Section 17December 22, 1997, Sec./Art. 17

Special Concerns. - The Department shall consider the following areas of concerns, among other in formulating the AFMP:

a. Strategies and programs aimed to achieve growth and profitability targets in the context of the constraints and challenges of the World Trade Organization (WTO);

b. Programs arising from the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Program;

c. Identification of SAFDZ;

d. Infrastructure and market support for the SAFDZ;

e. Infrastructure support to make agriculture and fisheries production inputs, information and technology readily available to farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives and entrepreneurs;

f. Credit programs for small farmers and fisher folk, and agricultural graduates;

g. Comprehensive and integrated agriculture and fisheries research, development and extension services;

h. Preservation of biodiversity, genetic materials and the environment;

i. Adequate and timely response against environmental threats to agriculture and fisheries;

j. Rural non-farm employment;

k. Access to aquatic resources by fisher folk;

l. Basic needs program for the impoverished sectors of society who will be affected by liberalization;

m. Indigenous peoples;

n. Rural youth;

o. Women;

p. Handicapped persons; and

q. Senior citizens.