is directly anchored to the Office of the Regional Director as per the Rationalization Plan, headed by Mr. Noli C. Sambo. The Division is responsible for all planning, monitoring, and evaluation functions of the RFO, including its management information system services.

It also undertakes the following activities: Secretariat of the CSO Accreditation, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC), Technical Assistance on ACEF, Regional Convergence Initiative (RCI), IPlan Component of the PRDP, RDC-Sectoral Committee on Economic Development, and other activities as may be assigned by the Regional Executive Director.

SECTIONS:

1.) Planning and Programming Section

This section is responsible for the preparation and updating of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization and Industrialization Plan (AFMIP), the annual plan and budget of all operating units, and the Agriculture and Fishery Profile. The preparation of the Budget Execution Document for programs and projects is also undertaken.

Head of the section is Ms. Lordelyn Dela Cruz with three permanent and two COS staff

2.) Monitoring and Evaluation Section

This section is responsible for monitoring the physical and financial performance of DA programs and projects, conducting monitoring and tracking activities, and performing impact evaluations initiated by the DA-Central Office.

The Head of this section is vacant with three permanent M & E and two COS staff

3.) Information and Communication Technology Unit

The section is responsible for maintaining IT facilities in the region and research stations. It also develops and maintains the Management Information System (MIS) for agency reports, programs, activities, and administrative functions.

The Head of this unit is Mr. Allan Cayanan with three ICT permanent and two COS staff.

SERVICES:

1. Assists and coordinates the preparation, review, and updating of functional, commodity, and/or support services plans.

2. Strengthens the participatory planning process used in generating agriculture and fisheries modernization and industrialization plans.

3. Coordinates and conducts strategic impact assessments of DA programs as a basis for decision-making, planning, public investment prioritization, and policy formulation.

4. Provides regular updated reports on program implementation to DA management, other national government agencies, and stakeholders.

5. Strengthens the investment programming process used in generating the agriculture and fisheries public investment program/plan (PIP).

6. Orchestrates the preparation, consolidation, and review of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (RAFMIP).

7. Undertakes periodic monitoring and evaluation to assess the agency’s progress against its external and internal plans, using the data acquired to systematically and objectively evaluate the results of its programs and projects.

8. Develops and maintains the RFO’s information systems and manages information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructures and networks.

9. Prepares and submits the RFO’s information systems strategic plan (ISSP).

10. Acts as the Regional Technical Secretariat for the CSO Accreditation.

KEY PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES:

1. Joint Planning Exercise
2. Presentation of Plan and Budget Proposal to RDC and CSOs
3. BEDs Preparation
4. Monitoring and tracking of programs/projects
5. Performance Review/ Assessment
6. Impact Evaluation of programs/projects
7. Updating of profile and Georeferencing under the RSBSA
8. Maintenance of Management Information System
9. CSO Accreditation

CONTACT INFORMATION:

pmed@rfo3.da.gov.ph

plays a vital role in the overall functions of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III. It manages daily administrative tasks, including coordinating activities, handling correspondence, maintaining records, and overseeing all personnel matters, which promotes human development through various training programs.

The division also extends support services to all operating divisions and provides essential information for planning, directing, and coordinating the programs and projects of the Department. Additionally, it oversees and prepares budget proposals and manages the obligation and disbursement of funds in compliance with financial regulations and policies. Furthermore, it is responsible for procuring, storing, and distributing supplies, materials, and equipment essential for the operation of the department, as well as providing motor pool services.

SECTIONS

1. Human Resource Management Section
2. Accounting Section
3. Budget Section
4. General Services Section
5. Property Unit
6. Cashier Unit
7. Records Unit

LIST OF SERVICES

• Obligation of Funds
• Refund and Payment Processing
• Disbursement Services
• Account Management
• Cash Handling and Petty Cash Management
• Fee Collection
• Budget and Financial Reporting
• Personnel Management
• Annual Physical Inventory of Property Plant Equipment
• Issuance, Utilization, Custodianship, and Physical Movement of Properties
• Disposal of Properties and Valueless Records
• Records Management Services
• Provides Supply and Support Services for Janitorial and Security
• Manage RP Vehicles
• Oversee Building and Ground Maintenance
• Personnel Management

CONTACT INFORMATION: afdivision@rfo3.da.gov.ph

The Field Operations Division of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3 (DA-RFO 3) is instrumental in implementing agricultural programs and projects across Central Luzon. It ensures the effective execution of national and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing crop production, livestock development, and fisheries. The division provides vital extension services, offering technical assistance and training to farmers to boost productivity and sustainability. It also coordinates with local government units, farmer organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless project implementation, while monitoring and evaluating ongoing efforts to inform future planning.

Additionally, the division is responsible for resource allocation, disaster response, and rehabilitation efforts, providing crucial support to farmers affected by natural calamities. It collaborates with research institutions to promote innovative agricultural practices and advocates for policies that address the needs and challenges of the agricultural sector. Through these efforts, the Field Operations Division of DA-RFO 3 plays a key role in driving agricultural growth, ensuring food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

SECTIONS

A. Banner Program

1. Rice Program
   • Seed Component
2. Corn Program
3. High Value Crops Development Program
4. National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program
5. Livestock Program
6. Organic Agriculture Program

B. Other Sections        

1. Institutional Development Unit

C. Locally-Funded Program

1. Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) 
2. Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2)
3. Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD)
4. Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA)

LIST OF SERVICES

1. Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Distribution
2. Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project
3. Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems
4. Regular Program

CONTACT INFORMATION:            
fod@rfo3.da.gov.ph

The Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) in support to Rice, Corn, High Value Crops, Livestock, and Organic Program on the Provision of Agricultural Machinery/Equipment and Post-Harvest Facilities under the regular program of the Department of Agriculture.

The RAED primarily oversees the planning and implementation of agri-fisheries mechanization and infrastructure programs and projects by the DA-RFOs.

SECTIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT

1.) Engineering Plans, Designs and Specifications Section (EPDSS);

a) Conduct engineering survey, site inspection, and validation, prepare and evaluate plans, designs, technical specifications, feasibility studies, and cost estimates/ program of work, of agri-fisheries mechanization and infrastructure projects;

 b) Develop and maintain a regional database of the pipeline of implementation-ready agri-fisheries mechanization and infrastructure projects with approved feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and program of works, among others for annual funding under the Annual National Expenditure Program (banner programs, etc.), and other potential funding donors;

 c) Review and provide technical assistance to the ABE Groups in the Local Government Units in the preparation of engineering plans, designs, specifications, feasibility studies, and tender contract documents for their agri-fisheries mechanization and infrastructure projects;

d) Provide technical assistance to the recipient in securing necessary pre-engineering permits, and the preparation of implementation documents (e.g., MOA);

e) Facilitate the conduct of social preparation/public consultation for project recipient candidates to assess their readiness to operate and maintain projects;

 f) Conduct damage assessment, prepare recommendations and estimates for funding of repair/rehabilitation of dilapidated and/or calamity-damaged agrifisheries machinery and equipment, and infrastructure projects;

g) Conduct valuation to determine the appropriate and just compensation for the property owners affected by the acquisition of ROW for infrastructure projects;

 h) Provide technical assistance in the pre-procurement and procurement activities of the DA-RFO implementing units; and i) Provide technical assistance in the review and evaluation of variation orders, and as-built plans.

2.) Programs and Projects Management Section (PPMS)

a) Formulate the regional agricultural infrastructure, irrigation, mechanization, postharvest facilities, and agro-processing development/master plans in coordination with LGUs, NGAs, and other groups at the regional level;

b) Supervise and monitor the construction of agricultural infrastructure, irrigation, mechanization, postharvest facilities, and other related projects of DA;

c) Facilitate the conduct of social preparation/public consultation for project recipient candidates to assess their readiness to operate and maintain projects;

d) Provide technical assistance in the preparation of operation and maintenance/ business plan and corollary legal instruments (e.g., MOA, Ordinance, Resolution) prior to project completion;

e) Provide technical assistance to LGU, qualified farmer associations, cooperatives, or entrepreneurs interested in establishing and operating agri-fishery machinery and equipment service centers;

f) Monitor and assess the operation of constructed infrastructure facilities and distributed machinery and equipment, and provide recommendations to enhance its sustainability;

g) Facilitate and coordinate the institutional and capacity development activities to support and sustain the operation and management of constructed infrastructure and distributed machinery and facilities;

h) Oversee and coordinate the creation of agricultural and biosystems engineering positions and offices at the LGU levels and its capacity development; and

i) Maintain a regional database of the status of ongoing and inventory of all completed agri-fisheries machinery and equipment, irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and other related infrastructure.

3) Standards Regulation and Enforcement Section (SRES)

a) Conduct compliance inspection, testing, and evaluation of production, postharvest and processing, and warehouse/storage machinery and equipment;

 b) Supervise at the regional level the enforcement of the Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Standards (PABES) and other relevant standards on agricultural infrastructure, machinery, and post-harvest facilities;

 c) Provide technical/supervision assistance to LGUs, NGA, and other DA-attached agencies in the conduct of testing and evaluation of agri-fisheries machinery, post-harvest facilities, and agro-processing projects as well as the conduct of training and extension activities;

d) Maintain and regularly update the registry of agri-fisheries machinery owners at the regional level, which can be accessed through the Internet;

 e) Facilitate the registration and licensing of all agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities and other mandated regulatory activities;

 f) Conduct surveillance activity relative to the issuance of Permits to Operate and compliance with the after-sales service of agri-fisheries machinery and equipment manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers, distributors, dealers, importers, and exporters (MFADDIEs) in coordination with BAFE;

 g) Coordinate and assist the LGUs in establishing a registry of agri-fisheries machinery owners at the municipality and provincial levels;

h) Assist in the issuance of accreditation of small and medium-sized agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers, and importers;

 i) Assist DA in the development of new standards, especially in equipment peculiar to the region;

j) Coordinate and assist the local building officials in the evaluation and processing of permit applications and certificate of occupancy of agricultural buildings and structures; and

k) Assist in the conduct of Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System (CPES) in DA infrastructure projects

SERVICES:

1. Validation of Farm-to-Market Road Requests
2. Validation of Small Scale Irrigation Projects
3. Validation of Agricultural Infrastructures, Machinery, and Post-Harvest Facilities
4. Assistance In the Registration And The Issuance Of Permit To Operate (PTO) For the Manufacturer, Fabricator, Assembler, Distributor, Dealer, Importer, Or Exporter (MFADDIE) of Agricultural And Fisheries Machinery
5. Preparation of Program of Works and Detailed Engineering Design for Agricultural Infrastructures and Facilities for various DA Banner Program
6. Monitoring/ Inspection/ Supervision of construction DA Infrastructure/ Facilities Projects

CONTACT INFORMATION:

raed@rfo3.da.gov.ph

Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division is the focal organization office of the Department of
Agriculture-Regional Field Office 3 mandated to provide timely, accurate, and responsive business information to stakeholders, aimed to fostering the growth of agribusiness development. Additionally, it offers marketing support services to connect farmers and fisherfolk with market opportunities for their products.

AMAD is also tasked to promote rural agro-industrialization, particularly among the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in rural communities, in collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs) and government agencies focused on investment promotion.

Further, AMAD is mandated to provide business development support to agricultural and fishery
enterprises including capacity building and facilitating their linkage with the business sector.

Market Development Section (MDS)

provides functional focus in the provision of assistance on product

and market development concerns.

Market Promotion Activities

1. Local Trade Fairs
2. International Trade Fairs
3. Conduct of Market Studies
4. Conduct of Market Linkages

Agribusiness Investment and Promotion Section (AIPS)

serves as the advocacy unit of the DA which promotes a market-driven approach in enticing

potential partners that would enhance the production, distribution and dissemination of

agribusiness products and services both locally and abroad.

• Agribusiness Promotion Activities

Identification of areas with strong potential for agribusiness expansion and package this into agribusiness investment promotion plan and investment priority plan.

Agribusiness Industry Support Section (AISS)

establish a holistic approach in the development of stakeholder-specific

agribusiness structures consistent with the nature of the product, distribution plan,

and amount of investment provided for the

purpose.

• Facilitate the provision of assistance to private groups for institutional development and capacity building
• Formulate strategic action plans to strengthen industry clusters

1. Provision of Technical Assistance for Market-Related Infrastructure and Implementation of Market Related
   1. Market Infrastructure Activities to include establishment and monitoring :
      1. Trading Center
      1. Food Terminal Project
      1. Organic Trading Post
2. Capability building support for enterprises and to management team of infrastructures established
3. Capability building of local farmers to include capability building of stakeholders

The Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III has two (2) main functions: Quality Control and Inspection (QCI) and Registration and Licensing (RL), which are anchored on the laws/regulatory policies:

• Republic Act No. 1556, otherwise known as the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act;
• Republic Act No. 3720, otherwise known as the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
• Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the Food Safety Act of 2013;
• Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998; and
• Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

SECTIONS:

a. REGISTRATION AND LICENSING SECTION

1. ANIMAL FACILITY REGISTRATION (ANIMAL WELFARE REGISTRATION)

The Animal Welfare Act (Republic Act 8485) is an act to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the Philippines by regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating, or training all animals either as objects of trade or as household pets. The division conducts the registration and licensing of animal facilities to ensure compliance of those engaged in the business to RA 8485.

2. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF FREE STATUS (CFS) FOR AFRICAN SWINE FEVER (ASF) OR AVIAN INFLUENZA (AI)

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has issued MC No. 29 Series of 2022 “Guidelines on the issuance of Certificate of Free Status on Avian Influenza Type A Subtypes H5 and H7 during Avian Influenza Outbreak”, MC No. 43 Series of 2022 “Updated Guidelines on the Movement of Live Poultry and Non-Poultry and Poultry Products and By-Products during the Avian Influenza Outbreak” and MC No. 35 Series of 2022 “Amended Guidelines on the Application and Renewal of Certificate of Free Status of African Swine Fever to Facilitate Unhampered Delivery of Healthy Swine and Safe Pork and Related Commodities to Target Destinations” to ensure supply chain continuity and local food sufficiency and to avoid confusion and different interpretations of the AI and ASF laboratory tests and facilitate unhampered delivery of safe poultry & pork products and healthy avian species and healthy swine to target destination.

3. REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF FEED AND VDAP ESTABLISHMENTS (Republic Act 1556)

The Registration and Licensing (RL) Section is responsible for registering and licensing feed and veterinary drug establishments to ensure that they operate lawfully and adhere to regulations. This includes overseeing the manufacture, importation, exportation, labeling, advertising, distribution, and sale of livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and specialty feeds. The section also conducts preliminary investigations into reported malpractice or fraudulent activities involving unlabeled, adulterated, or substitute products. Additionally, it evaluates both commercial and non-commercial feed establishments.

4. LIVESTOCK, POULTRY AND BY-PRODUCTS HANDLERS AND TRANSPORT CARRIER ACCREDITATION (Administrative Order 08)

The Registration and Licensing (RL) Section is responsible for evaluating and endorsing applications for the issuance of licenses to livestock, poultry, and by-products handlers, as well as accrediting transport vehicles and vessels in the Philippines. This process aims to maintain disease-free areas and ensure the safe, clean, and orderly handling of commodities through various stages of marketing and distribution.

b. QUALITY CONTROL AND INSPECTION

1. GOOD ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES (GAHP) CERTIFICATION

The Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) Certification program of the Department of Agriculture aims to ensure the production of safe and quality food through adherence of farmers to the Philippine National Standards: Code of GAHP and its species-specific counterparts, which is a set of general principles of good practice and minimum requirements in the rearing/farming of animals. The main objective of this certification is to ensure that the farms’ farming practices provide consumers with products that are safe and fit for distribution and/or human consumption. It shall also ensure safety and comfort to farm workers and animals without any degradation to the environment.

2. GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (GAP) CERTIFICATION

PhilGAP or Philippine Good Agricultural Practices is a certification of crops whose primary purpose is for food consumption. PhilGAP is a certification program led by BPI together with the help of DA-RFOs to ensure food safety and quality of food while keeping high regard for environmental protection as well as workers’ health, safety, and welfare. Also, one of the pillars of the PhilGAP is the RA 10611 (Food Safety Act of 2013) which strengthens the food security system in the Philippines while protecting the consumer’s health and facilitating market access.

3. PLANT NURSERY ACCREDITATION FOR GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE PLANT NURSERY OPERATORS AND THEIR NURSERIES

In accordance with Section 12 of the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992 (RA 7308) and Chapter VI of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), this Circular is hereby issued to ensure that the processes undertaken in the nursery produce quality planting material for fruits and plantation crops. It aims to ensure that plant nursery operators and their nurseries comply with the requirements and guidelines set by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for accreditation to produce quality planting material for fruits and plantation crops.

4. CERTIFICATION OF MOTHER TREES AND PROPAGATED PLANTING MATERIAL

In accordance with Section 12 of Republic Act 7308, also known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, and Chapter VI of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), Circular No. 2 addresses the certification of mother trees and propagated planting materials of registered varieties from the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), including those from the defunct Philippine Seed Board (PSB). This ensures the varietal identity and purity of mother trees as well as the quality and traceability of the propagated planting materials.

5. PLANT TISSUE CULTURE FACILITY ACCREDITATION

Pursuant to the provision of Section 12 of the Republic Act No. 7308, otherwise known as the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, issued to ensure the processes undertaken in the plant tissue culture facility to produce quality planting materials of various crops.

6. PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEM (PGS)

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is a method for certifying small farmers and fisherfolk, along with their farms, associations, or cooperatives, as participants in organic agriculture and producers of organic products. This system involves local certification by government agencies or Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs), as outlined in RA 10068. Products certified through PGS are primarily intended for domestic markets unless they possess international certification or are covered by a mutual recognition agreement. PGS is a locally focused quality assurance system, emphasizing trust, social networks, and knowledge exchange among those involved in organic agriculture. It certifies producers as active practitioners of organic farming based on community-based assessment.

7. ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING

The division implements policies aimed at preventing and managing outbreaks of serious animal diseases, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza (AI), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This is achieved by conducting regular surveillance activities to determine the presence or absence of disease for early warning, performing disease investigations to identify possible sources of infection, establishing control measures to prevent further transmission, and implementing containment measures to detect infections or outbreaks promptly before they spread. Additionally, the division monitors the extent of the disease to support the farming industry, protect animal welfare, and safeguard public health from animal-borne diseases. Disease surveillance is also conducted in collaboration with Local Government Units to restore the disease-free status of the provinces.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Email:
regulatory@rfo3.da.gov.ph
darfo3.awa@gmail.com
reg.feedsection@rfo3.da.gov.ph
reg.gap@rfo3.da.gov.ph

The Integrated Laboratories Division is mandated under Executive Order # 366, series of 2004, during the “Rationalization of all Government Agencies”. This merging is advantageous to optimize the utilization and efficiency of DA laboratories, as well as to strengthen the roles of the laboratories in providing accurate data for use in regulations and enforcement, research and development, standards development, production, extension and marketing services for the agriculture and fishery sectors.

Under Department Order # 6, series of 2021: revised Policy on the Rationalization and Strengthening Department of Agriculture National and Regional Laboratory Services, the Food Development Council (FDC) became our coordinating agency. Rule 16.11 and Rule 16. 15 of the IRR of the Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 mandates FDC as the Coordinating Laboratory for DA Laboratories and states that FDC shall provide scientific support in testing, research and training.

The Department Order No. 10, s. 2018 institutionalized the effective and efficient linkage and clearly defined the specific roles and responsibilities of the national laboratories of the Bureaus of Animal Industry, Plant Industry and Soils and Water Management vis-a-vis the ILD of the DA RFOs to promote cooperation on national and regional laboratory development initiatives.

The office of the Integrated Laboratories Division is located in the 4th floor of the Department of Agriculture Building at the Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Under the Office of the Division Chief of ILD is the ILD Satellite Laboratory (SL) located at old RADDL Building, Sto. Nino, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

SECTIONS

1. Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL)
2. Regional Field and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (FCAL)
3. Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL)
4. Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC)

LIST OF SERVICES

1. Rabies Direct Flourescent Antibody Test (dFAT), the gold standard for rabies examination
2. Convective Polymerase Chain Reaction (cPCR) for African Swine Fever
3. Production and distribution of Viral Transport Media (VTM) and
4. Production and distribution of rabies IEC materials.

LIST OF KEY PROJECTS

1. Region III Rabies Control Program wherein we are coordinating and collaborating with different agencies: the Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education (DepEd), the Academe and Local Veterinary and Agricultural Offices towards Rabies Free Central Luzon by 2030.
2. Gender and Development (GAD) Project of DA RFO III with 2 full time staff: Mr. Imariole Tayag and Ms. Renz Arianne Sicat. We collaborate in mainstreaming DA projects and programs to be gender sensitive and with equity.
3. Japan Philippines One Health Rabies Project (JAPHOR)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Office of the ILD Chief:
ild.darfo3@gmail.com
milagros.mananggit@rfo3.da.gov.ph

Satellite Laboratory:
ild.satellitelab@rfo3.da.gov.ph