Alcala wants devolved agricultural officers returned to DA

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala wants the return of devolved agricultural officers and extension workers back to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to Alcala, “without the corps of agricultural extension workers and technicians, the Department of Agriculture is like a general without soldiers in the field.”

He argued, “we need to have them back so we could effectively implement the many agricultural and fishery projects that we plan to pursue under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquiino III.”

Under the ‘Local Government Code of 1991’ (Republic Act No. 7160), agricultural officers and extension workers nationwide were devolved or transferred under the direct administrative supervision of their respective local government units where they were assigned in 1991.

Alcala said the DA would vigorously support moves by some congressmen to repeal RA 7160 and transfer back the direct supervision of agricultural workers under the DA.

Alcala added that some provincial governors supported the proposal during the recent meeting of the League of Provinces of the Philippines in Manila.

Among those who expressed their support are Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio.

Meanwhile, Alcala said the DA could forge agreements with interested provincial and municipal government who are willing to lend back to the DA their receptive agriculture officers and extension workers to implement agri-fishery projects in their localities.

The DA will re-train them to upgrade their skills and knowledge, including small farmers and fisherfolk, through the DA’s Agriculture Training Institute (ATI).