Definitions of Key Terms
- Agricultural Engineering involves applying mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering principles to agriculture.
- Fields covered include farm power and machinery, farm structures, electrification, processing, soil and water conservation, education, and research.
- Agricultural Engineer: A graduate of an accredited agricultural engineering course.
- Registered Professional Agricultural Engineer: A person duly registered with the Board of Examiners for Agricultural Engineers.
Creation and Composition of the Board
- A Board of Examiners for Agricultural Engineers is established within 30 days of the Act’s approval.
- Composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments' consent.
- Members serve three-year terms and take an oath of office.
- Members may be removed for misconduct following due process; temporary replacements may be appointed.
Functions and Duties of the Board
- Authority to administer oaths and issue, suspend, revoke certificates of registration.
- Issue certificates of recognition for advanced studies and research.
- Prescribe agricultural engineering curriculum, subject to national education policies.
- Investigate violations, issue subpoenas, and enforce compliance through courts if necessary.
Rules and Regulations
- The Board shall adopt necessary rules with Civil Service advice and Presidential approval.
- Penal provisions in these rules may impose fines up to 500 pesos or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
Qualifications of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizens and residents, at least 30 years old, and of good moral character.
- Must be graduates in agricultural engineering or agriculture majoring in agricultural engineering.
- Registered agricultural engineers with at least 5 years of practice.
- Cannot be current faculty or have pecuniary interest in schools offering agricultural engineering unless resigned for 2 years.
Compensation of Board Members
- Paid 25 pesos for each examinee or registered agricultural engineer without examination.
- Government employees receive this in addition to their regular salary.
Executive Officer of the Board
- The Civil Service Commissioner serves as the Executive Officer.
- Conduct examinations and keep records including exam papers, minutes, and investigations.
Annual Reporting
- The Board must submit an annual report to the President detailing activities and recommendations.
Exemptions from Registration
- Foreign agricultural engineers consulting or working with international bodies, and armed forces’ engineers are exempt.
- Foreign exchange professors or instructors in recognized local schools are likewise exempt.
Examination Requirements
- All applicants must pass a technical examination unless specifically exempted.
Qualifications for Examination
- Must be at least 21 years old, a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, and a graduate from a recognized agricultural engineering course.
Examination Schedule and Scope
- Held twice a year in Manila, usually in February and August.
- Subjects include farm mechanization, soil and water conservation, rural electrification, mathematics, agronomy, economics, and marketing.
- Weighted percentages assigned to each subject.
Reporting of Examination Results
- Results reported to the Commissioner of Civil Service within 120 days and submitted to the President for approval.
Registration Without Examination
- Certificates may be issued without exam to qualified practitioners meeting age, education, experience, or professional society membership criteria within one year of the Act’s approval.
Certificate Issuance Procedures
- Certificate of Registration signed by the Board Chairman and Secretary with an official seal.
- Payment of prescribed fees required.
Oath Taking
- Mandatory oath prior to practicing agricultural engineering.
Seal of Registered Agricultural Engineers
- Registered engineers must use an authorized seal including their registration number.
- Stamping plans and documents without a valid certificate is unlawful.
Refusal to Issue Certificate
- Grounds include criminal conviction involving moral turpitude, immoral or dishonorable conduct, or unsound mind.
- Written explanation required.
Grounds for Discipline
- Include criminal convictions, immoral conduct, insanity, fraud, negligence, addiction, unethical advertising or conduct, aiding unregistered practice, and violation of the Act or rules.
- Disciplinary actions include reprimand, suspension, or revocation.
Rights of Respondent in Disciplinary Actions
- Right to counsel, speedy and public hearing, and to confront witnesses.
Appeal Process
- Board decisions become final after 30 days unless appealed to the Office of the President.
- Further review or court petition possible if needed.
Reinstatement and Replacement of Certificates
- Board may reinstate suspended or revoked certificates and issue replacements for lost certificates.
- May waive re-examination at its discretion.
Fees
- Examination fee: 75 pesos; Registration fee: 25 pesos.
- Registration without exam fee: 75 pesos.
- Replacement certificate fee: 5 pesos.
- Half examination fee refundable if application disapproved.
- Fees cover Board expenses and member compensation.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreigners from countries with reciprocal practice rights may take the exam despite citizenship requirements.
Roster of Registered Agricultural Engineers
- Prepared starting one year after the Act’s approval.
- Contains names, addresses, dates of registration, and pertinent data.
Penal Provisions
- Illegal practice without registration; use of another’s certificate; forgery; use of revoked certificates; false advertising punished by fines (500-3000 pesos), imprisonment (1 month to 2 years), or both.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws or parts thereof are repealed.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval.