Chapter 2: Action Agenda

 LOWLAND / AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEM

ISSUES /
CONCERNS
STRATEGY /
ACTION AGENDA
TARGETS TIME
TABLE
INSTITUTIONS
INVOLVED
1.  Implementation of a genuine (pro-farmer / landless) Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) 1.1  Strengthen implementing bodies of CARP (i.e., ARCs, MARO, PARCOM) through capability-building programs

1.2  Ensure genuine PO/NGO participation in the agriculture and agrarian reform councils, cognizant of indigenous culture, traditions and practices

1.3  Expedite the identification and provision of support services (i.e., infrastructure technology and other resources) to ARC

1.4  Re-evaluate the impact of CARP through intensive and participatory research, enact appropriate ordinances and initiate measures to ensure its effective implementation 

1996 onwards DAR, DA, DOST, POs/NGOs
2.  Absence of a National Agricultural Land Use Policy 2.1  Formulate and strictly implement a national agricultural land use policy/plan through ecoprofiling and physical framework planning at the national, regional, provincial and local levels, based on a thorough assessment of DA's MTADP A comprehensive land use policy that considers the adverse effect of agrarian reform on the collateral value of agricultural land shall be pushed

Agricultural lands which are not negotiable for conversion identified/designated

Regulations on land use conversion circularized

Tenurial rights over agricultural lands being titled by farmers formalized

2.2  Institute an integrated policy framework in the planning and management of lowland/ agricultural ecosystems to attain sustainable agriculture DA will exert pressure toward influencing public expenditure in rural infrastructure and HRD and in shaping an appropriate macroeconomic environment by becoming an active member of the economic policy team of the Government

Irrigation facilities like small water impounding systems, communal irrigation systems, shallow tube wells, deep irrigation, etc. promoted and sustained

1997 - 1998 DA, DAR, DENR, LGUs, NGOs/POs, cooperatives
2.3  Constitute a committee of regional land use master plan with no less than 50% of members coming from NGOs/POs based in the region Land use master plan committee established per region 1997 onwards DAR, DENR, POs, NGOs, cooperatives
2.4  Review taxation policies on idle agricultural lands / impose idle land tax Idle lands developed into integrated production areas DAR, DA, DOF, POs/NGOs, cooperatives
2.5  Implement measures on the rational conversion of agricultural lands
(a) Expand membership of Technical Committee for Land Use Matters (TeCLUM) Special order on the expansion of TeCLUM membership improved 1996 - 1997 DA - TeCLUM
(b) Strict compliance to the set of guidelines prohibiting conversion of agricultural lands with existing or planned irrigation facilities DA Administrative Order on the Guidelines on the Certification of Viability of Agricultural Land (CVAL/CNVAL) approved 1996 - 1997 DA - TeCLUM
Application for CVAL/CNVAL processed 1996 onwards DA, DENR, LGUs
(c) Update the Network of Agricultural Area for Development (NAAD)  Inventory and mapping of prime agricultural lands of 76 provinces conducted 1997 - 2005 DA - BSWM, DENR, LGUs
(d) Establish Land Resource Information System LRIS to 1,600 LGUs implemented 1997 - 2005
2.6  Promote effective soil and water conservation through activities that would:
(a) Ensure that land is used for suitable crops or whatever purpose Soil suitability classification for Key Commercial Crop Areas identified in MTADP 1996 - 1998 DA - BSWM
(b) Improve organic matter content and soil structure, crop cover, crop rotations Researches on accumulated effects of organic matter application on fertility and physico-chemical and biological properties of soils conducted 1996 - 2001 DA - BSWM, research institutions
(c) Management of rainwater Small scale water resource development projects established and monitored 1996 onwards DA - BSWM, LGUs
(d) Intensify efforts to reduce run-off before attempting to control its flow Integrated Soil Conservation Projects "Guided Farm" established 1996 onwards DA - BSWM, LGUs
(e) Maintain adequate plant cover  Integrated Soil Conservation Projects "Guided Farm" established
(f) Provide incentives to farmers for some of the cost of conservation tillage, residue management, and other appropriate practices Integrated Soil Conservation Projects "Guided Farm" established
(g) Promote cooperation between technical staff and local communities Memorandum of Agreement among DA, LGUs, and communities forged

Government permits and licenses to conform with environment-friendly activities examined and reviewed 

1996 onwards DA - BSWM, LGUs
3.  Impacts of Agriculture on Marginal Lands (already in production) 3.1 Conduct an assessment of land degradation Assessment conducted nationwide

Projects that ensure the regeneration of marginal lands for agriculture implemented

1996 - 1998 DA - BSWM, DENR, DOST, LGUs
3.2  Implement a program that would encourage integrated crop and livestock farming system One demo farm established per district

High value crops promoted to increase incomes and productivity of farmers

Suitable agroforestry systems such as SALT (Sloping Agricultural Land Technology) and CAROLL (Cattle Raising on Limited lands) developed and implemented

1996 - 2006 DA, DENR, LGUs, DOST
4.  Deterioration of Shore and Water Quality due to Pollution 4.1  Monitor soil erosion rates and sedimentation measurement Monitoring undertaken nationwide 1996 - 2000 DA - BSWM, LGUs
5.  Food Security  5.1  Launch a nationwide program for sustained increase in domestic food production (Gintong Ani) through productivity-enhancing measures For Gintong Ani for rice:

- 1.2 million ha covering all provinces (62, priority 1; 14, priority 2) 

 

1996 - 2000

 

DA, LGUs, DOST, POs/NGOs, cooperatives

- projected target average yields of 5 MT /ha in irrigated areas and 3 MT /ha in non-irrigated areas 1996 - 2000 DA, LGUs, DOST, POs/NGOs, cooperatives
For Gintong Ani for corn:
- 750,000 ha covered spread in 27 top corn producing provinces

- projected production of 2.80 mmt using hybrid, single-cross hybrid and OPV varieties

1996 - 1997 DA, LGUs, DOST, POs/NGOs, cooperatives
- improved varieties of OPV introduced in non-program areas through the collaboration of SUCs and NGOs 1996 - 1997 DA, LGUs, SUCs, NGOs
5.2  Sustained production of other cash crops, livestock and fish products
5.3  Put in place a policy framework to stabilize food prices and reduce supply fluctuations through trade without adversely affecting domestic production All subsidies on output and input prices (except those on public goods) removed to ensure program sustainability 1996 - 2000  DA, NEDA
All policy-induced costs of production eliminated (i.e., non-tariff barriers, tariffs and taxes on agricultural inputs removed and greater access to credit at competitive rates facilitated) 1996 - 2000 DA, NEDA
Corn policy delineating corn for food security and for feed purposes streamlined 1996 - 2000 DA, NEDA
5.4  Provide efficient support services to include incentives (irrigation, credit, access roads to and from production areas, pre and post harvest facilities, etc.) encourage private sector participation, and strengthen cooperation among the DA, LGUs, state universities and colleges and other private sector The Irrigation and Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Act of 1996 (this is the revised Irrigation Crisis Bill) passed and implemented 1996 - 1997 DA, NEDA, DOST
Irrigation infrastructure development expanded and intensified: new systems constructed and existing national systems rehabilitated, covering an additional 8,876 ha and a total service area of 927,268 ha 1996 - 2000 DA, LGUs
4,192 units of STWs established as supplement to large systems 1996 - 1997 DA, LGUs
A total of 162 Small Water Impounding (SWIP) projects established to provide irrigation to some 8,775 ha

 Farm to market roads constructed and rehabilitated in the program areas for a total of 8,000 km

1996 - 1997 DA, DOST, LGUs
Technical supervision of agricultural extension services restored to the DA to synchronize national and local agricultural programs 1997 - 2000 DA, DOST, LGUs, AFCs, cooperatives
A Memorandum of Agreement within the framework of the 1991 Local Government Code forged by the DA with the LGUs to define respective responsibilities regarding program implementation, including the set of production targets at the local level 1997
Farmers' Information and Technological Services (FITS) Center established per municipality DA, LGUs, cooperatives, AFCs
5.5  Maintain a buffer stock for lean production periods and emergency purposes to be administered The  present (1996) strategic rice reserve equivalent to 15 days consumption maintained by the NFA at any given time 1996 - 2000 DA, LGUs, cooperatives
Buffer stocks shall be used mainly for emergency purposes, namely: (1) emergency arising from unforeseen fluctuations of weather and/or incidence of natural calamities; and (2) relates the possibility of disruption in the world market But by July 1, it shall increase the rice reserve by an additional supply equivalent to 30 days consumption.  Thereafter, it shall maintain a 90-day buffer stock from July 1 - September 30
The NFA will continue its palay procurement (440,000 MT in 1996) for buffer stocking purposes during the lean months (July - September) 1996 - 2000 DA
5.6  Strengthen germplasm / seedbanks for indigenous Philippine species Seedbanks, where indigenous Philippine species are preserved, established and maintained

Traditional varieties which are pest and disease-resistant re-introduced

1997 - 2000 DA, DOST
5.7  Adopt a food subsidy program tied up to participation in revised work program for the present segment of the population (i.e., food stamps through the DSWD) Ration shops in areas accessible to the poor/nutritionally disadvantaged groups established

Give priority and allow POs and NGOs to be investors

Provide accessible funding/loan facility

Encourage contract growing

Strengthen and establish cooperatives, stronger government support, neutralize the competition

Support the development of community-based full cycle food processing technologies and support services, including marketing e.g. calamansi

1997 - 2000 DA, DSWD
5.8  Review national, regional (ASEAN) and international (APEC, WTO, GATT, Group of 77 Food Security Summit) policies and agreements with regard to foreign trade, economic integration, trade potentials and trading system, among others in compliance with PA 21 1996 - 2000 DA, NEDA, DOST
5.9  Increase knowledge-base on agricultural production, ecosystems functions and economic valuation of agri-ecosystems through valuation studies, and other researches About 9,600 extension workers re-equipped with agricultural extension tools and technologies appropriate for rice production and the different components of the Gintong Ani program 1997 - 2000 DA-ATI, LGUs, DOST, Agriculture and Fisheries Councils
Socio-economic and policy studies, benchmark and impact assessment and policy needs of the Gintong Ani program conducted 1997 - 2000 DA, LGUs, SUCs, DOST, AFCs
Policy studies on the dynamic shifts of marginal areas to alternative activities (e.g., livestock and key commercial crop banner programs) conducted 1997 - 2000 DAR, BAR, LGUs, SUCs, DOST, AFCs
Policy studies on the interface and impacts of trade liberalization policy (particularly com competitiveness and sustainability) conducted 1997 - 2000 DAR, BAR, LGUs, SUCs, DOST, AFCs
5.10  Develop databases on agriculture Strategic database of the Bureau Agricultural Statistics maintained and improved 1997 -2000 DA-BAS
Flow and exchange of market price information (domestic and international) strengthened 1997 - 2000 DA-BAS, NGOs, AFCs, cooperatives
Farmers information centers established and agricultural marketing information systems (AGMARIS) implemented at the local level 1997 -2000 DA-BAS, LGUs, NGOs, DOST
5.11  Prepare and implement a research program that would develop/adopt/promote appropriate technologies on sustainable agriculture R & D allocation increased 1997 -2000 NEDA, DA, DBM,DOST
Research and extension re-oriented and linkages improved 1997 -2000 DA, research institutions, DOST
Adequately equipped research stations in key areas on the country provided 1997 - 2000 DA, research institutions, LGUs,  DOST
Research capacity of state universities and colleges in various regions of the country enhanced 1997 - 2000 DA, research institutions, SUCs, DOST
Public sector research moved away from commodity sectors (i.e., banana and pineapple) in which the private sector research is active 1997 - 2000 DA, research institutions, DOST
Endowment fund for sustainable agriculture established
6.  Dependence, Excessive and Improper Use of Pesticides and Inorganic Fertilizers/Chemicals 6.1  Immediately ban the marketing and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) such as toxic pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, including petroleum-based chemical inputs on agriculture Alternative Pest Management (APM) activities included in the implementation of the four banner programs of DA 1996 onwards DA, research institutions
6.2  Promote chemical-free agriculture: environmentally-friendly biological control techniques and organic farming Training conducted and IPM demo sites established 1996 onwards DA, PhilRice, LGUs, DOST, NGOs
6.3  Re-introduce use of traditional varieties which are pest and disease-resistant More pest-resistant varieties introduced 1996 onwards DA, PhilRice, LGUs, DOST, NGOs
6.4  Review polices to ensure the promotion of sustainable agriculture Education campaign conducted and organic farming (e.g., rapid composting, IPM) and safe judicious use of chemicals promoted
6.5  Promote diversified intensive farming systems IEC on sustainable traditional farming practices, including promotion of environment-oriented farms in each municipality undertaken

Capability-building programs on participatory resource management, notably in integrated production, processing and marketing activities, organic farming and other areas of sustainable agriculture conducted

Appropriate land use through community-based resource management, research and inventory of existing sustainable practices and multi-sectoral monitoring schemes ensured

7.  Lack of Economic Incentives and Support for Sustainable Agriculture 7.1  Increase non-farm employment for small farmers, fisherfolks and the landless Training on income-generating projects like food processing and agricultural/ fishery by-products, handicraft, etc. conducted 1996 - 2005 DA, DTI, DENR, LGUs, NGOs, cooperatives
Access to credit by small- and medium-scale enterprises facilitated 1996 - 2005 DA, DTI, DENR, LGUs, DOST, NGOs
7.2  Promote community-based resource management hinged on cooperativism Existing project-base organization towards community-based resource management strengthened 1996 - 2005 DA, CDA, DTI, DENR, DOST, AFCs, NGOs, LGUs, cooperatives
7.3  Give priority and allow POs to be investors
7.4  Provide accessible funding/loan facilities to POs/cooperatives
7.5  Encourage contract growing
7.6  Strengthen and establish cooperatives and provide incentives for their development and sustainability
7.7  Support the development of community-based full cycle food processing technologies
8.  Lack of Stakeholder Participation in Planning and Management of Agricultural Ecosystems 8.1  Implement programs that provide security of tenure Community-based projects implemented through a Memorandum of Agreement with concerned stakeholders defining roles and responsibilities  1996 -2005 DA, CDA, DTI, DENR, DOST, NGOs, LGUs
8.2  Conduct farmer-based information, education and communications on sustainable agriculture Management training particularly in planning and resource allocation and management to the stakeholders conducted 1996 - 2005 DA, CDA, DTI, DENR, DOST, NGOs, LGUs
Training and education drive on sustainable agriculture conducted 1996 - 2005 DA, CDA, DTI, DENR, DOST, NGOs, LGUs, SUCs

List of ACRONYMS

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