enforcing,   and   shall   ensure  that  the   objectives  of  the  NCS-SRD   as   a  means  of  improving
30        institutional efficiencies are achieved.
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Infrastructure  development  shall  form  part  of the  improvement of the  ecosystem  and  shall
sufficiently consider the impact of such development on ecosystem services.
The  TWO  on  Coastal  and  Marine  Resources  Management  shall  address  the  issues  and
concerns pertaining to the use and  management of coral  reefs,  sea grasses  and algal t)eds, brackish
wetland   areas,   mangroves   and   beach   forests   ecosystems.   The   TWO   shall   be   composed   of
representatives  of  the  concerned  offices  and  units  of  the  DA,  DAR,  DENR  and  DILG.  Other
government  agencies,  NGOs,   POs,   the   academe,   private   sector  or  business   groups,   and  other
associations may, upon determination of the NCS-SRD Executive Board, be invited to participate in
41        the work of the TWG.
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The TWG on  Sustainable Lowland Agriculture shall  address the issues and concerns on the
use and management of agricultural ecosystems through the application of good agricultural practices
or   applied   knowledge   and   practices   geared   at   addressing   environmental,   economic   and   social
sustainability  dimensions  of on-farm  production  and  post-production  processes,  resulting  in  unique
andexceptionalnon-foodagriculturalproducts,andsafeandnutritiousfoodproducts.TheTWGshall
becomposedofrepresentativesoftheconcemedofficesorunitsoftheDA,DAR,DENR,andDILG.
Othergoverrmentagencies,NGOs,POs,theacademe,andprivatesectormayuponthedetermination
oftheNCS-SRDExecutiveBoard,beinvitedtoparticipateinthemeetingsandactivitiesoftheTWG.
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The TWO on Forestry and Upland Development shall address the issues and concerns on the
use and sustainable management of the upland areas and forests ecosystems through conservation of
biodiversity,   protection   of  primary   or   old   growth   forests   and   secondary   growth   forests,   and
rehabilitation of degraded and denuded ecosystems. The TWG shall be composed of representatives of
the  concerned  offices  and units  of the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and  DILG.  Other  government  agencies,
NGOs, POs, the academe, private sector or business groups may, upon detemination of the NCS-SRD
Executive Board, be invited to participate in the meetings and activities of the TWG.
For purposes of this section, p„.mary or a/d g7.owlfe/ores/§ refer to untouched, pristine forests
that  exist  in  their  original  condition  and  relatively  unaffected  by  human  activity,  while secondcrry
grow/fo forest refers to the largest and most dynamic natural forest ecosystem in the Phili|)pines which
is  typically  an  area  which  has  been  disturbed,  whether  naturally  or  unnaturally,  such  as  those
recovering from the effects of selective togging, or areas that have been degraded by slash-and-bum
agriculture  or  kaingin  but  have  been  reclaimed  by  forest  growth  and  are  characterized  by  a  less
developed canopy structure, smaller trees, and less diversity.
SEC. 9. Compo#e#rg o//fee NCS-SRD. -The components of the functions of the three (3) TWGs are
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(a)  Po/i.cy  o#d Advocclc)/.   -  This  component  shall   address  the   issues  and  I)roblems  of
conflicting,   overlapping,   and   other   unclear   policies   related   to   land   administration,
regulatory framework, operational strategies, and jurisdictional boundaries.
(b) j4gro-E#/erp/.I.se   a#d  ,4grJ.a"s7.#ess   Deve/opme#/.   -   This   component   shall   facilitate
enterprise  development  and   agribusiness  within   the   convergence   areas   through  the
establishment of agro-enterprise clusters in all provinces. These clusters shall be the focus
for agribusiness initiatives based on the potential of the areas, especially those designated
as sti.ategic zones in the strategic agricultural and fisheries development zones maps.
-For purposes Of this -sechon, a strategic  agricultural ?nd f isperi.es  d.evel?pyient
zo#c refers to an area within the Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-
industrial   Development   identified   for   production,   agro-processing,   and   marketing
activities  to  help  develop,  and  modemize,  with  the  support  of the  government,  the
agriculture and fisheries sectors in an environmentally and socio-culturally sound manner.
(c)  Cclpcrcj.ty Deve/ap"eut - This component shall ensure the organizational preparedness of
the  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and  the  DILG  and  the  t)uilding  up  of the  capacity  of other
stakeholders   to   implement   the   NCS-SRD   through   training   and   technology-transfer
activities.
(d)  K#ow/edge Mancrgemen/.  - This  component shall  ensure  that the NCS-SRD  programs,
projects and activities are properly and efficiently monitored and documented to facilitate
adoption,expansionandscalingupofimovations,whenpossibleandnecessary.
CHAPTE}R IV
Implementing Structure and Mechanism
Article One
National Policy Administration
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SEC. 10. IVCS-Sjro &ecwJJ.ve BocJrd. -The NCS-SRD Executive Board, hereinafter referred to as the
Board, is established to act as the policy making body of the NCS-SRD. The Board shall direct the
implementationoftheprovisionsofthisAct,andshallhavethefollowingasex-o#c!.omembers:
(a)  Secretary of Agriculture a§ Chairperson;
(b)  Secretary of Environment ancl Natural Resources;
(c)  Secretary of Agrarian Reform;
(d)  Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; and
(e)  Executive Director of the NCS-SRD National Secretariat.
The Department Secretaries may appoint their respective permanent alternate representatives
whose rank shall not be lower than Undel.secretary.
SEC.11.Powersc}#dF##c/i.ous.-TheBoardshallexercisethefollowingpowersandfunctions:
(a)  Provide the  overall policy  directions  for the implementation of programs,  projects  and
other. related activities under the NCS-SRD;
(b)  Appi.ove  programs,  projects,  and  plans,  and  the  implementing  rules  and  regulations
pertaining to the operation of the NCS-SRD;
(c)  Appoint the national focal person OVFP) with a rank of Assistant Secretay and a deputy
national  focal person  (DNFP)  with  a rank of Director IV  to  spearhead   the NCS-SRD
Technical   Working  Gi.oup  OuCS-SRD  TWO)  and  oversee  and  supervise  NCS-SRD
operations.
(d)  Consult  with  other  concerned  national  government  agencies,  stakeholders,  and  partner
agenciesonpoliciesrelatedandmajorprogramstosustainableuraldevelopment;
(e)  Appi.ove memoranda of agreement with investors and funding agencies as recommended
for approval  by the NCS-SRD national focal person;
®   Appi.owe the implementation and coordination structure of the NCS-SRD,  including the
membershipoftheNationalConvergenceStrategyTechnicalWorkingGrouPOVCS-SRD
TWG),  the  tluee  (3)  NCS-SRD  Ecosystem  Technical  Working  Groups  arcs-  SRD
ETWG)  and  the  four  (4)  NCS-SRD  Component  Working  Groups  OVCS-SRD  CWG),
through a Joint Special Order;
(g)  Allocate  the  resources  to  cany  out  the  plans,  programs,  projects,  and  other  related
activities of the NCS-SRD;
(h)  Regularly   advise   the   President   of  the   Philippines   on   all   matters   concerning   the
implementationofconvergenceinitiativestrategies
SEC.12. Mee#»g§ o//foe Bocznd.  -The Board shall meet on a quarterly basis and may hold special
meetings as deemed necessary. The Secretary of Agriculture shall act as the Lead Convenor and the
Secretaries  of Agrarian  Reform,  Environment  and  Natural  Resources,  and  the  Interior  and  Local
Government shall act as Co-Convenors.  The meetings may t)e held in rotation amongst the four (4)
departments  of the  convenors.  In  the  at)sence  of the  Lead  Convenor  or  Co-Convenor  of the  host
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1        department, the principal members present may decide or choose among themselves who shall  chair
2        themeeting.
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SEC.  13. IVcr/i.o#c!/ Foca/ Perso#  cJ#d Depwty IVcr/j.o#cI/ Foca/ Perso#.  -  The  Board  shall  appoint  a
National  Focal  Person  (NFP),  with  a  rank  of  Assistant  Seci.etary,  to  spearhead  the  NCS-SRD
Technical Working Group OVCS-SRD TWG) and supervise the NCS-SRD operations. The NFP shall
actastheChairpersonoftheNCS-SRDTWGandshallbeassistedbyaDeputyNationalFocalPerson
(DNFP), with a rank of Director lv, and tiy the NCS-SRD Executive Director. The NFP  shall  also
convene the members of the NCS-SRD TWO to discuss the status of the NCS-SRD programs, projects
and  activities before the conduct of Board meetings. The NFP shall come from the DA  as the  lead
department the DNFP shall come from the DENR, DAR, or DILG.
SEC.  14.  Co#vcj.ge#ce  FoccJ/ Persous.  - The  DA,  DAR,  DENR,  and  the  DILG  shall  designate  a
Convergence  Focal  Person  responsible  for  the  coordination  and  management  of the  convergence
program in their respective deparments in the national and field levels.
SEC.  15. NCS-SJro  7'PP'G.  - The NCS-SRD TWG shall  serve as the advisory and recommendatory
body to the Board on matters related to the implementation of the NCS-SRD.
SEC.  16.  Compas!./I.o#  a/ /foe NCS-Sro  rpp'G.  -  The  NCS-SRD  TWG  shall  be  composed  of the
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(a)  Chairperson, TWG on Coastal and Marine Resources Management
(b)  Chairperson, TWG on Lowland Resources Management
(c)  Chairperson, TWO on Forestry and Upland Development
(d)  Convergence Focal Person, DA (Agro-Enterprise Development)
(e)  Convergence Focal Person, DAR (Policy and Advocacy)
(D   Convergence Focal Person, DENR (Knowledge Management)
(g)  Convergence Focal Person, DILG (Capacity Development)
(h)  Executive Director, NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office
SEC.  17.  IVCS-SRD Iva/jona/ Secre/crrJ.af  O#ce.  - A  permanent NCS-SRD National  Secretariat  is
created with a plantilla for its administrative and technical staff complement. Filling up of permanent
personnel  must be based on  the current  and existing NCS-SRD National  Secretariat organizational
structure. The NCS-SRD National  Secretariat Office headed by an Executive Director who shall be
appointed by the  Secretary of Agricultui.e. The Executive Director shall  have a rank of Director lv
and  shall  oversee  and  supervise NCS-SRD  operations  and  the National  Secretariat.  The  Executive
Director shall coine from DA and shall directly report to the Board.
The  NCS-SRD  National  Secretariat  shall  be  composed  of persomel  to  be  selected  and
seconded from the DA, DENR, DAR and the DILG in addition to the designated coordinators of each
working group.  The NCS-SRD National  Secretariat shall  work closely with the NCS-SRD national
focal  person  and  deputy  national  focal  person,  the  Chairpersons  of the  different  TWGs  and  the
Convergence Focal Persons.
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SHC. 18. Fw#c/;.o#s o//¢e IVCS-SRD IV4/;.o#a/ Secre/orj.c}/. -The NCS-SRD National Secretariat shall
have the following functions:
(a)  Assist  in  the  conduct  of Board  and  NCS-SRD  TWG  meetings  and  workshops,  write
shops, seminars, fora, and consultations;
(b)  Provide administrative and technical support to the Board and NCS-SRD TWG;
(c)  Document and disseminate the highlights of the proceedings of the Board and NCS-SRD
TWG meetings and activities;
(d)  Ensure that appropriate  actions  are taken on  agreements  reached  during the Board  and
NCS-SRD TWG meetings and activities;
(e)  Submit  monitoring  and  progress  reports  to  the  Board  and NCS-SRD  TWG  and  other
oversight bodies;
0   Follow up on the activities to be conducted t)y the three (3) NCS-SRD ETWGs and four
(4)NCS-SRDCWGs,andensurethatthetimelinesfortheactivitiesarestrictlyfollowed;
(g)  Manage  the  database  of  the  convergence  areas  in  coordination  with  the  CWG  on
knowledge management; and
(h)  Perform other functions as the Board may direct.
There  shall  be  a  satellite   secretariat  office  to  be  established  in  the  rural   development
departments.  Each  satellite  secretariat  office  shall  be  composed  of staff from  the  offices  of the
respective permanent Alternate Board Representatives.
Article Two
Sub-National Level Administration
sEc. 19. Regional Convergence Stra.tegy - Techn.ical  Wo:kip? Grq¥P!.P_CS_-.TYfz).. :.=&=£tL.a.\.t.°`a#.eA
NCS-SRDTWG,theRCS-TWGshallmanageandsupervisetheprograms,projects,andotherrelated
activities at the regional level.
SEC.  20.  D##es  ai7d  Respo#s!.bJ./I./i.es.  -  The  duties  and  responsibilities  of the  RCS-TWG  are  as
follows:
(a)  Work  closely  with  the  other  government  line  offices  agencies  and  with  the  Regional
Development  Council  (RDC)  and  concerned  Provincial  Development Council  (PDC) to
ensure that the enhanced convergence strategy interventions are aligned with the regional
development agenda and i nitiatives;
(b)Facilitatecomplementationofeffortsandresourcesforgreaterimpact;
(c)CoordinateandworkcloselywiththeProvincialLGUsintheimplementationoftheNCS-
SRD  plans,  programs,  projects,  and  other  related  activities.  The  Regional  Directors  of
ruraldevelopmentdepartmentsmayenterintoanagreementwiththeProvincialGovemor
or LGU leagues, as necessary;
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(d)  Meet   monthly   or   when   necessary,   to   discuss   issues   and   problems   related   to   the
implementation of plans, programs, and activities.
SHC.21.Coxposi.#.o#o//¢eRCS-rpp'G.-TheRCS-TWGshallbecomposedofthefollowing:
(a)  Regional Directors of the DA, DENR, DAR, AND DILG, one of whom maybe elected as
the chairperson;
(b)  The  three  (3)  other  rural  development  department  regional  directors  will  act  as  co-
chairpersons; and
(c)  Regional Focal Pei.sons of the rural development departments and the Head of the RCS-
TWG Secretariat as Members.
The Chairperson of the RCS-TWG shall be a convergence champion and shall be voted upon
byandamongtheRegionalDirectorsoftheDA,DAR.DENR,andDILG.Upontheorganizationof
the TWG,  a resolution attesting to the assumption of duties and functions shall  be submitted to the
NCS-SRD National Secretariat. If necessary, the membership of the RCS-TWO may be expanded to
include representatives from the Provincial LGUs and other agencies.
The RCS-Secretariat is composed of representatives from the regional offices of DA, DAR,
DENR and DILG. The RCS Secretariat is headed by the Regional Focal Person. The Regional Focal
Person and the members of the RCS Secretariat shall be designated by the Chairperson of the RCS-
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Sac. Z2.  Provincial  Corvergence  Strategy  Technical  Wol.king  Group  (?CS-T?:P)`. I_Lpr_2L3..e_a_ts_.£Ir.mLd.
The PCS-TWG  is  responsible  for  implementing the plans, programs,  other related  activities  of the
NCS-SRD at the provincial level in collaboration with RCS-TWG. The PCS-TWG shall identify and
determine  appropriate  interventions,  resources,  and  support  services  needed  such  as  infrastructure,
logistics, extension,  inputs,  lands, and  institutional development for the implementation of the NCS
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The Provincial Governor shall chair the PCS-TWG and the Provincial Directors of the DAR,
DENR and DILG  shall  act as  Co-Chairpersons.  The memoers  of the PCS-TWG  are the  Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Offlcer (PENRO), Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO),
Provincial  Agriculture  Officer  a'AO),  Provincial  Planning  and  Development  Coordinator (PPDC),
Provincial   Government-Environment   and   Natural   Resources   Officer   (PG-ENRO),   Agricultural
Program  Coordinating  Officer  (APCO)  of the  DA  and  Provincial  Interior  and  Local  Government
Officer (PILGO). The provincial LGU shall lead the interface mechanisms and the rural development
departments shall provide the technical  and operational support. Existing LOU mechanisms may be
adoptedtospearheadormanagetheconvergenceinitiativesattheLGUlevel.
sEc.23.Municipalconvergencestra_tegyTechnicalwo{kip8e'_.?u_PL`.(M€_S`-.|^Fe)^.:,..T.3#{f:h:Sa-TNwr€.
isresponsibleforimplementingtheplans,programs,projects,andotherrelatedactivitiesoftheNCS-
SRD  at  the  respective  municipalities  in  collaboration  with  the  PCS-TWO.  The  MCS-TWG  shau
identify  and  determine  appropriate  interventions,  resources,  and  support  services  needed  such  as
infrastructure,logistics,extension,inputs,lands,andinstitutionaldevelopmentfortheimplementation
of the NCS-SRD plans and programs.
The  Chairperson  of the  MCS-TWG  is  headed  by the  Municipal  Mayor and  the Municipal
Head of DAR, DENR and DILG  are the Co-Chairpersons. The members of the MCS-TWG are the
Community Environment and Natural Resources   Officer (CENRO), City or Municipal Environment
andNaturalResourceOfficer(C"ENRO),MunicipalAgrarianReformOfficer(MARO),Municipal
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1       Agriculture officer (MAO),  concerned Municipal  planning and Development coordinator (MPDC),
2       Municipal Interior and Local Government officer (MILGO) and designated DA regional field office
3        representative.
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14       indicators set by the Department of Budget and Management a)BM) shall be develope{l and strictly
15        implemented and managed.  A regular reporting system  shall  be  installed  in an  open  and transparent
16       manner  in  accordance  with  the  Management for Development   Results  (MDR)  principles aimed to
17       help keep track of the progress and end result of the project implementation of the convergence area.
18       The  monitoring  and  evaluation  report  must  identify  and  describe  the  gaps  and  issues  experienced
19       during the implementation of the NCS, the leamings on convei.gence as  an  approach to  sustainable
20        rural development, and the proposed policy recommendations.
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ThemunicipalorcityLGUshallleadtheinterfacemechanismsandtheDA,DAR,DENRand
DILG shall provide the technical and operational support. Existing LGU mechanisms may be adopted
to spearhead  or manage the convergence initiatives at the LGU level.
Article Three
Monitoring and Evaluation
SIC.24.Mo#j/or!.#gc}#c7jrvaJwcz/j.o#.-Amonitoringandevaluationsystembasedontheperformance
CHAPTERV
Final Provisions
SEC.  25.  Co#ve#J.ng  o/IVCS-SRD Ira/i.o„c}/ Sec;.efarj.a/  O#ce.  -Within  sixty  (60)  days  from  the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall convene the NCS-SRD National Secretariat
Office.  The  current head  of the NCS-SRD  National  Secretariat  shall  sit temporarily  as  Officer-in-
Charge of the NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office until such time that a regular Executive Director
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SEC. 26. J"pJe"enfj.#g j}%/es cr#d j2egr/afj.o„s.  - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this
Act,theSecretariesoftheDA,DAR,DENR,andtheDILGshalljointlyissuethenecessaryrulesand
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 27. S/rwc/wre a#d S/a#ng Pc}ffe7.#. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the
NCSExecutiveBoardshallformulateandsubmittheNCS-SRDNationalSecretariatOffice'sproposed
organizationalsti.uctureandstaffingpattemforfinalapprovaltotheDBM.
The DA shall assist in the preparation of the Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern to
ensure that the NCS-SRD National Secretariat may effectively carry out its mandated functions under
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SEC.  28. 4propj.jcrft.o#S.  - The funds necessary to cany  out the implementation of the NCS-SRD
shall  be  taken  from  the  available  funds  of the  rural  development  departments  under  the  current
General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the fun operation of the
NCS-SRD National Secretariat Office and the staggered implementation of NCS plans and programs
shall be included in the respective annual budget of the rural development departments in the armual
General Appropriations Act.
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I                      Other sources of funds such as grants, donations, and other forms of assistance from donor
2       agencies and other public or private entities may be tapped and facilitated by the NCS-SRD Executive
3       Board to support the program, suoject to the regular auditing guidelines and procedures. Cost-sharing
4       or counter paling schemes among national government and LGUs are also  encouraged to support the
5       implementation o.ftheNCS-SRD.
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SEC.  29. IVo#-Jmpe;.rmen/ C/c}%Se.  - Nothing  in  this Act shall  be construed to  diminish,  impair,  or
repeal  rights  recognized,  granted,  or  available  to  marginalized  or  basic  sectors under  existing  laws
including  Republic  Act No.  6657,  as  amended,  Republic  Act No.  8371,  otherwise  known  as   "27ie
J#d!.ge#o"spear/eEjzi.gfoJ$4cfo/J997,"andRepublicActNo.8550,asamended,otherwiseknownas
theT`PhilippineFisheriescodeofl998."
SEC.  30. Separclb#!ty C/clwse.  - lf any  provision  of this  Act  is  held unconstitutional  or  invalid,  all
otherprovisionsnotaffectedtherebyshallremainvalid.
SEC.  31.  J}epea/I.ng  C/crwse.  -  All  laws,  decrees,  executive  orders,  rules  and  regulations  or  parts
thereof,whichareinconsistentwiththisAct,areherebyrepealed,amendedormodifiedaccordingly.
SEC. 32. Ej7rec#.v!.ty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the O#cjcl/
Gaze/Je or in a newspaper of general circulation.
22                      Approved ,
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