Representatives from NGAs Participate in PA Law IRR Consultation Meeting

Participants from National Government Agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), attended the consultation meeting on the Draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Agriculturists Act (RA 12215) on August 6, 2025, at the Agricultural Training Institute.

The activity was attended by 70 onsite participants and approximately 70 online participants. The program was graced by Dr. Emma K. Sales, Chair of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Board of Agriculture, who likewise delivered the Opening Remarks. The Rationale of the Activity was further discussed by Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez, Jr., President of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA), who explained the procedure and timeline in drafting the IRR.

Dr. Karen S. Bautista, PAA Immediate Past President and chairperson of the PAA Policy Advocacy Committee, presented the draft IRR per Rule and Section. The Open Forum was conducted after Rule 1 and 2, Rule 3, and Rule 4 and 5, accordingly, to ensure that comments and suggestions will be accommodated for each provision. She emphasized that multi-sectoral consultation meetings were carried out last year, which coincided with the committee deliberation and hearings in the House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines.

Participants have been active and engaging during the open forum, sharing insights and suggestions that are relevant in the revision of the IRR. Constructive feedback and collegial discussion paved the way for a productive and insightful session with the national government agencies, which resulted in further revision and opened for another dialogue with other key stakeholders as suggested during the meeting.

The Joint Technical Working Group from the PRB Agri and the PAA extends its gratitude to all agencies that have participated in the consultation dialogue. Participants pledged to submit the position paper of their respective agencies for detailed inputs, to which the Joint TWG looks forward to and deemed relevant for further enhancement of the IRR of RA 12215.

Synthesis of consultation: https://bit.ly/45dmZj4