CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

A DOCUMENTATION REPORT ON THE

CSO-NGO-PO FORUM: An Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Serrano Hall, Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) Bldg., Dept. of Agriculture, Quezon City March 30, 2006

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary .. 3 List of Abbreviations . 4 Opening Program .. 5 Overview of the DA Rationalization Process 6 Input on the IEC Cluster .. 8 Input on the Regulatory Cluster . 11 Input on the Research and Development Cluster ...15 Reflection-Cum-Synthesis ..16 List of Participants Annexes Annex A Annex B Annex C Annex D Activity Design Presentation on the Overview of the DA Rationalization Process Input on the Regulatory Cluster Input on the Research and Development Cluster

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

CSO-NGO-PO FORUM An Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Serrano Hall, Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) Bldg., Dept. of Agriculture, Quezon City March 30, 2006

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Last March 30, 2006, the Economic Policy Reform and Advocacy (EPRA) of Ateneo de Manila University, with support from the United States Assistance for International Development (USAID), conducted a CSO/NGO-PO Forum entitled An Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts. The workshop hopes that the participants understand the status of DA Rationalization Process, reflect on the implications and/or potential effects of the rationalization process on them as a sectoral group, and explore possibilities of engagement/participation in the rationalization process. In order to meet these objectives, the following activities were done: presentation of the DA Rationalization Process and presentation of the Strategic Framework of IEC, Regulatory, and Research and Development Clusters. Comments, questions and clarifications were solicited from the participants during each presentation. An open forum to discuss about the next steps after this activity was also done. About twenty (20) participants from the CSO and five (5) participants from the DA participated in the workshop.

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AdMU AFMA ATI BAFS BFAR CCLG CODE-NGO CSOs DA DA-CMT DAR DBM DENR EO 366 EPRA GOs IEC LGC LGUs MAO MTPDP NGOs PAFIA PCA POs R&D RED RFU USAID Ateneo de Manila University Agriculture and Modernization Fisheries Act of 1997 Agricultural Training Institute Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Consortium of Centers for Local Governance Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) Civil Society Organizations Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture Change Management Team Department of Agrarian Reform Department of Budget and Management Department of Environment and Natural Resources Executive Order 366 Economic Policy Reform and Advocacy Government Offices Information, Education and Communication Local Government Code Local Government Units Municipal Agricultural Officer Medium Term Philippine Development Plan Non-Government Organizations Philippine Agrifishery Inspection Agency Philippine Coconut Authority People's Organizations Research and Development Regional Executive Director Regional Field Unit United States Assistance for International Development

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

CSO-NGO-PO FORUM An Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Serrano Hall, Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) Bldg., Dept. of Agriculture, Quezon City March 30, 2006

DOCUMENTATION
OPENING PROGRAM Ms. Leilani Esposo, Facilitator, CCLG The workshop started at 10:00AM. The facilitator, Ms. Esposo, comes from the Consortium of Centers for Local Governance (CCLG). CCLG is a network of Centers for Local Governance that aims to expand participation among stakeholders such as the government sector, private organizations, non-government organizations, and community organizations. This one-day activity is basically about the Department of Agricultures rationalization process. As agriculture affects everyones daily activities, it is important to look at what is happening in the agricultural bureaucracy. Ms. Esposo enjoined the participants for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem while Ms. Isabelita Escovilla of KAMMPIL led the opening prayer. Opening Remarks Mr. Cezar Belanguel, CODE-NGO Mr. Belanguel provided a brief overview of the Economic Policy Reform and Advocacy (EPRA) Project headed by EPRA-Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) in partnership with Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO). Last year, series of consultations regarding the policy agenda in agriculture were done. Specifically, these consultations aimed to get involved and help in the internal reform under the rationalization program of Executive Order (EO) 366. CODE-NGO would like to include its advocacies in the program. Given the own agenda of NGOs in their respective sectors, these groups decided to advocate for several sectoral themes which include fisher folk, coconut farmers, sugar farmers, among others. He noted that coconut and sugar farmers are the least prioritized among these sectors in terms of policies. Cross-cutting themes were also identified: trade liberalization, support mechanism in terms of credit, sustainable agriculture and peoples participation in governance. In addressing the various circumstances needed to comply with EO 366, DA created the DA-CMT. And during the meeting last March 20, different agencies were invited to discuss DA-CMT, including the status, and possible effects on policies and advocacies of CSOs. In the said meeting, several issues and conflicts were raised and later on, the participants came into agreement that necessary information regarding the current status of DA-CMTs activities. Today, people from DA-

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

CMT were invited so that the participants from the CSOs will know why there is CMT and where this will lead them. He emphasized that CSOs need to know CMT and see how this might affect their respective activities and programs. Objective Setting Ms. Esposo then presented the three objectives of the forum. At the end of the workshop, participants are expected to: Understand the status of DA Rationalization Project Reflect on the implications and/or the potential effects of the rationalization process on participating sectors, and Explore possibilities of engagement/participation in the rationalization process. She stressed that Objective 3 will depend on the participants decision since such should be consulted first to the head/s of the organization that the participants are representing. Introduction of Participants Participants were requested to introduce their organization and area of work. Please see attached list of participants.

OVERVIEW OF THE DA RATIONALIZATION PROCESS Alberto Maningding, MNSA, CESO IV, ATI Asst. Director The speaker expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share among the participants DAs efforts in implementing EO 366. Everyday, several groups rally in front of DA Office. EO 366 is radical that is why a lot has to be explained. Actually, this is the third time that he will be telling about DA Rationalization. And he informed the group that they have been doing related activities since October 205 when the EO was released by the Office of the President. He also informed the participants that he will gladly answer all questions and clarify relevant issues. The DA Rationalization Plan was not yet submitted to the DBM, thus they welcome all suggestions and comments from the CSOs, POs and NGOs, and the private sector. The speaker also stressed that DA Rationalization is not a project, but a process, involving the entire agriculture sector: farming, fishing, livestock, vegetable and fruit farming. Historical Attempts to Reorganize/Reform Among the efforts to reorganize DA are EO 116 series of 1987, the implementation of devolution through the Local Government Code of 1991, AFMA in 1997, enactment of the Fisheries Code in

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

1998, EO 388 series of 2000 under the Estrada Administration, and EO 366 series of 2004 also known as the Rationalization Act. EO 366 covers the entire executive branch of the government. Section 2 provides for the strategic review of agencys operations and organizations, focusing on the governments vital/core functions and in improving the quality and efficiency of government services. Also, Section 3 covers rationalization and service delivery improvement framework with focus on the governments fundamental functions, transform the bureaucracy into an effective and efficient institution, and ensure long term sustainability of core government services. Thus, the DBM released a Supplemental Guide in October 2005 featuring a Decision Tree to guide a department/agency and GOCC on determining what functions/units to be rationalized and how to improve service delivery. Based on EO 366, all executive branches should organize a CMT. Anything that involves change, especially at the beginning, will always be painful, hard. CMT will then manage the change. CMT was assisted by the Technical Support Staff (TSS). There was another group, Internal Subject Specialist, that was mobilized and requested to help formulate criteria to operationalize the approved rationalization principles and review agency rationalization proposals. There is a need to involve these groups because other than PNP, AFP and DepED, DA is one of the biggest executive branches, with 62 units, and having filled up 27,792 warm bodies out of 36,943 authorized positions. Given the magnitude, it does not suffice to say that they have been doing very well. Among the imperatives for change are: the agriculture sector of the rural poor has pulled down the growth of the agricultural sector, the Philippines is slowly losing its agricultural competitiveness, the country has also failed to take advantage of accelerating world demand for tropical fruits and fishery, and the increasing public concern for food safety like Avian flu, FMD, mad cow disease, and pesticide residue among others. Because of these changes, the following national challenges surfaced: strong impact of agriculture growth on increasing incomes among the rural poor, achieving sustainable agricultural growth comparable or higher than ASEAN neighbors, ensuring food security such as more affordable, safe and nutritious food, and increasing competitiveness and access of the Filipino agricultural producers and traders to the global market. These challenges concern not only the government or DA, but also the CSOs, POs/NGOs and the private sector. Thus, the main goal of the DA-CMT is to improve DAs efficiency, effectiveness and accountability amidst decreasing government support and globalization. It is in light that the following objectives are being set: to improve the stability and professionalization of the Department where the directors will have fix term rather than affected by politics, to ensure the economic rights of agriculture clients that not only the farmers and fisher folk, but also agribusiness sector and consumers will improve quality of governance through accountability and transparency in providing services to stakeholders, and to strengthen key organizational values because it stands for being committed to the clientele all the time not only during election time.

Economic Policy Reform & Advocacy (EPRA) Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU)

CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

During the meetings of all those involved in the Rationalization Process, several key principles for reform were identified and being followed. This was approved by the Secretary of DA last January 9, 2006. These include simplification of the national agriculture bureaucracy that he even likened with the brain mechanism of the dinosaurs that travels 16 hours; specialization where core functions will be focused and concentrated to achieve efficiency and avoid conflict of interest; provision of balance across functions vis a vis human resources; decentralization in the provision of national public goods taken from the concept of subsidiarity; organization of services to avoid jurisdictional spillover; partnership with public, non-profit or for profit organizations to reduce cost of government and increase investment in the agriculture sector so as to maximize resources; outsource public goods; streamlining to achieve increased systems efficiency; human resources as the most important asset; transform the DA into a knowledge-centered organization; and phased implementation. He also showed the proposed organizational structure for the DA Rationalization Process. This is characterized by having one department secretary, three undersecretaries handling operations, administrative and policy and planning. DA Regions Organogram was also shown, with the Regional Directors as the alter ego of the DA Secretary. Respective core functions were also in the regional offices. Input on IEC Cluster He also discussed the three main functions of the DA in terms of IEC. ATI conducts training, and there are also similar activities that do the same. He stressed the instances of different agencies doing the same training to the same audiences, thus the need for an orchestrating agency or unit to do the steering function, which under the rationalization process, is proposed to be the IEC Apex Agency. Among the possible 5 core functions of IEC APEX Agency are policymaking and policy coordination towards extension systems priorities, excellence and sustainability; standard setting to ensure cost-effective quality service in the production of public extension goods at all levels of implementation; monitoring and evaluation towards better planning and decision making; catalytic financing to address social equity and increased extension investment and excellence by the local government and the private sector; and production of national extension goods in such areas as training, information and communication to achieve economies of scale. He also discussed about several strategic shifts to be done under IEC. There include a more aggressive networking and resource generation; project development, evaluation and packaging; gradual shift from direct training of farmers and fishers to the LGUs and other IEC service providers; intensified knowledge products development and technology commercialization; and gradual shift from traditional IEC methods to electronic IEC. Highlights of the Discussion/Comments/Issues Raised Ms. Esmao of PAKISAMA reiterated that Dir. Maningding started with a presentation on the size of the DA bureaucracy. She opined that given the huge structure, decision making and mobilization of people could be difficult. She also said that under the proposed rationalization structure, only the number of divisions were reduced and not the number of employees. The objectives of rationalization are good, however, necessary budget should also be ensured. To

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

this, Dir.Maningding informed the group that along with the changes in the structure is budgetary reform. He also shared that in the past administrations, budgeting process for the department was color-coded, meaning there is separate budget for each sector, i.e., one budget for rice, another for corn, etc. It was commodity-based. Now, given the possible reforms in the structure, there will also be a budgetary reform where budget will be based on the functions being done. For example, in extension and communication, there was a budget for extension and training for rice, and another budget for extension and training for corn, and so with extension and training for livestock, for cabbages, etc. Under the proposed structure in lieu of rationalization, it will now be lump into one extension and training division, as well as that of research, among others. Because of depleting resources, changes will definitely occur. If allocation of budget will not be changed, nothing will. DA will start with the reform on its structure, and then on its budget. One participant noticed the term provision of safe food. He is interested if such means having a definite stand regarding GMOs. Dir. Maningding admitted that the word safe is really very broad. According to him, this also covers biotechnology and GMO among others. Furthermore, safety does not only pertain to regulation but even standards. Another participant reiterated that rationalization process hopes to achieve accountability, efficiency and transparency in terms of core values. He is interested to know if this is sensitive and reacts to high profile issues like the fertilizer scam, alleged misuse of the Marcos wealth, plunder charges filed against DA officials pertaining to agricultural budgets. Dir. Maningding explained that the good governance principle he presented earlier has something to do with transparency and accountability. As a principle in restructuring the entire budget and instituting the needed reforms, these issues are already considered because the DA Secretary is very sensitive on what are the positions that must be doing finance work, administrative work and operations work. The issues that were mentioned need not happen again and even Sec. Panganiban said that never under his watch that such things will happen and he wanted to leave a legacy which will be long lasting. Dir. Maningding also shared that Sec. Panganiban has no political ambitions so the latter would really like to leave a legacy that is well. Dr. Ponce of EPRA shared that the principal sources of corruption is the main function of DA in the centralized procurement of private goods. Dr. Ponce asked if such will continue under the proposed reforms. According to him, may be instead of lending the farmers crops, or seeds or fertilizers, the latter could just borrow money and be the one to buy the needed agricultural supplies. He cited a case where farmers from Mindanao have to wait for seeds coming from Luzon or the National Office. And sometimes, the seeds bought by the government were not the ones needed by the farmers. There were also instances when the goods came too late that they are no longer very viable. In implementing the rationalization process, the national government should no longer procure these private goods for distribution but instead the clients should be helped in terms of accessing credits and/or loans to buy the goods that they need. Second point related to this is that when the national government is no longer involved in the distribution of public goods, the system will also be depoliticized. Another point is that resources will be decentralized and the LGUs will now be able to manage the resources. These changes will hopefully be part of the program and budget reform given EO 366. The current program of the national government is prone to graft and corruption and at the same time prone for politicians to plagiarize because they want to get private goods to be distributed to their leaders. In the reform for rationalization, the structure will be changed first, followed by improving the

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

personnel so that they will now the new system of procedures and the last stage will be reform in the program and budget. Mr. Azores reacted on Dir. Maningdings report that extension work is being given to the LGUs. He opined that they were criticizing this set up since devolution since the LGUs were really not performing very well on this aspect. Some LGUs do not even allocate funds for such. He is interested to know if the DA will launch a program that will thoroughly assess the role of the LGUs in agricultural extension work. More so, the coconut sector cannot feel the extension work being done by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), aside from the small coconut development project as part of a loan from the World Bank in the fertilization and replanting projects. Even the research functions of the DA were not felt by the coconut farmers. It is the private sector that conducts training among coconut farmers. He suggested that the DA should look at more efficient avenue/s in giving LGUs the role of providing agricultural services, especially that the bureaucracy is very prone to politicking. The capacity of LGUs, especially the availability of budget, should really be taken into consideration; otherwise, the agricultural sector will really suffer. Dir. Maningding agreed and said that such issues will really be addressed and taken into consideration in the proposed rationalization structure. Dir. Maningding also said that these issues haunted DA since 1990 when the LGC was enacted, however these are not insurmountable. These issues can really be addressed, for example in the case of the coconut areas, if only station workers of PCA will work, they will not be very efficient. Under rationalization, the station workers of the department will be decentralized. The station workers in IEC and other bureaus that are located in various bureaus and attached agencies will have to be integrated in their regional levels. He also cited the case of the tobacco areas, where the extension workers are only busy during the planting and harvest seasons of tobacco. The rest of the eight nine months of the year, they are not doing anything because they are extension workers of tobacco. These workers can be utilized in doing other DA functions, because they are also agricultural graduates, like some extension work in other commodities like coconut or rice, rather than busy only for 3 months of the year and doing nothing for rest of the year. Clear cut strategies need to be developed since under the Constitution, these workers can no longer be absorbed by the national office. He emphasized that DA is following the principles of autonomy and of centralization. Another participant queried if the rationalization process would be more responsive to the needs or service delivery among agrarian reform areas. Aside from this, he also wanted to know the framework for the steering function. According to Dir. Maningding, the usual concern of the stakeholders involved is where the DA will go in pursuing rationalization. These directions were considered after thorough consultations with various stakeholders. There are national trusts and national directions which DA gets from the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP). MTPDP stipulates where DA will go in the next three to five years. Mr. Belangel also commented that the civil society participation is also important since the Regulation Cluster under rationalization is just basically structural and administrative organizational reforms. It is also important that the CSOs have contributions or inputs on where DA should go. Related to this, Mr. Belangel said that for a long time, NGOs have been very active and successful in terms of advocacy and community mobilization. NGOs have build up through the years the proper orientation, strategies, and even technologies. The CSOs can really contribute a lot to the national government but the latters usual reaction is that these groups should look for their own funds. This could be the main reason why, despite the valuable possible contribution of CSOs, their efforts are not being mainstreamed. Dir. Maningding that

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

addressing agricultural concerns would really mean extension work, partnerships and networking. He explained that under the current proposed rationalization structure, the structure of the department, for the first time in its history, will have an undersecretary for partnerships not only with civil societies but with all partners of the department, including LGUs, government officials and private sector. The particular concern for partnerships will be decided during the yearly consultation with stakeholders. Partnering with the private and the government institutions are very important to minimize cost and strengthen the budget, as well as to increase investments in the agriculture sector. In the area of training and extension and communication during advocacy, one major component is the vintage urbanization protector policies. Dir. Maningding assured the participants that they will be consulted from time to time. Another participant from the fisheries sector reiterated the DAs steering and the LGUs rowing functions. Although the DA has sound programs but since the LGUs have devolved agricultural functions, efficient implementation is always a major concern. It was also shared among the participants that there were instances that they even request DA to issue memoranda to concerned municipal officials. The participant also stressed that the depleting resources of the government could further go to wastes if not utilized well in the local level. Dir. Maningding said that among agricultural sectors, the fisheries sector is the luckiest because of the Fisheries Code. There is a specific bureau to look at the sectors needs, and there should also be Municipal Fisheries Officers under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). From 1986 to 2005, statistics show that agricultural gain from fisheries is increasing, thus pulling up the overall gains from the agricultural sector. Dr. Ponce noted that a reform is being proposed in terms of giving oversight function to the National Agriculture and Food Council (NAFC). NAFC also implements several programs. The oversight function of NAFC will be in terms of monitoring the overall directions of the agricultural sector. It will also be evaluated whether the agricultural stakeholders is really improving. Under the proposed reform, the growth goals will be taken into consideration very closely, specifically the import, export and total production. NAFC will also be provided with resources in order to help POs and NGOs. Dr. Ponce noted that these are all at the proposal stage only. There are several councils in the DA but it seems that they are not coordinating with other. These councils should look at the policy arena as is affects the entire agricultural sector. He also emphasized that DA is only at the proposal stage right now, but several groups have already expressed their resistance to changes in the department. Dr. Pilapil said that another important thing to consider in the restructuring of DA is the strengthening of the regional agencies so that the latter will be more responsive to the needs of the CSOs. The same call is also seen with the LGUs. DA at the LGU level is being looked upon as the source of problem and bottlenecks. Another issue to be considered is the possible entry point for NGOs. Dir. Maningding said DAs regional offices and the LGUs should not be looked as adversarial. There is a component unit in the regional office that will look at the partnership. One of the main objectives of rationalization is to go out of their respective way and seek more partners rather than adversaries. One strategy being considered is the GO-PO partnerships. In closing, he also emphasized that EO 366 is timely because DA will integrate functionally and will partner in terms of extension, which is also under AFMA.

INPUT ON THE REGULATORY CLUSTER

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Ms. Ching Dela Pea, Department of Agriculture-Change Management Team (DA-CMT) Among the sectors served by the DA are farmers and fisher folks, food processing industry and consumers. The regulation areas in agriculture, including fisheries, are food safety, animal and plant health and life, trade facilitation, environmental protection and competitiveness. Ms. Dela Pea presented DAs vision that says excellence in quality and safety of Philippine agriculture and fishery products. This vision is characterized by: farm to table approach, steering vs. rowing, industry participation, competent authority, and outsourcing (set standard; hire private sector to do inspection). She then explained the possible shifts in the regulatory cluster, highlighting the differences between the present and the proposed scheme. Among the 17 strengthened national functions are: standard setting; pre-border, border and postborder inspection; product certification (e-certification); laboratory support to regulations; accreditation by third party service providers; capacity building (LGUs); national and international concerns; health/safety emergencies; and inspectorate (oversight). Ms. Dela Pea then showed the proposed organization set up including those said to be downscaled/phase-out activities/abolished functions: services at the LGU level and grading of private goods. Ms. Dela Pea also discussed the details of the regulatory set up under rationalization. In the longterm integrate and simplify the regulatory function into a unified system consisting of two separate agencies: enforcement (Inspection, Quarantine & Licensing) and standards setting. The regulatory functions of the regulatory agencies/units will be unified under the supervision of the USec for Operations and to be assisted by an Assistant Secretary. The two regulatory agencies directly under the ASec. are: Philippine AgriFishery Inspection Agency (PAFIA) and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). In terms of short-term plans, the designation of NMIS as the lead coordinating agency for enforcement and BAFPS for standard setting. The Secretary shall issue an Order creating an Interim Board composed of the Heads of the regulatory agencies/units affected by the integration. The Interim Board shall be assisted by a technical working group composed of agency representatives. The Board shall define interim activities leading to eventual integration such as mechanisms for reporting, regional board compositions, etc. The USec for Operations shall be the Chair. NMIS and BAFPS as lead coordinating agencies shall co-chair this Board. The enforcement agency will be a line function; however, its regional director will be directly under the supervision of the Regional Executive Director (RED) of the RFU. The enforcement agency, PAFIA, shall be headed by an Executive Director to be assisted by a Deputy Executive Director. The Services which shall be headed by Directors are inspection and certification; quarantine; licensing, registration and accreditation; monitoring and surveillance, and laboratory services. Regional Director for Regulations will be directly under the supervision of Regional Executive Director (RED) of the RFU and will utilize the Regional Support Services for Administrative and

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Financial concerns. The mirror units at the regional office shall be at the division level. Regulations (enforcement) for local concerns will eventually be devolved to the LGUs so that the national agency will concentrate on the international and national concerns on agrifishery products. On the other hand, the standards setting agency shall be a staff agency and operate at the central level only. The standard setting agency shall be named Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards or BAFS. This will be a staff Bureau. It shall be headed by a Director to be assisted by an Assistant Director. The Divisions under BAFS are: Technical Support; Standards Development; Consumer Information and Standard Promotion, Laboratory Performance Audit; and SPS Notification and Inquiry Point. The Consumer Information and Standards Promotion Division shall undertake advocacy activities to inform consumers, industry and other stakeholders on standards and regulations. In closing, Ms. Dela Pea also showed the proposed organizational structure of the regulatory cluster. Highlights of the Discussion/Comments/Issues Raised According to Dr. Pilapil, based on the things that Ms. Dela Pea mentioned plus the reality that the regulatory functions of the DA are very practical and very close to daily lives, she is interested to know how these functions that can be further enhanced and strengthened under the rationalization process. She believed that these are very urgent and linked to so many other government agencies other than DA. Dr. Pilapil asked how the DA CMT handles the restructuring given the about agricultural issues. Ms. Dela Pea said that in the current set up, doing such is really hard because the agricultural products are fragmented. There is a different office handling plant, another for meat, and another for animal. Ms. Dela Pea stressed that for example, in the case of inspection, not only meat should be inspected by a certain inspector, but all other products that can be inspected under such unit. Just like in the Extension Unit that is dispersed, the Regulatory Unit also has gaps that are yet to be realized. In terms of enforcement of regulatory functions for local concerns, Dr. Pilapil asked if this would require legislation in terms of devolved functions to be implemented under EO 366. According to Ms. Dela Pea, the current set up is still the same but still needed some enhancements to address the identified gaps. Dr. Ponce shared that BFAR also issues license. One gap in terms of this is the lack of an agency that will do the integration, thus it will also be hard to analyze the situation. Dr. Ponce also elaborated on Dr. Pilapils question regarding quality standards. According to him, it takes three months when DA will submit its first broad strokes. What is being presented right now are just the broad strokes, the contents are yet to be done. For example, in the staffing pattern proposed, very few will transfer to the Regulatory Unit. Given this scenario, the specific items should really be thoroughly analyzed. Dr. Ponce also emphasized that the human resources, in terms of quality, may not really attuned with the broad reforms to be implemented. Another area of concern is the need to coordinate with other agencies such as DAR in terms of capacitating the stakeholders. For example, if the main priority is exporting, then they should really be competent. The participant expressed anxiety in the scenario where only the big growers gain in the exports. According to Ms. Dela Pea, the main objective of rationalization is not only agricultural growth but even poverty eradication, that most, if not all, stakeholders will

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

improve. She also stressed the need to have proper coordination and convergence between and among the programs of DA, DENR and DAR. Currently, only DAR is focused on its programs, the other two are fragmented. The first step in order towards convergence is rationalization, and hopefully the other agencies will follow. The participants agreed that DAs rationalization is really important, however the real problem are lack of services and corruption. If these vital services will not be addressed, the consequences could really be fatal. Among these instances are banned pesticides used by DOLE Philippines and Del Monte Philippines. These pesticides could be fatal to plantation workers. The oil spill is also fatal to the environment. It was then suggested that agricultural development, not just modernization, should be done. Things that are more important to people should be prioritized: not just increased in production but equity, not just food security but food sovereignty; not just production but protection. The country should first identify what is best for its people before signing free trade agreements. Most of the DA officials are really pro-people, thus all stakeholders should meet on priorities like from farm to table, and in general agricultural sustainability, true development and social justice. Mr. Lim queried that if there will be possible convergence with the DENR, structuring would probably has an implication in the Philippine Constitution. Furthermore, Ms. Winnie Monsod provided a blueprint for economic development highlighting agricultural industrialization. There is a question whether DA rationalization is towards to the direction where DA will occupy all the agricultural reform lands, further adhering to the privatization-decentralization framework. He opined that the expected results of these are further economic crisis and brain drain. In rationalization, the bureau will be down-sized; however the services could also be reduced. According to Ms. Dela Pea, the issue in rationalization is approach. In the proposed rationalization set up, all stakeholders will participate. Capacitating the LGUs and CSOs will be considered. She also cited that at present, when an undersecretary did something wrong, s/he cannot be penalized easily. But when Local Chief Executives (LCEs) failed in delivering services to the people, that official can be penalized by the public during election or through impeachment. The objective of rationalization is to serve more but not directly. To this, Mr. Lim reiterated that there are some LGUs that are really not performing very well. According to Ms. Dela Pea, under the proposed set up, the regional field units will be geared towards helping the LGUs, unlike before that they are both geared towards the target. With this, a participant commented that there were instances where LCEs supervise in technical agricultural issues thus decisions are usually political. Some politicians are even anti-agriculture. The DA may capacitate the Municipal Agriculture Officer, but the governor or mayor could be against the communities. Ms. Dela Pea said that to address this, effective participation of the community, through the efforts of the NGOs in harnessing them, is very important. The role of the NGOs could be geared towards making the people really participate in agricultural concerns and issues. Ms. Belangel said that the most usual problem identified in the set up is that there us no one to take direct control. Some municipalities do not even have agricultural programs. He also suggested that the supervision be returned to the central office. More so, the problem with decentralization is that NGOs are left on its own in terms of resources. At the same time, DAs capacity support is more on direct service provision. Many LGUs are not yet prepared in taking agricultural responsibilities. He suggested addressing such concerns could be a better option rather than centralization again. According to the input, there is a program to strengthen the capacities of the stakeholders; however the programs design may not yet be formulated yet.

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

After the discussion, the group had their lunch break from 1:00 to 1:45 PM. INPUT ON THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CLUSTER Dr. Obien, Department of Agriculture Mr. Obien started his presentation by saying that Research and Development (R & D) used to handle the functions of Extension and Regulatory Units. However, R & D is not efficient in doing all the forms. Given these, it was then stressed that there is really a need to specialize. Currently, there are several attached agencies related to these, however not everybody wants to give up their respective roles. It was discussed earlier that all of these functions, such as intentions and quarantine, will now be launch into one agency. The speaker then proceeded in presenting the Secretarys decision in terms of R & D. In the longterm, DA will transform single commodity R & D agencies into multi-commodity R & D agencies while in the short-term, it will designate a single commodity R & D agencies to provide national leadership in broader areas of responsibilities through partnerships with the academe, RFUs and the LGUs. On the other hand, multifunction agencies with dominant R & D shall focus on and strengthen their R & D programs and transfer their regulatory functions to appropriate regulatory agency. However, extension activities related to national R & D functions shall be retained under overall orchestration of the ATI. National R & D agencies shall focus on upstream research & provides national leadership through partnerships and networking. RFUs through the RIARCs shall focus on mid-stream research & regional leadership. Downstream research is left to the provinces under the orchestration & leadership of the RFUs. It also plans to turn over experimental stations not performing national functions to regions (DA RFUs) or to the provinces whichever is appropriate. In the long-term, DA will also transform BAR into an Apex Agency to coordinate all agricultural research while it will implement by designation strategy in the short-term. In terms of personnel, DA will implement personnel tagging for 2006 to 2007. This means that the plantilla will remain with mother agencies but will report to the coordinating agency for purposes of integrating function. By 2008, there will be transfer of personnel of DA proper and attached agencies to appropriate agencies, RFUs and LGUs. Dr. Obien also took time in presenting the specific decision by the DA-CMT support of Sec. Panganibans decision in terms of R & D, specifically the functions and activities to be enhanced and strengthened, functions and activities to be down-scaled, transferred or abolished, and the proposed name and/or R & D institutes or centers to be established. He ended his presentation with the presentation of the proposed R & D structure. Given these possible changes, Dr. Obien hoped that these R & D areas will be able to handle professionally. There is really a need to work things out so that DA will develop more partnerships not only with the academe and universities but with also with the LGUs. He also emphasized that the Research Agency will now give up their regulatory functions and all the related functions will go

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

to the new R & D agency that DA created. This will also be done in the extension and regulatory agencies so as to implement specialization of functions. Dr. Obien also stressed that the DA Regional Director will also be responsible for the growth of agriculture in his/her respective region, in the same way that the DA Secretary is responsible for the growth of agriculture in the entire country. The regional director will do his/her work in the provincial office. All research undertakings will have to be linked up with the province. All the experimentations that are not doing very well in the national will now be turned over to the region and provinces. He assured the participants that DA will capacitate all those who will be involved in handling these would-be devolved functions. Policies will also be set so that things will go smoothly. Highlights of the Discussion/Comments/Issues Raised Dr. Obien emphasized that extension service is within the municipal level. The role should really be to capacitate people and the flow will also be continuous. Mr. Belangel said that given the foregoing discussions, he realized that the role of the LGU is very crucial. AN LGU, given rationalization, is to capture the level of competence that is required, if not, the more that it will be more problematic. Usually, researchers develop topics out of their own. Some LGUs even plan to be ornamental. Dr. Pilapil also said that there is indeed a call for restructuring to give the steering and rowing to the LGUs and for the DA to lead. The urgent call is to streamline the functions and make them more responsive to the needs of the stakeholders. CSOs participation is also very important.

The discussion on Research and Development ended at 2:45 PM. REFLECTION/SYNTHESIS Ms. Leilani Esposo, Facilitator, CCLG A Reflection-Cum-Synthesis Session replaced the supposedly discussion on the councils. Highlights of the Discussion/Comments/Issues Raised Dr. Pilapil had some clarifications on the comments given. She stressed that EPRA is not the policy reform body but a project grantee whose advocacy is on policy agenda. This is not an APRA-EPRA thing. It was just that EPRA was sought by the DA to formulate such. And one thing that EPRA does is to bring and/or provide venues to groups and CSOs. Speaking more of policy pronouncements, she also said that it is about time to phase down. Furthermore, the call ever since is to reform the bureaucracy. Mr. Azores of KAMMPIL expressed their organizations previous reflection/criticism that the most common issue among the farmers is survival, on how to go with daily basic needs. He emphasized that policies to be formulated and researches to be conducted should really be felt by the people. The consensus among the participants is that when asked where the agricultural sector will go in light of EO 366, the definite answer should be geared towards sound agricultural reform.
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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Mr. Belangel informed the group that CODE-NGO will call a discussion among the CSOs to talk about up to what extent they will go and/or be involved in the process, specifically in terms of their possible inputs. With this, he related his second point that is regarding the lack of sectoral participation in the structuring aspect of DA rationalization. Given the limited time, it will always be hard to discuss and agree on various agricultural sector issues. Legislative requirements should be installed and advocacies need to be direct. The direction and character of DA under rationalization should be very clear. Because of these overwhelming issues, they have decided to choose several specific themes where they will focus: fisheries, coconut, sugar and CSOs. Cross-cutting issues like trade liberalization will also be discussed. EPRA will provide a case writer who will provide needed data on these issues. Together with EPRA, CODE-NGO will strategize on how to have a proper channel in the DA. DA-CMT is about to be submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on March 31, but still a lot of issues need to be answered. On April, CODE-NGO will gather to discuss each of the four issues identified and then at the same time talk on how these will be presented. For the months on April and May, they need to discuss on how they will help each other. Hopefully before President Arroyo gives her State of the Nation Address (SONA), there will be a DA Summit so that agricultural sector issues and concerns will be considered in her annual report. DA Secretary already expressed his hopes that commentaries on agricultural issues will be provided by the President. Ms. Esposo also queried about the current focus of research institutions. On the sectoral groupings, research and development agenda should be given due concentration, aside from the fact that it should also be demand or client driven. Ms. Pilapil said that Dr. Habito is interested on sustainable agriculture emanating from organic lifestyle. She also agreed on Mr. Belangels pronouncement that priority issues will be agreed upon during the APRA Summit. It was also added that rice is included in sustainable agriculture. Mr. Belangel also informed the group that the position paper of the League of Provinces expressed their disagreement on the term rowing and steering because it seems that the provinces are just following orders, The League prefers the term providing the direction and enabling environment. According to the LGUs, they also play key role in terms of research and development, and to a certain extent they also have steering roles as far as those are concerned. Mr. Garganera suggested that another agricultural client should be added. Currently, they have farmers, traders and consumers. They should add the LGUs so that the interventions needed for the implementation of EO 366 will be considered so as to invite having unfunded mandate like what happened during the devolution thru the Local Government Code. Dr. Pilapil also suggested that CSO issues should always be remembered. Efforts should really be well orchestrated. The League of Provinces will have a forum regarding this. The DA, LGUs and CSOs will also have a forum regarding these issues. The main objective of this is to really discuss and decide on how to deal with the issues. Dr. Pilapil also stressed that CSOs are able to talk directly to Sec. Panganiban regarding agricultural concerns. She also reminded the participants of the APRA Summit on June 2006. The group was also informed that the League of Provinces plans to have a dialogue with the DA to present their perceived rowing and steering strategies. However, there was no forum scheduled for the CSOs and the League of Provinces to discuss agricultural issues. The latter is something to look forward to.

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Mr. Belangel told the participants that Mr. Cabile will call them regarding the proposed discussion per sector about the rationalization process. He also thanked the participants for coming and participating in the days activities.

The workshop ended at 3:20 PM.

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

CSO-NGO-PO FORUM An Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts Serrano Hall, Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) Bldg., Dept. of Agriculture, Quezon City March 30, 2006 List of Participants Name 1. Cezar Belanguel 2. Ruel Cabile 3. Ernie Lim 4. Gerry Bulatao 5. Aster De Alban Designation Deputy Coordinator Program Officer Coordinator Chair Research Officer Office CODE-NGO CODE-NGO AR Movt CAPP-SIAD CARRD Contact Information E: cbelanguel@codengo.org T: 426 5938 E: ruelcabile2@lycos.com T: 4266737 T: 920 4564 E: gbulatao@mozcom.com T: 926 7397 C: 0916 3340812 E: carrd@tri-isys.com T: 926 6707 C: 0920 2657166 E: coir@i-manila.com.ph T: 426 6001 local 4656 C: 0921 7000983 T: 426 6001 local 4656 E: rmercado@icsi@gmail.com C: 0920-9511062 E: ana_vitacion@yahoo.com T: 925 0987 C: 0917 5009980 E: ordf@info.com.ph T: 433 0760 C: 0918 3297880 E: cathytiongson@gmail.com T: 438 9520 E: kammpil@pacific.net.ph C: 916 785 8566 T: 436 4753 C: 0915 9890136 T: 921 7542 T: 9270122 C: 0918 9296819 E: ngos4fisheries@yahoo.com T: 436 1689 C: 0921 4040000 E: luisitaesmao05@ T: 926 1153

6. Liza Condino

Program Officer

COIR

7. Gemma Rita Marin 8. Ronna Mercado 9. Anabelle Vitacion 10. Josephine Gamba

Research Associate Research Assistant Training Officer Researcher

ICSI ICSI IDEALS IRDF

11. Catherine Tiongson

Coordinator

KAISAHAN

12. Sonny Azores

National Coordinator

KAMMPIL KAMMPIL KM NAPC NFR

13. Isabelita J. Escovilla National Treasurer 14. Marlyn Dela Cruz Spokesperson 15. Oca Francisco 16. Stanley C. Yu

Secretary

17. Luisita Z. Esmao

Farmer

PAKISAMA

18. Bel Formanes

Executive Director

PARRDS

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CSO-NGOCSO-NGO-PO Forum: DAAn Update on the DA-CMT Rationalization Efforts

Name 19. Jaybee Garganera 20. Nestor Diego

Designation National Coordinator Secretariat

Office PhilDHRRA PKSK

21. Jean L. Yasol

Technical Staff Policy Officer

SEARICE

22. S. R. Obien 23. Gabriel Vagamayo 24. E. R. Ponce

Technical Support Staff Subject Specialist

DA-BAR DA CMT TSS EPRA-ATENEO

25. Lisa Pilapil 26. Sarah Lantican 27. Bernie Aton 28. Leilani Esposo

Program Manager Policy Specialist Sector Staff Project Coordinator

EPRA-ATENEO EPRA EPRA-ATENEO CCLG

Contact Information E: parrds@pacific.net.ph T: 426 6740 E: vic@phildhrra.org T: 435 0048 C: 0916 7172518 E: pksk.phils@yahoo.com T: 922 6710 C: 0918 9359174 E: searice@searice.org C: 0917 3263002 T: 9288741 local 2442 T: 812 1478 C: 0917 3226161 E: eliseoponce@gmail.com C: 0917 738812 E: lisa.pilapil@gmail.com C: 0926-6453689 E: slantican@gmail.com C: 0927-4526266 E: bernieaton@gmail.com T: 421-9348 C: 0918-3397605 E: laniesposo@yahoo.com

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