Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 710)
The program is jointly implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other concerned agencies.
The FSTP covers all upland areas where most farmers growing corn and other crops are still living in poverty and hunger, with priority given to 6th, 5th, and 4th class municipalities, particularly those in the ten priority provinces under the Hunger Mitigation Program.
DA, through its Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), institutionalizes and leads the implementation of FSTP, includes it in its budget, coordinates training, facilitates technology transfer, marketing, and provides regional coordinators to serve as secretariats.
DOST provides technical and financial support for research and development, technology transfer, capability building, and links its Techno Gabay Program with FSTP through Farmers Information and Technology Services Centers.
Funds come from the regular budgets of DA, DAR, DENR with at least 2% of their RDE budgets allocated, financial assistance from UPLB in kind, and supplemental funds from DA. Fund utilization is subject to standard auditing rules.
LGUs are encouraged to adopt the program via resolutions, conduct information campaigns at barangay level, support marketing efforts, designate FSTP coordinators, and organize management teams for workshops.
The separability clause states that if any provision is declared unconstitutional, the rest of the order shall remain effective as long as they can subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
It took effect 15 days after its publication in a national newspaper or general circulation.
UPLB acts as the National Center for Operation and Management of FSTP, provides technical expertise, monitors and evaluates the program, assists in technology transfer, and facilitates the enhancement of science and extension curricula related to upland development.