QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 713)
The main purpose is to reorganize the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources into two separate departments—the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources—to better address the development of agriculture and management of natural resources separately.
It was enacted on May 17, 1974.
PD No. 461 created two departments: the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources.
The bureaus under the Department of Agriculture are the Bureau of Soils, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Agricultural Extension, and Bureau of Agricultural Economics.
The National Grains Authority, Philippine Tobacco Administration, Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority, Coconut Investment Company, and Philippine Cotton Corporation are attached to the Department of Agriculture.
The Department Proper includes the Office of the Secretary, Planning Service, Financial and Management Service, Administrative Service, Computer Service Center, and Agrarian Reform Unit.
The Bureau of Plant Industry is responsible for research on agricultural crops, producing improved seeds and plant materials, crop protection from pests and diseases, development and improvement of farm equipment, structures, and practices, and any other functions provided by law.
The bureaus under the Department of Natural Resources are the Bureau of Forest Development, Bureau of Lands, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Bureau of Mines.
Attached agencies include the Presidential Committee on Wood Industries Development, National Committee for Mineral Exploration and Survey Operations, Fishery Industry Development Council, Surigao Mineral Reservation Board, and Presidential Action Committee on Land Problems.
The Legal Service prepares decisions and orders on cases involving disposition of natural resources, reviews patents and licenses, acts as counsel in court cases for department officials, conducts administrative investigations, and performs other functions as provided by law.
The Secretary of Agriculture is the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of the National Grains Authority.
The Agrarian Reform Unit in the Department of Agriculture advises and assists in coordinating extension service and soil surveys with the Department of Agrarian Reform; the Agrarian Reform Unit in the Department of Natural Resources advises on land surveys, release of public lands for resettlement, and related coordination with the Department of Agrarian Reform.
Functions relating to agricultural development are transferred to the Department of Agriculture, while those related to natural resources administration are transferred to the Department of Natural Resources. This includes transferring balance of appropriations, records, equipment, property, and personnel necessary for operations.
The Petroleum Division was created to administer and develop the petroleum resources of the country.
The Computer Service is responsible for providing economical and effective electronic data processing services to the Department, its Bureaus, and attached agencies.