Two major farmer groups are calling for the reinstatement of some 25,000 agricultural extension workers to the Department of Agriculture (DA), arguing that the devolution of the workers under the Local Government Code of 1991 has disrupted vital agricultural services and hindered national farm programs.
The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) and the Magsasaka Party List (MPL) issued a joint statement on Monday highlighting the negative impact of the devolution on the agricultural sector. They claim the shift of agricultural technicians to local government units (LGUs) has created a “structural disconnect” between the DA and local agencies, resulting in delays in delivering key resources like seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to the nation’s farmers.
“We have seen firsthand how this devolution has undermined the efficiency of agricultural programs. It has caused delays in critical services, hampered monitoring of national farm initiatives, and contributed to food production shortfalls that drive up prices,” said Leonardo Montemayor, chairman of FFF, and Argel Joseph Cabatbat, president of MPL, in the statement.
The groups pointed out that in areas where local officials prioritize other sectors over agriculture, farm programs are often neglected or poorly executed. They also criticized the reassignment of agricultural technicians to non-farming duties such as drivers or security guards, undermining efforts to combat plant and animal diseases that threaten local crops and livestock.
In addition to these operational setbacks, Montemayor and Cabatbat said the devolution has resulted in lower salaries, fewer career advancement opportunities, and diminished benefits for agricultural extension workers who were previously DA employees. They argued that by re-integrating the workforce under the DA, farm technicians would not only have greater job security but also access to higher pay and a clearer promotion path.
“Once re-nationalized, farm technicians will receive substantially bigger compensation and benefits, including a ladderized promotion system that offers career growth and stability,” they added.
With the agricultural sector facing numerous challenges, including rising food prices and increasing production gaps, the return of these extension workers to the DA is seen as a critical step in strengthening the country’s rural development programs and ensuring more efficient and sustainable farming practices.
