Mandate and Purpose of the Department of Agriculture
- DA serves as the lead agency for inter-departmental efforts to modernize agriculture and fisheries.
- The Congressional Commission intended to rationalize the agricultural bureaucracy for global competitiveness and adherence to international trade agreements.
Focus Areas under AFMA
- DA's resources must focus on productivity-enhancing programs including:
- Research, development, and extension
- Irrigation and water management
- Product standards and food safety enforcement
- Credit, marketing, information, and communication support services
- Local Government Units (LGUs) are recognized as major partners in agricultural development and modernization.
Bureaucracy Streamlining and Governance
- Necessity to streamline agricultural bureaucracy for efficient use of limited resources.
- The President is empowered by laws and General Appropriations Act provisions to reorganize government departments for improved effectiveness.
Functional Reorientation Policy (Section 1)
- The structure and organization of the DA and its bodies shall be reoriented along functional lines consistent with AFMA principles and goals.
Organizational and Operational Strategies (Section 2)
- The DA Secretary will review existing structures and systems to identify appropriate mechanisms and strategies.
- Authorized actions include:
- Grouping, integrating, and merging agencies/units to improve coordination.
- Establishing strategic partnerships with LGUs for devolved agricultural planning and extension.
- Strengthening regional field units for better service delivery.
- Enhancing transparency and stakeholder participation in DA operations.
- Improving consultation with other departments/agencies involved in AFMA implementation.
- Allowing continuing operational and structural adjustments aligned with DA’s mandate.
Preparation of Agricultural Bureaucracy Restructuring Plan (ABRP) (Section 3)
- The ABRP shall include:
- Orientation on policies, functions, programs, activities, and strategies.
- Structural and organizational changes with corresponding functions.
- Staffing modifications showing existing and unfilled positions.
- Budget restructuring and realignment following the streamlined organization.
- ABRP submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approval is required before implementation.
Redeployment of Personnel (Section 4)
- Personnel may be redeployed to meet the requirements of the revised structure.
- Redeployment shall not reduce rank or compensation, adhering to civil service rules.
No Dismissal Policy (Section 5)
- No employee of DA or its attached bodies shall be dismissed as a consequence of the Executive Order.
- Voluntary separation entitles personnel to benefits under existing laws or, if not covered, to separation benefits of one month basic salary per year of service plus terminal benefits.
Funding Provisions (Section 6)
- Financial resources for implementing staffing changes come from DA’s available funds, including savings.
- Staffing modifications must not require additional funds for personal services.
Use of Savings from Realignment (Section 7)
- Savings may be used for:
- Early retirement program
- Upgrading salaries of meritorious employees
- Education, training, and fellowships for personnel
- Upgrading facilities
Reorganization Review Body (Section 8)
- A review body will assist the DA Secretary, composed of top-level management and external management and technical experts.
- Employees’ association of the DA is represented.
Implementing Authority (Section 9)
- The DA Secretary, post-ABRP approval, has authority to identify which agencies or attached corporations are necessary to fulfill DA’s reoriented mandate as per AFMA.
Effectivity (Section 10)
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.