Executive Order No. 338 restructuring the Department of Agriculture, providing funds therefore and for other purposes

1744 OFFrCIAL GAZETTE VOL. 97, No. 12 MALACA&ANG MANILA ExECUTIVE ORDER No. 338 RE5tI'RUCTURING THE DEPARTMENT OF AG iUCULTU'RE, PRovtbINGFUNDS THERE 'FOR, AND FOR OTHEiR PURPOSES WHEREAS, the Department ,of Agriculture (DA) is the agency mandated by the Agri culture and Fisheries Modemizafion Act of "i9'~7 (AFMA, 'R.A. No. 8435) and the Fish eries 'Code of'lM8 (itA:No.S550) 'to lead in ih~ ihterclepartmerital effortsEo modern ize Philippine agriculture ana 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 o'f the 1>1\ 'biJreaucracy, reorien tatlon6f its agenci~s ana bureaus 10 achieve efficiency and improved syiH~rgy in the use of scarce .governrnent resources, andcreation of new offices 'to address neglected areas and concerns that 'have hampered sustained growth and development in 'agriculture and fisheries: WHEREAs,jhe Safeguard 'Measur,~s Act of 20(1) '(It;1\.. No. '8800)" the Countervailing Act of f998 (itA. No. 8751) .,'and. the Antl t>titrtpfpg Act of 1999 \R;A. No. ;8'i5~) call for "eXpani!e<;l }un¢ti6ns .of. the DA .fo ad {h-~ss '1si>t.~es d9ncernirig unfair foreign com petition and trade practices in agriculture iLno ~fisheHes; 'WHEREAS, in compliance with Executive Order No. 162 (1999), the DA has prepared the' Ag;icuItUre Bureaucracy Restructuring Plan (ABRP) consistent with the intent of AFMAand' the abovementioned laws; WHEREAS, the ABRP streamlines and reorients the structure of the DA along functional lines to achieve efficiency, en hance coordination improve access of farm ers and fishermen to 'support services, strengthen its partnership with local .gov ernment untts, and r:edit1<;~the cost'of doing business in ~gricultlire and fisheries: WHEREAS, the Immediate impfementation of the ABRP is critical to the GO'Vt!rtlntem's efrorts to sustain the -recent mafj()r g.ams'ih the agricultura and 'fi'sherles sectcr ; Now. THEREFORE, I, JO~EPHEJlm:CITO b;STRA:DA, President of the Phfllppines, ',by virtue of the powers vested in me 'by ''the 'Constitution, do hereby order: SECtION 1. Mandat.e.-The Department . '. • .J. . . '.'. ,-, ..... of Agriculture shall be, the principal Gov ernment agency' responsiblefor the promo tion of 'agricultunil and 'fisheries develop ment and growth. In pursuit of this man date the DA shall 'provide 'the policy ffaln.e work, 'help direct public ll'i'V,es'trneiH:B, arttfin p-ar.tn~rship with local .government 'units .(LGUs'), pi'6vide 'the suppdrt "services 'tli% cessary to make agricUlture' 'tJ.iia tigri:based ' enterprises pr6fitaibleand to 'lielp spread the benefits of development to, the poor, particularly those in 'rural' areas. SEC. ~2. POW61'S lamd' FunctiJon,'-tn fuifiJH ing its mandate, the'DA 'shall '~rf'6hn'"the following functions: (~) 'The creation Of a ,policy 'environment conducive to sustaIned 'growth of incomes In the agriculture ~1rd ::tisn :eries sector. The DA '~hall";a~tlvely 'advocate for 'the adoption o{ policies supportive' of ,]bri~~term cgT;o\Hh: :and development in the sectoryas 'well as for the repeal of or amendment of policies which impede such-growth: (b) The provision of ~ ~gnetilture '~ild fishery infrastrUctn~e :guPPbrl ' (i:e., irrigation facilities, farm-to-market roads, fish ports, postharvest faeili ties, etc.) to encoUl'age"JpriVlalt~ sector investments in agriculture and' fish erie's; (c) The generation, verification, 'and dissemination of information rele V3ll'l:t tl?' ptbductivity 'groWth '-anof 'de velopment.The DA Siltli;lfiUlili~~ research and' ~~evelopment.j>rogtams which strengthen the 1iil'k~p,'e be tween research and extension, develop MARCl:!" 1~" 2001 OJrFIQIAL GAZETTE . ----------------:-~ and' broaden the. adoption of priduc tivity-enhancing production and pro cessing technologies, identity and promote local capabilities for sustain able resource management, 'and assess market options for various commodities in agriculture and fish eries; . , (d) The production, testing, and disse mination of superior plant and ani ma) germplasm. In support of pri vate sector initiatives, the DA shall develop, produce, and- distribute superior crop va~ieties and breeds of Iivestock 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 ~nter­ prises.. The DA shall assist agricul tural 'producers and business enter preneurs, particularly low-income farmers, in processing and marketing 'their produce, establishing links , with processors and buyers', forging marketing agreements', facildtating' access to the international market, and' availing of finance, credit guarantee arid insurance facilities: . (f) Regulatory control over particular agriculture-related areas and con cerns for the following objectives; .protect the health ann safety ()f the population; prevent over-exnloitation of resources; prevent and/or con tain 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 in ternational commodity agreements which the Philippines has acceded to; and ensure the quality of Philippine agricultural exports; (g) Implementation of empowerment pro grams to provide access' to benefits of development .to group! 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 Sec retary, 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 iollows: . ('8) Extension LGU Support, and Infrastruc ture, (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 pre sented in Annex "A" hereof. ,SEC. 4. Office of the Secreta1i/.-The Sec retary shall. be assisted by five (5) Under secretaries, six (6) Assistant Secretaries, ihe Inspectorate General, and the Depart ment Spokesperson. SEC. 5. Undersecretaries.-The Undersec retaries 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 Ex tension, LGU Support and Infrastruc ture shall oversee th:e implementation 1746, OFFICIAL GAZETTE VOL. 97, No. 12 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 Nation al Irrigation Administration (NIA); (b) The Undersecretary assigned to Research and Development shall take the lead in formulating and imple menting 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 col leges, to ensure that these are in conformity with the thrust and prio r,ities of the DA 'as mandated by AFMA.He shall have supervision of the Bureau of Agrlteultural Research (BAR), Bureau of Post iharvest Research and Extension (BPRE), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), Cotton Dev elopment Authority (CODA);' and the Philippine Rice 'Research Institute (PhilRice) ; (c) The Undersecretary assigned to Fisheries' and Regulation shall over see the implementation of, plans. programs, and projects relating to fisheries and shall have direct super vision of all the fishery agencies and bureaus attached to the DA. In ad dition, he shall lead the development and' enforcement of products' stan dards and food-safety 'rules consist ent with internationally accepted practices. He shall have supervision of the- Assistant Secretary for Reg ulation and of the Bureau of Fish eries and Aquatic Resources (iBFAR), National Fishery Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) , and the Philippine Fisheries Devel opment Authority (:PFD~); (d) The Undersecretary assigned to Policy, IPJanning, and Project Devel opment shalt" 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-form ulation. planning. and project devel opment. He 'shall also supervise, the collection, monitoring. :md publica tion 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 Coun cil (ACPC). Trade Remedies Office (TRO) ; (e)' ,The Undersecretary 'assigned to Finance and Administration shall oversee the' provision of staff support services, particularly in administra tion and finance management.' fo all DA offices and agencies; In' addition, he shall be responsible 1'01' providing services relating to legal' and legisla tive concerns of the DA. He shall serve as 'the'liaison 'bf 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 Man agement Service (FMS), and the Administrative Service (AS) through the' Assistant Secretary' for Finance and Administration. SEC. 6. Functions of the Underseereia ries.-With respect to his area of respon sibility, an Undersecretary shall have the following functions: (a) Advise the Secretary in the promul gation of orders and other issuances, with respect to his area of responsi bility; (b) Exercise supervision and control over the offices, services. operating units, MARCH 19, 200f OFFICIAL GAZETTE 1747 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 activi ties of the units under his responsi bility with those of other units under the responsibility of the other Under secretaries; (e) Exercise delegated authority on mat ters related to, the functions and activities of the uni ts under his re sponsibility 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. Fumctione.o] the Assistant Secre taf'ies.-Each of the six (6) .Assistant Sec retaries shall head any of the following: Office of Corporate Affairs; Officeof Region al Executive Directors; Extension and LGU Support; Regulation; Policy, Planning, and Project Development; and Finance and Ad ministration. The' Assistant Secretaries shall have the following functions : (a). The Assistant Secreta~y'as-sig~ed 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 Develop ment Corporation (SIDCOR) and its subsidiaries; and Livelihood Corpo ration (LIVECOR) and its sub sidiaries.. In-addition, he shall over ses the operations of 'the Counter trade Unit, created by virtue of this Executive Order to .expand export opportunities for Phtlippine agricul tural products, as well' as the Phil ippine Crop Insurance' Corporation (PCIC) and the Quedan and Rural Credit. Guarantee Corporation (Que danCor) ; (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 Exten sion, LGU Support, and Infrastruc ture in the implementation of plans, programs, and projects relating to agricultural extension and support services to LGUs, including infra structure development. He shall ~ls" oversee the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) 'and supervise the imple mentation at the LGU level of special projects supported by official devel opment assistance; , (d) The Assistant Secretary assigned to Regulation shall assist the Undersec <retary for Fisheries' and' Regulation In the development and enforcement of products standards and food safety rules consistent with interna tionallyaccepted 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 Devel opment shall assist the Undersecre tary for Policy, Planning, and Pro ject Development hi developing, integrating, monitoring and evaluat ing all plans and programs' of the Department. He shall have super vision of the Policy Research Service (PRS); the Planning Ser:vices (PS), and the Project Development Servo ice (PDS); vor, ~7, No. 12',OFFICIAL GAZETTE " ,174'8 , '-- (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 Admin istrative 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. Leoo; 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, arid Attached Agencies/Corpo rations. The Service shall also liaise with Congress of the Philippines and concerned offices in the Executive Branch for the ad vocacy and legislation of laws required to modernize agriculture and fisheries. The' Service shall report to the' Under secretary 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 moni toring of selected government-owned and controlled corporations that have been at tached to toe DA by order of the President. These corporations' include SrDCOR and its subsidiaries and ,L~VECOR and its subsi diaries. The Office shall also oversee the rete, QuedanCor, and the Countertrade Unit of the DA. The Office shall report to the Secretary through the Assistant Secretary for Cor porate Affairs. SEC. 10. Countertrade Unit.-The Coun tertrade Unit, hereby created by this Order, shall be the body which shall explore, nego tiate, and conclude countertrade agreements for purposes- Qf incre~.8lqg ~x.:PQ:vts of Phil ipine agricultural products, 'n!-~ UI).'~~ shall rev.iew and monitor the lmplementation of S4CP.' agreements, as well as perform s~ch other functions as the Secretary may assign. The Unit shall report to the Secretary through the Office of the Assistant Secre tary for Corporate Aff:airs. SEC. 11. Office of the Inspectorate Gen eral.-The Office of the Inspectorate' Gen eral, hereby created by this Order, shall serve as monitoring body whose functions shall include: (a) Monitoring of ongoing programs and projects of the D-!\., its attached agencies and bureaus, whether for eign-assisted 01' regular, implement ed 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 deli very of services by, and the per-. , formance of, the RFUs, the bureaus, attached agencies, corporations, and other units of the DA and recom mending appropriate measures: to be undertaken ; (6) Performing such other functions as the Secretary may assign. The Inspectora~ General, who shall have the rank of Assistant Secretary, shall report directly to the Secretary. , SEC. 12. Office'of the' Regional lfxe~utive Di1~ctors.-The Office of' the Regional ~e(lutive Directors (ORED) shall" coordi nate 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 oper~tion8 of the Regional Field Units (~EU'!) , and the, services to -extension' functions of the LGUs. . ~Cff 1,9, 2001, OFFICIAL GAZETTE 1749 The ORED shall he headed by an Ass,ist ant Secretary and shall have direct super vision. of. the Field Operations Service. SEC. 13. Office of the Depwrtment Spokes person.-The Offce of the Department Spokesperson, hereby created by .this Order, shall speak for the ISecr~tary and coordinate with all officials and personnel of the DA, its attached agencies, bureaus, and corpora tions, as well as with various associations of government officials" non-government organizations, and people's organizations, in formulating an aggressive public infor mation campaign for the DA policies. pro grams and projects. The Department Spokesperson shall oversee the Agriculture :md Fisheries Information Service (AFIS), the PA Press Office,' and the Information Technology Center for Agriculture and Fisheries' (ITCAF) . He shall as well faci litate 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 Marketuu) As s'ista~ce Service.-The Agribusiness and l\f~k~ting As.si~4-~ce 'Service (AMAS) , created pursuant. to Administrative Order N~. ~ (1998), shall facilitate and coordinate the efforts of the DA in all matters pertain il1~ 'tp, ·~.iri~usi:q~s development and mar k~t\l1g assistance to include collaboration and provision of assistance to the private s~~q.r" including concerned non-governmen tal 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 o.ffice.-Thc Trade Remedies Office .(TRO), hereby created by this Order, shall be a body re WA~iple f<>r the implementation of the' Anti dqmpi~lg:, .Countervailing, and Safeguard Jaws. The TRQ shall assist ths Secretarv in the conduct of the following functions: dnitiatfon of action, review of petitions £1'9111 tl~~' private sector: serving noti~~~ to con cerned parties; assessment of petitions: and imposition of duty. This TRO may also per form such other functions as the S~cret~ry may assign. The Director of the TRO shall report to the Secretary through the Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Project Develop ment. SEC. 16. Policy Research. Service.-The. Policy Research Service (PRS), created pursuant to DA Administrative Order No. 6 (1998), shall serve as the central 009.Y for policy research, formulation, and advo cacy. It shall perform and/or manage re search, policy formulations, 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 interna tional organizations and bodies, .hoth bilateral and multilateral, such 'as the Worl~ Trade Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and Asia pacific Econom'ic Cooperation; (d) Influence/safeguard' overall public policy consistent with the long-term growth and development of the agri cultural and rura] ·~PQ119my. 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 Or der No. ,6 (19~~)" shall trAA~lat~ ·th.~ agri culture and fishery development plans and programs of the DA into specific project proposals. It shall identify and formulate projects. 1750- OFFICIAL GAZETTE VOL. 97, No. 12: source and mobilize resources to operationa> lize them, and ensure quality and quantity of pipeline projects in support of agricul ture 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 formula tion, consolidation, validation, mondtoring, and evaluation of the plans and programs, as well as the rational allocation of public investments necessary for agricultural mo dernization, 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 p.s shall be supervised b'y the Assist ant Secretary for Policy, IP:lanning and Pro ject Development. SEC. 19. Financial and Management Ser vice,.-The Financial 'and Management Service (FMS) shall advise the DA top management on matters relating to budget ing, accounting, and management. It shall facilitate the release of funds by the DA to ' enhance delivery of necessary support serv ices 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 re sponsible for providing personnel. records. .information, training, and other general services. The Director of the AS shall report to the Assistant Secretary for Finance and Ad ministration. SEC. 2. Bureaus and Offices.-The fol lowing bureaus and offices, as functionallv restructured, shall carry out the mandate of the DA: (a), Agricultural Training Institute (b) Bureau of Agricultural Research (c) Bureau I)f Agricultural Statistics (d) Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries 'Product Standards (e) Bureau of Animal Industry (f) Bureau of Fisheries and - Aquatic Re sources (g) Bureau of Plant Industry , (h) Bure-au of Postharvest Research, and, Extension (i) Bureau of Soils and Water Management (j) National Fishery Research and Develop ment Institute. SEC. 22. Agricultural T?'aining Institute. The Agricultural Training Institute shall: (a) Lead in the formulation of the na tional agriculture and fisheries exten sion (AFE) agenda and budget; (b) Prepare an integrated plan for pub licly-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). th~ LGU extension system by inpro ing their effectiveness and officiencv through capability-building and com plementary extension activities such 'as technical assistance, training-of LGU personnel, improvement of phy sical facilities, extension. cum re search, and, information' suppport 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' 'th~ Council on Extension,' Research ' and Development in Agriculture' and .Fisheries (CERDAF) ; MARCH 19, 2001 .,-- . OFFICIAL GAZETTE . 1751' (b) 'Coordinate and strengthen the Na tional 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 CERDAFj (d) Provide leadership in the formulation of the National Integrated Research and Development, and Elxtension Agenda Programs (NIRDEAPs) and the Regional Integrated Research and Development, and Extension Agenda Programs (RIRDEAPs); (e) Coordinate the development and im plementation of a manpower devel opment 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 evalua tion system on' agriculture and fish eries R&D in collaboration with the appropriate institutions; - . . (h) .Develop and maintain. an agriculture and fisheries R&D information sys tem linked to the National Informa tion Network (NIN); and . 0) E~tablish and strengthen partner ships with national and international R&D institutions. . SEC. 24. Bureau of AgricultilJral Statis tics-The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics shall ,be the primary agency of the Govern ment .responsible for all statistics on agri culture, fishery and related fields. Specifi cally, 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 Agric~tlt::wre amd. Fisheriee Product Standards.-The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Stand ards (BAFPS) shall be the main agency responsible for the coordination and streng thening of various aspects of standards for mulation and implemention. In collaboration . and coordination with appropriate Govern ment agencies and the private sector, the BAFPS shall: (a) Formulate and. enforce standards of quality in the processing, preserva tion, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and adver tising of agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture products; (b)' Conduct research on product standar dization, . and alignment of local standards with international stand ards: and (c) Conduct regular inspection of pro cessing plants, storage facilities, abattoirs, as well as public and' pri vate markets in order 'to ensure freshness, safety, and quality of products. SEC. 26. Bureau of Animal Industry.-':"'As restructured, the Bureau of Animal Indus try shall: (a) Develop technologies that improve and sustain the development of the livestock and poultry industry which ensure food security and competitive ness of the local produce in the global market; (b) LPllan, coordinate, and implement research and development programs for livestock and poultry, especially concerning genetics and breeding sys tem, animal nutrition, feeds and 1752 OFFICIAL GAZETTE 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 de velopment of the animal industry by creating a conducive investment climate for livestock an d poultry production: (e), Institutionalize linkages with RFUs, SUCs, LGUs, NGOs, and other gov ernment instrumentalities to address technological needs for the sustain able development of the livestock and poultry industry: (f) Conduct quality control testing of .feed 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 infor mation on disease occurrences; (i) Set a quarantine inspection system relative to inter-regional and inter national movement of animals, animal products including documentation , and issuance of permit and commo dity clerance in relation hereto; (j) Adopt measures that would prevent the entry of exotic and communicable diseases into the country consistent With internation standard, statutes, protocol set for inter-country and intra-regional cooperation; (k) Formulate long-and, short-range poli cies, rules and regulations regarding the r~gi~~1:'at~oIl: and JLc~n.s~'¥ ~d quality assurance for the' QP,~ations of feed :rnanuf~~tllrera; f~e~ dealers, and fee(1stllff' importers, 'anll.' drug manufacturers, traders; anddistribu tors; and" . (I) Recommend specific policies and pro cedures governing the flow, handling, and transport of Iivestock/poultry and livestock/poultry products. SEC. 27. Bureau. of Fisheries omd. Aquatic' Resourcee.s--Isi pursuance of the Fisheries CQd~ of 1998, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall: '. (a) Prepare and implement a Comprehen sive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan; , . ' (b) , Coordin.ate efforts "on fishery produc 'tion undertaken by the primary fish , ery producers, LGUs, and' fishery or ganizations/cooperatives; . , . (c) Coordinate with LGUs and other concerned agencies for the estabiish ment of productivity enhancing and market development programs in fishing communities;' . (d)E~tablish a corps of spectaljsts, in collaboration with the Departments of National' Defense, Interior and Local Government and' Forein Affairs, for the effl,cient monitoring, control, and surveillanea of fishing activities ; (e) Enforce all laws, rules and regula tions governing the conservation and management of, fishery reS'o~rces ~. . . " '-':',' (f) Issue licenses for the operation of commercial fishing vessels, and iden tification cards to fish workers' en gaged in commercial fishing; (g) Monitor and review joint fishing' agreements between Filipino citizens and foreigners who cond\lct ~hi~g activities in international waters' . " (h) Advise and coordinate with !LGUs on the maintenance of proper s~nitation MARCH 1'9,2001 OFFICIAL GAZETTE 1753 aridhygiehic practices ill fish markets' and fish landing areas,; (i). Implement an inspection system for import and export of fishery/aquatic products arid fish processing estab 'lishrnents consistent with interna tional standards to ensure products quality and safety; and '(j) Develop value-added fishery products for domestic consumption and ex .port, SEC. 28. Bureau ,of Plant lndust'ry.-The Bureau of Pl~iit Industry shall: (a) Conduct upstream research and development on various crops, namely tropical .fruits, legumes, white pota toes and semi-temperate vegetables; (h)Preserv'e the Philippine natural genetic resources for continued development 6f new crops varieties "of supefior "}i6rticulttiral and agrono mical characteristics ; (c) Provide plant pest surveillance and early warninginformatiorr 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/eultivars. SEc. Z9. Bureau of Po,~th(Lr1;e8t R"search 'am'd&tffens{on~-Th~'Bureau of Postharvest :Research 'and ExtenSIon shallr. (a) Reduce -,postharvest losses through the' development, diffusion, and appli .cation of location-specific and cost effective postharvest technologies for agticu!ture,:ftsheries, and aquacul ture ' products ; (b) Develop and disseminate safe ani! cost-effective postharVest' pest-and disease -management 'processes and technologies; and (c~ Provide Instibutional and technical sqppor.t for private sector -partlcipa tion in postharvest technology devel opment and diffusion. SEC. 30. Bureaa o!,Soils and Wa.ter Man agement.-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 coordi nation with BAR, the National Soil arid Water Research and Development Programs, and institutionalize the Soil and Water Resources Research Network Systems Yin the country; (b) Provide, in coordination with: the ATJ and SUCs, services for capacity building and information dissemina tion on soil and water resources con servation and 'management stechnolo gies r (c), Provide, in coordination With the Department's RFUs and LGBs, tech nical assistance on sustainable productivity improvement and moni toring. of land use changes in Stra tegic. Agriculture and Fishery Zone (SAFDZ) areas; (d) Conduct research and develop appro priate technologies/approaches for sustainable use of 'Yater resources; use and management of organic fertilizers from farm residues and urban wastes; balanced fertilization; rainwater 'harvesting; land degrada tion prevention 'and management; water resource management in mar ginal uplands and degraded lowlands: management of saline-induced and acid sulfate for 'fishery aria 'agridl1 turalde'velopment; land and water resource mapping; production of inoculants ; (e) Develop information materials in print and broadcast media for-infer- ' mation of soil and water technolo gies; , 1754 OFFICIAL GAZETTE VOL. 97, No. 12 .------'---------: (f) Provide technical assistance to region al 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 va rious soil and water conservation and farm productivity improvement re search; SEC.. 31. National Fislw3:ry Research and Development Instit,ute.-The National Fish ery 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, technologicallv advanced research facility which shall carry out the research needs of the 'fisheries sector; (b) Provide-a venue for training and de velopment of human resources in rho fisheries sector, as well as a repository for fishery research and related in formation; (c) Maximize developmental research efforts in accordance with the require ments of the national fisheries con servation and development programs; and (d) Establish, strengthen, and expand linkages with fishery research and np.vp.l()pment institutions. SEC. 32. Regional Offices.-The DA is .authorised to establish, operate, and main tain a Regional Office in each' of the admin istrative regions of the country. Each Re gional 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, .Besearch 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 con trol, 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 opera tions thereof, and to ensure the en forcement of laws and regulations pertaining to it; (b) Oversee the coordination and moni toring of all plans and programs of all DA Bureaus and Attached Agen cies and Corporations present in the region consistent with the' imple mentation of the AFMA Plains laind Programs; (c) Preside over the Regional Manage ment Committee which shall serve as the forum in the formulation of plans and .project activities, coordination of its implementation, operational and outcome monitoring, and recom mend to the Secretary the annual regional budgetary requirement; (d) Employ and discharge subordinates below Division .. Chief . levels in con formlty with the provisions of the Civil Service Law and General Me morandum' Orders issued ·by the Sec retary of Agriculture; (e) Translate national policies' in to re gional agricultural concerns and pro .grams in order to establish regional MARCH 19, 2001 OFFICIAL GAZETTE 1755 thrust . and policy guidelines for planning purposes and for recom mending policies or programs for the improvement of agricultural de velopment and project management; (f) Coordinate with GOs, NGOs and RAFCs that are supportive to agri cultural development for the purpose of integrating program/project im plementation; (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 sys tems 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: (1), Submit periodic reports to the Office of the Secretary regarding progress of program implementation and re sources utilization; and (m) . Perform such other functlons as may be delegated by the Secretary. The RED has neither supervisory func tion nor line authority. over 'his counter parts 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 pro grams and activities, relevant to his designated function, across all agen cies of the Department at the region; (b) Assist the RED in reviewing and en dorsing to the Office of the Regional Executive Directors the annual plans, programs, and budgets of the various DA, regional units, bureaus, and at tached agencies and corporation; and (c) Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Regional Execu tive Director. The RTDs shall have neither supervisory nor line authority over their counterparts heads 01'- representatives of : ocher DA bureaus and attached agencies and corpora tions-in the region. SEC. '35. Attached Atjencies (end C01'lJOTa .tions.-The following agencies and corpora tions are hereby attached to the Depart ment: (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 (1) National Nutrition Council (m) National Tobacco Administration (n) Philippine Carabao Center (0) 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 func tion in accordance with their respective charters, laws or orders creating them, ex cept as otherwise provided in this Order. Any provision of law to the contrary not withstanding, the Secretary shall serve as Chairman of the governing boards of all attached units or agencies. 1756 OFFICIAL GAZETTE VOL. 97, No. 12 SEC. 37. Redepl'oymemt 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 regula tions. Such redeployment shall not result in diminution in rank and compensation of attached personnel. SEC. 38. No Dismissal.-N0 personnel of the DA, its offices, bureaus, and attached agencies and corporations shall be laid off or dismised as a result Of the impleinentation 'of this Executive Order. However, 'Person nel who voluntarily opt to be separated from the service as a consequence of the implementation of this Order shall be enti tled to the benefits under existing laws: - In the case of those who are not covered by existing laws, they shall be entitled to sepa ration benefits equivalent to one basic salary for every year of service or proportionate thereof in addition to the terminal fee bene fits which he/she is entitled under existing laws. SEC. 39. lwplementing Authori,ty>-.;.-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, de signation, arid promotion of personnel in all the offices, bureus, and attached agencies and corporations of the :t>A· in accordance with the ABRP. The Secretary shall undertake' ,tile neces sary steps to effect the integration and en sure 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. Exemp'!ion.-The Department is hereby exempted from the provi'siOOrs of Ad ministrative Order No. 1<)0 '(199'9\) regarding hiring, transfer, and promotion of person nel. SEC. 39. F~~nd1:ng.-The Department of Budget and Management shall expedite the approval of the staffing- pattern of the ABRJR, 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. 40. 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. (Sgd.) JosEPH E·jERClTO ESTRADA President Of the Philfi;ppines By the President: (Sgd.) ·EOOARDO J. kNGARA Eajecutive Secref;atry , . Head Executive Assistant ~. The Secretary ~ Office of Dep't.' Spokesperson: ITCAF, AFISJ f----- f--- , Office of Inspectorate General ~ of Agriculture H LDC, NNC, NSIC, NAFC Assistant Secretary: Office of - Assistant Secretary: Corporate Affairs Office Regional Executive Directors/FOS L.-; (Countertrade Unit, LlVECOR, PCIC SIDCOR, QuedanCor Undersecretary Undersecretary Undersecretary Undersecretary Undersecretary Extension, LGU --jCEADAF~ Research & Fisheries & Finance & Policy, Planning, Support, & Infrastructure Development Regulation Administration & Project Dev't I Assistant Assistant ' Assistant Assistant Secretary Secretary . Secretary Secretary , Extension & Finance & PoJicy:Planning, LGU Support Regulation Administration & Project Dev't NIA ~HAMAS BAA I- --jBAFPS HBFAA H FMS rl PDS I H BAS H ATI BPAE\- ---1 NMIC HNFADI H AS H PS I HTAO BSWM!- ---1 FPA I HPFDA HLLAS Y PAS I HACPC PCC f CODAf PhilRicef I[NFA I I PCA I I NTA I I SAA I IF/DA I ~ ~ INDA I t I Annex A: Functional Coordination Structure of the DA - National (26 December 2000) ~ ::r:: J-l :0 1" o o J-l o I'%j I'%j H o H > t"-i ~ 'trj f-3 f-3 trJ. .... ::I' 01 ::I,