Deliberation of DA-RFOs Focuses on Implications of RA 12215 IRR at the Regional Level

Aug 15

Written By Philippine Association of Agriculturists Incorporated

Promoting shared understanding and consolidating inputs from the regional and local levels is imperative to create an inclusive and sound Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 12215 or the Philippine Agriculturists Act. Hence, the joint Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Professional Regulation Commission - Professional Regulatory Board of Agriculture (PRC-PRB Agriculture) and the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) conducted a consultation meeting with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Offices last July 15, 2025, via Zoom.

The meeting was attended by approximately 120 participants across regions. The program formally began with an Opening Message from the Chair of the PRC Board of Agriculture, Dr. Emma K. Sales. Meanwhile, Dr. Karen S. Bautista, PAA Immediate Past President and Chair of Policy AdvocacyCommittee, presented the draft IRR to promote awareness of each of the provisions included. They likewise addressed the questions and clarifications from participants, mostly on Section 31 on Employment in the Government.

The participants raised notable suggestions as follows:

• Include three (3) years of relevant work experience and required training hours for SG 24 and above positions in the revised Qualification Standards.

• Following the clarifications on the number of failed subjects allowed, it was clarified that there is no need to specify the number of failed subjects allowed to be retaken, as long as the average remains at 75%.

• Include the definition of foundation subjects/field of specialization in agriculture in the draft IRR.

• Recognize BS in Agriculture degree obtained through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) offered by CHED-accredited SUCs. This suggestion has been noted and will be brought to the attention of CHED during the Consultation meeting.

• Identify and specify the documents required to have the seal of Registered Agriculturists in the IRR.

While it is beyond the scope of the IRR, the additional suggestion for standardized/unified staffing pattern in Municipal/City Agriculturists Office and the call to make the hiring of Municipal/City Agriculturists mandatory have been recognized.

The program ended with a synthesis presented by Dr. Eric Palacpac, a member of PRB in Agriculture. The inputs from the regional and local field offices will be discussed in another consultation meeting with national government agencies and other key stakeholders to come up with provisions that are inclusive and implementable.