DILIMAN, Quezon City – One of the proposed priority legislative agenda and reform measures of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is the Magna Carta for Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). This is to accord our extension workers with their duly-guaranteed rights and privileges provided by the Constitution, and other existing laws. Likewise, to foster improved working environment geared towards the provision of quality extension services to local farmers and fishers.
A Consultation-Workshop on the Review and Solicitation of Support for the Proposed Magna Carta for AEWs was virtually conducted last September 8, 2020 to discuss and update specific provisions of the draft Magna Carta Bill to strengthen its merits and legitimacy. Spearheaded by ATI’s Policy and Planning Division (PPD), the activity was participated by Dr. Rosana P. Mula, ATI Deputy Director along with ATI Central Office Division Chiefs, selected Training Center Directors/representatives, and other key staff. Former ATI Assistant Director, Dr. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo served as the facilitator of the said consultation.
During the plenary, Dr. Esquejo presented the salient provisions of the updated draft that contained 37 sections to improve the economic and social well-being of AEWs. This is to unlock their full potential and maximize their role in the better and more effective delivery of agricultural programs and services in their localities. It also acknowledges and strengthens the importance of the AEWs’ contributions in agricultural development and modernization, by affirming their rights and privileges, providing an enabling work environment and support system, strengthening a mechanism for career development and professionalization, and instituting an appropriate compensation through a viable evaluation and reward systems.
The draft bill covers all AEWs of the government from the National Government Agencies, State Universities and Colleges, and Local Government Units. It includes agricultural engineers, veterinarians, agriculturists, aquaculturists, agricultural/aquacultural/fisheries technologists, agricultural/aquacultural/fishery technicians and operators, allied agricultural professionals such as fertilizer specialists, crop specialists, agriculture engineers, and farm economists. It also promotes and ensure that AEWs in the government are accorded with appropriate position titles, with equivalent salary compensation, and opportunities for promotion in accordance with their duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
After the plenary, various points, inputs, and ideas were contributed by the participants of which were to be reviewed and discussed by the PPD team. The bill, being part of ATI’s priority legislative agenda under Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s term, will be presented to external clients and DA Officials in the hope that ATI can proceed with the lobbying in the House of Representatives.
Together with partners and stakeholders, it is envisioned that through professionalizing the Philippine extension service, the frontline service providers will be empowered and given opportunities for career advancement and promotion.
(with reports from Royson dela Cruz and Rachel Raval, ATI-PPD)