1. To hasten and improve the delivery of extension services to the Department of Agriculture ™s client system;
   
   
2. To provide opportunities  and wider participation  of the private sector in the conduct of agricultural extension services;
   
   
3. To  recognize   the  efforts   and  capabilities   of  private   institutions/service providers  dedicated  to  the  delivery  of  agriculture  and  fisheries  extension services; and
   
   
4. To provide a variety of training programs/extension  activities for farmers and fisherfolk  in support  of the thrusts  of the agriculture  and fisheries modernization program.

1. Accreditation   -  a  certification   issued  by  the  Department   of  Agriculture- Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), that the holder is recognized as compliant  to  the  approved  standards   as  provided  therein  of  a  Private Extension Service Provider which will undertake on behalf of DA-ATI training and other complementary extension services to target clientele.
   
   
2. Areas for Accreditation - areas where conformity to approved standards shall be ensured.
   
   
3. Competency Matrix - a summary table of the minimum expertise and skills of the ESP ™s trainers, training support staff and faculty-on-call.
   
   
4. Conformity - fulfillment of requirements.
   
   
5. Cooperative - farmers ™ and fisherfolks ™ cooperatives.
   
   
6. ESP Accreditation Advisory Council - the body that shall approve/disapprove application for accreditation.
   
   
7. Extension Service Providers (ESP) - organizations  which undertake training and other complementary  extension  activities  for target clientele  along the value chain (input suppliers, producers, traders, processors and consumers).
   
   
8.  Field  Validation  -  on  site  confirmation,  through  the  provision  of  objective evidence that the requirements have been fulfilled.
   
   
9. Local ESP - a private Extension Service Provider operating at a regional or sub-regional level such as in a municipal/city or provincial area.
   
   
10. Multinational Companies - business organizations  whether foreign-owned  or jointly-owned  by Filipino citizen and foreigner;  and are duly registered  with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  to  engage  in  agricultural  and fisheries extension services.
    
    
11. National  Extension  Service  Provider  -  private  Extension  Service  Provider with more than one (1) regional coverage.
    
    
12. Nonconformity - non-fulfillment of a requirement.
    
    
13. Non-Government Organizations (NGO) - a non-profit organization providing welfare and development services in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
    
    
14. Rural-Based   Organizations   (RBO)   -  Department   of  Agriculture-assisted organizations, such as Pambansang Mannalon, Maguuma, Magbabaul, Magsasaka  ng  Pilipinas  (P4MP),  Rural  Improvement  Club  (RIC)  and  4-H Club, that promote agriculture and fisheries extension in the rural areas.
    
    
15. Table Evaluation- preliminary evaluation of applicants.
    
    
16. Trainers - individuals who are capable of preparing training designs, training modules,  execution  training  programs,  delivering  modules,  facilitating training activities, and/or evaluating them.
    
    
17. Training  Management  Staff  -  individuals  who  provide  administrative  and technical assistance in the conduct/management  of a training.

Section 4. Coverage. Accreditation shall apply to any of the following institutions/organizations  which offer regular agriculture and fishery extension programs:

a.     Rural-Based Organizations
b.     Cooperatives
c.    Non-Government Organizations;
d.    People ™s Organizations;
e.    Multinational companies

Section 5. Conflict of Interest. Extension Service Providers shall not be eligible for accreditation under circumstance set forth below:

a.     If an ESP combines the functions of conducting extension services as part of consultancy services for the Department of Agriculture;

b.     If  an  ESP  is  associated  with  or  affiliated  to  a  consultancy  firm  providing services to the Department of Agriculture;
                                                               
c.     If  any  officer/staff  of  the  ESP  is  related  to  the  following  by  affinity  or consanguinity up to the third degree: 1) Management Committee of the Agricultural Training Institute and its Center networks, or any staff involved in standard  setting  and accreditation  activities,  and 2) National  and Regional ESP Accreditation Advisory Council;

d.     If  an  ESP  has  officers  and  staff  currently  employed  in  the  government particularly with the Department of Agriculture or any agency under its supervision.

Existence of any of the above-mentioned  instances shall automatically disqualify the applicant or result in the revocation of the accreditation once granted.

Section 6. Composition and Term of Office of the National ESP Accreditation Advisory Council. The National ESP Accreditation Advisory Council is hereby constituted and shall be composed of the following:

a.     The  Director  of  the  Agricultural  Training  Institute  who  shall  serve  as  the Executive  Officer.  As  such,  he  shall  be  responsible  for  the  execution  of policies and directions of the National Council.

The following members who shall be designated by the ATI Director:

a.    One  representative  from  the  Agriculture  and  Fisheries  Extension  Network
(AFEN) with the following considerations:

a.1 Agency must be appointed by the head of AFEN;

a.2 The representative must be an expert of his/her area of specialization;

a.3 He/she  must  have  credible  and vast experience  on extension  service; and

a.4 He/she  could  be reappointed  by the  Executive  Officer  of the  National ESP Council.

b. One  representative from the  State,  Universities   and  Colleges  with  the following considerations:

b.1 Must be appointed by the head of PASUC;

b.2 The representative may be preferably a holder of Ph.D. and an expert of his/her area of specialization;

b.3 He/she  must  have  credible  and vast experience  on extension  service; and

b.4 He/she  could  be reappointed  by the  Executive  Officer  of the  National ESP Council.

c.     One  representative  from  the  Local  Government  Units  with  the  following considerations:

c.1 Must be selected from the League of Provinces or Municipalities or other Local Government Unit Organizations;

c.2 He/she must be incumbent elected official;

c.3 He/she must be familiar and supportive of the extension works of the DA; and

c.4 He/she  may  appoint  an  alternate  representative  in  case  of  his  non- attendance to meetings.

d. One representative from the private sector with the following considerations:

d.1 He/she must be proactive member, proprietor of any farmer-organization of the agriculture and fishery sector;

d.2 He/she advocates the thrust of DA particularly on extension; and

d.3 Must at least have a farm or manage a farm that is a learning site of ATI or is familiar on ATI ™s extension services.

The members shall vote among themselves a chair and a vice chair.

The Chair and Vice Chair will have a term of three (3) years without prejudice to being reappointed  for another term. The members  will have a term of office of three (3) years without prejudice to being reappointed for another term. In case of vacancy  due  to  retirement,  resignation,  transfer,  incapacitation  or  death,  the Council may nominate replacement/s  to serve the unexpired portion of the term subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

The Council Members will be issued a National Identification Card.

Section  7. Composition  and  Term  of Office  of the  Regional  ESP Accreditation   Advisory  Council.  The  regional  ESP  Accreditation   Advisory Council is hereby constituted and shall be composed of the following:

a.     The Center Director of the Agricultural Training Institute who shall serve as the Regional Executive Officer. As such, he shall be responsible for the execution of policies and directions of the Regional Council.

The following members who shall be designated by the Director of the Agricultural Training Institute with considerations  required in the selection of National Council be applied.

b.    One representative  from  the Regional  Agriculture  and Fisheries  Extension Network (AFEN)

c.     One representative from the State Universities and Colleges d.     One representative from the Local Government Units

e.    One representative from the private sector

The members shall vote from among themselves a chair and vice-chair.

Each member will have a term of office of three (3) years without prejudice  to being reappointed. In case of vacancy due to retirement, resignation, transfer, incapacities or death, the Regional Council may nominate replacements to serve the unexpired portion of the term subject to the approval of the Director of the Agricultural Training Institute.

Section  8.  Functions  of  the  National  Council.  The  following  shall  be  the functions of the National Council:

a.    Provide the overall policy guidelines and directions of the program;

b.    Issue Accreditation Certificate through the Council's Executive Officer.

Section  9.  Functions  of  the  Regional  Council.  The  following  shall  be  the Functions of the Regional Council:

a.    Provide the regional policy guidelines and direction of the program;

b.     Indorse all approved applications to the national Council ™s Executive Officer through the National Secretariat for issuance of Accreditation Certificate.

Section  10.  Attendance   of  Meetings  and  Quorums.   Appointment   to  the Council carries an expectation of regular attendance. The Council shall have a regular quarterly meeting and conduct an annual general meeting. Decisions by majority  of  the  Council  shall  be  valid  and  binding.  A  special  meeting  maybe called by the Chair and/or majority of the Council, whenever necessary.

Section 11. National Secretariat.  A National Secretariat whose members shall be designated by the ATI Director shall perform the following functions:

a. Provides application forms to national ESP applicants;
b. Receives  all applications  of national  ESPs  for accreditation  and  conducts preliminary evaluation;
c. Coordinates and conducts field validation when deemed necessary;
d. Renders report of its findings and recommendations  to the Council through the Executive Officers;
e. Issues notice of approval/disapproval  to applicants;
f. Issues notice of renewal to accredited ESPs;
g. Performs other related duties as may be directed by the Council.

Section 12. Regional Secretariat

The ATI Center  Director  shall designate  a Regional  Secretariat  whose membership comes from the Technical Division and shall have the following functions:

a.    Provides application forms to local ESP applicant;
b.     Receives   all  application   of  local  ESPs  for  accreditation   and  conducts preliminary evaluation;
c.     Coordinates  and  conducts  field  validation  for  local  ESP  and  preliminary evaluation for inter-regional ESPs when deemed necessary;
d.    Renders  report  of its  findings  and  recommendations to he Regional and National Council through the National Secretariat; and
e.    Performs other related duties as may be directed by the Council

Section 13. Eligibility. The following shall be considered for accreditation if they meet any of the following eligibility requirements:

a.     Partnerships/corporations duly organized  under the Laws of the Philippines and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
b.    Cooperatives duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority;
c.     Non-Profit  and Non-Stock  Organizations  duly registered  with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
d.     Multinational  corporations  shall  apply  for  accreditation,  provided,  relevant laws allow multinationals  to engage in extension services. Provided further, that all those who actually perform the services shall be Filipino citizens and registered professionals authorized by the appropriate regulatory body to practice their professions;
e.     Joint Venture among Filipino Extension Service Providers and foreign multi- nationals  may  be  allowed,  if  it  will  result  to  a  better  extension  services, subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission laws and the provisions of this IRR.

Section 14. Credibility. The Regional Field Office where the applicant is located will compose the certifying body that will vouch or issue certification as regards to the  applicant ™s  credibility.  The  composition  will  be  decided  by  the  Regional Executive  Director  with  assistance  from  ATI RTC.  The applicant  must  have  a positive  image  and  a high  degree  of acceptability  among  stakeholders  in the area/s  to be  served,  including  membership  in or affiliation  with  any  reputable local, national and/or international federations. The farm must be registered as a business entity from the respective municipality where the farm is located and certified  by  the  MAO,  PAO  or  RFO  where  it  belongs.  Must  also  have  an accumulated   experience  of  not  less  than  five  (5)  years  in  Agriculture  and Fisheries Extension (AFE) work especially using participatory/community-based approaches and documented positive impact on stakeholders. Must not have any record  of anomaly  in its previous  transactions  and must have an official office and a postal address.

Section 15. Technical Capability

a.     The  ESP  must  be  able  to  administer  training  and  other  training-related services,  especially  in  community  organizing,  use  of  participatory approaches, popularization of training materials, regenerative agricultural technologies, agribusiness and management skills, and is operating at the municipal/provincial/region-wide  areas  for  local  level  ESPs,  and  in  two  or more regions for national level ESPs.

b.     The ESP must have training designs, training completion report including the methodology,   list  of  participants   with  signature,  summary  of  evaluation results and photo documentation  of at least five (5) trainings conducted  for the last three (3) years.

Section 16. Resource Capability

16.1   Manpower

1.     Trainers  -  must  have  at  least  one  trainer  and  five  (5)  faculty-on  call  or resource persons who meet the following requirements:

a.   Must possess appropriate education with relevant work experience of at least five years on the subject matter he/she is handling;

b.   Must   have   undergone   at   least   40   hours   of   training   in   trainers skills/presentation skills and related areas;

c.   Must  be  a  registered  professional  in  the  fields  of  extension  services he/she wishes to engage in;

d.   Capable of developing training designs, training modules, and visual aids and training evaluation tools;

e. Must have effective communication skills, as well   as presentation/facilitating  style.

Training Management  Staff - must have at least two support staff that have thorough experience and adequate competence to deliver training support services  (visual  aids  preparation,  training  process  documentation, administration and processing of training evaluation, etc.).

16.2   Facilities and Equipment

b.   Size  of  the  training  room  and  dormitory  -  The  training  room  and dormitory shall be able to accommodate  a minimum of fifty participants (50). If the ESP does not own such facilities, it should be able to identify alternative training venues in the locality having the same facilities.

c.   Lighting  and  Ventilation  -  Lighting  fixtures  shall  be  so  designed  to ensure an atmosphere conducive to training. The training room shall also be well ventilated.

d.  Restrooms - There shall be separate male and female restrooms with enough supply of water.

e. Classroom  Facilities,  Equipment  - The classroom  shall be complete with basic facilities such as chairs and tables, blackboard/white board, sound system, overhead projector and electric fans.

f. Workshop/On-the-Job  Facilities  and Equipment  - Depending  on the training program/s being offered, there shall be an adequate provision for techno demo area, appropriate facilities, and equipment.

g.  Information Resource Center /Library - a reading room adequately provided with relevant reference  materials,  books, journals, magazines, kits and other materials related to the programs being conducted.

h.   Transportation   and  Communication   Facilities   -  there  shall  be  a standby  utility  vehicle  and  available  telephone  or  mobile  phone  unit during the conduct of the training.

16.3   Other Facilities.

The presence of the following shall be an added advantage:

a.   Refreshment/Dining  Area - a refreshment/dining  area accessible to the trainees;

b.   Kiosks  or similar  facilities  with capacity  of 8-10 participants  for small group discussions.

Section 17. Training Program. The current offerings of the ESP applicant shall be evaluated base on the following criteria:

a. Relevance   -  The  training  program  shall  respond  to  the  needs  of  the agriculture and fishery sector as identified in the National Extension Agenda and Programs

b. Objectives - Its objectives shall be clearly defined, realistic and attainable.

c. Content - Content/curriculum  of the training program shall be in consonance with  its  objectives.  Topic  shall  be  in  logical  proper  sequence  with  due consideration    to   effectiveness    of   presentation    in   terms   of   trainees ™ comprehension.

d. Methodology  -  There  shall  be  an  effective,  simple  and  comprehensive presentation  of  topics,  clear  description  of  participatory  learning interventions, examination scheme and test instruments related to course objectives.  There  shall  likewise  be  a relevant  and  practical  application  of theories and concepts.

e. Qualifications  of Participants - Minimum qualifications of participants shall be set for proper identification of participants to a specific training course.

f. Evaluation  Procedures  -  The  training  program  shall  carry  out  effective evaluation instruments during and after training.

During  the  training,  pretest  and  posttest  shall  be  devised  to  measure  the knowledge and skills increment.

The trainers and the value of program content and other aspects of the training shall be measured immediately after training. An evaluation shall also be carried out one to three years after the training to assess the action plan implementation and the effectiveness of the training in achieving its goals and objectives.

Section 18. Phases of the Private ESP Accreditation  Process. The following are the different phases the ESP has to undergo in its quest for accreditation.

Phase 1 - Filing of Application

The ESP shall accomplish in duplicate and file the application prescribed for such purpose to ATI Central Office for national ESP ™s and at the ATI Regional Training Center for the local ESP. Attach Resolution of the Board of Directors/Officers authorizing the filing of application and designating the person authorized to sign and act for its behalf to transact business and valid Memorandum  of Agreement with Faculty-On-Call who are on call status (if applicable).

Supporting Documents to be submitted with Application

Legal Documents

a. A  certified   true  copy  of  the  Articles   of  Incorporation,   its  by-laws   and amendments   thereof,   duly   registered   with   SEC   and   in   the   case   of cooperatives at the CDA.

b. DTI Business Name or SEC Registration Certificate. c.     Tax Identification Number (TIN).

d. Mayor ™s Permit or the official receipt as proof of renewal in case application for accreditation was submitted at the first month of the calendar year.

e. A sworn affidavit of the Corporate Secretary of the applicant that none of its officers, employees or directors is an agent of or related by consanguinity or affinity up to the third civil degree to any of the officials authorized to approve its application for accreditation.

Technical Documents

a.     A list of all the ESPs ongoing and completed  trainings/seminars  conducted within the last three (3) years and shall include the following details: Title, duration and venue of the training and also the number of participants.
b.     Competency Matrix of all its trainers, training support staff and faculty on call. c.     List  of  the  names  of  all  officials  and  employees   and  their,  respective designations, nationalities and home addresses.
d.     List  of  identified  training  venues  that  the  ESP  owns,  has  under  lease agreement and/or under purchase agreement.
e.     The type and number of equipment that the ESP owns, has under lease, and or has under purchase agreement.

Financial Documents

a.     The ESPs audited Financial Statement-stamped  œReceived  by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or its duly authorized and accredited institutions, for the immediately  preceding  calendar  year,  showing  among  others,  its total and current assets and liabilities or Certificate of Tax Exemption, in the case of Cooperatives.

b.    Certification from the ESPs depository bank.

c.    The ESP Treasurer's Affidavit certifying under oath that at least 25% of the ESPs capital stock has been subscribed and paid.

d.    Letter authorizing the Agricultural Training Institute to verify any or all of the
Documents submitted.

e.     Certification under oath that each of the documents submitted in satisfaction of the eligibility requirements is an authentic and original copy or a true and faithful reproduction  or copy of the original, complete and that all statement and information provided therein are true and correct.

f.     Certificate   of   good   standing   and   operations   from   CDA,   in   case   of Cooperatives.

Phase 2 - Documentary  Evaluation. Initial screening shall be done through an evaluation  of the documents  submitted  to determine  whether  these documents meet the eligibility requirements set by ATI. A report outlining the results of the review shall be prepared. Documentary evaluation shall be completed within ten (10)  working  days  from  receipt  of  the  application   and  required  supporting documents.

Phase 3 - Ocular Inspection/Validation.  When deemed necessary, upon completion   of  the  documentary   evaluation,   an  ocular   inspection   and  field validation may be conducted to confirm the ESP ™s compliance to approved standards.

A report of its findings and/or recommendations shall be submitted within ten (10) days from the date of the completion of the ocular inspection and field validation

Phase 4 - Approval. The Executive Officer, in the case of National ESPs and the Regional Executive Officer in the case of local ESPs shall approve/disapprove applications  within  ten  (10)  working  days  upon  submission  of  the  Inspection Report.

In case  of non-conformance,  ATI will give  the applicant  five (5) working  days within  which  to  comply  or  submit  the  required  documents.  Failure  to  comply within the prescribed period shall mean automatic disapproval.

Phase 5. Award of the Certificate. Upon approval of the application, the Council through its Executive Officer shall sign and issue the Certificate of Accreditation for regional and national ESPs.

The Regional  Executive  Officer shall indorse  all approved  local applications  to the  Executive  Officer  who  is  vested  with  the  sole  authority  to  issue  such document for issuance of Certificate of Accreditation.

Section 19. Validity of Certificate of Accreditation.  The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issue, unless sooner cancelled by the Council.

Section 20. Audit. During the effectivity period of the accreditation, the National/Regional Council and Secretariat shall conduct Mid-Term Performance Evaluation to verify/ensure continued compliance or conformity to approved standards.

Section 21. Renewal of Accreditation.  Six (6) months prior to the expiration of the accreditation, the accredited ESP may apply for renewal, otherwise the accreditation shall be deemed terminated at the end of the three-year period.

ARTICLE IX
GROUNDS FOR DISAPPROVAL, SUSPENSION OR
CANCELLATION OF ACCREDITATION

Section 22. Disapproval of Application for Accreditation. Making any false declaration or statement or making use of any such declaration or statement on any document submitted, committing fraud or any act of misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining the issuance of accreditation shall be sufficient grounds for disapproval or disqualification.

Section 23. Suspension of Accreditation.  Any of the following acts, omissions or offenses shall be sufficient grounds for the suspension of accreditation:

a.     Failure  to  comply  with  or  violate  any  of  the  conditions  set  forth  in  the certificate of accreditation;

b.     Refusal  of  the  ESP  to  be  audited  to  determine  continued  compliance  to approve standards;

c.     Failure to install corrective measures within an agreed period of time for non conformities found during the audit;

d.    Contract or other agreements with ATI have been breached;

e.     Allowing  the organization  and its facilities  to be used for illegal or immoral activities; and

f.     Failure to submit required reports on time.

Section 24. Length of Suspension                    

An  accredited  ESP  shall  be  suspended  for  a  period  of  not  less  than  six  (6) months or suspension of not more than one (1) year of blacklisting depending on the gravity of the offense/s in violation of this IRR after due notice and hearing by the Council.

Section 25. Cancellation of Accreditation. Any of the following acts, omissions or offenses shall be sufficient grounds for the cancellation of accreditation:

a.     Two (2) consecutive suspensions  during the validity period of the certificate of accreditation;
b.     Failure to provide the extension service /s called without valid reasons; and
c.     Existence of any of the instances enumerated under Section 5 of this Rules.

Section 26. Obligations of the accredited ESP. The accredited ESP agrees to do the following:

a.    Display  the  certificate  of  accreditation  in  a  conspicuous  place  within  the ESP ™s Office.
b.     Inform  the ATI of all changes  significantly  affecting  its activities/  operation (such  as changes  of ownership,  address,  personnel,  and By-laws)  as this may require additional audit.
c.     Not to use its accreditation  in such a manner as to bring ATI into disrepute and does not make any statement regarding its accreditation which ATI may consider misleading or unauthorized.

Section 27. Records and Retention of Documents. ATI shall maintain the documents  of the accredited  ESP for a retention  period of five years after the validity of the accreditation has expired.

Section 28. Database of Accredited ESPs. ATI shall maintain a database of accredited ESPs that shall be available to the public upon request and for a fee of one hundred pesos (PhP100.00)/copy.

Section 29. Notification of Changes in the Accreditation

Procedure.  ATI  shall  notify  the  ESPs  relevant  changes  in  its  accreditation process

Section 30. - Incentives. Once accredited, the ESP shall enjoy the following incentives:

a.    Availment of extension funds subject to an approved project proposal.
b.     Technical  assistance  in  the  availment  of  DA  Agencies'  services  such  as planting materials or fingerlings for their projects.
c.    Technical  assistance  in  the  availment  of  DA-Agribusiness  and  Marketing Assistance Services (DA-AMAS).
d.     Access   to   financial   assistance    thru   lending   institutions    (e.g.,   LBP, QUEDANCOR).
e.    Access to ATI Capability Building Program.
f.     Discounted multi-media knowledge products produced by ATI.
g.     Inclusion in mailing list for both local and international scholarship/fellowship opportunities.

ARTICLE XIII
FUNDING REQUIREMENT

Section 31. Fund Source and Expenditure. Funds for Operational and Administrative  costs for this purpose shall be included  in the regular budget of ATI.

Section  32.  Expenditure  Items.  Members  of the  Councils  who  are  from  the private sector will be entitled to honorarium in the amount of One Thousand Two Hundred  Pesos  (PhP1,200.00)  only  per meeting.  All Council  members  will be entitled to traveling expenses when going to field validate subject to government accounting rules and regulations.

ARTICLE XIV
APPEAL

Section 33. Appeal. Suspensions are appealable in writing to the Director of the Agricultural Training Institute within fifteen (15) working days from receipt of the notice. On the other hand, cancellation or revocation of accreditation are non- appealable.

Section  34.  Separability  Clause.  The  provisions  of  these  Rules  are  hereby declared separable, and in the event that anyone or more of such provisions are declared invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

Section 35. Amendments. As the need arises, the rules and regulations maybe recommended  for  amendment  by  the  Council  through  the  Executive  Officer, subject to the provisions of Section 91 of Administrative Order No. 2 otherwise known as the IRR of RA 8435 (AFMA)for approval by the Secretary, Department of Agriculture.

Section 36. Effectivity. This Rules and Regulations shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its signing and publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

It can only be revoked by writing through the issuance of another Administrative
Order or Memorandum.