Guidelines and Procedures in the Implementation of the CPAR Program

February 29, 2007

DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 08-07

 

Whereas, technology plays a pivotal role in propelling the development of the agricultural and fisheries sector, as explicitly stated in the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA).

Whereas, the AFMA highlights the overall importance of organizing farming communities for cost-effective utilization of technologies and emphasizes the need for complementation of support services.

Whereas, the law stipulates that it is through the development of model farms that the different socio-technical processes involved are to be demonstrated and institutionalized.

Whereas, The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), in cognizance of the importance of community participation in midstream and downstream research and technology awareness among farmers and fisherfolk, has institutionalized the collaborative Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) program covering all regions of the country.

Therefore, in the interest of the service, it is hereby mandated that CPAR project implementers abide by the prescribed framework and operational guidelines and procedures contained in the attached document, in order to strengthen the CPAR program.

CPAR Goals and Objectives

Goals of the CPAR Program

It is imperative to follow strictly the prescribed guidelines and procedures to streamline CPAR project implementation to ensure the attainment of the goals and objectives of the program. For emphasis, it is important for the implementers to internalize the goals of the program, which is to modernize agriculture and fisheries in the short term and effect industrialization in the long term through efficient and effective research and development (R&D) and extension system.

CPAR Objectives

The objectives of the CPAR program/project shall be clearly understood by the implementers as they set the direction for meaningful courses of action to ensure successful outcomes. As the guiding principles, the said guidelines and procedures shall, likewise, be followed to achieve the objectives which are as follows:

1. To enhance the role of the R&D system in technology transfer and production management system;

2. To institutionalize active community participation in the overall management of farm and coastal resources; and

3. To develop strategies for effective integration of support services for the development of agro-enterprises.

CPAR Program/Project's Broad Perspective

A clear understanding of the CPAR program/project shall not be limited to adherence to the guidelines and procedures. It is also essential to perceive the program/project in its entirety to see the rationale for adopting the guiding principles. The participation of the farming/fishing community in the implementation of the project shall be enjoined to fast-track technology transfer. This scheme would sensitize farmers/fisherfolk to the value of participatory action program and of information-based decision making. The community shall also be empowered to participate in organizing the most appropriate production systems that allow flexibility. This is important in order for the systems to evolve and reach the most productive stage to maximize the benefits that could be derived. This would lead to the promotion of equity in the community and nearby areas via increased productivity and incomes and generation of employment opportunities. This has to be achieved in the short or longer term to address the pressing problem of poverty in the country side. AcSHCD

Further, it shall be understood that adherence to the guiding principles in project implementation would translate into adoption of a holistic approach which is necessary to maximize the welfare gains of farmers and fisherfolk, as well as of the whole community. In the process, the project dimension would be broadened, encompassing four approaches, namely; 1) farming systems development, 2) farm and coastal resources management, 3) total farm utilization and total family involvement, and 4) integration and complementation of support services, which shall include credit and marketing facilities.

Project Management Teams

The creation of Project Management Teams at the national, regional, provincial, and municipal levels is essential and shall be continued to enhance institutional complementation and strengthen coordination in project implementation. The roles and responsibilities of individual partners and participating institutions shall be delineated and specified in the memoranda of understanding executed among them to ensure sustainable project management. The participating institutions/individuals shall internalize their respective roles and responsibilities. At the national level, the BAR shall continue to provide the overall management of the program. It shall allocate and release the corresponding budgets for the CPAR projects through the DA-Regional Executive Directors, which in turn shall be booked in the respective RIARC/RFRDC accounts. Performance and financial accountability of partner institutions/individuals shall be mandatory.

This Order shall take effect immediately. For the guidance of all concerned.

 

(SGD.) ARTHUR C. YAPSecretary