QuestionsQuestions (NAFC)
The manual states that the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) is replicated pursuant to Executive Order No. 116, and in line with the Department of Agriculture’s mandate.
The objectives are: (1) serve as advisory, monitoring and evaluating bodies; (2) link the Department of Agriculture with LGUs; (3) ensure success of DA programs and activities of attached agencies; and (4) provide fora for consultative and continuing discussions within the agricultural sector.
They must: identify and assess diverse area needs/resources in consultation with government and non-government organizations; participate in policy assessment/formulation and planning programs/projects; and assist DA/attached agencies and LGU agricultural offices in organizing, monitoring, and evaluation.
Examples include: conducting regular and special AFC meetings; conducting regular consultations/congresses with interest groups; identifying and resolving local problems/issues; monitoring and evaluating DA and attached agencies’ programs/projects and setting up feedback mechanisms; submitting budgetary requirements; sourcing/raising funds; and promoting capability building.
Members are individuals and associations/cooperatives directly and/or indirectly involved in agriculture and fishery and related activities from both private and government sectors. Majority should come from the private sector, and all members must be Filipino citizens of good moral standing in the area/community.
RAFC: chairmen of region-wide organizations, PAFC chairmen, and qualified individuals. PAFC: chairmen of province-wide organizations, MAFC chairmen, CAFC chairmen, and qualified individuals. CAFC: chairmen of city-wide organizations, BAFC chairmen, and qualified individuals. MAFC: chairmen of municipal-wide organizations, BAFC chairmen, and qualified individuals. BAFC: chairmen of barangay-wide organizations, chairmen of purok-wide organizations, and qualified individuals.
Government sector representatives are the heads of DA-RFUs, provincial agriculturists/veterinarians, city/municipal agricultural officers, and NAFC coordinators/technicians and other agencies assigned to assist AFC programs. Private sector representatives are private individuals and associations engaged in agricultural and fishery production, post-harvest and marketing, including credit services and farm supplies.
No. The manual explicitly states that the right to vote is exercised personally and that proxy voting is not allowed.
A member may withdraw by giving (30) days notice to the Secretariat-Coordinator, who refers the same to the Chairman for proper action.
A written complaint under oath may be filed against a member for: failure to attend meetings for three consecutive months without valid reasons; continuous failure to comply with obligations; violation of provisions of the Manual; or any injurious/prejudicial act/omission to the Council’s interest/welfare. Suspension/termination requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership.
Officers are a Chairman (from private sector), Treasurer, Auditor, and PRO, with the Vice-Chairman being the highest-ranking official of the DA/agriculture office in the locality. Except for the Vice-Chairman, all other officers must be from the private sector and elected by the members.
Elected officers serve three (3) years with the right to one (1) re-election. Their term begins on the first working day of July following the election month and expires on June 30 of the third year (or until a successor is elected and qualified).
The manual provides: BAFC—1st week of June 2001 and every 3 years thereafter; MAFC/CAFC—2nd week; PAFC—3rd week; RAFC—4th week; every 3 years thereafter.
First elections under the amended manual were set for November 1998, with officers serving from January 1999 to June 2001.
The officer automatically relinquishes the previous position to the next in rank. The ranking order is: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Auditor, and PRO; no officer may hold two offices.
A special election must be called within 15 days by the majority of remaining members, unless the vacancy occurs within 2 months prior to the regular election. If the Chairman is vacant, the Vice-Chairman for the private sector automatically acts as Chairman for the unexpired term. If the Vice-Chairman vacancy involves the government sector, the Officer-In-Charge of the represented office acts until the successor is appointed and assumes office.
Each Council elects three Electoral Board members who are not candidates: one chairman from the private sector and two members from the government and private sector (as stated). The Board may adopt election rules subject to Council approval and settle contests regarding the election conduct. Any decision/order/award is final and executory.
Fund share from project collections: MAFC/CAFC—40%, PAFC—30%, RAFC—30%. Withdrawal of funds (cash or check) must be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman from the government sector.