DA tightens accreditation process for NGOs in agri-related works

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun implementing a stricter accreditation process for non-government organizations (NGOs) seeking funding for agriculture-related extension work.

Amid the controversies surrounding the department on the alleged misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF), Alcala said the accreditation of legitimate NGOs could not just be stopped because it runs contrary to the mandate of the department.

“We cannot leave behind the authentic NGOs such as cooperatives and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups,” said Alcala. “What is the use of our programs in the Department of Agriculture if we cannot help them?”

Alcala signed in January Administrative Order 01, which provides for the revised guidelines for the accreditation of NGOs and the implementation and monitoring of  DA-supported projects.

The DA now requires six additional documentary requirements from project proponents, on top of the original seven requirement. NGO officers are now required to submit clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and their respective barangays.

NGOs are also required to submit a certificate of registration with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), the central portal hosting information on the procurement of goods and general support services, civil works or infrastructure projects and consulting services undertaken by procuring entities of the government.

During the pre-implementation stage of an approved project, public bidding would now be required in the procurement of materials or services to be used in compliance with the government procurement law.

Old safeguards remain, including the release funds in tranches—up to four installments— based on liquidation and progress implementation of projects.

“In support of the new administrative order, the DA will also publish in national dailies and its website the full list of its accredited NGOs, highlighting the newly-accredited ones,” said Alcala.

At the time the pork barrel scandal erupted, the DA had 26 accredited NGOs, including the Kaupdanan Para sa Mangunguma Foundation Inc. (KPMFI). KPMFI would later be identified as a fake NGO with links to alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

The DA has asked the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Justice to file appropriate cases against KPMFI.

Alcala reiterated that his office “only acted in good faith” when it accredited KPMFI to pre-qualify and eventually qualify for several livelihood projects.

“After all, the KPMFI submitted complete and orderly documentary requirements, including a certificate of good standing from the Securities and Exchange Commission,” he said.

Alcala said DA would exert all means to hold KMFI officers accountable, as well as DA officials and employees who may be proven to have connived with the NGO.

The DA is conducting an internal investigation on the matter.