EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 338
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 338 -
RESTRUCTURING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
WHEREAS,
the Department of Agriculture (DA) is the agency mandated by the
Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA, R.A. No.
8435) and the Fisheries Code of 1998 (R.A. No. 8550) to lead in the
interdepartmental efforts to modernize Philippine agriculture and
fisheries, and thereby improve the quality of life of the majority of
the people who are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and
fisheries for livelihood;
WHEREAS, AFMA calls for prudent governance of the DA bureaucracy,
reorientation of its agencies and bureaus to achieve efficiency and
improved synergy in the use of scarce government resources, and
creation of new offices to address neglected areas and concerns that
have hampered sustained growth and development in agriculture and
fisheries;
WHEREAS, the Safeguard Measures Act of 2000 (R.A. No. 8800), the
Countervailing Act of 1998 (R.A. No. 8751), and the Anti-Dumping Act of
1999 (R.A. No. 8752) call for expanded functions of the DA to address
issues concerning unfair foreign competition and trade practices in
agriculture and fisheries;
WHEREAS, in compliance with Executive Order No. 162 (1999), the DA has
prepared the Agriculture Bureaucracy Restructuring Plan (ABRP)
consistent with the intent of AFMA and the abovementioned laws;
WHEREAS, the ABRP streamlines and reorients the structure of the DA
along functional lines to achieve efficiency, enhance coordination,
improve access of farmers and fishermen to support services, strengthen
its partnership with local government units, and reduce the cost of
doing business in agriculture and fisheries;
WHEREAS, the immediate implementation of the ABRP is critical to the
Government’s efforts to sustain the recent major gains in the
agriculture and fisheries sector;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution,
do hereby order:
Section 1. Mandate. — The Department of Agriculture
shall be the principal Government agency responsible for the promotion
of agricultural and fisheries development and growth. In pursuit of
this mandate, the DA shall provide the policy framework, help direct
public investments, and in partnership with local government units
(LGUs), provide the support services necessary to make agriculture and
agri-based enterprises profitable and to help spread the benefits of
development to the poor, particularly those in rural areas.
Sec. 2. Powers and Function. — In fulfilling its
mandate, the DA shall perform the following functions:
(a)
The creation of a policy environment conducive to sustained growth of
incomes in the agriculture and fisheries sector. The DA shall actively
advocate for the adoption of policies supportive of long-term growth
and development in the sector, as well as for the repeal of or
amendment of policies which impede such growth;
(b) The
provision of agriculture and fishery infrastructure support (i.e.,
irrigation facilities, farm-to-market roads, fish ports, postharvest
facilities, etc.) to encourage private sector investments in
agriculture and fisheries;
(c) The
generation, verification, and dissemination of information relevant to
productivity growth and development. The DA shall undertake research
and development programs which strengthen the linkage between research
and extension, develop and broaden the adoption of
productivity-enhancing production and processing technologies, identify
and promote local capabilities for sustainable resource management, and
assess market options for various commodities in agriculture and
fisheries;
(d) The
production, testing, and dissemination of superior plant and animal
germplasm. In support of private sector initiatives, the DA shall
develop, produce, and distribute superior crop varieties and breeds of
livestock and fish suited to Philippine conditions, focusing on the
extension, demonstration, and provision of parent stock and fish
juveniles;
(e) The
facilitation of market access and the promotion of agro-based
enterprises. The DA shall assist agricultural producers and business
entrepreneurs, particularly low-income farmers, in processing and
marketing their produce, establishing links with processors and buyers,
forging marketing agreements, facilitating access to the international
market, and availing of finance, credit guarantee and insurance
facilities;
(f) Regulatory
control over particular agriculture-related areas and concerns for the
following objectives: protect the health and safety of the population;
prevent over-exploitation of resources; prevent and/or contain the
spread of plant, fish, and animal pests; protect agricultural producers
from the influx of imports made cheap through subsidies by the
exporting countries; implement international commodity agreements which
the Philippines has acceded to; and ensure the quality of Philippine
agricultural exports;
(g)
Implementation of empowerment programs to provide access to benefits of
development to groups which have been disadvantaged due to inequitable
distribution of resources or due to market failures;
(h)
Performance of other functions as may be provided by law.
Sec. 3. Organizational Structure. — The DA shall
consist of the Office of the Secretary, Department Services and
Bureaus, Regional Offices, and attached agencies and corporations.
The Office of the Secretary shall consist of the following:
(a)
The Secretary and his immediate staff as determined by him;
(b) Office of Inspectorate General;
(c) Corporate Affairs Office;
(d) Office of the Department Spokesperson; and
(e) Office of Regional Executive Directors
The Department Services and Bureaus shall be grouped along functional
lines, as follows:
(a)
Extension, LGU Support, and Infrastructure;
(b) Research and Development;
(c) Fisheries and Regulation;
(d) Policy, Planning, and Project Development; and
(e) Finance and Administration.
The organizational structure of the DA, as defined in this Executive
Order, is presented in Annex “A” hereof.
Sec. 4. Office of the Secretary. — The Secretary
shall be assisted by five (5) Undersecretaries, six (6) Assistant
Secretaries, the Inspectorate General, and the Department Spokesperson.
Sec. 5. Undersecretaries. — The Undersecretaries
shall assist the Secretary in the exercise of the mandate and in the
discharge of the powers and functions of the DA.
The five (5) Undersecretaries shall be assigned the following functions:
(a)
The Undersecretary assigned to Extension, LGU Support and
Infrastructure shall oversee the implementation of the plans, policies,
programs, and projects relating to extension and marketing assistance,
infrastructure, and support to LGUs, especially for devolved
agricultural services. He shall have direct supervision of the
Assistant Secretary for Extension and LGU Support and of the National
Irrigation Administration (NIA);
(b) The
Undersecretary assigned to Research and Development shall take the lead
in formulating and implementing the R&D programs of the DA and
shall coordinate the R&D plans, programs, and projects of the
various bureaus and agencies of the DA, as well as with other entities
such as state universities and colleges, to ensure that these are in
conformity with the thrusts and priorities of the DA as mandated by
AFMA. He shall have supervision of the Bureau of Agricultural Research
(BAR), Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Bureau of
Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC),
Cotton Development Authority (CODA), and the Philippine Rice Research
Institute (PhilRice);
(c) The
Undersecretary assigned to Fisheries and Regulation shall oversee the
implementation of plans, programs, and projects relating to fisheries
and shall have direct supervision of all the fishery agencies and
bureaus attached to the DA. In addition, he shall lead the development
and enforcement of products standards and food-safety rules consistent
with internationally accepted practices. He shall have supervision of
the Assistant Secretary for Regulation and of the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Fishery Research and Development
Institute (NFRDI), and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority
(PFDA);
(d) The
Undersecretary assigned to Policy, Planning, and Project Development
shall provide policy advice to the Secretary, as well as policy and
planning support services to the various DA offices, bureaus, and
agencies, particularly in policy-formulation, planning, and project
development. He shall also supervise the collection, monitoring, and
publication of agricultural statistics for the DA and its clientele. He
shall have supervision of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning,
and Project Development and of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics
(BAS), and Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC), Trade
Remedies Office (TRO);
(e) The
Undersecretary assigned to Finance and Administration shall oversee the
provision of staff support services, particularly in administration and
finance management, to all DA offices and agencies. In addition, he
shall be responsible for providing services relating to legal and
legislative concerns of the DA. He shall serve as the liaison of the DA
with the Congress of the Philippines and concerned offices in the
Executive Branch. He shall have supervision of the Legal and
Legislative Affairs Service (LLAS), Financial and Management Service
(FMS), and the Administrative Service (AS) through the Assistant
Secretary for Finance and Administration.
Sec. 6. Functions of the Undersecretaries. — With
respect to his area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the
following functions:
(a)
Advise the Secretary in the promulgation of orders and other issuances,
with respect to his area of responsibility;
(b) Exercise
supervision and control over the offices, services, operating units,
and officers and employees under his responsibility;
(c) Promulgate
rules and regulations, consistent with the policies of the DA, that
will efficiently and effectively govern the activities of the units
under his responsibility;
(d) Coordinate
the functions and activities of the units under his responsibility with
those of other units under the responsibility of the other
Undersecretaries;
(e) Exercise
delegated authority on matters related to the functions and activities
of the units under his responsibility to the extent granted by the
Secretary; and
(f) Perform
such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the
Secretary.
Sec. 7. Functions of the Assistant Secretaries. —
Each of the six (6) Assistant Secretaries shall head any of the
following: Office of Corporate Affairs; Office of Regional Executive
Directors; Extension and LGU Support; Regulation; Policy, Planning, and
Project Development; and Finance and Administration. The Assistant
Secretaries shall have the following functions:
(a)
The Assistant Secretary assigned to the Office of Corporate Affairs
shall oversee the following government corporations that have been
attached to the DA by order of the President: Strategic Investments and
Development Corporation (SIDCOR) and its subsidiaries; and Livelihood
Corporation (LIVECOR) and its subsidiaries. In addition, he shall
oversee the operations of the Countertrade Unit, created by virtue of
this Executive Order to expand export opportunities for Philippine
agricultural products, as well as the Philippine Crop Insurance
Corporation (PCIC) and the Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee
Corporation (QuedanCor);
(b) The
Assistant Secretary assigned to the Office of Regional Executive
Directors shall coordinate and provide technical support to the
operations of the Regional Executive Directors. He shall oversee the
Field Operations Service of the DA;
(c) The
Assistant Secretary assigned to Extension and LGU Support shall assist
the Undersecretary for Extension, LGU Support, and Infrastructure in
the implementation of plans, programs, and projects relating to
agricultural extension and support services to LGUs, including
infrastructure development. He shall also oversee the Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI) and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance
Service (AMAS) and supervise the implementation at the LGU level of
special projects supported by official development assistance;
(d) The
Assistant Secretary assigned to Regulation shall assist the
Undersecretary for Fisheries and Regulation in the development and
enforcement of products standards and food-safety rules consistent with
internationally accepted practices. He shall have supervision of the
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS), National
Meat Inspection Commission (NMIC), and Fertilizer and Pesticide
Authority (FPA);
(e) The
Assistant Secretary assigned to Policy, Planning and Project
Development shall assist the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and
Project Development in developing, integrating, monitoring and
evaluating all plans and programs of the Department. He shall have
supervision of the Policy Research Service (PRS), the Planning Service
(PS), and the Project Development Service (PDS);
(f) The
Assistant Secretary assigned to Finance and Administration shall assist
the Undersecretary for Finance and Administration. He shall directly
oversee the Legal and Legislative Affairs Service, the Financial and
Management Service, and the Administrative Service.
The six (6) Assistant Secretaries shall, in addition to the
abovementioned duties, perform such other functions as may be assigned
by the Secretary.
Sec. 8. Legal and Legislative Affairs Service. —
The Legal and Legislative Affairs Service, hereby created by this Order
in view of the expanded functions of the DA, shall handle the legal
requirements of the DA, including those pertaining to the
quasi-judicial and regulatory functions of the DA, its Bureaus, and
Attached Agencies/Corporations. The Service shall also liaise with
Congress of the Philippines and concerned offices in the Executive
Branch for the advocacy and legislation of laws required to modernize
agriculture and fisheries.
The Service shall report to the Undersecretary for Finance and
Administration through the Assistant Secretary for Finance and
Administration.
Sec. 9. Corporate Affairs Office. — The Corporate
Affairs Office, hereby created by this Order, shall ensure appropriate
monitoring of selected government-owned and controlled corporations
that have been attached to the DA by order of the President. These
corporations include SIDCOR and its subsidiaries and LIVECOR and its
subsidiaries. The Office shall also oversee the PCIC, QuedanCor, and
the Countertrade Unit of the DA.
The Office shall report to the Secretary through the Assistant
Secretary for Corporate Affairs.
Sec. 10. Countertrade Unit. — The Countertrade
Unit, hereby created by this Order, shall be the body which shall
explore, negotiate, and conclude countertrade agreements for purposes
of increasing exports of Philippine agricultural products. The Unit
shall review and monitor the implementation of such agreements, as well
as perform such other functions as the Secretary may assign.
The Unit shall report to the Secretary through the Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Corporate Affairs.
Sec. 11. Office of the Inspectorate General. — The
Office of the Inspectorate General, hereby created by this Order, shall
serve as monitoring body whose functions shall include:
(a)
Monitoring of ongoing programs and projects of the DA, its attached
agencies and bureaus, whether foreign-assisted or regular, implemented
by the OSEC units, RFUs, bureaus, attached agencies and corporations
for purposes of checking the progress, performance of the personnel,
and financial flows of the programs and projects;
(b) Reviewing
the effectiveness of delivery of services by, and the performance of,
the RFUs, the bureaus, attached agencies, corporations, and other units
of the DA and recommending appropriate measures to be undertaken;
(c) Performing
such other functions as the Secretary may assign.
The Inspectorate General, who shall have the rank of Assistant
Secretary, shall report directly to the Secretary.
Sec. 12. Office of the Regional Executive
Directors. — The Office of the Regional Executive Directors (ORED)
shall coordinate the activities of the Regional Executive Directors. It
shall have supervision of the Field Operations Service (FOS). The ORED,
through the FOS, shall serve as the principal logistics and support
unit for the implementation of the Field Programs, the operations of
the Regional Field Units (RFUs), and the services to extension
functions of the LGUs.
The ORED shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary and shall have
direct supervision of the Field Operations Service.
Sec. 13. Office of the Department Spokesperson. —
The Office of the Department Spokesperson, hereby created by this
Order, shall speak for the Secretary and coordinate with all officials
and personnel of the DA, its attached agencies, bureaus, and
corporations, as well as with various associations of government
officials, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations, in
formulating an aggressive public information campaign for the DA
policies, programs and projects. The Department Spokesperson shall
oversee the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (AFIS), the
DA Press Office, and the Information Technology Center for Agriculture
and Fisheries (ITCAF). He shall as well facilitate all other functions
given him by the Secretary.
The Department Spokesperson, who shall have the rank of Assistant
Secretary, shall report directly to the Secretary.
Sec. 14. Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance
Service. — The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS),
created pursuant to Administrative Order No. 6 (1998), shall facilitate
and coordinate the efforts of the DA in all matters pertaining to
agribusiness development and marketing assistance to include
collaboration and provision of assistance to the private sector,
including concerned non-governmental organizations, people’s
organizations, farmers and fisherfolk, in marketing and agribusiness
ventures.
The Director of AMAS shall report to the Undersecretary for Extension,
LGU Support and Infrastructure.
Sec. 15. Trade Remedies Office. — The Trade
Remedies Office (TRO), hereby created by this Order, shall be a body
responsible for the implementation of the Anti-dumping, Countervailing,
and Safeguard laws. The TRO shall assist the Secretary in the conduct
of the following functions: initiation of action, review of petitions
from the private sector; serving notices to concerned parties;
assessment of petitions; and imposition of duty. The TRO may also
perform such other functions as the Secretary may assign.
The Director of the TRO shall report to the Secretary through the
Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Project Development.
Sec. 16. Policy Research Service. — The Policy
Research Service (PRS), created pursuant to DA Administrative Order No.
6 (1998), shall serve as the central body for policy research,
formulation, and advocacy. It shall perform and/or manage research,
policy formulation, and advocacy work to be able to:
(a)
Ensure policy consistency across bureaus, agencies, programs, and
activities of the DA;
(b) Formulate
the legislative agenda in support of agriculture and fisheries
modernization;
(c) Push the
Philippine agriculture and fisheries agenda within key international
organizations and bodies, both bilateral and multilateral, such as the
World Trade Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation;
(d)
Influence/safeguard overall public policy consistent with the long-term
growth and development of the agricultural and rural economy.
The Director of the PRS shall report to the Assistant Secretary for
Policy, Planning and Project Development.
Sec. 17. Project Development Service. — The
Project Development Service (PDS), created pursuant to DA
Administrative Order No. 6 (1998), shall translate the agriculture and
fishery development plans and programs of the DA into specific project
proposals. It shall identify and formulate projects, source and
mobilize resources to operationalize them, and ensure quality and
quantity of pipeline projects in support of agriculture and fishery
modernization.
The Director of PDS shall report to the Assistant Secretary for Policy,
Planning and Project Development.
Sec. 18. Planning Service. — The Planning Service
(PS) shall spearhead the formulation, consolidation, validation,
monitoring, and evaluation of the plans and programs, as well as the
rational allocation of public investments necessary for agricultural
modernization, as mandated by AFMA. The Service shall coordinate with
all DA units and stakeholders in the formulation of the overall
framework and parameters for the development of the agriculture and
fishery plans and programs.
The PS shall be supervised by the Assistant Secretary for Policy,
Planning and Project Development.
Sec. 19. Financial and Management Service. — The
Financial and Management Service (FMS) shall advise the DA top
management on matters relating to budgeting, accounting, and
management. It shall facilitate the release of funds by the DA to
enhance delivery of necessary support services to the clientele of the
DA.
The Director of the FMS shall report to the Assistant Secretary for
Finance and Administration.
Sec. 20. Administrative Service. — The
Administrative Service (AS) shall be responsible for providing
personnel, records, information, training, and other general services.
The Director of the AS shall report to the Assistant Secretary for
Finance and Administration.
Sec. 21. Bureaus and Offices. — The following
bureaus and offices, as functionally restructured, shall carry out the
mandate of the DA:
(a)
Agricultural Training Institute
(b) Bureau of Agricultural Research
(c) Bureau of Agricultural Statistics
(d) Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product
Standards
(e) Bureau of Animal Industry
(f) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(g) Bureau of Plant Industry
(h) Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension
(i) Bureau of Soils and Water Management
(j) National Fishery Research and Development
Institute.
Sec. 22. Agricultural Training Institute. — The
Agricultural Training Institute shall:
(a)
Lead in the formulation of the national agriculture and fisheries
extension (AFE) agenda and budget;
(b) Prepare an
integrated plan for publicly-funded training programs in agriculture
and fisheries;
(c) Formulate
and issue guidelines in planning, implementing, monitoring, and
evaluating AFE programs;
(d) Assist, in
coordination with State universities and colleges (SUCs), the LGU
extension system by improving their effectiveness and efficiency
through capability-building and complementary extension activities such
as technical assistance, training of LGU personnel, improvement of
physical facilities, extension cum research, and information support
services.
Sec. 23. Bureau of Agricultural Research. — The
Bureau of Agricultural Research shall be the body tasked to consolidate
and strengthen the national agricultural and fisheries research system
for increased effectiveness and efficiency. To achieve its mission, the
BAR shall:
(a)
Serve as the secretariat for R&D of the Council on Extension,
Research and Development in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF);
(b) Coordinate
and strengthen the National Research and Development System in
Agriculture and Fisheries (NaRDSAF) towards the generation and transfer
of technologies useful to the country’s productive system and national
life;
(c) Manage the
R&D Fund of the DA based on the guidelines approved by
CERDAF;
(d) Provide
leadership in the formulation of the National Integrated Research and
Development, and Extension Agenda Programs (NIRDEAPs) and the Regional
Integrated Research and Development, and Extension Agenda Programs
(RIRDEAPs);
(e) Coordinate
the development and implementation of a manpower development program
for researchers, technical and non-technical staff of the R&D
system;
(f) Develop
and implement a program for the acquisition, upgrading, and maintenance
of R&D facilities and equipment;
(g) Implement
a monitoring and evaluation system on agriculture and fisheries R&D
in collaboration with the appropriate institutions;
(h) Develop
and maintain an agriculture and fisheries R&D information system
linked to the National Information Network (NIN); and
(i) Establish
and strengthen partnerships with national and international R&D
institutions.
Sec. 24. Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. — The
Bureau of Agricultural Statistics shall be the primary agency of the
Government responsible for all statistics on agriculture, fishery and
related fields. Specifically, it shall:
(a)
Collect, compile, and release official agricultural statistics;
(b) Exercise
technical supervision over data collection centers;
(c) Coordinate
all agricultural statistics and economic research activities of all
bureaus, corporations, and offices under the DA.
Sec. 25. Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Product Standards. — The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product
Standards (BAFPS) shall be the main agency responsible for the
coordination and strengthening of various aspects of standards
formulation and implementation. In collaboration and coordination with
appropriate Government agencies and the private sector, the BAFPS shall:
(a)
Formulate and enforce standards of quality in the processing,
preservation, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation,
distribution, and advertising of agriculture, fisheries, and
aquaculture products;
(b) Conduct
research on product standardization, and alignment of local standards
with international standards; and
(c) Conduct
regular inspection of processing plants, storage facilities, abattoirs,
as well as public and private markets in order to ensure freshness,
safety, and quality of products.
Sec. 26. Bureau of Animal Industry. — As
restructured, the Bureau of Animal Industry shall:
(a)
Develop technologies that improve and sustain the development of the
livestock and poultry industry which ensure food security and
competitiveness of the local produce in the global market;
(b) Plan,
coordinate, and implement research and development programs for
livestock and poultry, especially concerning genetics and breeding
system, animal nutrition, feeds and feeding system, animal health and
disease control and containment, and post-production and value-adding
meat products technology;
(c) Conserve,
improve, and utilize genetic resources through biotechnology and
genetic engineering;
(d) Encourage
active participation of the private sector in the sustainable
development of the animal industry by creating a conducive investment
climate for livestock and poultry production;
(e)
Institutionalize linkages with RFUs, SUCs, LGUs, NGOs, and other
government instrumentalities to address technological a needs for the
sustainable development of the livestock and poultry
industry;
(f) Conduct
quality control testing of feeds and veterinary biologicals and drugs
to safeguard animal health and industries;
(g)
Investigate, diagnose, and report cases of communicable and emerging
exotic diseases affecting livestock and poultry;
(h) Establish
a workable investigation, surveillance, reporting and appraisal system
for animal diseases, including uniform collation of data and
information on disease occurrences;
(i) Set a
quarantine inspection system relative to inter-regional and
international movement of animals, animal products including
documentation and issuance of permit and commodity clearance in
relation hereto;
(j) Adopt
measures that would prevent the entry of exotic and communicable
diseases into the country consistent with international standard,
statutes, protocol set for inter-country and intra-regional cooperation;
(k) Formulate
long- and short-range policies, rules and regulations regarding the
registration and licensing and quality assurance for the operations of
feed manufacturers, feed dealers, and feedstuff importers, and drug
manufacturers, traders, and distributors; and
(l) Recommend
specific policies and procedures governing the flow, handling, and
transport of livestock/poultry and livestock/poultry products.
Sec. 27. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources. — In pursuance of the Fisheries Code of 1998, the Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall:
(a)
Prepare and implement a Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry
Development Plan;
(b) Coordinate
efforts on fishery production undertaken by the primary fishery
producers, LGUs, and fishery organizations/cooperatives;
(c) Coordinate
with LGUs and other concerned agencies for the establishment of
productivity enhancing and market development programs in fishing
communities;
(d) Establish
a corps of specialists, in collaboration with the Departments of
National Defense, Interior and Local Government, and Foreign Affairs,
for the efficient monitoring, control, and surveillance of fishing
activities;
(e) Enforce
all laws, rules and regulations governing the conservation and
management of fishery resources;
(f) Issue
licenses for the operation of commercial fishing vessels, and
identification cards to fish workers engaged in commercial fishing;
(g) Monitor
and review joint fishing agreements between Filipino citizens and
foreigners who conduct fishing activities in international waters;
(h) Advise and
coordinate with LGUs on the maintenance of proper sanitation and
hygienic practices in fish markets and fish landing areas;
(i) Implement
an inspection system for import and export of fishery/aquatic products
and fish processing establishments consistent with international
standards to ensure product quality and safety; and
(j) Develop
value-added fishery products for domestic consumption and export.
Sec. 28. Bureau of Plant Industry. — The Bureau of
Plant Industry shall:
(a)
Conduct upstream research and development on various crops, namely
tropical fruits, legumes, white potatoes and semi-temperate vegetables;
(b) Preserve
the Philippine natural genetic resources for continued development of
new crop varieties of superior horticultural and agronomical
characteristics;
(c) Provide
plant pest surveillance and early warning information that would ensure
effective crop management for the protection of the Philippine crop
industry; and
(d) Ensure the
availability of basic seeds and quality plant materials of recommended
crop varieties/cultivars.
Sec. 29. Bureau of Postharvest Research and
Extension. — The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension shall:
(a)
Reduce postharvest losses through the development, diffusion, and
application of location-specific and cost-effective postharvest
technologies for agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture products;
(b) Develop
and disseminate safe and cost-effective postharvest pest-and-disease
management processes and technologies; and
(c) Provide
institutional and technical support for private sector participation in
postharvest technology development and diffusion.
Sec. 30. Bureau of Soils and Water Management. —
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management shall be responsible for the
sustainable use, management and proper conservation of soil and water
resources, as well as productivity improvement of marginal farms. In
the pursuit of this mission, the BSWM shall:
(a)
Formulate and implement, in coordination with BAR, the National Soil
and Water Research and Development Programs, and institutionalize the
Soil and Water Resources Research Network Systems in the country;
(b) Provide,
in coordination with the ATI and SUCs, services for capacity building
and information dissemination on soil and water resources conservation
and management technologies;
(c) Provide,
in coordination with the Department’s RFUs and LGUs, technical
assistance on sustainable productivity improvement and monitoring of
land use changes in Strategic Agriculture and Fishery Zone (SAFDZ)
areas;
(d) Conduct
research and develop appropriate technologies/approaches for
sustainable use of water resources; use and management of organic
fertilizers from farm residues and urban wastes; balanced
fertilization; rainwater harvesting; land degradation prevention and
management; water resource management in marginal uplands and degraded
lowlands; management of saline-induced and acid sulfate for fishery and
agricultural development; land and water resource mapping; production
of inoculants;
(e) Develop
information materials in print and broadcast media for information
dissemination of soil and water technologies;
(f) Provide
technical assistance to regional and provincial laboratories in the
formulation of laboratory standards and analysis for soil, water,
fertilizer, and plant materials;
(g) Conduct
cloud seeding operations in drought affected areas as required; and
(h) Establish and collaborate with a network of
partner institutions and organizations in the conduct of various soil
and water conservation and farm productivity improvement research.
Sec. 31. National Fishery Research and Development
Institute. — The National Fishery Research and Development Institute
shall be the main DA unit for the conduct and coordination of fishery
research and development. It shall:
(a)
Establish a national, technologically advanced research facility which
shall carry out the research needs of the fisheries sector;
(b) Provide a
venue for training and development of human resources in the fisheries
sector, as well as a repository for fishery research and related
information;
(c) Maximize
developmental research efforts in accordance with the requirements of
the national fisheries conservation and development programs; and
(d) Establish,
strengthen, and expand linkages with fishery research and development
institutions.
Sec. 32. Regional Offices. — The DA is authorized
to establish, operate, and maintain a Regional Office in each of the
administrative regions of the country. Each Regional Office shall be
headed by a Regional Executive Director, to be assisted by not more
than three (3) Regional Technical Directors assigned to supervise any
of the technical areas as may be identified by the Secretary, as
follows: LGU Support and Extension, Research and Development,
Fisheries, and Planning, Monitoring and Regulation.
There shall be an Assistant for Finance and Administration in each of
the Regional Offices.
Sec. 33. Office of the Regional Executive
Director. — The Regional Executive Director (RED) shall:
(a)
Exercise the functions of chief executive and administrative officer of
the region. It shall be his duty, under the immediate executive
control, direction and supervision of the Secretary of the Department
of Agriculture, to exercise general authority on all matters embraced
within the jurisdiction of the regional field unit or relating to the
operations thereof, and to ensure the enforcement of laws and
regulations pertaining to it;
(b) Oversee
the coordination and monitoring of all plans and programs of all DA
Bureaus and Attached Agencies and Corporations present in the region
consistent with the implementation of the AFMA Plans and Programs;
(c) Preside
over the Regional Management Committee which shall serve as the forum
in the formulation of plans and project activities, coordination of its
implementation, operational and outcome monitoring, and recommend to
the Secretary the annual regional budgetary requirement;
(d) Employ and
discharge subordinates below Division Chief levels in conformity with
the provisions of the Civil Service Law and General Memorandum Orders
issued by the Secretary of Agriculture;
(e) Translate
national policies into regional agricultural concerns and programs in
order to establish regional thrust and policy guidelines for planning
purposes and for recommending policies or programs for the improvement
of agricultural development and project management;
(f) Coordinate
with GOs, NGOs and RAFCs that are supportive to agricultural
development for the purpose of integrating program/project
implementation;
(g) Propose
and defend the regional agricultural plans and budget to the Regional
Development Council and the Office of the Secretary;
(h) Establish
efficient and effective systems in program implementation and delivery
of support services;
(i) Establish
controls for efficient and legal use of government resources;
(j) Generate
additional resources outside of DA normal resources;
(k) Establish
the programs and systems for staff development;
(l) Submit
periodic reports to the Office of the Secretary regarding progress of
program implementation and resources utilization; and
(m) Perform
such other functions as may be delegated by the Secretary.
The RED has neither supervisory function nor line authority over his
counterparts from the bureaus, attached agencies, and corporations in
the region.
Sec. 34. Office of the Regional Technical
Director. — A Regional Technical Director (RTD) shall:
(a)
Coordinate and monitor all the programs and activities, relevant to his
designated function, across all agencies of the Department at the
region;
(b) Assist the
RED in reviewing and endorsing to the Office of the Regional Executive
Directors the annual plans, programs, and budgets of the various DA
regional units, bureaus, and attached agencies and corporations; and
(c) Perform
such other functions as may be delegated by the Regional Executive
Director.
The RTDs shall have neither supervisory nor line authority over their
counterparts — heads or representatives of other DA bureaus and
attached agencies and corporations — in the region.
Sec. 35. Attached Agencies and Corporations. — The
following agencies and corporations are hereby attached to the
Department:
(a)
Agricultural Credit Policy Council
(b) Cotton
Development Authority
(c) Fertilizer
and Pesticide Authority
(d) Fiber
Industry Development Authority
(e) Livelihood
Corporation and its subsidiaries
(f) Livestock
Development Council
(g) National
Agricultural and Fishery Council
(h) National
Dairy Authority
(i) National
Food Authority and its subsidiaries
(j) National
Irrigation Administration
(k) National
Meat Inspection Commission
(l) National
Nutrition Council
(m) National
Tobacco Administration
(n) Philippine
Carabao Center
(o) Philippine
Coconut Authority
(p) Philippine
Crop Insurance Corporation
(q) Philippine
Fisheries Development Authority
(r) Philippine
Rice Research Institute
(s) Quedan and
Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation
(t) Strategic
Investments and Development Corporation and its subsidiaries
(u) Sugar
Regulatory Administration
Sec. 36. Organization and Operation. — The
agencies and corporations attached to the DA shall continue to operate
and function in accordance with their respective charters, laws or
orders creating them, except as otherwise provided in this Order. Any
provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Secretary shall
serve as Chairman of the governing boards of all attached units or
agencies.
Sec. 37. Redeployment of Personnel. — Any
personnel of the DA may be re-deployed in accordance with the
requirements of the revised organizational structure and staffing
pattern and civil service rules and regulations. Such redeployment
shall not result in diminution in rank and compensation of attached
personnel.
Sec. 38. No Dismissal. — No personnel of the DA,
its offices, bureaus, and attached agencies and corporations shall be
laid off or dismissed as a result of the implementation of this
Executive Order. However, personnel who voluntarily opt to be separated
from the service as a consequence of the implementation of this Order
shall be entitled to the benefits under existing laws. In the case of
those who are not covered by existing laws, they shall be entitled to
separation benefits equivalent to one basic salary for every year of
service or proportionate thereof in addition to the terminal fee
benefits which he/she is entitled under existing laws.
Sec. 39. Implementing Authority. — The Secretary
shall issue such rules, regulations and other issuances as may be
necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions of
this Order. In this respect, he shall implement the transfer, hiring,
designation, and promotion of personnel in all the offices, bureaus,
and attached agencies and corporations of the DA in accordance with the
ABRP.
The Secretary shall undertake the necessary steps to effect the
integration and ensure the continuity of relevant programs and
functions of the DA, and the protection of the interests of the
personnel affected by the implementation of the ABRP.
Sec. 40. Exemption. — The Department is hereby
exempted from the provisions of Administrative Order No. 100 (1999)
regarding hiring, transfer, and promotion of personnel.
Sec. 41. Funding. — The Department of Budget and
Management shall expedite the approval of the staffing pattern of the
ABRP, not later than fifteen (15) days from the issuance hereof,
ensuring the availability of funds needed to implement the ABRP.
The amount necessary to implement the ABRP is hereby set aside for
disbursement by the DA, subject to the usual accounting and auditing
rules.
Sec. 42. This Executive Order shall take effect
immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila,
this 10th day of January, the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand One.
Annex A
Functional Coordination Structure of the DA - National (26 December
2000)