NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership Manual1...

First Draft of the NAPC Partnership Manual

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NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership Manual1 Introduction

The National Anti-Poverty Commission, created by virtue of Republic Act No. 8425, otherwise known as the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act of 1997, is operating under the Office of the President to serve as an advisory, monitoring and coordinating body for the implementation of social reform and poverty alleviation agenda.

Looking into the NAPC structure, one of its distinct characteristics is the institutionalization of basic sectors participation and representation as a fundamental component and element in its mandate whose nature can be viewed as being a ”quasi-civil society government agency.”

NAPC, through its Secretariat, provides enabling services and facilitates participatory mechanisms wherein the Basic Sectors are given spaces for participation in key-decision making processes. Various platforms at all levels are organized and institutionalized for the basic sectors to work out priority agenda with NAPC member agencies and other concerned institutions through inter-agency and inter-stakeholders convergence platforms. Common and workable social reform and poverty alleviation agenda are approved and/or resolved at the Commission en banc chaired by the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

The challenge on the part of NAPC Secretariat and the basic sectors, is how to navigate the seemingly “quasi-government and quasi-civil society” roles and mandates of NAPC. Such should be strategically approached for NAPC to effectively serve as a bridge and platform for government-basic sectors partnership in such a way that the relationship between the government agencies (including the NAPC Secretariat) and the basic sectors is best characterized as a partnership based on mutual respect, mutual understanding, mutual trust, organized encounters and critical collaboration in pursuit of the social reform agenda. In other words, this means recognizing the autonomy, legitimacy and capacities of the basic sectors while observing and standing by the mandates, strategic priorities and authority of the government agencies including NAPC, which are subjected to certain rules of accountability, mutually agreed terms of engagements and other related regulations. In the engagement of the basic sectors with NAPC, the success and failure of their advocacy initiatives lies essentially on the clarity and level of understanding or appreciation of both parties on a mutually agreed upon framework of partnership within which both parties defines the nature and character of their working relationship or collaboration in pursuing social reform and poverty alleviation agenda.

Moreover, in mapping out their partnership framework, it is imperative for the basic sectors to grasp the political and governance landscape of the bureaucracy in their engagements

1 The Development of the NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership Manual, identified as one of the priority initiatives of the Office of the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors, was initiated by the Re-Entry Project Team led by Ms. Cyrus D. Pangan in view of her completion of the Public Management Development Program for Middle Managers in the Development Academy of the Philippines as an official undertaking duly approved by the NAPC Secretary.


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with NAPC towards the attainment of concrete social reform and poverty alleviation agenda. Essentially, the basic sectors should be able to understand NAPC’s mandate, strategic priorities and development thrusts, and its secretariat operations and working systems. On the other hand, NAPC and its member agencies should recognize and fathom the basic sectors’ autonomy, advocacy agenda, their organizational capacities as well as the political dynamics among the sectors. Vagueness, ambiguity, or differing level of understanding and non-recognition of these concerns and aspects of partnership could result in the differing perspectives of both parties in maximizing NAPC as an institutionalized mechanism for citizens’ participation in governance, particularly in the development, monitoring and implementation of poverty alleviation policies, programs and strategies.

In this light and context, the development and institutionalization of a NAPC-Basic Sector Partnership Manual is seen relevant and necessary to strengthen and sustain the NAPC Secretariat-Basic Sector Partnership. This initiative is designed to contribute in the enhancement of effective and responsive delivery of NAPC basic sectors-enabling services. Through this, it is also expected that existing and potential conflict/tension between the NAPC Secretariat and basic sectors will be addressed and/or prevented and instead promote a collegial or co-creation working relationship and effective platform for inter-stakeholders poverty alleviation advocacy engagement.

Purpose of the Manual The NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership Manual serves as an operational guide primarily for the NAPC basic sectors and the Secretariat in their engagement and operations within the Commission as an institutionalized platform for public participation in governance and poverty reduction. The development of this Manual is in line with the objective of strengthening strategic advocacy engagement and promoting collegial partnership between the NAPC Basic Sectoral Councils and the NAPC Secretariat in ensuring effective and meaningful inter-stakeholders collaboration towards the attainment of key social reform and poverty alleviation agenda. The manual is intended for easy reference and guidance of the Secretariat and the Basic Sectors on how they should work together within NAPC. It provides the users with basic information on the mandates and operations of NAPC. This manual also serves as a capacity building tool for the basic sectors, especially the new-comers, to help them in navigating NAPC and be familiar with the terms of reference and engagement processes involved in NAPC. The manual, which can be regularly reviewed and updated, takes off and builds on existing best practices, strategies, mechanisms and processes to promote and maintain productive and efficient partnership, with or without Commission en banc.

Recognizing the basic partnership principles and tension points, the manual is aimed at promoting transparency and shared accountability in NAPC engagements.


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I. Historical Context and Background of NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership

The foundations of basic sectors engagement in NAPC can be traced back even prior to the enactment of the landmark legislation on social reform and poverty alleviation – the Republic Act 8425 otherwise known as the Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act. It should be noted that the engagement of basic sectors in governance platforms within the context of NAPC is voluntary, advocacy-based and commitment-driven, managed and sustained through institutionalized mechanisms and guidelines. To provide a glimpse of the historical context and background of NAPC-Basic Sectors partnership, below is a matrix that illustrates the key features of NAPC in each of the past and present administration of NAPC:

Period Poverty Reduction Policy and Program Agenda

Working Structure/Mechanism

Basic Sectors Participation

Pre-NAPC Consensus Reform/Basic Peace Agenda

National Unification Commission chaired by Commissioner Haydee Yorac called for a series of provincial consultations called among a broad group of participants convened by a local bishop/church leader and a civil society leader Founding of the National Peace Conference

Among the groups that participated in the series of consultations came from a broad political spectrum, including the following: Bishop-Businessmen Conference, mass organizations affiliated with the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinan, Bukluran ng Sosyalistang Isip at Gawa, Caucus of development NGO Networks, Women’s Action Network for Development, Agrarian Reform Now!, some groups from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and Alliance of Concerned Teachers

Ramos Administration

Social Reform Agenda (SRA)

Sustained implementation of a systematic package of social interventions to address the basic inequities

Meaningful consultations and effective participation of the basic sectors

Clearly defined policy, programs and resource commitments from both government and the basic sectors

Social Reform Council composed of the President as the chair, SRA Lead Convenor, Cabinet Officers for Regional Development (CORD) and Basic Sector Representatives

Social Reform Council Secretariat with the SRA Secretary-General served as the national technical working group to provide technical

Target participant-beneficiaries of SRA’s deliberate reform policies

Basic Sectors counterpart structures on different levels


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Multi-dimensional, cross-sectoral and gender-responsive approach

Promotion of ecological balance

Promotion of self-help and self-reliance

Focused implementation (i.e. specific target areas and basic sectors)

*RA 8425, as one of the flagship bills under SRA, was signed into law

support to the SRC

RDCs, Regional TWG and regional composite secretariat care of the NEDA Regional Office, DILG Regional Office and the Office of the CORD

Estrada Administration

Adoption of area-based, sectoral and focused intervention

Asset reform or redistribution of productive economic resources to the basic sectors

Institutionalization, enhancement, adoption and operationalization of the SRA

Katipunan Kontra Kahirapan Program

Lingap para sa Mahihirap Program

NAPC as a Commission chaired by the President assisted by two Vice-chairs (government and basic sector representatives) and comprised of 25 heads of NGAs, 4 Presidents of the LGU Leagues and the 14 Sectoral Representatives of the Basic Sectors

NAPC Secretariat headed by the NAPC Lead Convenorto serve as technical support staff with the following units: Basic Sector Unit; Localization Unit; Macro Policy Unit; Micro-Finance Unit

Autonomous and democratic selection process for basic sector council members and sectoral representatives under Administrative Order No. 10 and was eventually revised under Administrative Order No. 36 providing for the direct appointment of Basic Secoral Council members and Sectoral Representatives by the President

Macapagal-Arroyo Administration

Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI)

KALAHI Urban

KALAHI Rural

KALAHI Local Initiatives

KALAHI Karaban

KALAHI in Conflict Affected Areas

KALAHI Converegence

Regional KALAHI Convergence Groups (RKCGs) Designation of PCFC as the administrator of the Peoples Development Trust Fund (PDTF) Designation of the Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines as ex-officio Alternate Chairman in the NAPC and recognizing the NAPC Lead Convenor as NAPC Secretary-General (EO 353 series of 2004) It was during the

Basic sector representatives were included in the convergence groups at various levels Administrative Order No. 21 series of 2001 was instituted reinstating a process that respects the autonomy of the basic sectors in selecting their Sectoral Council Members and Sectoral Representatives; however with the political crisis arising from the legitimacy of GMA, many of the basic sector organizations joined the call for transparency


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Macapagal-Arroyo that NAPC convened En banc meetings on a regular basis wherein several sectoral concerns and agenda were addressed, including the institutionalization of budgetary and other support provisions for the basic sectors by their respective lead and partner agencies

and accountability, hence the GMA administration issued the Administrative Order No. 187 requiring all participating organizations participating in NAPC to submit themselves for accreditation under the Office of the President

Aquino Administration

Tuwid na Daan; Inclusive, rapid and sustainable Growth NAPC Major Projects

BUB Program

SALINTUBIG

Fisherfolk Projects (Fisherfolk Settlement and Community Fish Landing Centers)

Integrated Community Food Production Program

Rapid Community Based Monitoring System

Housing Program for Informal Settlers Families

Gender and Development Program

Coconut Farmers Advocacy Program

Peoples’ Development trust Fund

Policy Influence and Direct Engagements

Sustained management and institutionalization of NAPC Platforms including National TAO-TWG and other similar inter-agency convergence platforms Designation of Land Bank of the Philippines as the administrator of the PDTF Rationalization of the NAPC Secretariat in 2013 NAPC Secretariat operated with the following Units: OSEC and other executive units, BSCAS, CCPS, PMSTS, LACMS, AFMS

AO 187 was repealed with the issuance of Administrative Order No. 21 series of 2011 as the revised implementing rules and regulations of RA 8425 upholding the independent and democratic processes and organization mechanisms for basic sectors participation in NAPC; Institutionalization of Regional Basic Sectors Coordinating Councils (RBSCCs) as regional counterparts of Basic Sectoral Councils at the national level Participation of the Basic Sectors in the implementation of poverty reduction programs co-initiated/ co-coordinated by NAPC

Sources: a) History and Profile of Civil Society/Basic Sector Organizations’ Engagements in NAPC (NAPC,n.d.); b) Review and Assessment Report on the Implementation of RA 8425 (Aldaba and Sescon, 2010); c) Institutional Assessment of NAPC under Aquino Administration (Yonaha, 2016)

II. The NAPC-Basic Sector Partnership Framework and Guiding Principles

The working relationship between the NAPC Secretariat and the 14 Basic Sectoral Councils is governed by RA 8425 with focus on facilitating the empowerment and enhancement of organizational capacities of the poor towards collective action for engaging in contentious politics with the government sector and to organize and maximize various venues and platforms within NAPC for critical collaboration between the government and the basic sectors in pursuit of social reform and poverty alleviation agenda. The partnership between the NAPC Secretariat and the Basic Sectors centers on the following focused areas of collaboration:

Basic sectors capacity-building


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Institutionalization and management of inter-stakeholders platforms

Provision of/access to resources for basic sectors advocacies and agenda

Agenda-based policy support

Prototyping of BS-supported/initiated poverty reduction programs and projects The NAPC-Basic Sector Partnership is guided by the following principles2:

Mutual Respect

Mutual Trust and confidence

Mutual Understanding and appreciation

Independence and initiative

Principled engagement and critical collaboration

Organized encounters

Equality

Transparency and shared accountability

Peoples Empowerment and Participation

Understanding NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership

A. The NAPC Mandates, Vision, Mission and Goals

NAPC serves as the government’s mechanism in pursuing a conducive policy environment for social reform as a continuous process that addresses the basic inequities in Philippine society. The following are the core mandates of NAPC: To act as the "coordinating and advisory body" that exercises oversight functions in

implementing the SRA and ensure that it is incorporated into the formulation of national, regional, sub-regional and local development plans;

To institutionalize basic sector and NGO participation in managing the SRA cycle;

2 Based on RA 8425, AO 21 s. 2011, and the results of the initial consultation-workshop conducted by the NAPC

ReP Project Team with: a) NAPC Secretariat Officials; 2) NAPC Basic Sectoral Council Members 3) NAPC Secretariat Staff


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To develop microfinance by establishing the People's Development Trust Fund (PDTF) and strengthening the People's Credit and Finance Corporation as the forerunners for microfinance services; and

To strengthen LGUs so they can incorporate the SRA in their local development efforts.

As an oversight and coordinating body, NAPC mandates center on policy coordination and advisory or recommendatory functions with emphasis on the role of the basic sectors through institutionalization and management of platforms for their greater participation in all processes involved in poverty reduction governance as well as in policy and program development. Included in the policy coordination work is the monitoring of the over-all policy environment and implementation. As per Section 3 of AO 21 series of 2011, the following are the powers and functions of NAPC:

a. Coordinate with different NGAs, LGUs, civil society and the private sector to ensure full

implementation of all social reform and poverty alleviation programs b. Coordinate with LGUs in the formulation of social reform and poverty alleviation

programs for their respective areas in conformity with the flagship programs c. Recommend policy and other measures to ensure implementation of commitments

under SRA d. Ensure meaningful representation and active participation of the basic sectors; e. Oversee, monitor and recommend measures to ensure the effective formulation,

implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and resource allocation, and management of social reform and poverty alleviation programs

f. Advocate for the mobilization of funds by the NGAs and LGUs to finance social reform and poverty alleviation programs and capacity-building activities of the basic sectors;

g. Provide financial and non-financial incentives to LGUs with counterpart resources for the implementation of social reform and poverty alleviation programs; and

h. Submit an annual report to Congress, including, but not limited to, all aspects of its operations, programs, project implementation, financial status and other relevant data as reflected by the basic reform indicator

With this mandate, NAPC envisions “a progressive society where there is equitable distribution of wealth, and its people, especially the poor and the marginalized, enjoy improved quality of life and participate responsibly in governance.” In line with this, NAPC’s mission is “to be a government agency committed to reduce poverty by institutionalizing basic sector participation in governance and coordinating the poverty reduction effort of government and the private sector.” NAPC work centers on two main clear and unified goals. The first one focuses on the provision of social reform and poverty alleviation policy and policy implementation services; while the other one has something to do with the delivery of basic sectors enabling or empowering services. NAPC’s main strategies and sets of activities to promote and advance the implementation of social reform and poverty reduction involve the formulation, prototyping and monitoring of


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social reform and poverty alleviation policies, plans, programs and inter-agency/inter-stakeholders coordination platforms. The delivery of public sectors outputs expected from NAPC, with the broad and meaningful participation of the basic sectors, is measured within the parameter of its capacities and commitments to: 1) develop, recommend and implement prototype basic sector-supported or –initiated SRPA policies, programs and projects responsive to the needs of the basic sectors; 2) institutionalize platforms for government-basic sectors engagement and inter-sectoral convergence or coordination; 3) secure commitments from public officials and offices for the enhancement of bureaucratic routines for greater openness and responsiveness; and 4) provide relevant information and advocacy services to the basic sectors in pursuing its priority SRPA agenda.

B. The Commission Organizational Structure

NAPC is chaired by no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It has two main pillars: the government on the other hand headed by its Vice-Chairperson designated by the President; and the 14 legally recognized Basic Sectoral Councils headed by their Vice-Chairperson elected among the Sectoral Representatives of the NAPC Basic Sectors. It has a Secretariat, headed by the NAPC Lead Convenor that is appointed by the President with the rank of Secretary.

NAPC (Commission Proper) Organizational Structure

The President, being the Chair, convenes the NAPC En Banc in which the members of the Commission meet to discuss and address sectoral issues and concerns that need Presidential action/directive and also to approve common/mutually-agreed agenda of the government agencies and the basic sectors. In the Executive Order No. 353 series of 2004 issued by then President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo, the composition of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was reorganized to include the Vice-President of the Philippines who shall serve as ex-officio Alternate Chairman of the NAPC. The Lead Convenor of the NAPC, who shall be appointed by the

PRESIDENT of the Republic of the

Philippines (Chairperson)

NAPC SECRETARIAT

(Lead Convenor)

VICE CHAIRPERSON

for Government Sector

VICE CHAIRPERSON

for Basic Sector

25 Heads of NGAs 4 Presidents of Leagues

Members

Sectoral Representatives of the 14 Basic Sectors

Members


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President either from the government of the private sector and who shall likewise serve as the head of the NAPC Secretariat, shall also be known as the NAPC Secretary – General.

NAPC Executive Committee

NAPC has its Executive Committee chaired by the Lead Convenor and composed of the two Vice-Chairpersons and two other members, i.e. one from the government sector and one from the basic sectors. The NAPC Executive Committee is tasked to oversee the execution of the powers and functions of the NAPC with the following specific functions:

a. set the agenda for the meetings of the NAPC; b. oversee the implementation of the NAPC Resolutions concerning poverty

alleviation programs; c. ensure that grievances are addressed in the appropriate forum; and d. perform such other functions as may be delegated by NAPC;

The 14 Basic Sectors

The NAPC Basic Sectoral Councils, serves as the organizational base for the participation of the poor and marginalized in government poverty reduction policies and programs. As defined in RA 8425 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, NAPC 14 Basic Sectors are as follows:

1. Artisanal Fisherfolk 2. Children 3. Cooperatives 4. Farmers and Landless Rural Workers 5. Formal Labor and Migrant Workers 6. Indigenous Peoples 7. Non-Government Organizations 8. Persons with Disabilities 9. Senior Citizens 10. Urban Poor 11. Victims of Disasters and Calamities 12. Women 13. Workers in the Informal Sector 14. Youth and Students

The NAPC Member Agencies

The Heads of the following government bodies and Presidents of the following Local Government Leagues are among the NAPC Member Agencies:

1. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 2. Cooperative Development Authority 3. Commission on Higher Education 4. Council for the Welfare of Children 5. Department of Agrarian Reform 6. Department of Agriculture 7. Department of Budget and Management


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8. Department of Education 9. Department of Environment and Natural Resources 10. Department of Finance 11. Department of Health 12. Department of the Interior and Local Government 13. Department of Labor and Employment 14. Department of National Defense 15. Department of Social Welfare and Development 16. Department of Trade and Industry 17. Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council 18. Philippine Commission on Women 19. National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 20. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 21. National Economic Development Authority 22. National Youth Commission 23. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process 24. People’s Credit and Finance Corporation 25. Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor 26. Liga ng Mga Barangay 27. League of Municipalities of the Philippines 28. League of Cities of the Philippines 29. League of Provinces of the Philippines

The NAPC Secretariat

The NAPC Secretariat, through the provision of technical and administrative support, serves as the bridge between the two pillars of the Commission. It functions as a mediator or facilitator in ensuring that the mandated processes involving the sectors are well-implemented. It organizes, coordinates, and facilitates government-basic sectors engagement platforms. As part of its basic sectors enabling or empowering services, it likewise builds the capacities of the sectors and facilitates agenda-building and advocacy work of the sectors. In performing such functions, it should be noted that the Secretariat has certain limitations in endorsing certain contentious issues and concerns that are beyond the power and mandates of the NAPC Secretariat. It also facilitates provisions of and/or access to resources by the sectors in advancing their sectoral agenda and priority advocacies subject to usual government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and procedures. The NAPC Secretariat, based on its approved Rationalization Plan in 2013, is driven with 50 government officials and regular staff, as detailed in the illustrated Organizational Structure. A huge part of the over-all work force of the NAPC Secretariat is composed of contract-based staff working alongside with the regular employees and officers of the Commission.


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During the time of Secretary Rocamora, the NAPC Secretariat adopted a different set up in furtherance of the priority thrusts and programs under his administration wherein the Policy and Planning Service is divided into two separate functions – the Commission Coordination and Planning Service and the Policy Monitoring and Social Technology Service. (see NAPC Secretariat Functions and Services).

Asset Reform and Employment

Concerns Division(1) DMO V(1) DMO IV(1) DMO III(1) DMO II(1) DMO I

(1) DMO IV(1) DMO III

Local Convergence Coordination

Division(1) DMO V(1) DMO IV(1) DMO III(1) Community

Development Assistant II

Office of the Director General (6)

Policy and Planning Division

(1) DMO V(1) DMO IV(1) DMO III(1) DMO I

(1) Planning Officer III

Human Development

Services Division(1) DMO V(1) DMO IV(1) DMO III(1) DMO I

(1) Community Development

Assistant II

Director IIIDirector IIIDirector III

Basic SectorCoordinating &

Advocacy Service (11)

Local AffairsCoordinating &

Monitoring Service (9)

Policy and PlanningService (8)

(1) Chief Administrative Officer(1) Supervising Admin Officer

(1) Accountant III(1) AO V (Supply Officer III)(1) AO V (Records Officer III)(1) AO V (HRM Officer III)(1) AO V (Budget Officer III)

(1) AO I (Cashier I)(1) AO I (HRM Officer I)

(1) Admin Assistant III (Storekeeper III)(1) Admin Assistant II

(1) Admin Aide III (Utility Worker II)-(CTI)

Director III

Administrative, Financial & Management Service (13)

Director General

(1) Deputy Director General (CTI)(1) Deputy Director General (1) Head Executive Assistant

(1) Executive Assistant VI(1) Senior Admin Assistant III (Private Secretary II)

Board Secretary VI

Board Secretariat (3)

NAPC PROPER

as of 03/27/13

M I S

(1) ITO III(1) ISA III

Monitoring Division

(1) DMO V(1) DMO IV(1) DMO II(1) DMO I


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C. The NAPC Organizational Performance Indicator Framework


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III. Institutionalization of Basic Sectors Participation in NAPC Platforms A. The Commission En Banc

At the highest level of governance, NAPC provides and facilitates venues and platforms wherein the basic sectors work out a reform agenda with their lead and partner agencies which are then approved at Commission en banc meetings chaired by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Convened by the President through the NAPC Secretariat, the Commission En Banc facilitates consensus among NAPC Members and decides on key issues and concerns relevant to poverty alleviation and social reform agenda, particularly those issues that cannot be addressed by the agencies alone. Through the Commission en banc, the NAPC Chairperson gives marching orders and directives, especially to the government agencies concerned in order to operationalize Commission agreements and resolutions. In the previous unnumbered IRR signed on December 23, 1998, it was stated that “NAPC shall meet en banc at least once every quarter, and may meet in special meetings in between regular meetings as the President sees fit or upon the recommendation of any of the Vice-Chairpersons or the Lead Convenor.” However, the succeeding issuances and even in the existing Administrative Order 21-2011, there was no mention as to the frequency and/or regularity of the NAPC En Banc. Tracing back the history of NAPC En Banc, it was during the Macapagal-Arroyo Administration that NAPC convened En Banc meetings on a regular basis wherein several sectoral concerns and agenda were addressed, including the institutionalization of budgetary and other support provisions for the basic sectors by their respective lead and partner agencies. It was also during this time that the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, being the NAPC Ex-officio Alternate Chair, convened En Banc meetings. The NAPC En Banc, during this time, served as a powerful venue and mechanism for the resolution of sectoral concerns and for the advancement of key agenda and priorities concerning poverty alleviation and basic sectos participation. NAPC En banc resolutions/decisions were executed through the NAPC Lead Convenor in coordination and collaboration with the member agencies.

En Banc Preparations

1. Preparatory Activities

An inter-unit Composite Team headed by the NAPC Secretariat Board Secretary shall be convened by the NAPC Secretariat to do the necessary complete staff work (CSW)

The NAPC Secretariat shall convene the NAPC Executive Committee and National TAO-TWG and Sectoral Representatives Council Meetings

The NAPC Secretariat shall ensure provision of administrative and logistical requirement such as but not limited to sending of invitations to NAPC member agencies, basic sectors and other invitees; gathering of documents and reproduction of kits; tapping organizations/individuals for the verbatim and process


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documentation; coordination with PMS re agenda and presentations, seat assignments of participants and food arrangements

2. En Banc Proper

The Lead Convenor shall assist the President in presiding the meeting.

The order of sectoral agenda presentation to the En Banc meetings shall be determined by the Sectoral Representatives Council

The NAPC Secretariat shall ensure documentation of Presidential Directives/Instructions articulated by the President

3. Post-En banc Activities

The NAPC Secretariat shall facilitate the following:

Release of final documentation and transcription

Issuance of Memorandum/En Banc Directives

Follow-up on actions taken re Presidential Directives

B. Inter-Agency Convergence and Bilateral Meetings (NAPC Flagship Teams) As provided for in Administrative Order No. 21 series of 2011, the NAPC determines the framework and direction of flagship programs and designate Flagship Lead Agencies for sectoral and multi-sectoral programs that address the specific cross-sectoral needs of the basic sectors. The Lead Agencies shall form teams within their respective agencies to handle the day-to-day implementation of its programs in coordination with other agencies, the basic sectors and civil society. Likewise, Flagship Lead Agencies are tasked to designate their respective Senior Technical Action Officers (TAO) or its equivalent term and alternates as focal persons at the national, regional and local levels. The following are among the primary functions of the Flagship Lead Agencies as stipulated in AO 21:

1. Ensure the effective implementation of flagship programs in coordination with other concerned agencies as they address the needs of the basic sectors, rural and urban poor communities;

2. Identify nd facilitate resolution of issues and concerns related to the implementation of flagship programs; and

3. Undertake regular consultations with their counterpart Sectoral Councils as provided in AO 21.

The NAPC Secretariat provides technical and administrative support in ensuring facilitating the interface and engagement between the basic sectors and their respective lead and partner agencies.

Below is the list of Flagship Lead Agencies with their Counterpart Sectoral Councils.

SECTOR LEAD AGENCY

Artisanal Fisherfolk BFAR - Dept. of Agriculture (DA)

Children Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)


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Cooperatives Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)

Farmers & Landless Rural Workers

Dept. of Agriculture (DA) & Department of Agrarian Reform

Indigenous Peoples National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)

NGOs National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Persons with Disabilities Senior Citizens Urban Poor

Department of Health (DOH) Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP)

Victims of Disasters & Calamities

Office of Civil Defense (OCD)

Women Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

Workers in the Formal Labor and Migrant Workers

BLR - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Workers in the Informal Sectors

BWSC - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Youth and Students National Youth Commission (NYC)

C. NAPC Basic Sectors Organizational Mechanisms

RA 8425 and Administrative Order No. 21-2011 provides the general guidelines for the institutionalization of the NAPC Basic Sectors Organizational Mechanism to ensure broad participation, independence and transparency in creating responsive, accountable and meaningful representation from the basic sectors in NAPC platforms and processes. Further, it provides that the social reform agenda shall be enhanced by government in equal partnership with the different sectors through appropriate consultations and partnership in governance.

C.1 The National Sectoral Assembly

The National Sectoral Assemblies of the NAPC 14 Basic Sectors as mandated in RA 8425 and AO 21-2011, is held every 3 years not later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of the term of the incumbent Sectoral Representatives. Each Sectoral Councils shall act as a Technical Working Committees (TWC) and organize its Sectoral Assembly and consequently facilitate the constitution of the succeeding Sectoral Councils. Each Sectoral Assembly is represented by around 100 delegates whose representation is either island-wide, regional, sub-regional, sub-sectoral or ethno-graphic.

The minimum requirements for participation in Sectoral Assemblies as provided in AO 21-2011, notwithstanding the respective sectoral ground rules of each sector, are as follows:

a. Proof of legal existence such as SEC registration or LGU or national government agency accreditation (e.g. DOLE, DA, DAR, DSWD, PCUP, NCIP) and/or other certificate as proof of their legal existence (.eg. tribal council of elders);


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b. An organizational audit system instituting an autonomous accreditation process among the organizations

c. A minimum 30% gender quota for women on all sectoral assemblies, including having at least one woman-nominee as Sectoral Representative; and

d. Board resolution or certification that the participant is the duly authorized representative of the organization.

In the conduct of NSAs, the basic sectors participants are expected to achieve the following objective-functions:

a. Adoption of Sectors’ internal ground rules for representation in NAPC b. Election of 15-25 members of each Sectoral Council c. Adoption of Sectoral Priority Agenda; and d. Election of three (3) Nominees to the Position of Sectoral Representative

The roles of the NSA are as follows: a. Review and adopt the Sectoral Ground Rules b. Determine the composition, powers and functions of the sectoral councils c. Set the qualifications required of each member d. Establish the process of electing the members, including replacements in cases of

vacancies e. Elect members of the SCs (not less than 15 but not more than 25) f. Set qualifications required for each nominee as SR g. Establish the process of selecting nominees as SR h. Formulate and approve the Code of Ethics and conduct and transparency and

accountability mechanisms

There are basic steps and procedures observed in the conduct of NSAs (see Annex for the Procedural Flow of NSA). These are as follows:

1. Establishment of the Sectors’ Technical Working Committee and Steering Committee

2. Preparation and drafting of the Sectoral Ground Rules and Election Code 3. Opening of Application/Invitation for Sectoral Assemblies 4. Review and Selection of NSA Participants 5. Release of Invitations for the NSA 6. Opening/Actual Conduct of Sectoral Assemblies 7. Election of Sectoral Assembly Chairperson 8. Presentation and Adoption of Sectoral Ground Rules, Election Code, Terms of

Reference, Code of Conduct and Recall Procedures 9. Identification of Priority Sectoral Agenda 10. Election of the Sectoral Council 11. Nomination of Sectoral Representative 12. Presentation of Election Results and newly-elected members of the Sectoral

Council 13. Next Steps and Adjournment

The NAPC Secretariat shall provide technical and administrative support to the basic sectors in the conduct and facilitation of the NSAs.


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Whenever necessary and upon due notice, the Sectoral Assembly may be convened by the Sectoral Council subject to availability of funds and upon the approval of the NAPC Lead Convenor.

C.2 The Sectoral Councils

The Sectoral Councils, as provided for in RA 8425 and AO 21, serves as venue for the basic sectors to establish a consensus among themselves on all matters concerning the sector, including the nomination and recall of Sectoral Representatives in the NAPC.

The Sectoral Councils, as a platform, provides the member organizations with specific basis of their unity and engagement among themselves and with the government. This translates to the sectoral agenda identified during the NSA and are further enhanced and pursued by the sectoral council in its three year term. Each Sectoral Council, composed of 15-25 members, are formed by and among the members of each sector through the conduct of NSA. The individual members (and not the organizations they represent) of the Sectoral Councils are elected to a term of three (3) years and shall serve for a maximum of two (2) terms, whether consecutively or separately. Immediately upon the election of the Sectoral Councils, as provided for in AO 21 series of 2011, they shall consult and confer with appropriate government departments, including the flagship agencies, in order to define, enflesh and incorporate the poverty reduction framework in the agencies’ programs and the sectors’ needs. The functions of the Sectoral Councils include the following (Rule VI, Sec. 5):

a. Identify the components of the flagship program on anti-poverty and geographic areas for implementation and integrate capability-building programs and activities for their sector in the implementation of these components;

b. Convene at least once every quarter to discuss issues and concerns of the sectors with their respective Sectoral Representative;

c. Conduct advocacy activities and consultations with the sectors and their partner agencies in pursuit of their priority issues and agenda;

d. Not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of their term, constitute themselves as the Technical Working Committee (TWC) to prepare and establish the rules of organization of the succeeding Sectoral Assemblies;

e. Elect from among themselves their respective three (3) nominees for Sectoral Representatives, at least one (1) of which shall be female (Rule VI, Sec. 4);

f. Establish systems and procedures for ensuring the accountability of their respective Sectoral Representatives to the sector, including but not limited to the presentation and submission of an annual performance and financial accomplishment report during a sectoral general assembly or other appropriate venue (Rule VI, Sec. 4).

Council members are accountable not only to the organization they represent but also to the members of the sectoral assemblies. Therefore, a mechanism for recall is required to be


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instituted by each sectoral council. A council member may be replaced by his/her organization as its official representative if he/she is incapacitated to perform his/her duties in the council. In the same manner, an organization may be replaced by another if its engagement in NAPC is no longer within the bounds of RA 8425. Each Sectoral Councils convenes at least once every quarter to discuss issues and concerns of the sectors with their respective Sectoral Representative. The Councils may organize and set up functional or thematic committees as may be deemed necessary in operationalizing their strategic plans and priority sectoral agenda. Each Council establishes its own internal mechanisms and processes. Engaging within the NAPC framework, the Sectoral Councils are expected to operate and carry out NAPC’s coordinating and advisory functions with focused on their identified priority sectoral agenda as reflected in their organizational activities and work and financial plans. With the technical and administrative support from the NAPC Secretariat, the Sectoral Council Meetings are held with the following general steps or procedures (see annex for the Procedural Flow of Sectoral Council Meetings):

1. Preparation and submission of Activity Proposal 2. Review and Approval of the Proposal 3. Procurement 4. Issuance of Notice of Meeting and Confirmation of Attendance 5. Issuance of Invitations to Agencies/Resource Persons 6. Arrangement and preparation of logistical needs (including booking of tickets and

preparation of meeting kits) 7. Actual Conduct of Sectoral Council Meetings 8. Post-meeting report preparation and endorsement of Council Resolutions/policy

proposals

C.3 The Sectoral Representatives Council Upon the appointment of the Sectoral Representative of each Sectoral Council, the NAPC Secretariat shall convene and organize the Sectoral Representatives Council (SRC). It is composed of the Sectoral Representatives of the 14 Basic Sectors of NAPC and is presided by the Vice-Chairperson for Basic Sectors. The SRC has the following powers and functions:

a. Serve as a venue for consolidating the Basic Sector’s position on issues and concerns that affect them

b. Provide support on the cross-sectoral concerns and linkage with the NAPC Inter-Agency Members

c. Initiate, formulate and develop cross-sectoral programs d. Convene before the NAPC En Banc meeting to consolidate the Basic Sectors’

positions and agenda for presentation to the NAPC En banc e. Establish its own internal mechanisms and processes f. Formulate common/united stand on issues affecting the Basic Sectors that

requires their immediate and urgent action


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g. Ensure trust, transparency, independence and confidence-building from and among the 14 Basic Sectors

h. Deal with the government and the private sector as a solid official body i. Elect the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors and/or initiate the recall

proceedings and exact accountability of the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors when necessary

j. Assist in facilitating access to resources for the programs and activities of the Sectoral Councils.

The members of the SRC, including the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors, shall designate from among themselves on a consensus basis, the NAPC Basic Sectors Representative in participatory governance platforms and special bodies, including but not limited to the following:

a. Steering Committee of the National Community-Driven Development Program b. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council c. National Independent Advisory and Monitoring Committee – Pantawid

Pamilyang Pilipino Program d. Peoples Development Trust Fund e. Tripartite Industrial Peace Council f. Executive Committee of the Bottom-up Planning and Budgeting g. Technical Working Group of the National Poverty Reduction Action Team

The Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors shall automatically represent the NAPC Basic Sectors in the Philhealth Board of Directors.

The SRC shall hold regular meetings at least two days before the NAPC En banc meeting, which shall be convened by the Vice-Chairperson for Basic Sectors. Special meetings may be called through the Vice-Chairperson for Basic Sectors if a minimum of five members requests for a meeting provided that a notice of meeting shall be sent to all members at least seven days before the schedule, wherein eight (8) Sectoral Representatives shall constitute a quorum.

SRC decisions shall be on a consensus basis as much as possible. If consensus is not possible, plurality voting shall be adopted. In case of a tie, further discussions shall be initiated until a decision is reached. The vote of the Sectoral Representatives not present in the meeting shall be counted with the majority vote. In case the Sectoral Representative is not available, he/she can designate one of the sectoral Council members through a formal notification through the Office of the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sector. Proxy voting by representatives of the Sectoral Representatives shall be allowed provided that a written notification shall be provided to the Office of the Vice-Chairperson.

C.4 The Office of the Vice-Chairperson for Basic Sectors

The Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors (VCBS) is elected from among the 14 Sectoral Representatives. The guidelines for the election of the VCBS shall be prepared by the NAPC Secretariat for review and adoption of the SRC. The NAPC VCBS shall have the following powers and functions:


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a. Convene and preside over the regular meetings of the SRC b. Serve as the Basic Sector spokesperson at meetings with government particularly

during SRC meetings c. Represent the Basic Sectors in various government agencies and other bodies as

may be delegated or nominated by the SRC d. Facilitate the process of consolidation and consensus-building of the SRC e. Assist in the accessing of resources for the programs and activities of the SRC f. Prepare a quarterly written report to the SRC.

To ensure the provision of technical, advisory, consultative, research, advocacy and administrative support services, the NAPC Secretariat shall provide secretariat support to the SRC and the VCBS through the institutionalization of the Office of the Vice-chairperson (OVCBS). The OVCBS shall operate as an independent office with fund support from the annual budget of NAPC based on its approved work and financial plan under the administrative supervision of the NAPC Lead Convenor/Secretary or his/her duly authorized representative, subject to usual government budgeting, accounting, and auditing procedure.

C.5 The Regional Basic Sectors Coordinating Councils (RBSCC)

The Regional Basic Sectors Coordinating Councils (RBSCC) serves a platform for basic sectors engagement with the government set up in every region to advance the basic sectors’ agenda that complements the operations of the Basic Sectoral Councils at the national level. It shall convene on a regular basis at least once every quarter. The RBSCC likewise serves as a sub-national basic sectoral forum for: identifying, discussing and resolving area-based development problems, issues and concerns that would support the sectoral and inter-sectoral agenda of the NAPC Basic Sectors; engaging other basic sector organizations, particularly those that have participated in the NSA; and ensuring meaningful participation of basic sectors in regional and provincial participation platforms such as the RDC, RPRAT and RDRRMCs. The policy guidelines for the operationalization of the RBSCC was provided for in a Memorandum issued by NAPC Sec. Jose Eliseo Rocamora dated April 8, 2016 (see annex). Each RBSCC is composed of duly elected NAPC Basic Sectoral Council Members residing and whose organization operates in a particular region. It has an Executive Members composed of Regional Coordinator, regional Co-Coordinator, and Provincial Coordinators duly elected by the RBSCC from among its members. Non-NAPC council members may be invited to participate in the RBSCC on an observer status subject to the provisions provided for in the RBSCC policy guidance. Also provided in the Memorandum Guidance is the formation of Regional TAO-TWG in every region as the regional counterpart of the NAPC National TAO-TWG. It is a regional inter-agency body consisting of regional Technical Action Officers coming from the regional offices of each NAPC member-agencies. The NAPC Secretariat convenes the Regional TAO-TWG to facilitate the resolution of the basic sectors’ agenda, address bottlenecks in the


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implementation of the sectoral agenda, and provide technical and fund support to the basic sectors, whenever necessary and applicable.

IV. Partnership Terms of Reference

Basic sectors engagement with the government serves as a base for social transformation. In employing the concept of public participation in governance and development processes, it is imperative for both the basic sectors and those in the government including the NAPC Secretariat to have a change in perspective in terms of broadening the scope of their responsibilities and departing from the traditional power relations and engage each other based on mutual trust and confidence. For the partnership between the NAPC and basic sectors to be more effective, their respective roles, duties and responsibilities should be made clear and leveled off between and among them.

A. Roles, Duties and Responsibilities of Partners A.1 Roles of Sectoral Council Members 1. Agenda Setting

Be familiar with the sector’s socio-economic situation and the council’s three-year sectoral agenda, including the sectoral council’s work and financial plans.

Incorporate the sectoral agenda and sectoral council work plan into his/her organization’s regular programs, projects and activities. Their organization shall take the lead in translating one or more sectoral agenda into coherent, realistic, doable and attainable program/project within its area of operations. This includes the mobilization of its members as well as allocation of resources for the said purpose.

In coordination and consultation with lead and partner agencies, translate the sectoral agenda and sectoral council work plan into an individual action plan, preferably within the organization’s area of operation, that is consistent with the regular programs and projects of the organization.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation

In coordination with lead and partner agencies, monitor and evaluate government and non-government policies and programs for the sector at the regions and bring to the attention of the council and concerned agencies any problem encountered during the implementation of the same.

Monitor the progress/accomplishment of Council agenda, agreements and resolutions based on the sectoral work and financial plan using the Agenda Monitoring Template prepared by the NAPC Secretariat as a guide/monitoring tool (see annex)

3. Information Delivery

Attend and actively participate in regular meetings and activities of the sectoral council and local government-CSO convergence bodies. This entails, among others, bringing to the attention of both bodies the concerns of the sector in his/her region and the submission of regular accomplishment reports and updates on regional concerns

Conversely, the Council Member shall apprise constituents, which include the local government-CSO convergence body, the NSA members and/or network of


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CSOs in the region or his/her are of operation, regarding government policies, programs and projects concerning them, specifically those disseminated and discussed in the sectoral council meetings.

4. Ethics

Observe courtesy and adhere to the Sectoral Council’s Code of Conduct (see annex) in the process of engagement with the NAPC Secretariat, lead and partner agencies and other Non-NAPC agencies

Observe professional relationship with the NAPC Secretariat staff, in particular, the Focal Person assigned to the sector, who is tasked to provide technical and administrative support to the Sectoral Council

Represent the best interest of their respective sectors and the civil society community at large. In no way shall council members accept any form of payments or fees in exchange for policies, programs and services negotiated in behalf of their sector

Council members shall observe transparency and accountability in all their undertakings and advocacy work. Each Council shall render an accomplishment report to the NSA, every three (3) years. The Council is also tasked to establish systems and procedures for disciplinary actions and recall of erring Council members and its Sectoral Representative

5. Advocacy

Advocate for the incorporation of Sectoral Council Agenda and work plan into lead/partner agency policies, programs, projects and activities

Build consensus and work for inter-sectoral coordination and consolidation in addressing common issues and concerns, from the national down to the local level

Advocate poverty alleviation planning and basic sectors participation at the local level with LGU officials

6. Membership in Regional and Local Governance Mechanisms

Council members are expected to actively participate in regional consultative bodies and mechanisms and local special bodies, including but not limited to Regional Development Councils (RDC), Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO), Local Development Councils (LDC) and ensure that the advocacies of the sector at the national level are discussed and integrated at the regional and local levels

Other Responsibilities of Individual NAPC Sectoral Council Members

Adhere to the provisions contained in the TOR for Basic Sectors

Shall be accountable not only to the organization s/he represents but also to all the other members of the NSA;

Strive to create an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect based on the perspective that basic sectors are important components of any democratic society

Foster a continuing dialogue especially in areas and programs where both the government sector and basic sectors are involved

Act as fiscalizers of the government, i.e. monitor and provide constructive feedback on the implementation of government anti-poverty policies, programs and services


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Submit regular accomplishment report and individual workplans and other information that may be required from time to time

Shall not, in his/her dealings with the government, use language which is abusive, offensive or otherwise improper

Attendance to quarterly sectoral meetings is a must. Absence from council meetings, except for due cause, will not be allowed

Shall refrain from making any false information either to further their private interest or to prejudice the public interest. The NAPC Secretariat reserves the right to verify the contents of documents submitted by any Council member;

No Sectoral Council member shall be sanctioned, removed or suspended except for a cause. Due process as provided in the Internal groundrules approved by the NSA and those provided by law, shall be observed

A.2 Roles of Sectoral Representatives

Act as spokesperson of the sector in the NAPC by articulating the needs, demands and positions of the sector during NAPC meetings and other related activities

Ensure that the sectoral agenda identified by the NSA are realized

Formulate and propose organizational mechanisms and guidelines defining the parameters of basic sector participation in anti-poverty agenda of government with the assistance of and in consultation with the Sectoral Council Members. The guidelines may include necessary processes for effective basic sector coordination among themselves

Provides leadership in setting the strategic direction of the council and generate commitments from the sectors s/he represents

Ensure the government’s commitments to the sector are delivered and fulfilled

Report on a regular basis to and update the Sectoral Council on social reform agenda with flagship agencies and other government bodies

Coordinate with other sectors on matters concerning the sector s/he represents in particular, and the entire basic sectors in general

Delegate functions to other Council Members as deemed necessary

A.3 Roles NAPC Secretariat

Serve as facilitator in ensuring that the mandated processes involving the sectors are well-implemented

Serve as mediator between and among the basic sectors and government agencies in cases of conflict or disagreement in positions and in working out reform agenda

Organize, coordinate, and facilitate government-basic sectors engagement platform

As part its basic sectors enabling or empowering services, build the capacities of the sectors and facilitate agenda-building and advocacy work of the sectors. In performing such functions, it should be noted that the Secretariat has certain limitations in endorsing certain contentious issues and concerns that are beyond the power and mandates of the NAPC Secretariat


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Facilitate the provision of and/or access to resources by the sectors in advancing their sectoral agenda and priority advocacies subject to usual government budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and procedures

Ensure the effective implementation of flagship programs in coordination with the Lead/partner Agencies as they address the needs of the Basic Sectoral Councils

Identify and facilitate resolution of issues and concerns related to the implementation of flagship programs for the Basic Sectoral Councils

Undertake regular consultations with the Basic Sectoral Councils

Provide technical, advisory, consultative, research, advocacy, financial and administrative support services in accordance to the needs of the basic Sectoral Council for the operation and implementation of its sectoral agenda and annual work and financial plan

Conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation to ascertain the progress/accomplishments of the Basic Sectoral Councils’ agenda and annual work and financial plan, and proper utilization of funds

Intervene and institute corrective measures if and whenever necessary and applicable as provided for under existing laws, rules and procedures concerning NAPC

A.4 Role of NAPC Focal Persons for the Basic Sectors (BSCAS Staff)

Provide technical assistance to ensure the broadest and effective participation and representation of basic sectors

Attend, facilitate directions and provide valuable inputs to sectors in the conduct of their sectoral activities/advocacies

Provide technical and facilitative assistance in the conceptualization, design, planning, preparation, and implementation of the sectors’ social reform agenda programs, projects, and activities

Conduct policy research and articulating the same as input to the sectoral agenda and to inter-agency or TWG meetings

Assist in developing /crafting of technical documents, project proposals, and position papers in the advancement of policy reform advocacy agenda in line with the NAPC’s development pathways and poverty alleviation framework

Coordinate the complete staff work (CSW) and linkage-building with concerned national government agencies (TAO-TWG), Local Government Units (LGUs), civil society organizations and other stakeholders to facilitate the effective resolution of advocacy agenda, issues, and concerns of the sectors

Be familiar with the sectoral issues/advocacies agenda and the political landscape of the sectors (dynamics, organizational groupings, political tendencies and biases, etc.) as well as with the bureaucratic and political environment within the government

Provide analytical inputs to the Basic Sectoral Councils in gauging political and economic feasibility, technical viability, administrative operability, practicality of government-basic sectors engagement/partnership priorities

Exhibit social commitment in the advancement of basic sectoral advocacies and social reform agenda


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A.5 Roles of Lead and Partner-Agencies

Provide, on a sustained basis, the sectoral council members information on government policies, programs and activities that concern their sectors

Provide the sectoral council members technical support in developing and enhancing their councils sectoral agenda, and translating them into a work and financial plan, consisting of joint and individual action plans of its member-organizations and their representatives

Incorporate into the agency policies, plans and programs, all or some elements of the councils sectoral agenda

Provide funding support to the work and financial plan of the sectoral councils as warranted by current policy and available resources

Engage the sectoral council members as default civil society partners in its participatory mechanisms and processes, including but not limited to its planning systems

As a result of the NAPC En Banc Meeting on August 22, 2002, directing the allocation of at least one million pesos for each NAPC Basic Sectoral Council that will be collectively raised from their respective lead and partner agencies, the NAPC and DBM issued the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2004-1 dated February 29, 2004 on the Guidelines for Budgetary and other Support to the NAPC Basic Sectors for Fiscal Year 2004 and thereafter (see Annex). The said JMC laid down guidelines for NAPC lead and partner/member agencies on the provision of such support for the institutional or administrative requirements of the basic sectors, including office space, part-time staff, utilities, equipment and other facilities, and if consistent with the agency mandates, provide direct services or program interventions as well. The JMC also mandated the NAPC member agencies to designate their respective permanent representatives who shall be responsible for coordination and facilitation of Basic Sectoral Council’s availment of said support.

B. NAPC Secretariat Services and Functions vis-à-vis Basic Sector Participation in NAPC

From the various legal issuances from which the NAPC derives its developmental role, it is clear that the basic sectors are its primary clientele. All its major services therefore are geared towards providing their needs, particularly, for participation in decision-making, planning and action in aspects that affect their lives. In general, as defined in the NAPC Service Charter3 (2014), the NAPC Secretariat provides technical, advisory, consultative, research, advocacy and administrative support services to the basic sectors according to the following unit assignments:

3 The NAPC Secretariat Units’ Services and Functions as defined in its Service Charter was adopted during the administration of Sec. Jose Eliseo M. Rocamora


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Office of the Secretary (OSEC) Other Executive Units (Office of the Undersecretaries). The OSEC provides over-all direction and leadership to the NAPC Secretariat in performing its mandates and in the delivery of services to the Commission in terms of development and implementation of relevant policies, priority programs and plans within the government’s strategic priorities. It facilitates secretariat support for the basic sectors that requires NAPC Secretariat inter-unit cooperation and coordination. Likewise, the OSEC facilitates the endorsement of Sectoral agenda, policy and program proposals, Council Resolutions for approval or appropriate action of concerned government agencies and relevant institution. The OSEC also assists the basic sectors in accessing fund and institutional support from NAPC member agencies based on the priority sectoral agenda and plan of the Sectoral Councils. The Executive Offices serves as extension Units of the OSEC that provides technical and advisory support to the latter and the sectoral councils. The OSEC, specifically:

Links up the basic sectors with the highest echelons of government; and Through the Communication Group, provides media support to the agenda and

activities of the Basic Sectoral Councils and their members. The NAPC Secretary may constitute inter-unit coordination/collaboration bodies among NAPC Secretariat Units if and when necessary to facilitate

Basic Sector Coordinating and Advocacy Service (BSCAS). This Unit is primarily responsible for facilitating and coordinating the constitution of basic sectoral councils and provides technical and administrative support in the operationalization of the sectoral plans and advocacy agenda. BSCAS also provides technical and administrative support in terms of sectoral council and committee meetings both national and regional, convening of inter-agency or bilateral meetings and dialogues between the government and NAPC basic sectors at the national level, follow-through of sectoral agenda, resolution, and Council meeting agreements, sectoral advocacy activities and special events, facilitation of claiming and release of council members per diem. As the Unit that directly coordinates and regularly transacts with the Basic Sectoral Councils, BSCAS provides the following services: Maintains and updates directory of basic organizations nationwide; Provides staff work that fleshes out the agenda of the various sectoral councils Organizes the regular and special meetings of sectoral councils and inter-

stakeholders meetings Follows through the agreements in fulfillment of the agreements, decisions and

directives resulting from inter-agency/ basic-sector-government bilateral meetings; Prepares and conducts communication and advocacy support to the agenda of the

Basic Sectoral Council; Prepares and implements a capacity-building program for the basic sectors.

Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Service (LACMS). It ensures and coordinates the localization and promotion of national poverty alleviation strategies and priorities through organization and facilitation of coordination and convergence mechanisms at the local level. It coordinates basic sectors participation in local poverty reduction action teams at the regional and municipal level. The LACMS Unit also provides facilitative and


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coordination assistance in the conduct of RBSCC meetings and inter-agency cooperation and convergence platforms at the local level. Links up the members of the Basic Sectoral Council with the Local Government Units

in their respective places of origin for their participation in various areas of local governance, but more importantly, in the crafting of the local poverty reduction action programs (LPRAPs) through the Local Poverty Reduction Action Teams (LPRAT);

Organizes regional and local forums involving the Basic Sectoral Council members and other basic sector and civil society organizations for the discussion and resolution of local issues, including local manifestations of issues contained in the Basic Sectoral Agendas that also becomes opportunities for networking; Conducts capacity building for LGUs, specially in crafting and implementing in a participatory manner poverty focused programs; and

Conducts information dissemination about and advocacy for the basic sectoral agendas.

Policy, Monitoring and Social Technology Service (PMSTS). It provides technical and

research services in the development and monitoring of relevant social reform and poverty reduction policies, frameworks, strategies and programs, based on the priority sectoral agenda and major priorities of the government. The PMSTS also provides support in terms of capability enhancement on technology-based mechanism for the efficacy and efficiency of NAPC’s work on its monitoring and oversight functions. The MIS group of PMSTS usually provides relevant data upon the request of sectoral councils. Provides policy research and advocacy support to the sectoral agenda of the 14 Basic

Sectoral Councils; Through the MIS, provides information support to the agenda and activities of the

Basic Sectoral Councils.

Administrative, Financial, and Management Service (AFMS) Unit. The AFMS is primarily responsible for the provision of administrative and financial technical assistance to NAPC units in the delivery of the agencies services in terms of property, supplies and records management, office maintenance and general services, personnel recruitment, selection and appointment/hiring of staff and personnel development. As to matters concern the basic sectors, the AFMS Unit is the one primarily responsible in the processing of relevant documents for the conduct of sectoral council meetings and activities, processing of sectoral benefits and entitlements including the reimbursement of transportation expenses, release of per diems and allowances and issuance of their identification cards as duly elected/appointed NAPC Sectoral Council Members and Representatives. Provides administrative and financial assistance to the other NAPC units in the

delivery of their services to the Basic Sectoral Councils; Specially, it facilitates the release of per diems and representation and travel

allowances for the various linkaging, networking and advocacy services of the Basic Sectoral Council members, according to existing NAPC policies and procedures and other related government rules;


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To provide clearer guidance to Sectoral Representatives and Council Members in claiming payment for their monthly per diems, and in adherence to the cash program of the government and to the “no report, no release” policy of the DBM.

Commission Coordination and Planning Service (CCPS) Unit. It facilitates the

formulation, consolidation and submission of the agency’s plans, targets, and periodic reports. It likewise coordinates and leads the organization of the NAPC En Banc Meeting by providing technical and administrative secretariat work to the NAPC En Banc, the NAPC Executive Committee and the inter-agency Technical Action Officers-Technical Working Group (TAO-TWG) for the En Banc as follows:

Facilitates complete staff work for the conduct of En Banc meetings and inter-agency TAO-TWG for the En Banc;

Prepares and conducts communication and advocacy support to the agenda of the NAPC En Banc;

Follows through the agreements in fulfillment of the agreements, decisions and directives resulting from En Banc meetings;

Takes custody and keep records of the NAPC organs.

The Secretariat Support Staff to the Office of the Vice Chair for the Basic Sectors (OVCBS): The NAPC Secretariat support staff designated to the OVCBS provides the following services:

Provides secretariat support to the Sectoral Representatives Council Provides staff work that fleshes out the inter-sectoral agenda of the Sectoral

Representative Council (SRC); Solicits commitment of support for the SRC agenda from potential basic setoral

partners. Organizes the regular and special meetings of the SRC by: Follows through the agreements in fulfillment of the agreements, decisions and

directives resulting from the meetings. Prepares and conducts communication and advocacy support to the agenda of the

SRC. Takes custody and keep records of the SRC.

C. Guidelines for Basic Sectors Participation in NAPC C.1 Qualifications and Term Limits of Sectoral Council Members

For Sectoral Councils to fully engage the government and other stakeholders, members must have the following basic qualifications and core competencies:

1. An active leader/member and/or staff of a basic sector or civil society organization; 2. Track record and leadership in advocating sectoral and cross-sectoral issues and

agenda 3. Basic verbal and written communication skills in formulating and crafting

appropriate demands and positions as well as engaging key stakeholders in policy dialogues or consultations


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4. Ability to build consensus and reach out to different groups for coalition building in support of reform objectives

5. Basic management and coordination skills in the execution of the council’s communication and advocacy plan

The following are disqualified from membership in the Sectoral Councils:

1. Those who are elected or appointed to a government position, whether at the

national or local level; or government employees, as provided for in Rule VI, Sec 2 of A.O. 21, whether permanent or temporary, career or non-career service, whether or not they receive compensation, regardless of amount [from R.A. 6713, Sec. 3 (b)]. Exceptions to this rule are the following: Consultants who are hired for their expertise or on a per output basis, leaders of public sector unions/government employees’ associations who are members of the Formal Labor and Migrant Workers Council, NAPC BuB Provincial Focal Persons (PfPs), Regional Coordinators and Community Mobilizers contracted by DILG in relation to the BuB Program to facilitate the strengthening BS/CSO participation in local planning and budgeting processes.

2. Those who have served for a maximum of two (2) terms as Sectoral Council members, whether consecutively or separately. This rule refers only to individuals and not the organizations they represent. Organizations are always qualified for re-election as long as they are able to designate new representatives to the Sectoral Assembly apart from their representative who has served the maximum two (2) terms as Sectoral Council member (A.O. 21, Rule VI, Sec. 3).

In addition, “a Sectoral Council member is deemed automatically resigned from the Council when the member has resigned or been separated from the organization from which the membership in the Sectoral Assembly is derived (A.O. 21, Rule VI, Sec. 3).”

Expulsion or removal of Sectoral Council members for cause shall be determined by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards as well as the transparency and accountability mechanisms of the sectors.

C.2 Sectoral Ground Rules

Pursuant to the provisions of AO 21, each of the Sectoral Assemblies shall adopt their respective sectoral ground rules for representation in NAPC stipulating the rationale, objectives, functions, structures, procedures and processes in the institutionalization of the National Sectoral Assembly, the Sectoral Council, and the Sectoral Representative.

The Sectoral Council shall convene as the Technical Working Committee that has the authority to draft the proposed ground rules for their respective Sectoral Assemblies, without prejudice to review by the Lead Convenor.


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The sectoral ground rules also set and define the qualification criteria, selection process, powers and functions of key stakeholders that will play critical roles in the aforementioned NAPC sectoral bodies such as the Technical Working Committee, the Sectoral Assembly Chairperson, the Election Board, and the NAPC Secretariat.

The primary purpose of these guidelines is to set in place the structures and mechanism that will allow the basic sectors to solidify and strengthen themselves to maximize democratizing opportunities in their engagement with government and other sectors of civil society.

In the formulation and adoption of their respective ground rules, it should be noted that the Sectoral Assembly shall observe the minimum 30% gender quota for women, including having at least (1) woman-nominee as Sectoral Representative as provided in the provisions of AO 21.

C.3 Institutionalization of a Uniform and Standard Grievance/Recall Process for Sectoral Council Members and Sectoral Representatives

Without prejudice to the internal sectoral ground rules of the different sectoral councils, a uniform process to address complaints and grievances as well as petitions for recall duly approved by the SRC and adopted by the government/NAPC as the official document governing the relations between and among sectors as well as with the government pursuant to Rule VII, Section 3 of AO 21. (See annex for the Uniform and Standard Grievance/Recall Process for Sectoral Council Members and Representatives).

C.4 Benefits and Entitlements of Sectoral Representatives and Council Members

1. Per Diems and Allowances

In the performance of their duties and responsibilities as duly elected NAPC Sectoral Council Members and Representatives, and pursuant to DBM letters dated September 3, 1999 and December 29, 1999 on the provision of financial support to the basic sectors, the members and representatives of the NAPC Sectoral Councils entitled to claim the following:

Representation Allowance and Transportation Allowance (RATA)

Required Documents

Vice Chairperson for the Basic Sectors

P13,500.00 a month

The representation and transportation allowances are given on a monthly basis.

Copies of Appointment and Oath of Office are required as valid documents to support the claim for the initial payment of the RATA.

Sectoral Representatives P 8,500 a month

Per Diem Allowance

Vice Chairperson for the Basic Sectors

P 12,000 a month Certificate of Compliance attested by any of NAPC Officials


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Sectoral Representatives P 8,000 a month Certificate of Compliance attested by the BS Vice Chairperson

Council Members P 4,000 a month Certificate of Compliance attested by Sectoral Representative

The Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors is entitled to a RATA amounting to Php13,500 a month while a Sectoral Representative is entitled to a RATA amounting to Php8,500 per month. In case the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors or a Sectoral Representative is on leave for more than one (1) month, s/he shall not be entitled to collect the RATA for the month. RATA will be released on or before the 15th day of each month. Pursuant to the letters of DBM dated September 3, 1999, the NAPC Sectoral Representatives are entitled to Php2,000 per diem/per meeting/per month but not to exceed Php8,000/month. In the case of Council Members, they are entitled to Php1,000 per diem/meeting/per month but not to exceed Php4,000 in a month, subject to submission of Certificate of Compliance. Please refer to annex for a copy of the template form for the Certificate of Compliance required in claiming the aforementioned benefits. The Guidelines on the Processing and Payment of Per Diems of Basic Sectors’ Sectoral Representatives and Council Members is provided for in the NAPC Special Order No. 2013-129 dated May 31, 2013 and further clarified in the succeeding NAPC Special Order No. 2013-130 dated May 31, 2013 (see annex for copies of the said Special Orders and process flow for the processing and payment of basic sectors’ per diem). These guidelines are established to ensure the orderly processing and timely release of the monthly per diems to Sectoral Representatives and Council Members adhering to the “no report, no release” policy of the DBM. In another NAPC Memorandum No. 2016-03-023 dated March 03, 2016 (see Annex) on Taxation of Basic Sectors’ Per Diems, the said per diem are subject to tax deduction following the COA audit findings and BIR policies since per diem is considered as honorarium. The increase in per diem of the basic sectors is incumbent upon the decision of the NAPC En Banc. The basic sectors’ per diem is not intended as payment or fee for the sectoral advocacy work that the Basic Sectoral Council Members and Representatives do in NAPC since their participation or engagement in NAPC is on a voluntary basis, advocacy-based and commitment-driven.

2. Communications Allowance

In a Special Order No. 2016-06-207 dated June 14, 2016 issued by the NAPC Secretary, Council Members are entitled to Php300 worth of communication allowance in the form of cellular cards per month, subject to submission of the duly signed monthly Certificate of Compliance. This support is being granted to the Basic Sectoral Council Members to aid


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them in their numerous coordinating activities as they pursue their sectoral and cross-sectoral agenda. Consequently, the NAPC-OVCBS issued a Memorandum dated April 14, 2016 (see Annex) providing for the guidelines on the distribution and claiming of communication allowance, in the form of cellular cards.

3. Reimbursement of Travel Expenses of Sectoral Representatives (Travel Fund)

Each Sectoral Representative is allowed to travel outside his/her area of coverage in the performance of his/her duties and functions, subject to the endorsement of the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sectors and the approval of the NAPC Secretary. The total amount for reimbursement shall, however, not exceed to Php50,000 annually. The following are the requirements for the authorized reimbursement of travel expenses of NAPC Sectoral Representatives:

Written request from the Sectoral Representative indicating the purpose and details of the travel together with other supporting documents (e.g. invitation letter, notice of meeting, etc.)

Request should be submitted to the NAPC the Secretary through the Office of the Vice-Chairperson for the Basic Sector (OVCBS) and the Unit Director of the NAPC Basic Sector Coordinating and Advocacy Services (BSCAS) Unit at least a week before the scheduled travel or activity for their review and endorsement.

The OVCBS ans BSCAS shall endorse to the Secretary the Travel Order or Special Order authorizing the travel

Upon reimbursement, the following must be submitted or presented: 1. Copy of the approved Travel Order or Special Order authorizing the travel 2. Duly accomplished and signed Travel Reimbursement Form 3. Original copy of the following documents:

- Plane/Bus/Ferry/Taxi fare tickets or receipts - Boarding pass/terminal fees official receipts - Certificate of Appearance/ Travel Report or Accomplishment Report

4. Reimbursement of Travel Expenses of Sectoral Council Members

Sectoral Council members are authorized to claim for reimbursement of their travel expenses during their attendance and participation in regular council meetings and other duly approved NAPC and sectoral activities.

For authorized reimbursement, the following must be submitted or presented by the Sectoral Council Members:

1. Copy of the approved Travel Order or Special Order authorizing the travel 2. Duly accomplished and signed Travel Reimbursement Form 3. Original copy of the following documents:

- Plane/Bus/Ferry/Taxi fare tickets or receipts


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- Boarding pass/terminal fees official receipts - Certificate of Appearance/ Travel Report or Accomplishment Report

For proper guidance of the Sectoral Council Members and Sectoral Representatives in claiming their authorized reimbursement, see General Guidelines on Reimbursement and Fare Ceiling Matrix and advised by the NAPC-AFMS.

D. General Partnership Engagement Protocols

1. Facilitation of Basic Sectoral Work and Financial Plans and Activities

To ensure orderly and efficient facilitation and implementation of Basic Sectoral WFP and Activities, the following rules and protocols shall be observed both by the NAPC Secretariat Staff and Sectoral Council members and representatives:

The Sectoral Councils shall formulate and regularly review, update and monitor their 3-year strategic work plan and annual work and financial indicating their target milestones based on the priority sectoral agenda identified in the NSA. The Sectoral Councils WFPs should be submitted to the NAPC Secretariat, through the Focal Persons, for documentation and monitoring purposes (see Annex for the WFP Template).

The NAPC Focal Persons for the Basic Sectors, in consultation and coordination with the Sectoral Representatives, prepare and submit the Sectoral Councils’ activity proposals based on its approved WFP through the BSCAS Unit Director for review and endorsement to the AFMS Unit for the certification of funds availability and consequently to the NAPC Secretary for final approval. The Sectoral Representatives may also initiate the drafting and preparation of sectoral activity proposals with the assistance of the Focal Persons. The activity proposals shall be submitted at least one month before the activity. (See annex for the Activity Proposal Template)

Upon the approval of the NAPC Secretary, the Focal Persons ensure the facilitation of the complete staff work for the conduct secto

NAPC-Basic Sectors Partnership Manual1...

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