Section 33Sec./Art. 33

The Provincial Agriculturist. (a) No person shall be appointed provincial agriculturist unless he or she is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in agriculture or in any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have practiced his or her profession in agriculture or acquired experience in a related field for at least five (5) years.

The appointment of the provincial agriculturist shall be mandatory.

(b) The provincial agriculturist shall take charge of the office for agricultural services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out said measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to agricultural services as provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the agricultural programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the provincial agriculturist shall:

(i) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural and aquacultural and marine products are extended to farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs;

(ii) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural researches and assist in making available the appropriate technology arising out of and disseminating information on basic research on crops, preventive control of plant diseases and pests, and other agricultural matters which will maximize productivity;

(iii) Assist the provincial governor in the establishment and extension services of demonstration farms on aquaculture and marine products;

(iv) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aquaculture; and

(v) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations which promote agricultural productivity through appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity;

(4) Be in the frontline of delivery of basic agricultural services, particularly those needed for the survival of the inhabitants during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; and

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all matters related to agriculture and aquaculture which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants.

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.