Definition of Agricultural Extension
- Defined as the diffusion of useful and practical information on:
- Agriculture
- Soil conservation
- Livestock
- Fisheries
- Forest conservation
- Public lands and natural resources laws
- Home economics and rural life.
- Methods of dissemination include field demonstrations, lectures, conferences, publications, and other means.
- Aimed at encouraging application of such information among the people.
Leadership and Personnel Structure
- Bureau headed by a Director of Agricultural Extension and an Assistant Director.
- Both appointed by the President on the Secretary's recommendation, with the Commission on Appointments' consent.
- Compensation set at ₱7,200 p.a. for the Director and ₱6,000 p.a. for the Assistant Director.
- The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources appoints necessary technical and other personnel.
- Director possesses powers generally conferred on bureau directors under the Secretary’s supervision.
Reorganization and Transfer of Functions
- Abolition of Agricultural Extension Division of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Livestock Extension Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry.
- Transfer of personnel, appropriations, equipment, and facilities related to agricultural extension to the new Bureau.
- Transfer includes applicable personnel and appropriations from other divisions or offices engaged in agricultural extension work in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Appropriations and Agricultural Extension Fund
- Appropriation of not less than ₱500,000 annually from the National Treasury.
- Combined with the "Agricultural Fund" from Commonwealth Act No. 85 to form the Agricultural Extension Fund.
- Fund usage covers salaries, office equipment, travel expenses, and other operational costs.
- Provincial Agricultural Funds to be used exclusively for local agricultural extension activities.
- Specific allowable provincial expenditures include salaries, travel, equipment, building costs, operation of farms, land purchase, and communication expenses.
- Excess National Funds distributed to provinces based on farm numbers (40%), cultivable area (40%), and provincial needs (20%).
- Census data used for calculations.
Organizational Structure and Appointment Conditions
- The Director, with the Secretary’s approval, organizes the Bureau’s personnel into divisions and sections.
- Salary scales standardized and aligned with duties and responsibilities.
- Appointment subject to Civil Service laws and requires the Director’s knowledge and consent.
- Provincial Agricultural Extension Services established in every province including:
- Provincial Agricultural Agent (head, minimum ₱2,400 p.a. salary for fifth class provinces).
- Home Demonstration Agent (female).
- Technical and clerical staff funded from provincial agricultural funds.
- Country divided into extension districts supervised by District Extension Agents and District Home Demonstration Agents.
- Local governments to provide office quarters for Provincial and local extension agents.
Repeal and Effectivity
- Repeals all inconsistent laws, rules, and regulations.
- Act takes effect immediately upon approval.