Review and Assessment in the Implementation of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as “Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law) in the Province of Negros Occidental

By Jimbo P. Garsula, JD-1

INTRODUCTION

As a national mandate in effectively safeguarding the Food Security and Agricultural Productivity of the country, the National Government, through its legislative enacted R. A. 10601 or otherwise known as the Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law), systematically formulated policies and reforms in the agricultural sectors in promoting Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Development in the country. While this act is specifically to promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective and environmentally-safe agricultural and fisheries machineries and equipment, and strengthen the implementation, coordination of activities and mechanisms on agricultural and fisheries mechanization programs and projects nationally and down to the local levels, it is importantly noting that the noble intent and implementation of this act effectively transcends to the fullest extent in optimizing Food Security and Agricultural Productivity down to the local government units (LGUs). This enactment’s success depends on the collaborative efforts and enforcement of the National and Local Government units in tandem and joint coordination with various stakeholders such as the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), People’s Organizations (POs), among others. The objective of this study is to examine, review, assess the implementation of R. A. 10601 or otherwise known as the Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law) purposely promoting Agricultural Fisheries Mechanization Development in the Province of Negros Occidental and its impact. The legal research shall be based on qualitative interviews. The researcher shall conduct personal surveys and interviews province-wide to different local government units in the province of Negros Occidental, Cities and Municipalities as to the implementation of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law).

Agriculture as an industry plays a crucial role in the lives of every Filipino. It is crucial to global economic development and food security, and safety. Agriculture drives economic growth and employs many of the Philippines’ population. The Philippines has implemented numerous initiatives to support farmers and increase their access to innovative agricultural technologies to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity. Rice growers face challenges limiting their output and competitiveness in the market derived from low production, man-power shortages, and large postharvest losses. Thus, the Philippine government through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in collaboration with Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Technical Education And Skills Development Authority, and other line agencies of the government developed the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program which includes the RCEF Mechanization Program to solve these concerns and challenges and boost the rice industry’s competitiveness in pursuant to R.A 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law), an Act Promoting Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Development in the Country. Under Section 2 of this Act, it shall be the policy of the State to promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective and environmentally safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency in order to achieve food security and safety and increase farmers’ income.

The Province of Negros Occidental being part of Western Visayas (Region VI), comprises 12 component cities and 19 municipalities. Agriculture has been the lifeblood of the economy of Negros Occidental which is still mainly an agricultural province, comprised of 540,386 hectares of agricultural land area. Known as the “Sugar Bowl” of the Philippines, more than half of the available agricultural land is devoted to sugarcane, and the remaining half is shared to palay, corn, and other crops. Thus, it is worth noting that compliance and effective implementation of R.A. 10601or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law), is on a full-blown scale to address the objectives and challenges in the agricultural sectors in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency and achieving Food Security and Safety, and increase farmers’ income in the province of Negros Occidental. A review and assessment of the implementation of R.A.10601 shall be a necessary step forward to measure and know the pacing and performance of the implementation in the province of Negros Occidental and on how far the Act has gone so far since its effectivity.

OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

The primary objective of this research is to review, assess and examine the implementation of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law) inclusive in the province of Negros Occidental since its effectivity. Specifically, it seeks to assist the compliance and implementation of the LGUs (1) the City and Municipal levels and (2) the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. The research focuses on the following aspects, (a) on the Strengthening of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the LGUs under Section 29 of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law), (b) on the Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment under Article V Section  18 of the same Act, (c) on the Ownership of Registration of Agricultural and Fishery Machinery and Equipment under Section 19 of this Act, (d) on the Agricultural Production and Productivity, Postharvest Losses, Production Cost and Farmers’ Income, and (e) on the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 02, Series of 2020 of DA, DBM, CSC and DILG. Generally, this study further seeks how far the Province of Negros Occidental has reached as to the implementation of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law) or as to its degree and magnitude. 

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research employed a mixed quantitative and descriptive qualitative approach to provide a simplified review and assessment in the implementation of R.A 10601 of the LGUs both the Cities and Municipalities and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.

A Pro-forma Survey Questionnaire Form was developed and distributed to respective LGUs in the province through the City/Municipal Agriculturists and the OIC-Provincial Agriculturist of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental via online and digital platforms to collect and gather pertinent data and informations relative to the completeness and success of the research. Additional data and information inquiry was also facilitated to lead agency of the National Government, the Philippine Center of Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) under the umbrella of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for more relevant informations which was the focal agency that spearheaded the Rice Competitiveness and Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program nation-wide developed by the Department of Agriculture pursuant to R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as the Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law) in relation to the provisions of R.A. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”.  Follow-up interviews via online and digital platforms were also performed for qualitative results content in the in-depth understanding and perspective of the review and assessment of the implementation of the Act. To equally protect and preserve the rights to privacy and freedom of information, the stakeholders, namely; the provincial, city, and municipal agriculturists and other lined agencies of the government were first informed through phone calls and online communication requesting their free and voluntary participation to the conduct of the survey to gather relevant data and informations from their end. The author expects a limitation as to the responses and completeness of the survey since not all stakeholders are readily available due to preoccupied schedules and hectic activities in their area of responsibility, and due to limited time in the conduct of the survey.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

1. Under Section 29 of the same Act, it mandates the “Strengthening of the Agricultural Engineering Groups of the LGUs”:

This requires the mandatory establishment or creation of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups in the LGUsthat shall serve as the planning, coordinating, regulating and implementing bodies at the provincial, city and municipal levels on agricultural and fisheries engineering, mechanization and infrastructure programs and projects. That shall provide agricultural engineering services which include engineering survey, preparation of plans, designs, technical specifications, feasibility studies and cost estimates/program of work of irrigation, small water impounding, soil conservation and management, farm machinery, slaughter houses, poultry dressing plants, postharvest facilities, auction markets, farm-to-market roads and other agricultural and fisheries infrastructure projects of the LGUs and at the same time shall administer, supervise and coordinate the construction, operation and maintenance, improvement and management of said agricultural and fisheries infrastructure projects. By adhering and implementing such, all LGUs in the Cities/Municipal units and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental shall be working together jointly, strongly and cohesively in full scale as workforce alliances in the development and implementation of programs and projects for the province in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, and achieving Food Security and Safety. However, survey showed that out of 12 component cities and 19 municipalities in the province, only 11 LGUs have hired or employed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers or to its equivalent of 35.5 %, far below than the required level of participation and involvement to all LGUs in the province. Only one LGU that has complied with and implemented the strengthening and establishment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups in the entire province. Only the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has implemented and created a Division way back during the Devolution of the local government units in 1994, Transition Phase (1994-1996). The survey further showed that recent developments in the 2020s, 11 component cities and municipalities had employed 1 or 2 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) in their respective local government units, but without yet a formal Division in place, as shown below.

Local Government Unit	Number of ABEs	Designation/Position
1.  San Carlos City	1	Engineer I
2. Sagay City	2	Engineer I, Engineer II
3. Cadiz City	1	Engineer II
4. Silay City	1	Engineer II
5. Talisay City	1	Engineer II
6. Bago City	1	Engineer II
7. La Carlota City	2	Engineer I, Engineer II
8. Himamaylan City	1	Engineer II
9. Kabankalan City	1	Engineer II, Engineering Aide
10. Candoni	1	Agriculturist II
11. Hinobaan	1	Agriculturist II
12. Provincial Government of Negros Occidental	13	Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III, Engineer IV Supply Officer, Project Development Assistant, Agriculturist II

This shows a tremendously significant gap reflecting insufficient manning and positions of ABEs in the LGUs, which connotes far below satisfaction relative to the implementation of the Act. This long delay in the positioning of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups in the LGUs contributes a setback and a negative impact to smoothen the implementation of the programs and projects of the entire province. It establishes a gap in the efficient and effective delivery and performance of programs and projects, and accomplishments in attaining set goals and objectives. It evolves in uncoordinated and uncollaborative efforts and an imbalance exercise of functions between and among LGUs in the aspect of agricultural engineering programs and projects. No unified efforts to achieve a common goal and objective towards agricultural development as one province. A workforce to task agricultural and fishery engineering-related programs and projects in the LGUs are professionals in practice in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering pursuant to R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law). Alignment and streamlining of agricultural engineering workforce distributed in the LGUs help the local government units enhance and accelerate the accomplishment of programs and projects of the province. They are the right people delegated to exercise and perform such duties, functions, and responsibilities in the performance of Agri fishery-related engineering programs and projects in the local governance to accelerate and achieve agricultural productivity and efficiency, and food security and safety. In short, “the right persons to the right tasks” to efficiently and effectively perform such given tasks and assignments in the service of the government. 

2. Under Article V, Section 18 of the same Act, on the Testing and Evaluation states that, “Agricultural and Fisheries machinery and equipment to be sold in the market shall pass through testing and evaluation by the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) in accordance with the national policies and guidelines to be promulgated by the Secretary”.

So far, survey has shown that some LGUs are still not practicing the prescribed procedure in the procurement of Agricultural and Fisheries machinery and equipment. This is attributed to the lack of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers of the LGUs as crucial bodies in the delivery and implementation of programs and projects to the province of Negros Occidental. Knowledge and understanding of procedural procurement and bidding is a vital role where participation and involvement of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineers are required relative to agriculture-related engineering activities, programs, and projects. It was noted that out of 31 component cities and municipalities in the province, only 11 LGUs partly initiated the strengthening and establishment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers, or its equivalent of 35.5%. In turn, this performance level directly affects to inadequacy and shortfall in complying procedural requirements in AMTEC testing of agri-fisheries machinery and equipment at respective LGUs.

3. Under the same Act, Section 19, on the Registration of Ownership of Agricultural and Fishery Machinery and Equipment that states, “All owners of agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment must register these with the agriculture offices of municipal and city government units. The agriculture offices of the LGUs shall establish and maintain a registry of agricultural and fishery machinery at the municipal, city and provincial levels”

The survey showed that ownership of registration of Agri-fisheries machinery and equipment was mostly done by the Department of Agriculture Region 6. DA Region 6 facilitates the registration in behalf of the LGUs by forwarding pertinent documents and in turn after compliance, submits these documents back to the DA Region 6 for registration. In other words, registration of ownership was not done by the respective LGUs. Therefore, there was still no compliance and implementation of this act at the provincial, city, and municipal levels.

4. In a manner of Production and Productivity, Postharvest Losses, Production Cost and Farmers’ Income

Under R.A. 10601, otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanizatiomn Act (AFMech Law), an Act of promoting Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Development in the Country, and specifically under Section 2 of this Act that shall promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-effective and environmentally-safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency in order to achieve food security and safety and increase farmers’ income. Results showed a significant increase in production and productivity after RCEF Mechanization Program intervention in the province of Negros Occidental flourishing a substantial amount of 5 billion and 14 % area of coverage spreading in the past succeeding 6 years that started from 2019 until 2024. Production increased to 427, 871.60 metric tons after intervention compared to 322,366.64 metric tons before intervention, or a significant increase equivalent to 24.66 %. At the same time, productivity reduced to 3.9 metric tons/ha after intervention compared to 4.0 metric tons before intervention, or a slight decrease of 2.5 %. While postharvest losses decreased, consequently reduced production cost to P 37,000.00 after intervention compared to P 42,000.00 before intervention. Farmers’ income significantly increased to P 38,600.00 after intervention compared to P 31,000.00 before intervention, or an equivalent increase of 19.69 %. Overall, the RCEF Mechanization Program intervention to the province of Negros Occidental, Cities and Municipalities significantly increases agricultural productivity and efficiency in achieving food security and safety and increases farmers’ income.

5. Under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2020 dated June 24, 2020, by DA, DBM, CSC, and DILG pursuant to R.A. 8435, otherwise known as the “Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997” and R.A. 10601, otherwise known as the “Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law)” mandates “Implementing Guidelines on the Strengthening and Establishment of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the LGUs” that requires the mandatory establishment of the Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, and Municipal Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer to respective LGUs.

Based on the survey, there was zero compliance and implementation of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 02, series of 2020 in pursuant to R.A. 8435 (AFMA) and R.A. 10601 (Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act). It requires the mandatory establishment of Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (PABEs), City Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (CABEs) and Municipal Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (MABEs) of the respective LGUs. Zero compliance and implementation was mainly attributed to the constraint of LGUs as to their absorptive financial capacities. Henceforth, all LGUs in the province of Negros Occidental failed to comply and implement this particular mandate.

6. On Awareness and Implementation of R.A. 10601, otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law).

Practically, almost all LGUs were aware of R.A.10601 or otherwise known as Agri-fishery Mechanization Act (AFMecha Law). Specifically on the strengthening and establishment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the LGUs which is vital to complement and enforce a cohesive partnership between and among LGUs in the delivery of programs and projects of the government into increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency and achieving food security and safety, and increases farmers’ income, out of 31 component cities and municipalities in the province, only 11 LGUs or its equivalent of 35.5 % initiated the implementation of this Act. Despite awareness of the mandate, other LGUs are constrained in their compliance and implementation due to limitations in income. Consequently, on the Testing and Evaluation of Agri-fisheries machinery and equipment by the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC), most LGUs were not able to practice the prescribed procurement process due to lack of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in their respective LGUs.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings and results of the research, there is a substantial backlog and gap in the implementation of R.A. 10601. While other mandates of the Act were complemented by the national agencies spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with other line agencies of the government, such as the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and among others to boost agricultural productivity and efficiency, food security and safety, and increase farmers income, other vital mandates of R.A. 10601 were not complied and effectively implemented. As to the strengthening and establishment of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering Groups of the LGUs that shall serve as the planning, coordinating, regulating and implementing bodies at the provincial, city and municipal levels on agricultural and fisheries engineering, mechanization and infrastructure programs and projects, out of 31 component cities and municipalities of the entire province of Negros Occidental, only 11 LGUs initiated and complied the implementation of the Act under Section 29 of R.A. 10601. The existence of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers of the LGUs plays a vital role in changing the landscape of Agriculture being a principal industry of the Province of Negros Occidental. They are the prime movers and agents to pump up the economy in Agriculture industry. They are the lead professionals and stewards in the delivery of programs, projects, and activities of the province towards agricultural productivity and efficiency, and food security. Other mandates like requiring AMTEC testing of Agri-Fisheries Machinery and Equipment in every local government unit were not complied with and implemented under Section 18 of R.A. 10601 including the registration of ownership of said farm machinery and equipment under Section 19 of the same Act. The Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 02, series of 2020 by the DA, DBM, CSC, and DILG was not followed, complied with, and implemented. Crucial provisions of the act were generally hindered and prevented from implementation, thereby delaying and slowing down the development and progress of the agricultural economy of the province. In conclusion, the implementation of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act generally was yet lacking, ineffective and not given priority in the province of Negros Occidental.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. DILG as the lead agency of the government that handles the administration of the local government units nation-wide, must enforce, direct, and oblige concerned LGUs to comply and abide the implementation of R.A. 10601 to ensure agricultural productivity and efficiency, and food security in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Civil Service Commission and Department of Budget and Management. Non-compliant of institutionalizing the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers in the municipal, city and provincial levels shall be strictly sanctioned in accordance to law.
2. R.A. 10601 shall be employed, enforced, shared, and implemented by the LGUs at all levels through consultations and collaborations.
3. The Local Government units shall jointly establish Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee to formulate development plans and strategies and allocate sufficient budget appropriation in institutionalizing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers of their respective LGUs.
4. The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental as a mother government unit together with the Department of Agriculture Region VI shall actively spearhead joint consultations and collaborations with all the local government units in the province to effectively comply and implement R.A. 10601, or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act (AFMech Law). The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Group or Division under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental shall be given the primordial task to actively collaborate and conduct a localized “face to face” information drive, education and advocacy down to the city and municipality levels who have not yet initiated the implementation of R.A. 10601 particularly on the “Strengthening of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the LGUs”. The Division shall directly initiate a Joint Executive Conference with the Local Chief Executives in the city and municipal levels together with their City/Municipal Administrators, City/Municipal Agriculturists, City/Municipal Planning Development Officers, City/Municipal Human Resource Development Officers and City/Municipal Budget Officers and conduct video presentations imparting the importance and positive impact of implementing R.A. 10601 province-wide and at the same time provide them Guideline Manuals or eManuals  as their  easy- guide on how to readily and effectively initiate the implementation of the aforesaid  mandate together with the provision and supply of legal basis such as the R.A. 10601 or AFMech Law, the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, series of 2020 by DA, DBM, CSC, and DILG, Executive Memorandum of Hon. William D. Dar, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Memorandum Circular No. 12, series, 2022 of the Civil Service Commission, Draft Pro-Forma City/Municipal Ordinance creating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Groups of the LGUs with their powers, duties and functions, and Organizational Structure and Staffing Patterns with minimum plantilla positions. With this information drive and advocacy at hand as a resulting joint conference with the Local Chief Executives and respective departments/divisions at the city and municipal levels, delivery in the implementation of R.A. 10601 is practically complemented,  enhanced, fast-tracked, and assured.

Bibliography

R.A. 10601, or otherwise known as “Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act” (AFMech Law)

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2020 dated June 24, 2020, by DA, DBM, CSC, and DILG

Memorandum Circular No. 12, s, 2022 of the Civil Service Commission dated November 8, 2022

Executive Memorandum Circular of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Hon. William D. Dar dated July 28, 2021

R.A. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”

R.A. 8435, otherwise known as the “Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997”

R. A. 112203 or the “Rice Tariffication Law”

R.A. 10915, otherwise known as “Philippine Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Act of 2016”

www.investnegrosoccidental.com

www.philmech.gov.ph

Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Province of Negros Occidental

Office of the Cities and Municipalities, Province of Negros Occidental

Ibctv13.com

rcef.philmech.gov.ph

Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, pco.gov.ph/news rel

1. Exhibits

Results of the Survey

Table 1.0: Showing LGUs level of awareness of R.A. 10601 and its specific provisions and  responses to Memorandum Circulars

Local Government Unit	Awareness of R.A. 10601	Under Article VII, Section 28	Under Article V, Section 18	Under Artcle V, Section 19	Under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 02, series of 2020 by DA, DBM, CSC, and DILG	Under Executive Memorandum of DA Secretary, Hon. William D. Dar	Under Memorandum Circular N0. 12, s, 2022 of the CSC
Hinoba-an	Aware	Implemented	Implemented	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Isabela	Aware	Not implemented	Implemented	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Victorias City	Aware	Not implemented	Implemented	For compliance and implementation	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
La Castellana	Aware	Not implemented	Not implemented yet	Not implemented yet	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Ilog	Aware	Not implemented	For compliance and implementation	For compliance and implementation	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Moises Padilla	Aware	Not implemented	Implemented	Not implemented yet	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Talisay City	Aware	Implemented	Implemented	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Escalante City	Aware	Not implemented	Not implemented yet	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Cadiz City	Aware	Implemented	Implemented	For compliance and implementation	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Binalbagan	Aware	Implemented	Not yet implemented	Not implemented yet	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Sipalay City	Aware	Not implemented	Implemented	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Toboso	Aware	For implementation	For compliance and implementation	For compliance and implementation	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Himamaylan City	Aware	Implemented	Not implemented yet	Not implemented yet	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented
Provincial Government of Neg.	Aware	Implemented	Implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented	Not implemented

Table 2.0: Showing LGUs initiated ABEs positions in the province

Local Government Unit	Engineer Positions	Year Implemented	Reasons ABEs not created or delayed implementation
Hinoba-an	Agriculturist II	2024	Budgetary constraints
Isabela	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Victorias City	None	Not applicable	Not a priority
La Castellana	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Ilog	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Moises Padilla	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Talisay City	Engineer II	2023	Budgetary constraints
Escalante City	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Cadiz City	Engineer II	2025	Not a priority
Binalbagan	Engineer III	2023	Budgetary constraints
Sipalay City	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Toboso	None	Not applicable	Budgetary constraints
Himamaylan City	Engineer II	2024	Budgetary constraints
Provincial Government of Negros Occidental	Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III, Engineer IV, Supply Officer, Project Development Assistant, Agriculturist II	Since devolution in 1994 (transition period)	Not applicable

Local Government Unit	Production before intervention (tons)	Production after intervention (tons)	Production margin (tons)	Productivity before intervention (tons/ha)	Productivity after intervention (tons/ha)	Productivity margin (tons/ha)	Sufficiency level before intervention (%)	Sufficiency level after intervention (%)	Sufficiency level margin (%)
Hinoba-an	3.5	3.8	0.3	3.7	4	0.3	86	88	2
Isabela	3.6	4.2	0.6	3.78	4.2	0.42	87.5	92.5	5
Victorias City	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
La Castellana	3.96	4.4	0.44	3.6	4	0.4	12	19	7
Ilog	8,092.39	5,591.65	2,500.74	4.07	3.61	0.46	67	65.66	1.21
Moises Padilla	No data	No data`	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
Talisay City	535.12	577.24	42.12	3	3.2	. 2	No data	No data	No data
Escalante City	826	1,062.00	236	2.8	3.6	3.1	30	75	45
Cadiz City	3.5	4.07	0.57	3.5	4.07	0.57	24	29	5.00
Binalbagan	13624.7	12,601.71	1022.99	3.89	3.66	0.23	100.00	97.00	3.00
Sipalay City	16,960,690.00	18,708,503.00	1,747,813.00	5.12	4.28	0.84	106.89	118.28	11.39
Toboso	3.20	3.80	0.60	3.20	3.80	0.60	18.25	22.00	3.75
Himamaylan City	235.00	264.60	29.60	3.36	3.78	0.42	No data	54.91	No data
Provincial Government of Negros Occidental	322,366.64	427,871.60	105,504.04	4.00	3.90	0.10	90.00	84.00	6.00

Table 3.0: Showing LGUs change in Production, Productivity, and Sufficiency Level before and after RCEF Mechanization Program that kicked-off from 2019 until 2024

Table 4.0: Showing LGUs change in Production Cost and Farmers’ Income before and after RCEF Mechanization Program that kicked-off from 2019 until 2024

Local Government Unit	Production cost before intervention (P/ha)	Production cost after intervention (P/ha)	Production cost margin (P/ha)	Farmers’ income before intervention (P/ha)	Farmers’ income after intervention (P/ha)	Farmers’ income margin (P/ha)
Hinoba-an	45,000.00	38,000.00	P7,000.00	15,000.00	18,000.00	3,000.00
Isabela	49,140.00	67,200.00	18,060.00	49,140.00	67,200.00	18,060.00
Victorias City	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
La Castellana	40,000.00	38000.00	2000.00	60,000.00	65,000.00	5000.00
Ilog	50,000.00	45,000.00	5,000.00	30,000.00	35,000.00	5,000.00
Moises Padilla	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
Talisay City	60,000	55,000.00	5000.00	20,000.00	25,000.00	5000.00
Escalante City	15,000.00	P 9,000.00	P 6,000.00	30,000.00	P 50,000.00	20,000.00
Cadiz City	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data	No data
Binalbagan	27,000.00	25,000.00	3,000.00	21,000.00	23,000.00	2,000.00
Sipalay City	34,818.00	42,200.00	7,382.00	23,982.00	58,600.00	34,618.00
Toboso	45,000.00	28,300.00	16,700.00	22,200.00	51,500.00	29,300.00
Himamaylan City	45,000.00	42,500.00	2,500.00	22,250.00	33,100.00	10,850.00
Provincial Government of Negros Occidental	59,750.00	41,710.00	18,040.00	14,275.00	66,290.00	52,015.00

Acknowledgement

The researcher would like to express profound thanks and gratitude to the people behind the conduct of the study, the Provincial, City and Municipal Agriculturists of the Province of Negros Occidental for their relentless and unwavering cooperation and support, and those who in one way or another make this research a success. Most especially, to my mentor-professor Atty. Jocelle-Batapa Sigue for her invaluable guidance, advice, and support in the completion of the research. Of course, to my beloved family for their unwavering support and inspiration, leading to the success of this study. And above all, to God Almighty.

About the Researcher

Jimbo P. Garsula, a JD-1 student of the College of Law of the University of St. La Salle- Bacolod, and a Professional Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer. The author specially chooses the research topic to know the extent or magnitude and impact of its implementation in the province of Negros Occidental. How far the province has gone as to the existence of R.A. 10601 or otherwise known as Agri-Fishery Mechanization Act since its effectivity given that the province remains an agricultural economy where agricultural productivity and efficiency, food security, and safety are at stake.