Implementing Rules and Regulations on the Accreditation of Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Providers

May 6, 2021

DA ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 05, s. 2021

 

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 8435 known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), R.A. 10068 known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 supplemented with National Organic Agriculture Board Resolution No. 008, Series of 2021, and Administrative Order (AO) No. 1, Series of 2018, the following Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are hereby promulgated to govern the accreditation of Private Agriculture and Fisheries ESPs.

ARTICLE I

Title, Objectives, and Definition of Terms

SECTION 1. Title. — This Administrative Circular shall be known as the "Implementing Rules and Regulations on the Accreditation of Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Providers."

SECTION 2. Objectives. — The following Rules and Regulations are hereby adopted, promulgated, and issued to carry out the provisions in the IRRs of R.A. 8435, section 91, R.A. 10068, section 9, and Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 1, Series of 2018. Specifically, the objectives are as follows:

a. To hasten and enhance the delivery of extension services to the Department of Agriculture's stakeholders and clients;

b. To increase the public-private partnership and participation of private ESPs in the conduct of agricultural and fisheries extension services;

c. To recognize the efforts and capabilities of private institutions/service providers dedicated to the delivery of agriculture and fisheries extension services including organic agriculture extension services; and

d. To provide a variety of extension activities for agriculture and fisheries extension workers, farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous peoples, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and other stakeholders in support of the thrusts of AFMA and the Organic Agriculture Act.

e. To provide funding support in the form of extension grants to the accredited PAF-ESPs.

SECTION 3. Definitions of Terms. —

When used in these Rules, the following terms shall mean:

1. Accreditation — the process by which the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) officially recognizes and authorizes an institution/organization as eligible to be an implementing organization or beneficiary provided therein of a Private ESP, which will undertake on behalf of DA-ATI extension services to the target clientele.

2. Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) — farmers who were granted lands under Presidential Decree No. 27, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 (R.A. 6657), and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (R.A. 9700); and regular farmworkers who are landless, irrespective of tenurial arrangement and who benefited from the redistribution of lands.

3. Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Cooperative (ARB Coop)1 — a community-based organization, duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), in which ARBs comprise the majority (at least 50% + 1) of the total number of members.

4. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) — a group organized by marginal farmers, majority of which are ARBs, duly registered with the CDA, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to develop an appropriate system of land tenure, land development, land consolidation, or land management in areas covered by agrarian reform.

5. Business Entities — Business organizations engaged in agriculture and fisheries.

6. Competency Matrix — a summary table of the minimum expertise and skills of the PAF-ESP's trainers, training support staff, and faculty-on-call.

7. Compliance — the fulfillment of the requirements for accreditation.

8. Cooperatives — Farmers', fisher folks' and rural women, rural youth cooperatives including ARB Coop.

9. Extension — means managing knowledge to empower farmers and organizations so that they can manage problems and resources in meeting their own objectives. Under the Philippine Agriculture and Modernization Act of 1997, extension covers training services, farm or business advisory services, demonstration services and information, education and communication support services through tri-media.

10. Extension Grants — funds or subsidy provided to an accredited PAF-ESP for Agriculture and fisheries for an approved extension project.

11. Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Provider (PAF-ESP) — a private organization/institution that undertakes training and other complementary extension activities for target clientele along the value chain in agriculture and fisheries accredited by the ATI (e.g., input suppliers, producers, traders, processors, and consumers).

12. Faith-Based Organizations — refers to the organizations that are involved in assisting their church outreach engagements and in addressing the religious, socio-economic, and welfare needs of its constituency.

13. Field Validation — on-site confirmation through the provision of objective evidence that the requirements have been fulfilled.

14. Learning Site for Agriculture — a field laboratory or a demonstration area, wherein trainees and the public at large could practice agriculture and fisheries systems to become effective practitioners or as trainers for some.

15. National Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Provider — a private entity providing training and extension services on agriculture and fisheries with more than one (1) regional coverage.

16. Non-compliance — the failure to fulfill the requirements for accreditation.

17. Non-Government Organization — A non-profit organization providing welfare and development services in the agriculture and fisheries sector.

18. Organic Agriculture — includes all agricultural systems that promote ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable, and technically feasible production of food and fibers. Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. It also covers areas such as, but not limited to, soil fertility management, varietal breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide-free conditions, the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices that are consistent with the policies and principles of this Act, and enhance productivity without destroying the soil and harming the farmers, consumers, and the environment as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM), provided that the biotechnology herein referred to shall not include genetically modified organisms or GMOs.

19. Extension Service Provider for Organic Agriculture and Fisheries — is a private certified Organic Agriculture institutions/organizations that undertake training and other complementary extension activities on organic agriculture and fisheries, for target clientele along the value chain (e.g., input suppliers, producers, traders, processors, and consumers) accredited by the ATI.

20. Participatory Guarantee System2 — refers to a locally-focused quality assurance system that is developed and practiced by people actually engaged in organic agriculture. It is built on a foundation of trust, social network, and knowledge exchange. It is used to certify producers, farmers, and fisherfolk as actual and active practitioners of organic agriculture.

21. People's Organization (PO) — are community-based, mass membership organizations, that are either Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or any Government Agency empowered by law or policy to register and/or accredit POs and other similar aggrupation, registered or existing but not registered, with a set of by-laws adopted through a membership assembly and duly elected officials. POs are either sectoral or multi-sectoral alliances pursuing a common goal and established to secure benefits for their membership and articulate aims and objectives in the general development discourse.

22. Private Sector — comprises private corporations, enterprises, individual businesses, among others.

23. Regional Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Provider — a private entity providing training and extension services operating in a regional or sub-regional level such as a municipal/city or provincial area accredited by the ATI.

24. Regional Extension Service Provider for Organic Agriculture and Fisheries — a private entity providing training and extension services on organic agriculture and fisheries, operating in a regional or sub-regional level such as a municipal/city or provincial area accredited by the ATI.

25. Rural-Based Organizations — DA-assisted organizations that promote agriculture and fisheries extension in the rural areas. They are the informal organizations that play a vital role in sustaining agricultural and rural development through various significant services. They can serve as channels to route useful and relevant information and other resources required in improving the living conditions in rural communities (4H Cub of the Philippines, Rural Improvement Club (RIC), Pambansang Mannalon-Mag-uuma-Magbabaul-Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (4MP), Magsasakang Siyentista (MS), 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association of the Philippines (VLAP), and (IP's).

26. Table Evaluation — the preliminary documentary evaluation of PAF-ESP applicants.

27. Third-Party Organic Certification3 — is defined as when the firm requires that its supplies meet a certain standard and requests an independent organization that is not involved in the business relationship to control the compliance of the suppliers.

28. Trainer — an individual who is capable of preparing training designs and training modules; executing training programs; delivering modules, and facilitating and/or evaluating training activities on agriculture and fisheries.

29. Training Management Staff — individuals who provide administrative and technical assistance in the conduct/management of training.

30. Training Proposal — a concept note describing a planned undertaking/intervention to address a training need, submitted for approval and allocation of appropriate resources for implementation.

ARTICLE II

Coverage

SECTION 4. Coverage. — Accreditation shall apply to any of the following institutions/organizations that offer agriculture and fisheries extension programs:

a. Farmers' and fisherfolk's Cooperatives and Associations including ARB Coop.;

b. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) including Faith-based Organizations and other related Foundations;

c. People's Organizations (PO) including RBOs, LSA/SPA Associations, ARBOs, and IPOs; and

d. Private/Business Sector including Multinational Companies and e-Learning Institution.

ARTICLE III

Conflict of Interest

SECTION 5. Conflict of Interest. — ESPs shall not be eligible for accreditation under any of the circumstances set forth below:

a. If an ESP combines the functions of conducting extension services as part of consultancy services for the DA;

b. If an ESP is associated with or affiliated to a consultancy firm providing services to the DA;

c. If any officer/staff of the ESP is related to the following by affinity or consanguinity up to the third degree:

1) Management Committee of the ATI and its network of training centers, or any staff involved in standard-setting and accreditation activities, and

2) National and Regional ESP Council.

d. If an ESP has officers and staff- or faculty-on-call currently employed in the government particularly with the DA or any agency under its supervision.

The existence of any of the above-mentioned instances shall automatically disqualify the PAF-ESP applicant or result in the revocation of the accreditation if already granted.

ARTICLE IV

Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Provider (AF-ESP) Council and Secretariat

SECTION 6. Composition and Term of Office of National and Regional AF-ESP Council and Secretariat. —

6.1. Creation of the National AF-ESP Council

The ATI shall create a NAF-ESP Council for Organic Agriculture and Regular-ESP chaired by the ATI Director as the National Executive Officer (NEO) of the AF ESP Council. As such, he/she shall be responsible for the execution of policies and directions of the NAF-ESP Council.

6.1.1. Membership of the National AF ESP Council

The following shall be the members of the NAF-ESP council who shall be designated by the ATI Director and endorsed by the respective sector:

6.1.1.1. For Regular NAF-ESP Council

a. One representative from the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (AFEN) with the following considerations:

i. Agency must be elected by the representatives of AFEN members;

ii. He/She could be reappointed by the National Executive Officer of the National ESP Council.

b. One representative from the state universities and colleges (SUCs) with the following considerations:

i. Should be appointed by the head of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUCs) and/or Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines (ACAP);

ii. The representative can be a holder of Ph.D. and an expert of his/her area of specialization;

iii. He/She must have credible and vast experience in extension services;

iv. He/She could be reappointed by the National Executive Officer of the National ESP Council; and

v. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of his non-attendance to meetings.

c. One representative from the local government unit (LGU) with the following considerations:

i. Should be selected from the League of Provinces or Municipalities or other LGU Organizations;

ii. He/She must be an incumbent elected official or appointed official from the Provincial Agriculturist Office/Municipal Agriculturist Office/Agriculture and Fisheries Committee Chairperson from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Bayan (SP/SB). In case of SP/SB representation, a representative shall be endorsed through resolution;

iii. He/She must be familiar and supportive of the extension programs of the DA;

iv. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of non-attendance to meetings; and

d. Two representatives from the private sector: one (1) from a Farmers' Organization (FOs) and one (1) from the fishery sector with the following considerations:

i. He/She must be a proactive member/officer of any farmer-organization of the agriculture and fishery sector; and

ii. Must at least have a farm or manages a farm that is an LSA/SPA of the ATI or is familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

6.1.1.2. For NAF-ESP Council for Organic Agriculture

a. One representative from the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (AFEN) with the following considerations:

i. Agency must be elected by the representative of AFEN members;

ii. He/She could be reappointed by the National Executive Officer of the National ESP Council;

iii. He/She should have a background in organic agriculture extension services.

b. One representative from the state universities and colleges (SUCs) with the following considerations:

i. Should be appointed by the head of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and/or Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines (ACAP);

ii. The representative can be a holder of Ph.D. and an expert of his/her area of specialization;

iii. He/She must have credible and vast experience in extension services;

iv. He/She could be reappointed by the National Executive Officer of the National ESP Council; and

v. He/She should have expertise in organic agriculture extension services.

vi. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of his non-attendance to meetings.

c. One representative from the local government unit (LGU) with the following considerations:

i. Should be selected from the LGU's who is a member of OA-LGU Technical Committee/Organization;

ii. He/She must be an incumbent elected official/appointed Official from the Provincial Agriculturist Office/Municipal Agriculturist Office/Agriculture and Fisheries Committee Chair from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Bayan (SP/SB). In case of SP/SB representation, a representative shall be endorsed through resolution;

iii. He/She must be familiar and supportive of the extension programs of the DA;

iv. He/She must be active and familiar with Organic Agriculture Program; and

v. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of non-attendance to meetings; and

d. Two representatives from the private sector; one (1) from a Farmer's Organization (FOs) and one (1) from the fishery sector with the following considerations:

i. He/She must be a proactive member/officer of any farmer-organization of the agriculture and fishery sector; and

ii. Must at least have a farm or manages a farm that is an LSA/SPA of the ATI or is familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

iii. For National ESP for OA, he/she must be a member of any organic agriculture organization, an advocate of organic agriculture and its extension activities, and must at least manage an OA LSA/SPA or familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

e. One (1) representative from the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) nominated and endorsed by the Board;

f. One representative from the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS).

The permanent representative of the councils can designate an alternate, but there will only be one (1) vote when the two representatives are present.

6.1.2. Functions of the NAF-ESP Council

The following shall be the functions of the National Council:

a. Provide the overall policy guidelines and directions of the program. In the case of the NAF-ESP for OA, it must be approved by the NOAB;

b. Conduct field validation, evaluation, recommendation, and approval;

c. Issue Accreditation Certificate through the Council's Executive Officer; and

d. Continuously undertake appraisal and evaluation of the capability and competence of the accredited PAF-ESPs.

6.2. National Secretariat

A National Secretariat whose members shall be designated by the ATI Director shall perform the following functions:

6.2.1. For accreditation and renewal of PAF-ESP

a. Provides application forms to National PAF-ESP applicants;

b. Receives all applications of National PAF-ESPs for accreditation and conducts preliminary evaluation;

c. Facilitates the conduct of field validation and performance audit when deemed necessary;

d. Renders report of its findings and recommendations to the Council through the Executive Officer;

e. Issues notice of approval/disapproval to PAF-ESP applicants;

f. Issues notice of renewal to accredited National PAF-ESPs; and

g. Performs other related duties as may be directed by the Council.

6.2.2. For the provision of PAF-ESP grants

a. Conduct completeness and compliance assessment of activity proposal;

b. Endorse the submitted activity proposal to the ATI Clearinghouse Committee for review and evaluation;

c. Consolidate the evaluation results conducted by the ATI Clearinghouse Committee;

d. Facilitate and coordinate activity proposal's proponent on the requirements needed in the release of appropriate funds;

e. Conduct on-the-spot monitoring to the ATI-funded activity proposals;

f. Keep records of all grants funded by ATI-Central Office; and

g. Provide other related administrative support to the ATI Clearinghouse Committee.

SECTION 7. Regional Extension Service Provider (RAF-ESP) Council. —

7.1. The Regional Executive Officer

The Center Director of the ATI-RTC shall serve as the Regional Executive Officer (REO). As such, he/she shall be responsible for the execution of policies and directions of the RAF-ESP Council.

7.2. Membership

7.2.1 For Regular RAF-ESP Council

a. One representative from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (RAFEN) with the following considerations:

i. Agency must be elected by the representative of RAFEN members;

ii. He/She could be reappointed by the Regional Executive Officer of the RAF-ESP Council.

b. One representative from the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with the following considerations:

i. The representative can be a holder a Ph.D. and an expert of his/her area of specialization;

ii. He/She must have credible and vast experience in extension services;

iii. He/She could be reappointed by the Regional Executive Officer of the Regional ESP Council; and

iv. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of his non-attendance to meetings.

c. One representative from the local government unit (LGU) with the following considerations:

i. He/She must be an incumbent elected official or appointed official from the Provincial Agriculturist Office/Municipal Agriculturist Office/Agriculture and Fisheries Committee Chair from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Bayan (SP/SB). In case of SP/SB representation, a representative shall be endorsed through resolution;

ii. He/She must be familiar and supportive of the extension programs of the DA;

iii. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of non-attendance to meetings; and

d. Two representatives from the private sector: one (1) from a Farmers' Organization (FOs) and one (1) from the fishery sector with the following considerations:

i. He/She must be a proactive member/officer of any farmer-organization of the agriculture and fishery sector; and

ii. Must at least have a farm or manages a farm that is an LSA/SPA of the ATI or is familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

7.2.2 For RAF-ESP Council for Organic Agriculture

a. One representative from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network (RAFEN) with the following considerations:

i. Agency must be elected by the representatives of RAFEN members;

ii. He/She could be reappointed by the Regional Executive Officer of the Regional ESP Council;

iii. He/She should have a background in organic agriculture extension services.

b. One representative from the state universities and colleges (SUCs) with the following considerations:

i. The representative can be a holder of Ph.D. and an expert of his/her area of specialization;

ii. He/She must have credible and vast experience in extension services;

iii. He/She could be reappointed by the Regional Executive Officer of the Regional ESP Council; and

iv. He/She should have expertise in organic agriculture extension services.

v. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of his non-attendance to meetings.

c. One representative from the local government unit (LGU) with the following considerations:

i. Should be selected preferably from the LGU's who is a member of OA-LGU Technical committee/organization;

ii. He/She must be an incumbent elected official or appointed official from the Provincial Agriculturist Office/Municipal Agriculturist Office/Agriculture and Fisheries Committee Chair from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Bayan (SP/SB). In case of SP/SB representation, a representative shall be endorsed through resolution;

iii. He/She must be familiar and supportive of the extension programs of the DA;

iv. He/She must be active and familiar with Organic Agriculture Program; and

v. He/She may appoint an alternate representative in case of non-attendance to meetings; and

d. Two representatives from the private sector: one (1) from a Farmer's Organization (FOs) and one (1) from the fishery sector with the following considerations:

i. He/She must be a proactive member/officer of any farmer-organization of the agriculture and fishery sector; and

ii. Must at least have a farm or manages a farm that is an LSA/SPA of the ATI or is familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

iii. He/She must be a member of any organic agriculture organization, an advocate of organic agriculture and its extension activities, and must at least manage an OA LSA/SPA or familiar with ATI's extension programs and services.

e. One (1) representative from the DA-Regional Field Office OA Focal Person;

f. One (1) representative from the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources OA Focal Person.

The permanent representative of the councils can designate an alternate, but there will only be one (1) vote when the two representatives are present.

7.3. Functions of the RAF-ESP Council

The following shall be the functions of the RAF-ESP Council:

a. Provide the regional policy guidelines and directions aligned with the national program;

b. Evaluates the PAF-ESP applicant's eligibility for accreditation;

c. Endorses all approved applications with complete documents to the NAF-ESP Council's Executive Officer, through the National Secretariat, for issuance of Certification of Accreditation; and

d. Continuously undertakes appraisal and evaluation of the capability and competence of accredited RAF-ESPs.

7.4. Regional Secretariat

The ATI-RTC Center Director shall designate a Regional Secretariat whose membership comes from the Partnerships and Accreditation Services Section and shall have the following functions:

7.4.1. For accreditation and renewal of PAF-ESP

a. Provides application forms to regional PAF-ESP applicants;

b. Receives all applications of regional PAF-ESPs for accreditation and conducts preliminary evaluation;

c. Facilitates the conducts of field validation for regional PAF-ESP and preliminary evaluation for inter-regional PAF-ESPs when deemed necessary;

d. Renders report of its findings and recommendations to the Regional and National Council through the National Secretariat;

e. Issues notices of expiration and renewal to accredited regional PAF-ESPs; and

f. Performs other related duties as may be directed by the Council.

7.4.2. For accreditation and renewal of PAF-ESP

a. Conduct completeness and compliance assessment of activity proposal;

b. Endorse the submitted activity proposal to the ATI-RTC Clearinghouse Committee for review and evaluation;

c. Consolidate the evaluation results conducted by the ATI-RTC Clearinghouse Committee;

d. Facilitate and coordinate activity proposal's proponent on the requirements needed in the release of appropriate funds;

e. Conduct on-the-spot monitoring to the ATI-funded activity proposals;

f. Keep records of all grants funded by ATI-RTC's; and

g. Provide other related administrative support to the ATI-RTC Clearinghouse Committee.

SECTION 8. Election and Terms of Office. —

The members shall elect the vice-chairperson from among themselves. Each member shall have a three (3) years term of office without prejudice to being reappointed for another term. In case of vacancy due to retirement, resignation, transfer, incapacitation, or death, the Council may nominate replacement/s to serve the unexpired portion of the term subject to the approval of the NEO and REO for National and Regional council respectively.

Elected official representative particularly from the LGU, in case of end of term/unluckily elected in their respective locality within the term as a member of the council, the SP/SB of the concerned LGU may endorse replacement/s to serve the unexpired portion of the term still subject to the approval of the NEO.

For NAF-ESP Council for OA, the appointed Council member from the NOAB shall have a three (3) years term of office without being reappointed for another term.

The Council Members shall be issued a National Identification Card.

SECTION 9. Attendance to Meetings and Quorums. — Appointment to the Council carries an expectation of regular attendance to meetings. The Council shall have a regular semestral meeting. Decisions by a majority of the Council shall be valid and binding. A special meeting may be called by the Chair and/or a majority of the Council, whenever necessary.

ARTICLE V

Criteria for Accreditation

SECTION 10. Eligible PAF-ESP Applicants. — The following eligibility requirements shall be considered for accreditation:

a. Business entities;

b. POs/RBOs and other farmer associations and cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA);

c. e-Learning Institution and/or Academic Institution;

d. Faith-based organizations duly organized under the existing laws and registered with SEC/DOLE;

e. Multinational corporations can apply for accreditation, provided, relevant laws allow multinationals to engage in extension services. Provided further, that all those who perform the services shall be Filipino citizens and registered professionals authorized by the appropriate regulatory body to practice their professions; and

f. Joint ventures among Filipino PAF-ESPs and foreign multinationals may be allowed if it will result in better extension services, subject to SEC laws and the provisions of this IRR.

SECTION 11. Technical Capability. —

a. The PAF-ESP must be able to administer training as well as other training-based and extension services including community organizing; use participatory approaches; popularize training materials; regenerate agricultural technologies, agribusiness, and management skills; and is operating at the municipal/provincial/region-wide areas for local level PAF-ESPs, and in two (2) or more regions for national level PAF-ESPs.

b. The PAF-ESP must have training/activity designs, training overall completion report including the methodology, list of participants with signature, a summary of evaluation results, and photo documentation of at least five (5) trainings conducted for the last three (3) years.

c. For PAF-ESP for OA, the applicant must have a third party OA certification/Participatory Guarantee System or at least has applied for third party certification/Participatory Guarantee System.

SECTION 12. Resource Capability. —

12.1. Manpower

A. Trainers

For National PAF-ESP, must have at least two (2) trainers and three (3) faculty-on-call or resource persons; for Regional PAF-ESP, must have at least one (1) trainer and four (4) faculty-on-call or resource persons who meet the following requirements:

Education and Work Experience

a. Must possess appropriate education with relevant work experience of at least three (3) years on the subject matter he/she is handling.

b. For PAF-ESP for OA, must possess at least an OA practitioner/undergraduate degree/Trainer's Methodology Level 1 and holder of National Certification II (NC II) on organic agriculture production.

Trainings

Must have undergone at least 40 hours of training in trainers' skills/presentation skills and related areas.

Skills

a. Preferably professional in the field of extension services he/she wishes to engage in.

b. Capable of developing training/activity designs, training modules, and visual aids, and training evaluation tools.

c. Must have effective communication skills, as well as presentation/facilitating skills.

B. On-call Lecturer

a. Must possess at least an OA Practitioner/undergraduate degree (BS Degree)/Trainer's Methodology Level 1

b. Certification from Municipal/City Agriculture Office that they are practitioner, a farmer awardee (e.g., Gawad Saka, Rice Achievers Awards, etc.), Magsasaka Siyentista and holder of agriculture-related NC II (organic agriculture NC II for OA ESP); and

c. Must have good extension communication skills.

C. Training Management Staff

Must have at least two (2) support staff that have thorough experience and adequate competence to deliver training support services (visual aids preparation, training process documentation, administration and processing of training evaluation, etc.).

12.2. Facilities and Equipment

a. Compliance with the National Building Code and the Fire Code of the Philippines. This provision shall ensure the safety of the welfare of the participants, trainers, guests, etc. Further, this shall serve as a basis on the preparedness of the PAF-ESP during emergency cases.

b. Size of the training room and dormitory. The training room and dormitory shall be able to accommodate a minimum of thirty (30) participants including the blended learning platform. If the PAF-ESP does not own such facilities, it should have the capacity to source out alternative training venues in the locality that have the same facilities (except ATI facilities).

c. Lighting and ventilation. Lighting fixtures shall be designed to ensure an atmosphere conducive to training. The training room shall also be well ventilated.

d. Restrooms. There shall be separate male and female restrooms with enough supply of water.

e. Support facilities, and equipment. The training room must have basic facilities such as chairs and tables, blackboard/whiteboard, sound system, information, and communications technology (ICT) equipment, electric fans, and electric generator available at any time.

f. Workshop/On-the-Job training facilities and equipment. Depending on the training program/s being offered, there should be an adequate provision for a technology demonstration area with a minimum of 1,000 square meters, appropriate facilities, and equipment either owned or rented.

g. Information Resource Center/Library. An area/corner adequately provided with relevant reference materials, books, journals, magazines, kits, and other materials related to the programs being conducted.

h. Transportation and Communication Facilities. There should be a standby utility vehicle, available telephone or mobile phone unit, and internet services during the conduct of the training if necessary.

i. Waste-processing facility (recycling, composting, etc.)

12.3. Demonstration Services

The technologies promoted should be diversified in nature and should cover the priority commodity needs of the region, province, municipality/city, and barangays.

The Demonstration/Learning Site of the PAF-ESP

a. Must be accessible to any means of transportation;

b. Must have a good source of water and dependable power supply;

c. Must have a minimum area of 1,000 square meters, either owned or rented by the PAF-ESP applicant;

d. Relatively peaceful and orderly; and

e. Must be contiguous or compact depending on the commodity (crop-livestock-fishery) combination of their own choice.

12.4. Other Facilities

The presence of the following shall be an added advantage:

a. Refreshment/Dining Area — a refreshment/dining area accessible to the trainees

b. Kiosks or similar facilities with a capacity of eight (8) to ten (10) participants for small group discussions

c. Designated prayer area

d. Product Display Area

SECTION 13. Training Program to be Conducted by the PAF-ESP. — Regular and Organic Agriculture-related training activities must be conducted by accredited regular and OA Private Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service Provider respectively.

A. The existing offerings of the PAF-ESP applicant shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevance. The training program shall respond to the needs of the agriculture and fishery sector as identified in the National Extension Agenda and Programs.

2. Objectives. Its objectives shall be clearly defined and are realistic and attainable.

3. Content. The content/curriculum of the training program shall align with its objectives. Topics shall be logical with due consideration to the effectiveness of presentation in terms of the trainees comprehension.

4. Methodology. There shall be an effective, sample, and comprehensive presentation of topics, clear description of participatory learning interventions, examination scheme, and test instruments related to the course objectives. There shall, likewise, be a relevant and practical application of theories and concepts.

5. Qualifications of Participants. The minimum qualifications of the participants shall be set for proper identification of a specific training course.

6. Evaluation Procedures. The training program shall carry out effective evaluation instruments during and after training.

B. During the training, pre-test and post-test shall be prepared to measure the knowledge and skills increment of the participants.

C. The trainers and the value of program content and other aspects of the training shall be measured immediately after the training. An evaluation shall also be done one (1) to three (3) years after the training to assess the action plan implementation and the effectiveness of the training in achieving its goals and objectives.

ARTICLE VI

The Accreditation Process

SECTION 14. The PAF-ESP Accreditation Process. —

The accreditation process shall consist of five (5) phases.

Phase 1 — Filing of Application

The PAF-ESP applicant shall accomplish the prescribed application form in duplicate and file together with the required documentary requirements to ATI Central Office for national PAF-ESPs and at the ATI RTCs for the regional PAF-ESPs.

Supporting Documents to be submitted with the Application Form

Legal Documents

a. Registration with the SEC and, in the case of cooperatives, at the CDA or DOLE for associations;

b. DTI Business Name;

c. Tax Identification Number (TIN) of the PAF-ESP applicant; and

d. Business/Mayor's Permit or the official receipt as proof of renewal in case application for accreditation was submitted at the first month of the calendar year.

Technical Documents

a. List of PAF-ESP applicant's completed trainings/seminars conducted within the last three (3) years a minimum of five (5) and shall include the following details: title, topics covered, duration, venue of the training, number of participants, and activity evaluation results.

b. Competency matrix of all trainers, training support staff, and faculty-on-call.

c. List of all officials and employees and their respective designations, nationalities, and home addresses.

d. List of identified training venues and demonstration/learning sites that the PAF-ESP applicant owns, engaged under a lease agreement, and/or a purchase agreement.

e. Type and number of equipment that the PAF-ESP applicant owns, has under a lease agreement, and/or has under a purchase agreement.

Financial Documents

a. The PAF-ESP applicant's audited Financial Statement, stamped "Received" by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of its duly authorized and accredited institutions, for the immediate preceding calendar year, showing, among others, the total and current assets and liabilities or Certificate of Tax Exemption, in the case of cooperatives.

b. Certification from the PAF-ESP applicant's depository bank.

Phase 2 — Documentary Evaluation

The initial screening shall be done by the National/Regional Secretariat through an evaluation of the documents submitted to determine whether these documents meet the eligibility requirements set by the AF-ESP Council. A report outlining the results of the review shall be prepared. The documentary evaluation shall be completed within ten (10) working days from receipt of the application and required supporting documents.

Phase 3 — Ocular Inspection/Validation

a. Upon completion of the documentary evaluation, an ocular inspection and field validation shall be conducted using the combined onsite and virtual platform to confirm the PAF-ESP applicant's compliance with the qualification requirements.

b. The initial findings shall be provided/discussed with the PAF-ESP applicants during the exit conference.

c. A report of its findings and/or recommendations shall be submitted within five (5) working days to the Council from the date of the completion of the ocular inspection and field validation.

Phase 4 — Approval/Disapproval

a. For the accreditation of National PAF-ESP's, the National Executive Officer (NEO) shall approve/disapprove the PAF-ESP both national and regional application.

In case of national PAF-ESP application, the NAF-ESP Council shall recommend for the approval/disapproval of PAF-ESP applicants to the NEO while in the case of Regional PAF-ESP application, the RAF-ESP Council shall recommend for the approval/disapproval of applications to the NEO endorsed by the Regional Executive Office within ten (10) working days upon submission of the Inspection Report.

b. In case of pending approval due to lacking/unfulfilled requirements, the ATI will notify the PAF-ESP applicant/s regarding the finding and provide a maximum of ninety (90) days to comply or submit the needed requirement/s. Failure to comply within the prescribed period shall be subjected to re-application.

Phase 5 — Award of the Certificate

a. Upon approval of the application, the National Executive Office shall sign and issue the Certificate of Accreditation for regional and national PAF-ESP application within ten (10) working days.

b. The Regional Executive Officer shall endorse all approved regional applications to the National Executive Officer who is vested with the sole authority to issue such document for issuance of Certificate of Accreditation.

Considering the completeness of documentary requirements submitted upon application of PAF-ESP, the whole process from application to issuance of a certificate of accreditation may only take 30 working days. This period will only vary depending on the PAF-ESP applicant's duration of compliance and submission of lacking requirements and availability of the members of the AF-ESP Council especially in the conduct of field validation.

ARTICLE VII

Validity

SECTION 15. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation. —

The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance unless sooner canceled by the Council.

ARTICLE VIII

Performance Audit

SECTION 16. Audit. —

During the effectivity period of the accreditation, the National/Regional AF-ESP Council and Secretariat shall conduct an Annual Performance/surveillance Audits/Remote Audit to verify/ensure continued compliance to its responsibilities.

ARTICLE IX

Renewal of Accreditation

SECTION 17. Renewal of Accreditation. —

Six (6) months prior to the expiration of the accreditation, Secretariat will notify the accredited PAF-ESP. The concerned PAF-ESP may apply for renewal, otherwise, the accreditation shall be deemed terminated at the end of the five (5) years period.

Renewal of accreditation shall be based on the assessment of the performance of the accredited PAF-ESP. The accreditation process shall consist of five (5) phases.

Phase 1 — Filing of Application

The PAF-ESP applicant for renewal shall submit a letter of intent for renewal as accredited PAF-ESP together with an accomplished prescribed form in duplicate and file together with the required documentary requirements to ATI Central Office for national PAF-ESPs and at the ATI RTCs for the regional PAF-ESPs.

Supporting Documents to be submitted with the Application Form

Legal Documents

• Updated Business/Mayor's Permit or the official receipt as proof of renewal in case application for accreditation was submitted at the first month of the calendar year.

Technical Documents

• Summary of PAF-ESP applicant's completed trainings/seminars conducted within the last five (5) years with a minimum of five (5) batches funded by the DA and other funding institution.

• Updated competency matrix of all trainers, training support staff, and lecturer-on-call.

• Updated list of all officials and employees and their respective designations, nationalities, and home addresses.

• Updated list of identified training venues and demonstration/learning sites that the PAF-ESP applicant owns, engaged under a lease agreement, and/or a purchase agreement.

• Updated list of facilities and equipment that the PAF-ESP applicant owns, engaged under a lease agreement, and/or a purchase agreement.

• List of other training courses/services offered.

Financial Documents

• The PAF-ESP applicant's audited Financial Statement, stamped "Received" by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of its duly authorized and accredited institutions, for the immediate preceding calendar year, showing, among others, the total and current assets and liabilities or Certificate of Tax Exemption, in the case of cooperatives.

• Updated certification from the PAF-ESP applicant's depository bank.

Phase 2 — Documentary Evaluation for Renewal

Upon submission of the application for renewal, an initial screening shall be done by the National/Regional Secretariat through an evaluation of the documents submitted to determine whether these documents meet the eligibility and completeness of requirements. A report outlining the results of the review shall be prepared. The documentary evaluation shall be completed within ten (10) working days from receipt of the application.

Phase 3 — Field and Documentary Validation

• Upon completion of the documentary valuation, a field and documentary validation shall be conducted through an onsite or virtual platform depending on the prevailing situation to confirm the PAF-ESP applicant's compliance with the qualification requirements.

• The initial findings shall be provided/discussed with the PAF-ESP applicants during the exit conference.

• A report of its findings and/or recommendations shall be submitted within five (5) working days to the Council from the date of the completion of the field and documentary validation.

Phase 4 — Approval/Disapproval

• For the accreditation of National PAF-ESP's, the National Executive Officer (NEO) shall approve/disapprove the PAF-ESP both national and regional application for renewal.

In case of national PAF-ESP application, the NAF-ESP Council shall recommend for the approval/disapproval of PAF-ESP applicants to the NEO while in the case of Regional PAF-ESP application, the Regional RAF-ESP Council shall recommend for the approval/disapproval of applications to the NEO endorsed by the Regional Executive Office within ten (10) working days upon submission of the Request for Action Form and other documentary evidence.

• In case of pending approval due to lacking/unfulfilled requirements, the ATI will notify the PAF-ESP applicant/s regarding the finding and provide a maximum of thirty (30) days to comply or submit the needed requirement/s. Failure to comply within the prescribed period shall be subjected to re-application for renewal.

Phase 5 — Award of the Certificate

c. n Upon approval of the application, the National Executive Office shall sign and issue the renewed Certificate of Accreditation for regional and national PAF-ESP application within ten (10) working days.

d. The Regional Executive Officer shall endorse all approved regional applications to the National Executive Officer who is vested with the sole authority to issue such document for issuance of Certificate of Accreditation.

ARTICLE X

Grounds for Disapproval, Suspension or Cancellation of Accreditation and Appeal

SECTION 18. Disapproval of Application for Accreditation. —

Any false declaration, statement, or use of any such declaration or statement on any document submitted, committing fraud, or any act of misrepresentation for obtaining the issuance of accreditation shall be sufficient grounds for disapproval or disqualification.

In case of non-adherence on non-conformance to any requirements and obligations, the ATI and the PAF-ESP shall endeavor to settle the matter amicably in the following manner:

• A notice in writing shall be sent by the concerned party to the other party stating therein the basis for the non-adherence or non-conformance.

• The parties thereafter set a meeting for discussing and settling the matter amicably.

• All agreements shall be reduced in writing and signed by the parties or their duly appointed representatives.

If no agreement is reached, it shall be the right of the ATI through ESP Council to terminate the accreditation of the PAF-ESP. Further, the ATI, if deemed necessary, shall file a complaint to any applicable courts, depending on the nature of the controversy, following the rules of procedure for the said offices for dispute settlement.

SECTION 19. Suspension of Accreditation. —

Any of the following acts, omissions, or offenses shall be sufficient grounds for the suspension of accreditation:

a. Failure to comply with or violate any of the conditions set forth in the certificate of accreditation;

b. Refusal of the accredited PAF-ESP to be audited to determine continued compliance to approved standards;

c. Failure to install corrective measures within an agreed period for the nonconformities found during the audit;

d. Allowing the organization and its facilities to be used for illegal or immortal activities;

e. Misuse of extension grants; and

f. Failure to submit required reports on time.

SECTION 20. Length of Suspension. —

An accredited ESP shall be suspended for a period of not less than six (6) months or suspension of not more than one (1) year depending on the gravity of the offense/s in violation of this IRR after due notice and hearing by the Council.

SECTION 21. Cancellation of Accreditation. —

Any of the following acts, omissions, or offenses shall be sufficient grounds for the cancellation of accreditation:

a. Two (2) consecutive suspensions during the validity period of the certificate of accreditation, however, three (3) or more suspensions shall be ground for blacklisting of accredited PAF-ESPs;

b. Contract or other agreements with the ATI have been breached;

c. Failure to provide the extension services called for without valid reasons;

d. Existence of any of the instances enumerated under Section 5 of these Rules; and

e. Two (2) consecutive satisfactory results on the conducted annual performance audit shall be grounds for cancellation of accreditation.

SECTION 22. Appeal. —

1. The following procedures shall apply for any appeal on suspension decision:

b. n The accredited PAF-ESP may file an appeal with the ATI within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of notice of suspension.

c. The appeal must be accompanied by a report specifying the major documented errors and how such errors contributed to the suspension, together with other relevant substantiating documentation.

d. The ATI, through the AF-ESP Council, shall grant or deny the accredited PAF-ESP's appeal of the suspension based on the statement of reason/s and submitted documented facts within thirty (30) working days from receipt of the appeal. The action shall be based solely on the report and the supporting documentation submitted by the accredited PAF-ESP in accordance with the nature of the non-compliance that led to the suspension.

e. If the ATI, through AF-ESP Council, decides that the appeal is not meritorious, the appeal shall be denied and such decision shall be final and executory.

f. In case the appeal on the suspension is meritorious, the ATI shall lift the suspension based on the recommendations of the AF-ESP Council, and grant accreditation.

g. The decision for the appeal of suspension shall be unanimously decided by the AF-ESP Council.

2. On the other hand, cancellation or revocation of accreditation is non-appealable.

ARTICLE XI

Obligations of Accredited PAF-ESPs

SECTION 23. Obligations of the Accredited PAF-ESP. —

The accredited PAF-ESP agrees to do the following:

a. Concurred to the standards of the ATI in the delivery of trainings and other extension services;

b. Display the Vision, Mission, and Objectives, and Goals of the organization in a conspicuous place within the PAF-ESP's office;

c. Display the certificate of accreditation in a conspicuous place within the ESP's office;

d. Maintain Personnel's Portfolio such as Curriculum Vitae, Contract of Service/MOA, Training Certificates for the past three (3) years, TOR/Diploma and other related documents;

e. Inform the ATI of all changes significantly affecting its activities/operations (such as a change in ownership, address, personnel, and by-laws) as this may require additional audit;

f. Not to use its accreditation in such a manner as to bring the ATI into disrepute and does not make any statement regarding its accreditation which the ATI may consider misleading or unauthorized;

g. Must conduct a minimum of ten (10) training activities within the period of accreditation; and

h. Maintain their database based on the provided template of the database.

i. Submit relevant reports to the ATI regarding their conduct of trainings and other extension services.

ARTICLE XII

ATI Obligations

SECTION 24. Obligation of the ATI in the PAF-ESP Accreditation. —

In the accredited PAF-ESP, following are the obligation of the ATI:

a. Maintain the documents of the accredited PAF-ESPs for a retention period of three (3) years after the validity of the accreditation has expired;

b. Maintain a database of accredited PAF-ESPs that shall be available to the public upon request;

c. Notify the PAF-ESPs of relevant changes in its accreditation process;

d. Allocate appropriate funds to the submitted training proposal/s of the accredited PAF-ESPs in a form of grants;

e. Organized related activities to encourage active engagement of accredited PAF-ESPs; and

f. Coordinate the PAF-ESPs on the delivery of extension services aligned with the thrust and priorities of the DA and the ATI.

ARTICLE XIII

Incentives

SECTION 25. Incentives. —

Once accredited, the PAF-ESP shall be eligible for the following incentives:

a. Automatically considered as a member of the National/Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network;

b. Availment of extension funds from the ATI subject to approved training proposals and/or as programmed in the work and financial plan of the ATI in support to its mandate;

c. Access to the support services from the DA through its farm clustering program wherein PAF-ESP can be tapped as those who will lead in the organization and strengthening of farmer groups within their localities/communities;

d. Technical assistance in the availment of DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services/Division;

e. Access to financial assistance through Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) (e.g., Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines);

f. Access to ATI's Capability Building Program;

g. Access to multi-media knowledge products produced by ATI;

h. Inclusion in the nomination list for both local and international scholarship/fellowship opportunities;

i. Assistance to the promotion and development of products;

j. Tax exemption incentives; and

k. Recommendation for Certification as Farm Tourism Site following the requirements.

ARTICLE XIV

Provision of PAF-ESP Grants

SECTION 26. Categories of PAF-ESP Extension Proposal for Grants. —

The provision of extension grants are aligned with the processes and procedures of the ATI grants systems. The proposals to be submitted shall be in-lined with the enhanced Thematic Areas of ATI, to wit:

a. Learn: Strengthening Competency and Competitiveness through Capability Building. This thematic area is focused on the provision of training services. This aims to capacitate the AEWs, farmers, fisherfolk, rural women, youth, and other stakeholders along the value chain to adopt innovative, sustainable, productive, and new techniques in social and production technologies of farming and fishing. It encourages the holistic approach in delivering training services through the enhancement of training services from the development of the curriculum and agents of extension, effective modalities, techniques, and strategies to the sustainability of interventions.

b. Exhibit: Modeling Technologies, Best Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Practices and Innovations. This thematic area is focused on the provision of technology demonstration services. This is the most effective way to introduce and showcase the success of new and innovative technology or practice, its processes, techniques, and desired results to individuals and communities. It encourages innovations to thrive as new farming systems are applied and integrated as a result of exhibited demonstrations. Further, this serves as a platform for farmers and fisherfolk to feedback on-farm problems to extension workers and researchers as different technologies and practices are being demonstrated and tested on their farms.

c. Advise: Empowering Farmers and Fisherfolk through Advisory Services. This thematic area involves the provision of farm or business advisory services. It includes on-demand knowledge sharing and advisory on production and post-production technologies, linking producers to the market, investments, and other strategic resources and support services with various stakeholders in agriculture and fisheries. It also covers the provision of financial and management advice especially for framers, fisherfolk, and their organizations. These are technical services on rural-based organization development, marketing-related assistance, feasibility study preparation, project proposal development, technology-based knowledge sharing, and farm visits.

d. Disseminate: Enhancing Agriculture Fisheries Extension Knowledge Products and Services. This thematic area deals with different extension clients/stakeholders' need for fast access to up-to-date agriculture, livestock, and fisheries-related information and knowledge. It includes the development, translation, packaging, and distribution of knowledge products through multimedia (print, broadcast, TV, and internet) and all other modes of communication that fit specific client systems.

SECTION 26. n Criteria for Evaluation. — Extension Service proposals must meet the following conditions to qualify for extension grants:

a. Consistency with the DA thrust and priorities & NEAP/AFE strategic plan (15%)

b. Clarity of Objectives (10%)

c. Packaging (5%)

d. Conceptual Adequacy of the Proposal (30%)

e. Justifiability of the Proposed Budget (10%)

f. Eligibility of the proponent (10%)

g. Impact of the Proposed Project (20%)

SECTION 27. Availment Process. — The submitted proposals will undergo the following processes:

27.1 Availment Process for the National PAF-ESP

a. Submission of Activity Proposal. PAF-ESPs shall submit their project proposal to ATI together with a training needs assessment and monitoring report from the previous activity/ies funded by the DA through ATI for possible funding. The National PAF-ESPs may submit the extension grants proposal online through the online AFE grants system. The link on the submission can be accessed through the ATI website.

For commodity-based funds, the prospective PAF-ESPs shall be selected by the secretariat according to their category (OA or Regular), specialization, and location as specified in the PAF-ESPs respective fact sheets.

b. Acknowledgment of Project Proposal. Preparation of official communication to acknowledge the receipt of proposal and subject for evaluation of the review committee. Upon acknowledgment, the ABGMS shall screen the completeness and relevance of the proposal before forwarding it to the review committee.

c. Evaluation of Project Proposal. The ATI through the National Secretariat will coordinate with the Review Committee on the evaluation of the proposal based on the criteria.

d. Consolidation of Evaluation Results. Upon evaluation of the Review Committee, the National Secretariat will consolidate the results and will prepare the following:

• Endorsement letter for signature by the ATI Director on the approval/disapproval of the submitted Activity Proposals; and

• Feedback letter to PAF-ESP if the proposals/submitted needs to be improved base on the comments provided by the Review Committee.

e. Submission of Documentary Requirements. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) shall be signed by the PAF-ESP and submit to the ATI for the signature of the Director together with other lacking document/s based on the Checklist of Requirements.

f. Signing of MOA and Proposal. The submitted MOA by the PAF-ESP and the endorsed proposal shall be signed and approve respectively.

g. Review of Documentary Requirements. The National Secretariat shall review the submitted documentary requirements based on the checklist for the release of 70% from the approved budgetary requirement.

h. Processing of Release of Grants (70%). The release of approved grants is 70%-30% as per requirements based on COA Circular. The release of 70% fund shall process following the completion of requirements.

i. Conduct of Activity. The proponent PAF-ESP of the approved proposal shall conduct the funded activity and submit training completion reports.

j. Monitoring and Evaluation. The national secretariat shall conduct on-the-spot monitoring and evaluate the conduct of approved and funded training activity using the on-the-spot-monitoring tool.

k. Submission of documentary requirements and processing of release of remaining 30% fund. Required documents set for the release of the remaining 30% fund shall be submitted by the PAF-ESP to the ATI.

l. Submission of Liquidation Report by tranches. Liquidation report by tranches shall be complied with and submitted by the proponent PAF-ESP to the ATI.

27.2 Availment Process for the Regional PAF-ESP

a. Endorsement of Project Proposal of Regional ESP. the ATI-RTCs shall endorse the project proposal of the Regional PAF-ESP to the Central Office for possible funding. Endorsement Letter of ATI-RTC shall include the status of the Regional ESP (no due and unliquidated transactions to ATI).

b. Acknowledgment of Project Proposal. The national secretariat shall prepare official communication to acknowledge the receipt of the proposal, which will be subjected to evaluation of the review committee. Upon acknowledgment, the national secretariat shall review the completeness and relevance of the proposal before forwarding it to the review committee.

c. Evaluation of Project Proposal. The national secretariat shall coordinate with the Review Committee on the evaluation of the proposal based on the criteria.

d. Consolidation of Evaluation Results. Upon evaluation of the Review Committee, the national secretariat shall consolidate the results and prepare the following:

a. Endorsement letter for signature by the ATI Director on the approval/disapproval of the submitted Activity Proposals; and

b. Feedback letter to PAF-ESP through the ATI-RTC Center Director if the proposal/s submitted needs to be improved base on the comments provided by the Review Committee.

e. Preparation of Letter of Advice Allotment (LAD). The national secretariat shall prepare LAD for the approved activity proposal to the respective ATI-RTC of the Regional PAF-ESP with a 10% M&E fund.

f. Conduct of Activity. The proponent Regional PAF-ESP of the approved proposal shall conduct the funded activity and submit training completion reports.

g. Monitoring and Evaluation. The ATI-RTC shall monitor and evaluate the conduct of approved and funded training activity using the on-the-spot-monitoring tool. A copy of the monitoring report shall also be submitted to ATI-CO.

h. Processing of Payment. The ATI-RTC shall process the payment of the Regional PAF-ESP's activity based on existing auditing and accounting rules and regulations. The ATI-RTCs may modify requirements on the processing of payment in accordance with existing auditing and accounting rules and regulations.

i. Submission of Report. ATI-RTC shall furnish the ATI-CO through PAD on the complete report of the Regional ESP's conducted activity.

SECTION 28. Project Proposal Review and Awards Committee. — A Project Proposal Review and Awards Committee shall be created by the ATI Director to evaluate to proposal submitted.

SECTION 29. Release of Grants. — A MOA shall be executed upon approval to define specific terms and conditions. The grants shall be released in tranches in accordance with the agreed conditions as follows:

• First Tranche: 70% upon signing of MOA

• Second Tranche: 30% upon submission of the activity/training completion report and compliance with other MOA post-activity requirements

ARTICLE XIV n

Funding Requirements

SECTION 30. Fund Source and Expenditures. —

30.1 Fund Source

Funds for operational and administrative costs for this purpose shall be included in the regular budget of the ATI.

Aside from the ATI-regular fund allocation to fund the PAF-ESP's project/activity/program proposals, the related banner program of the ATI shall allocate yearly funds for at least 3 trainings/activities per region. This will eventually boost the interest of the accredited ESPs as a partner in the delivery of agriculture and fisheries extension services.

30.2 Expenditure Items

All members of the Council shall be entitled to an honorarium in the amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP1,500.00) per meeting on a daily basis. Likewise, All Council members shall be entitled to travel expenses during field validation/performance audit, subject to existing government accounting rules and regulations.

ARTICLE XV

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 31. Separability Clause. —

The provisions of these Rules are hereby declared separable, and if anyone or more of such provisions are declared invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 32. Amendments. —

As the need arises, the rules and regulations may be recommended for amendment by the Council through the Executive Officer, subject to the provisions of the National Organic Agriculture Act (R.A. 10068) amended as R.A. 11511 and Section 91 of Administrative Order No. 2, otherwise known as the IRR of AFMA (R.A. 8435) for approval by the DA Secretary.

ARTICLE XVI

Effectivity

SECTION 33. Effectivity. —

These Rules and Regulations shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and its filing with the National Administrative Register of the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Done this 18th day of May 2021.

APPROVED.

(SGD.) WILLIAM D. DAR, Ph.D.Secretary

 

Footnotes

1. DAR Administrative Order 05-09.

2. Republic Act No. 11511: An Act Amending Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.

3. Republic Act No. 10068: An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and Other Purposes.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document. Irregular alphabetical sequence.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document. Irregular alphabetical sequence.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document. Irregular numerical sequence.

n Note from the Publisher: Copied verbatim from the official document. Irregular numerical sequence.

Published in the Manila Bulletin on August 27, 2021.