2010

NAFC MANUAL OF REGULATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY COUNCILS

AMENDED MANUAL OF REGULATIONS OF THE REGIONAL, PROVINCIAL, INDEPENDENT COMPONENT CITY, CITY, MUNICIPAL AND BARANGAY AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY COUNCILS AS OF JULY 2003

CHAPTER I

Mandate, Objective, Functions

ARTICLE I

Mandate

SECTION 1. The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) is hereby replicated in the regions, provinces, independent component cities, cities, municipalities and barangays to be known as Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (RAFCs), Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils (PAFCs), Independent Component City Agricultural and Fishery Council (ICCAFCs) for Independent Component Cities, City Agricultural and Fishery Councils (CAFCs) for Component cities, Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Councils (MAFCs) and Barangay Agricultural and Fishery Councils (BAFCs) respectively, pursuant to Executive Order No. 116, Rule 113.1 of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order (AO) No. 6, Series of 1998 as affirmed by AO No. 34, Series of 2000, and the mandate of the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA) in order to encourage people participation and empowerment in agriculture and fishery development through sectoral representation in agricultural policy making bodies so that its policies, plans and programs are formulated/executed to satisfy the needs of its clientele and likewise to use bottom-up, self-reliant farm systems approach that will emphasize social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability in the use of agriculture and fishery resources.

ARTICLE II

Objectives

SECTION 1. The objectives of these various Councils are:

a. To provide the fora for consultative and continuing discussions within the agriculture and fishery sectors of the national economy;

b. To act as an integrative and coordinating bodies for agriculture and fisheries modernization;

c. To serve as advisory, monitoring and evaluating bodies;

d. To link the DA and its attached agencies with the Local Government Units (LGUs), business sectors and civil society and; HaDEIc

e. To help ensure the success of the programs and activities of DA and its attached agencies.

ARTICLE III

Functions

SECTION 1. General Functions. — The general functions of these Councils are to identify/assess the diverse needs and resources of the area, and participate in policy assessment and formulation in consultation with government and non-government organizations in agriculture and fishery development.

SECTION 2. Specific Functions. — The specific functions of the Councils are:

a. To conduct regular and special AFC meetings, consultations and congresses with various interest groups to identify opportunities available and to address problems/issues affecting agriculture and fisheries development in the area;

b. To assist the DA and its attached agencies and the agriculture office of the LGUs in monitoring and evaluation and set up an effective feedback mechanism of its plans and programs;

c. To prepare and submit Work and Financial Plan for incorporation to DA-RFUsi regular budget, LGU annual appropriations per existing DILG Memorandum Circular 2001-121 dated September 12, 2001 and other entities to sustain AFC operations;

d. To participate in the review of the approved plans and programs with the corresponding budgetary allocations including special projects of DA, its attached agencies and LGUs;

e. To identify and refer to appropriate legislative bodies issues which will require legislation after consultation with local and national agencies and stakeholders;

f. To promote capability building among AFC officers and members; and

g. To source out/raise funds to sustain its operation.

CHAPTER II

Organizational Structure, Officers, Election, Recall

ARTICLE I

Organizational Structure

SECTION 1. Structure. — The AFC organization tasked as the main consultative and advisory body is replicated in the regional, provincial, independent-component city, component city, municipal and barangay levels. ADCETI

SECTION 2. Composition. — The AFC composition shall be as follows:

a. Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons of region-wide organizations, PAFC Chairpersons, ICCAFC Chairpersons from Independent-Component cities, Regional FARMC representative elected from among FARMC representatives to the PAFC level, leaders of the business and academe organizations, and government sector representatives;

b. Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons of province-wide organizations, MAFC Chairpersons, CAFC Chairpersons of component cities, Provincial FARMC representative elected from the MFARMCs in the province and CFARMCs from component cities respectively, leaders of the business and academe organizations, and government sector representatives. The Chairperson of this Council shall attend the RAFC meeting;

c. Independent-Component City Agricultural and Fishery Council (ICCAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons/representatives of city-wide organizations, BAFC chairperson, CFARMC chairperson, leaders of the business and academe organizations and government sector representatives. The Chairperson of this Council shall attend the RAFC meeting;

d. City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CCAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons of city-wide organizations, BAFC Chairpersons, CFARMC Chairperson, leaders of the business and academe organizations and government sector representatives. The Chairperson of this Council shall attend the PAFC meeting;

e. Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons of municipal-wide organizations, BAFC Chairpersons, Municipal FARMC Chairperson, leaders of the business and academe organizations and government sector representatives; and

f. Barangay Agricultural and Fishery Council (BAFC). This Council shall be composed of Chairpersons of barangay-wide and purok-wide organizations, Barangay FARMC Chairperson and government sector representatives.

ARTICLE II

Officers and Members

SECTION 1. Officers. — The officers of each Council shall be composed of a Chairperson who shall come from the private sector, two Vice-Chairpersons, one coming from the government sector and the other from the private sector, a Treasurer, a Secretariat-Coordinator, an Auditor, and a PRO. Except for the Vice-Chairperson who shall be the highest ranking official of the DA or agriculture office in the locality and the Secretariat-Coordinator, all other officers shall come from the private sector and shall be elected directly by its members.

Once elected, the Chairperson shall immediately relinquish his/her right as the official representative of his/her organization during AFC meetings. His/Her organization shall designate an authorized representative to represent the organization during the meeting.

SECTION 2. Terms of Office. — The terms of office of the elected officers shall be two (2) years with the right to reelection. Their terms of office shall commence on the first working day of July following the month of their election and shall expire on June 30 of the second year or until a successor has been elected. ITSacC

The Vice-Chairperson from the government sector shall hold office for as long as he/she is the highest ranking official of the DA/agriculture office in the locality.

SECTION 3. Qualifications. —

A. Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson (Private Sector)

1. Must be an official representative of bona fide private organization in accordance to Chapter II, Article I, Section 2 of this Manual of Regulations;

2. Must be a Filipino citizen, of good moral standing in the area/community;

3. Must possess strong leadership qualities;

4. Must be familiar with the local agriculture and fisheries situation in his/her locality;

5. Must be engaged in agriculture and fishery related activities;

6. Must have at least three (3) years experience at the RAFC level, 2 years experience at the PAFC level and 1 year experience at the MAFC level and;

7. Willing to serve voluntarily and fully support all activities of the Council.

B. Other Officers/Members

1. Must be an official representative of a bona fide private organization in accordance to Chapter II, Article I, Section 2 of this Manual of Regulations;

2. Must be a Filipino citizen, and of good moral standing in the area/community;

3. Must be familiar with the local agriculture and fisheries situation in his/her locality;

4. Willing to participate actively in all deliberations and meetings of the Council;

5. Willing to serve voluntarily and fully support all activities of the Council; and

6. Government sector agencies must be represented by an official representative designated by the Agency Head.

SECTION 4. Functions of Officers. —

1. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Council. As such, he shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Preside and chair all meetings of the Council;

b. Exercise general supervision and control over operations and administration of the Council;

c. Sign all papers, contracts and other documents for and in behalf of the Council subject to the policies and guidelines of the Council;

d. Represent the Council in matters/meetings in which representation may be required or as agreed upon by the members of the Council;

e. Call special meetings whenever deemed necessary;

f. Approve all vouchers and countersign all checks and withdrawals of all generated funds, or payments to be made by the Council subject for review and confirmation of the members of the Council;

g. Countersign all checks disbursement made by the Treasurer.

h. Present to the members during regular meetings a comprehensive report on accomplishments done during the preceding month(s);

i. Furnish NAFC consolidated quarterly reports from AFC concerned;

j. Oversee the preparation of the agenda, minutes and resolutions or position papers of the Council meetings; EaHATD 

k. Solicit support from the LGUs and other entities for the operation of the Council; and

l.  Perform such other functions as may be required by the Council.

2. Vice-Chairperson from the Government Sector. The Vice-Chairperson from the government sector shall be the highest ranking official of the DA/agriculture office in the locality, namely: RED, PA, CA, MA and AT, respectively. They shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Provide assistance to the Chairperson of the Council in the performance of his/her duties and functions;

b. Coordinate the support services/facilities of government agencies for the use of the Council;

c. Provide other logistics necessary for the Council to operationalize smoothly;

d. Appoint a full-time Secretariat-Coordinator and other staff to assist the Council;

e. Attend regular meeting of the Council and serve as a liaison officer of the Council with other agencies;

f. Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Council.

3. Vice-Chairperson from the Private Sector. The Vice-Chairperson from the private sector shall likewise assist the Chairperson in the performance of his/her functions. Henceforth, he shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Coordinate the support of the private sector groups in the Council;

b. Act as Chairperson in case of the latter is absence;

c. Take over the Chairmanship in case of permanent disability, death, removal, resignation or automatic disqualification, government election or appointment to higher position or recall;

d. Solicit the support from the LGUs and other entities for the operations of the Council; and

e. Perform such other duties and functions as may be delegated by the Chairperson/Council.

4. Secretariat-Coordinator. A full-time Secretariat-Coordinator shall be appointed by the Vice-Chairperson from the government sector. The functions of a Secretariat-Coordinator shall be:

a. Prepare the minutes, agenda and notice of all meetings of the Council;

b. Record the attendance and proceedings of all meetings of the Council;

c. Prepare and assure that all notices are duly given in accordance with (Chapter III Section 7); EDCIcH

d. Furnish the Chairperson and the other officers and members of the Council certified copies of the minutes of the meetings;

e. Keep all records and pertinent documents of the Council;

f. Keep the seal of the Council and when authorized by the Council, affix such seal to any paper or document requiring the same;

g. Consolidate reports of concerned Councils, respectively for submission to NAFC;

h. Facilitate the releases, monitor disbursement and liquidation of the AFC Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses fund (AFCMOOE) copy furnished the AFC Treasurer; and perform all duties incidental to the office of the Secretariat-Coordinator and those that may be assigned to him/her by the Chairperson and/or the Council.

5. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Have custody, control and accountability of private funds and properties of the Council;

b. Disburse all administrative expenditures and dispose of them properly under the direction of the Chairperson and/or the majority of the Council members;

c. Deposit all private funds in a bank previously authorized by the Council and sign all checks, funds and other similar valuable effects for disbursement of all expenditures and liabilities of the Council;

d. Issue official receipts for any sum of money or property received by him/her for the Council;

e. Render financial reports on both government and private funds during regular meetings, and keep inventories of the books and other properties in the custody of other officers of the Council;

f. Keep up-to-date the proper book of accounts;

g. Furnish any officer or member or government agency with a copy of updated duly audited and need be financial statement of the Council when so requested or required; EASCDH

h. Perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Chairperson and/or the Council. He shall post a bond in an amount to be approved by the Council.

6. Auditor. The Auditor shall have the duty to inspect, examine and audit all transactions, financial or otherwise, made by the Chairperson, other officers and/or the Council itself and shall submit reports thereof to the Council on a quarterly basis.

7. Press Relations Officer (PRO). The PRO shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. Publicize the accomplishments of the Council;

b. Consult the Chairperson on all documents for press release;

c. Assist the Council on matters related to media and print;

d. May act as spokesperson of the Council upon authority of the Chairperson;

e. Provide the Council on updates and news on agriculture programs;

f. Document and cover with photographs/video and tape all special events/affairs of the Council;

g. Prepare an information campaign work plan for the AFCs; and

h. Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Council.

SECTION 5. Sectoral Committee Chairpersons. — The identified sectors of agriculture and fishery such as food crops, livestock and feed crops, fisheries and aquatic resources, agricultural mechanization; and commercial crops shall have a Chairperson who shall be elected by the Council from the private sector, and two (2) committee members, one each from the private and government sector.

Their roles and functions shall be as follows:

a. Conduct sectoral meetings and consultations;

b. Review and elevate sectoral issues and concerns to the Council;

c. Recommend policies and action programs to the Council;

d. Represent and attend sectoral fora;

e. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Council; and

f. Present to the members during regular meetings a comprehensive report on accomplishments done during the preceding month(s).

The Council may opt to establish/create other sectoral committees related to agriculture and fisheries deemed necessary at their level;

SECTION 6. Duties and Responsibilities of the Members. — The members shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

a. To obey and comply with the rules, regulations and policies promulgated by the Council;

b. To attend and participate in all meetings that may be called by the Chairperson or majority of the Council members; and

c. To preserve, defend and safeguard the good name of the Council.

SECTION 7. Rights of Members. — The members of the Council shall have the following rights:

a. To exercise the right to vote in all matters relating to the affairs of the Council;

b. To be eligible to any elective or appointive office of the Council as long as endorsed by bonafide organizations;

c. To participate in all deliberations/meetings of the Council;

d. To avail of all the facilities and services of the Council;

e. To examine all the records or books of the Council during business hours; and,

f. To exercise power of recall for loss of confidence subject to limitations stipulated at Chapter II Article IV Section 2. TSDHCc

ARTICLE III

Election

SECTION 1. Manner and Time of Election. — The manner of election shall be by secret ballot. Members are entitled to one vote. Only newly elected Chairperson and officially registered members in the AFC Profile at all levels are qualified to vote. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed and nomination in absentia is not allowed.

The AFC elections shall be held during the month of June as follows:

a. BAFC — 1st week of June 2004 and every 2 years thereafter;

b. MAFC/CAFC — 2nd week of June 2004 and every 2 years thereafter;

c. PAFC/ICCAFC — 3rd week of June 2004 and every 2 years thereafter; and

d. RAFC — 4th week of June 2004 and every 2 years thereafter.

The elections of officers of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) such as the BAFC, MAFC, CAFC, ICCAFC, PAFC and RAFC under this Manual of Regulations as amended, shall be in the month of June 2004. All elections to be held shall be every two (2) years thereafter.

SECTION 2. Right of Succession. — The Chairperson if elected to the same position to the next higher level shall automatically relinquish his/her position to the next in rank. No Chairperson shall be allowed to hold the same position in two (2) different AFC levels. Other officers however, except the Chairperson shall be allowed to do otherwise.

SECTION 3. Vacancies. — In case of vacancy arising from any of, but not limited to the following causes such as death, permanent incapacity, removal, resignation or automatic disqualification, election or appointment to higher position and recall, a special election shall be called within fifteen (15) days from the date the vacancy occurs by the majority of the remaining members in a meeting duly called for that purpose. The elected officer shall serve only for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor. No special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within two (2) months prior to the date of regular election.

When the vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson for the Private Sector shall automatically act and serve as Chairperson for the duration of the unexpired term of his/her predecessor as mandated under Chapter II Article II Sec. 4, 3c of this Manual. As a result of the vacancy in the Office of the Vice-Chairperson, a special election shall be called for.

In case of vacancy in the office of the Vice-Chairperson from the Government Sector, the Officer-in-Charge of the office of which he/she is representing shall likewise act as the Vice-Chairperson until the appointment and assumption of office of his/her successor has been completed.

SECTION 4. Automatic Disqualification. — Any officer at the MAFC, CAFC, ICCAFC, PAFC, RAFC levels is automatically resigned upon filing of his/her candidacy for any government elective position except the BAFC Officers running for barangay positions. HScaCT

Any officer appointed in any government position shall automatically resign in his/her position except if appointed as representative for private sector in an executive board/committee/technical working group of a government office.

 

ARTICLE IV

Recall

SECTION 1. By Whom and to Whom Exercised. — The power of recall for loss of confidence shall be exercised by the members of the Council to which the official subject of the recall belongs. Any officer may be subjected to a recall except the Secretariat-Coordinator and the Vice Chairperson from the government who shall act as the Chairperson of the Recall Committee.

SECTION 2. Initiation of Recall. — The recall shall be initiated upon by the members by filing a petition duly signed by the majority which is fifty per cent (50%) plus 1 member of the total registered members (as of most recent election) of the Council citing the cause of the loss of confidence.

SECTION 3. Creation of Recall Committee. — The petition for recall at the RAFC level shall be forwarded to the Vice Chairperson from the Government Sector of the RAFC concerned. He will inform NAFC and move for the creation of a Recall Committee who shall verify the authenticity and genuineness of the petition within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt of the petition.

The same procedure shall apply at the PAFC/ICCAFC levels. At the MAFC/CAFC levels, the petition for recall shall be forwarded to the Vice-Chairperson from the government sector in the PAFC/ICCAFC levels who shall create a Recall Committee to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the petition within 15 working days upon receipt of the petition.

At the BAFC level, the petition for recall shall be forwarded to the Vice-Chairperson from the government sector at the MAFC/CAFC levels who shall create a recall committee to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the petition within 15 working days upon receipt of the petition.

SECTION 4. Composition of Recall Committee. — At the RAFC and PAFC/ICCAFC levels the Recall Committee shall be composed of the Vice-Chairperson from the Government in the RAFC and two (2) representatives, one RAFC Coordinator and a Private Sector representative who is the Chairperson of the Electoral Board of the most recent election.

At the MAFC/CAFC levels the committee shall be composed of the Vice-Chairperson from the government sector in the PAFC/ICCAFC and two (2) members, the PAFC/ICCAFC Coordinator and private sector who is the Chairperson of the electoral board of the most recent election.

SECTION 5. Recall Proceedings. — Upon proving probable causes, the Chairperson of the Recall Committee shall call for a special session within thirty (30) days upon receipt of the petition. The committee shall then call for a vote of no confidence which shall ratify the petition with the concurrence of fifty percent (50%) plus one of the total registered members.

Upon ratification of the recall petition the provision on Chapter II Article III Sec. 3 of this Manual shall automatically take effect. ACEIac

SECTION 6. Notification. — Upon ratification of the petition, the Recall Committee shall inform NAFC and other AFC levels of its decision which shall become final and executory.

CHAPTER III

Meetings

SECTION 1. Regular Meetings. — Each Council shall hold synchronized regular monthly meetings at any date, time and place determined by the members. Regular meetings shall be held as follows:

a. BAFCs — 1st week of the month

b. MAFC/CAFC — 2nd week of the month

c. PAFC/ICCAFC — 3rd week of the month

d. RAFC — 4th week of the month

SECTION 2. Sectoral Meetings. — Sectoral meetings may be called upon by the Chairperson or by the Council or by the Sectoral Committee Chairperson at any given date, time and place of meetings to discuss critical sectoral issues and concerns that require thorough review and deliberations.

SECTION 3. Special Meetings. — Special meetings of the Councils may be called upon by the Chairperson to discuss local issues and concerns that require thorough studies. In case of his/her absence, the acting chairperson or upon written request of the majority of the members, may call a special meeting.

SECTION 4. National RAFC Summit Meetings. — The National RAFC Summit Meetings may be called by majority of the RAFC chairpersons through NAFC to review and assess AFC and DA plans, programs, operations, issues and concerns, updates and other unfinished businesses. This shall be hosted by a group of RAFC Chairpersons on a rotational basis every six (6) months.

SECTION 5. Consultative Meetings. — An AFC Chairperson or his/her representative may participate and attend national and local consultative meetings as deemed necessary to gather immediate feedback or information on issues and concerns.

In some cases, the Council members may organize themselves into groups to conduct consultative meetings, information dissemination and/or conduct thorough studies on specific issues in their localities.

SECTION 6. Annual Performance Review and Planning Activity. — An annual review and planning activity shall be conducted by the AFCs to review the accomplishments versus targets and prepare the Annual AFC Work and Financial Plan of the preceding year for submission to the LGU, DA-RFU and other entities.

SECTION 7. Notice of Meetings. — Notice of the date, time and place of regular/special meetings shall be sent at least two weeks before the date set for such meeting.

In the case of RAFC and PAFC/ICCAFC meetings, notices shall also be sent to NAFC at least two (2) weeks before the date of the said meeting. It shall include the agenda of the scheduled meeting and the minutes of the previous meeting. cEHITA

SECTION 8. Quorum. — A quorum for any meeting shall consist of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) member of the total membership, or the majority.

SECTION 9. Order of Business. — The order of business of the regular meeting shall be as follows:

a. Call to Order;

b. Roll Call;

c. Opening Prayer;

d. National Anthem;

e. Presentation and Approval of the Agenda;

Prescribed agenda content:

Reports of the Chairperson and Treasurer

Reports of the Local Sectoral Committees

Reports of the National Sectoral Committees

Advocacy Priority Agenda with updates on Laws,

Policies and Programs

Communications Received

f. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting;

g. Matters Arising from the Previous Minutes;

h. Unfinished Business; ASCTac

i. New Business;

j. Other Matters; and

k. Adjournment with Closing Prayer

The order of business in any meeting may be changed by a majority vote of the members present.

SECTION 10. Expected Output. — Issues and concerns, resolutions, agreements and action taken shall be consolidated and submitted to the next AFC level copy furnished NAFC for integration, analysis and appropriate action.

CHAPTER IV

Electoral Board

ARTICLE I

Composition, Powers, Decision, Order or Award, Indigenous Scheme

SECTION 1. Composition. — Each Council shall elect three members who will compose the electoral board and who are not candidates to be composed of a chairperson from the private sector and one (1) member from the government and one (1) private sector at least sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled election. They shall serve independently to ensure free, orderly and honest elections.

SECTION 2. Powers. — The Electoral Board shall have the powers to adopt rules and regulations necessary to govern election procedures subject to the approval of the Council, as provided under Chapter II, Article II, Sections 1, 2 and 3a and Article III Section 1 of this Manual. The Board has the power to decide and settle all contests relative to the conduct of elections. Any protest should be filed either verbally or written to the Board prior to the formal announcement.

SECTION 3. Decision, Order or Award. — Any decision, order or award by the Electoral Board is final and executory.

SECTION 4. Appeal. — The aggrieved party may appeal to the NAFC on the decision of the Board.

SECTION 5. Indigenous Scheme. — The Council may adopt the indigenous scheme where applicable.

SECTION 6. Technical Supervision. — The Electoral Board of RAFCs and PAFCs shall be under the technical supervision of NAFC/RAFC Secretariat while the Electoral Board of MAFCs and BAFCs shall be under the technical supervision of PAFC Secretariat. The Councils concerned shall inform NAFC at least thirty (30) days before the scheduled election. HAIaEc

CHAPTER V

Provisions

ARTICLE I

General Provisions

SECTION 1. Leave of Absence. — Any officer, for justifiable reasons, may file a leave of absence not exceeding ninety (90) days. Absences exceeding ninety (90) days shall automatically render the position vacant unless a written application for extension has been filed with the Secretariat-Coordinator subject to the approval of the Council.

SECTION 2. Withdrawal and Resignation. — Any member of the Council, for any reason, withdraw his membership from the Council by giving thirty (30) days notice to the Secretariat-Coordinator who shall refer the same to the Council for proper action.

SECTION 3. Suspension and Termination. — Any member of the Council may file a written complaint under oath to the Secretariat-Coordinator against a member based on any of, but not limited to the following grounds:

a. When a member has not attended a regular meeting for three (3) consecutive times without any valid reasons;

b. When a member has continuously failed to comply with his obligations:

c. When a member has violated any of the provisions of this Manual of Regulations; and

d. For any act of commission or omission injurious or prejudicial to the interest or welfare of the Council.

The Chairman shall call a special meeting of the members to consider the charges. The affirmative vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) member of the total membership of the Council shall be necessary to suspend or terminate the membership of a member.

ARTICLE II

Miscellaneous Provisions

SECTION 1. Fiscal Year. — The fiscal year of the Councils shall be from July 1st to June 30 of each year.

SECTION 2. Seal. — The Councils shall adopt the seal of the NAFC.

SECTION 3. Repeals. — The Manual of Regulations dated 20 August 1998 is hereby repealed, henceforth, provisions inconsistent with the new Manual are hereby revoked.

SECTION 4. Amendments. — The majority of the members of the RAFC Chairpersons Association may at any regular or special meeting call for the proposed amendments in this Manual upon consultation with the local AFCs. The proposal shall be submitted to the Office of the Executive Director, NAFC for review. TDcHCa

SECTION 5. Ratification. — This Manual of Regulations shall be ratified by the majority which is fifty percent (50%) plus (1) one of the total Chairpersons of the RAFCs and PAFCs present during the regional/special meeting called for such purpose. There should be resolutions endorsing the ratification of Manual of regulations. Said ratification shall be in the form of resolution and signed by RAFC and PAFC Chairs.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. — This amended Manual of Regulation shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

ARTICLE III

AFC Fund Generation and Management

SECTION 1. AFC Fund. — The funds of the Council shall be derived from special assessments, gifts, donations, benefits, grants from persons/natural or juridical and funding agencies, both local and foreign, and other fund sourcing activities of the AFC.

SECTION 2. AFC Fund Utilization. — All AFC generated funds, sourced from those that are specified under Section 1, shall be utilized for its operations and other related AFC activities.

SECTION 3. Guarantee Fund. — This fund refers to the savings generated by the Councils out of its programs/projects.

SECTION 4. Disbursements. — Withdrawal of funds, whether cash or check, shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from the government.

SECTION 5. Depository Bank. — Each Council shall identify depository bank of its convenience and authorize three members to transact business with the said bank.

CHAPTER VI

Definition of Terms/Acronyms

1. AFC (Agricultural and Fishery Council) — a special body created under Executive Order 116 to encourage private sector participation in agriculture and fishery development through consultation, advocacy, planning, monitoring and project evaluation.

2. AFC Foundation of the Philippines, Incorporated — an independent private organization whose membership is open to all levels of the AFCs, individuals and associations/cooperatives directly and/or indirectly involved in agriculture and fisheries whose main objective is to assist and strengthen the local AFC network.

3. AFMA — Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997.

4. AT — Agriculture Technician

5. CAFC — City Agricultural and Fishery Council, an agricultural and fishery council operating within a component city.

6. CA — City Agriculturist

7. Component City — are those cities whose voters are allowed to elect their provincial officials.

8. DA — Department of Agriculture

9. FARMC (Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council) — A special body created under RA 8550 otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. It acts as advisory body for the protection, sustainable development and management of fishery and aquatic resources. It is established at the national, municipal and barangay levels composed of representatives from the LGUs, NGOs, DA and fisherfolk organizations. TcSICH

10. GO — Government Organization, refers to an agency, department, bureau, corporations of the government both national and local which provide logistic support to the AFCs.

11. ICCAFC (Independent-Component City Agricultural and Fishery Council), an Agricultural and Fishery Council operating within an independent-component city and highly urbanized city.

12. Independent Component City — are those whose voters are prohibited from voting for provincial elective officials including those classified as Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs).

13. Indigenous Scheme — election method exclusively for local AFCs whose composition come from indigenous groans that involve cultural considerations.

14. MA — Municipal Agriculturist

15. NAFC Secretariat — is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture mandated to ensure broad-based private sector participation for sustainable countryside development by nurturing a nationwide network of AFCs.

16. NGO — Non-Government Organization, an agency, institution, a foundation or a group of persons whose purpose is to assist people's organizations/associations in various ways.

17. PA — Provincial Agriculturist

18. PO — People's Organization, a bona fide association of citizens with demonstrated capacity to promote the public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership and structure. Its members belong to a certain sector/s that voluntarily organized themselves for their upliftment, development and greater good.

19. RED — Regional Executive Director

20. Technical Supervision — presence of NAFC/DA-RFU representative at the time of RAFC/PAFC elections and PAFC Coordinators at the time of MAFC elections who shall act as technical adviser and observer during the election process. cHaDIA