Section 44Sec./Art. 44

The City Agriculturist. (a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Fernando, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a holder of a first grade civil service eligibility or its equivalent. He must have practiced his profession in agriculture or acquired experience in a related field for at least five (5) years.

(b) The city agriculturist shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law or ordinance.

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

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out said measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to agricultural services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with agricultural programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

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

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

(5) Assist the city mayor in the establishment of and extension services on, demonstration farms or aquaculture and marine products;

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

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

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

(9) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters related to agriculture and aquaculture which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants of the City; and

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