Definitions
- Accreditation: Certification by DA-Agricultural Training Institute confirming compliance to standards for private Extension Service Providers (ESPs).
- ESPs: Organizations providing training and extension activities along agriculture/fishery value chain.
- Local and National ESPs distinguished by geographic scope.
- ESP Accreditation Advisory Councils: Bodies approving accreditation applications.
- Competency Matrix: Documentation of trainers' expertise and skills.
- Other defined terms include cooperatives, NGOs, multinational companies, RBOs, trainers, training support staff.
Coverage
- Applies to rural-based organizations, cooperatives, NGOs, peoples’ organizations, and multinational companies involved in agriculture and fishery extension programs.
Conflict of Interest
- Grounds for ineligibility include:
- ESPs combining extension with consultancy for DA.
- Affiliations with consultancy firms serving DA.
- ESP officers/staff related by affinity or consanguinity to ATI or ESP Council officials.
- ESP personnel employed by the government, especially DA.
- Violation results in disqualification or revocation of accreditation.
ESP Accreditation Advisory Councils: Composition and Functions
- National Council composed of ATI Director (Executive Officer), representatives from Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Network, State Universities and Colleges, LGUs, and private sector.
- Terms of 3 years with possible reappointment; officers elected among members.
- Regional Councils mirror composition at the regional level; Executive Officer is ATI Center Director.
- Councils provide policy guidelines, approve/disapprove applications, endorse local applicants.
- Meetings quarterly, with decisions by majority.
- National and Regional Secretariats handle application processing, preliminary evaluations, field validations, and communication.
Criteria for Accreditation
- Eligibility includes registered partnerships, cooperatives, NGOs, permissible multinational companies, joint ventures.
- Credibility assessed by positive reputation, business registration, 5+ years experience, and lack of anomalies.
- Technical capability requires demonstrated ability to conduct community-based training and extension, with evidence of past trainings.
- Resource capability mandates qualified trainers with specific education and training experience, training management staff, and adequate facilities (training rooms, equipment, information centers).
- Training programs must be relevant, objective-driven, logically sequenced, with effective methodology, clear participant qualifications, and robust evaluation methods.
Accreditation Process
- Phase 1: Filing application with required legal, technical, and financial documents.
- Phase 2: Documentary Evaluation conducted within 10 working days.
- Phase 3: Possible Ocular Inspection/Field Validation.
- Phase 4: Approval or disapproval within 10 working days post-inspection; chance to comply within 5 days if non-conformance found.
- Phase 5: Issuance of Certificate of Accreditation by the Council’s Executive Officer.
Validity and Performance Evaluation
- Accreditation valid for 3 years unless cancelled earlier.
- Mid-Term Performance Evaluation conducted to verify continued compliance.
- Renewal application recommended 6 months before expiry.
Grounds for Disapproval, Suspension, and Cancellation
- Disapproval: False declarations, misrepresentations, or fraud in application.
- Suspension: Non-compliance with accreditation terms, refusal of audits, breach of contract, illegal use of facilities, failure to submit reports.
- Suspension period: 6 months to 1 year based on offense gravity.
- Cancellation: Two consecutive suspensions, failure to provide extension services without valid reason, or conflict of interest.
Obligations of Accredited ESPs
- Display accreditation certificate prominently.
- Notify ATI of significant operational changes.
- Avoid misusing accreditation or making misleading statements about it.
Obligations of ATI
- Maintain ESP documents for 5 years post-accreditation.
- Publicly accessible database of accredited ESPs with nominal fee.
- Notify ESPs of changes in accreditation procedures.
Incentives for Accredited ESPs
- Access to extension funds subject to approved projects.
- DA technical assistance including resources and marketing support.
- Access to financial assistance programs.
- Inclusion in ATI capability-building and discounted knowledge products.
- Eligibility for local and international scholarship/fellowship opportunities.
Funding and Council Member Compensation
- Operational costs sourced from ATI’s regular budget.
- Private sector Council members receive honorarium per meeting and travel expenses.
Appeal Process
- Suspension decisions appealable within 15 working days in writing.
- Cancellation or revocation decisions are final and not appealable.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures remaining provisions stand if parts are invalidated.
- Amendments to rules subject to approval by Secretary of DA.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 15 days after signing and publication.
- Can be revoked only by subsequent official order/document.