Module 3
History of Extension in the Philippines
Introduction:
This module will focus on the history of extension in the Philippines which will be used most of
the time in the discussion of this course.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the module the students should be able:
1. To articulate the history of extension in the different Era;
2. To appreciate the history of extension in the Philippines;
Learning Contents:
Extension during the Spanish Era, 1565
Extension works in the Philippines started in 1565 through the establishment of "granja
modelos" or model farms by the Spaniards. These model farms served both as experimental
stations of the Spanish government and demonstration centers for farmers. Farmers who were
initially given education were those who grew rice, sugarcane and tobacco.
Extension during the American Regime, 1901
The coming of the Americans at the turn of the 20 th century brought a more serious attempt to
extend agricultural services in the Philippines.
October 8, 1901 - Extension work during the American regime started but there was no definite
plan followed.
April 30, 1902 - The Bureau of Agriculture under the Department of interior was organized to
give a boost to extension wok.
July, 1910 - The Demonstration Division was created in the Bureau of Agriculture making it the
first formally organized department implementing extension and research program.
Several experiment stations and demonstration farms were set up in strategic places in the
country. Agricultural schools were also established to educate and train government agricultural
workers and others engaged in agriculture.
July 10, 1919 - The extension service organization of the Philippines was made a separate unit of
the Bureau of Agriculture. Since then, the Demonstration and Extension Division expanded its
activity to include farmers cooperatives, organizations, rural credit, marketing and animal
science. People engaged in this work were called farm advisers.
1923 - The name of Demonstration and Extension Division was changed to Agricultural
Extension Service. Ms. Maria Y. Orosa founded the home extension service also in 1923,
starting as a unit under the Organic Chemistry Division of the Bureau of Science.
1925 - The Food Preservation Section of the Organic Chemistry Division was organized. Its
activities included food preparation, food preservation, home management, and demonstration
work. It was expanded to form the Food Preservation Division of the Bureau of Science in 1926.
In the same year, the Fiber Standardization Board was created as a separate office to take charge
of educational work on fiber.
1932 - The Demonstration and Extension Division was renamed the Agricultural Division.
1933 - The Fiber Standardization Board was abolished and the Fiber Inspection Service was
returned to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, at the same time transferring the
educational fiber inspector to BPI. Simultaneously, the Food Preservation Division of the Bureau
of Science was made a special division of the Department of Agriculture and commerce and was
called the Division of Economics.
1936 - The Division of Home Economics was transferred to the Bureau of Plant Industry and
merged with the Utilization Division of the said Bureau.
Commonwealth Period
1936 - The passage of Commonwealth Act No.85 created the position of provincial agriculturist
which allowed for a wider field of coverage, as well as participation of local government in the
financing of the extension programs were then called extension agents.
1937 - Commonwealth Act 85 authorized each province to employ a few home demonstrators to
show home extension work. These home demonstrators usually high school graduates, were given
6 months pre-service training in Manila by the Plant Utilization Division.
1938 - The Bureau of Animal industry also organized its own extension activities by establishing
a Livestock Extension Division, charges with the responsibility of demonstrating and
disseminating information materials on livestock and poultry production.
1941 - At first, the BPI's extension service covered mainly the cultivation of fruit trees, vegetables
and ornamental plants. In 1941, greater attention was directed to the improvement of rice, corn,
tobacco and other major crops. However, World War II in 1941 broke out and all the provincial
extension work were suspended.
POST-WAR PERIOD
Extension works in the Philippines just like all other government functions picked-up from where
it was interrupted by war. By 1945, the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942-1945), has
ended and the Philippines’ efforts at reconstruction was at full blast.
1947 - The home extension unit of the Plant Utilization Division of the Bureau of Plant Industry
was fused with the Agricultural Extension of the Bureau. Thus, purely research functions were left
with the Plant Utilization Division. Also, at about this time, 4-H club work was started by the
Agricultural Extension Division.
1949 - Due to the destruction and the low economic situation of the country the Philippine
Government requested the US Government to send an Economic Survey Mission to the
Philippines to look over the post-war situation with the end in view of making suggestions for
improvement.
The Bell Report, named after the chief of the Mission, Daniel W. Bell recommended among
other things that the agricultural extension services of the government be consolidated under one
administration for the sake of efficiency.
1952 - Republic Act No. 680 was signed creating the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAE).
recognized the need for a more integrated approach to agricultural extension work. The BAE was
charged with the consolidation, coordination and expansion of agricultural extension undertaken
by other agencies. Also, the BAE was responsible for undertaking a three-phase program of farm
improvement, home management and youth development in order to increase farm income and
improve family life. All the agricultural extension work of the Department was centralized in
BAE. (BAEx, RA No.680)
1954 - Executive Order No.57 was signed creating the Community Development Council
(CDPC). This Council was tasked to coordinate and integrate on a national scale, the efforts of
various governmental and civic agencies to improve the living conditions of the people. Also, it
was established to eliminate confusion, duplication, waste and jealousies among the agencies in
the implementation of their programs for rural development.
1956 - Executive Order No. 156 was issued to create the office of the Presidential Assistant on
Community Development (PACD). PACD was assigned to plan and implement the Philippine
National Community Development Program, coordinate and integrate the activities of all and
each department of government engaged in community development.
The ultimate objective was to increase their effectiveness, achieve maximum benefits and avoid
overlapping and duplication of activities. The self-help philosophy was emphasized together with
the idea of partnership between the people and government.
1957 - The thrust of PACD programs was changed in 1957. It reduced its agricultural extension
work. In the same year, there was a shift in the direction of agricultural extension policies and
programs. In agriculture, the attention was directed to the problem of law rice and corn
production.
1958 - The Rice and Corn Production Coordinating Council (RCPCC) which was organized as
the highest governing body to exercise direct control and management over the Rice and Corn
Production Program. It aimed at effecting an immediate and considerable increase in the national
supply of rice through domestic production.
1959 - RCPCC was organized in 1959 as the highest policy making and coordinating body.
1963 - On August 8,1963, the focus of BAE was shifted. BAE was changed into Agricultural
Productivity Commission (APC) by virtue of the enactment of Republic Act 3844. APC was
placed under the office of the President. Under the APC, the Agricultural Tenancy Commission
was organized as separate office. Moreover, the APC together with the Land Authority,
Agricultural Credit Administration and the Land Bank was placed at the "crest of the land reform
program”.
1964 - Executive Order No.62 was promulgated to emphasize rice and corn production. This
document created the Rice and Corn Authority (RCA) which replaced the RCPCC. An added
feature of RCA was the extension of credit for seeds, pesticides and harvesting as well as a
fertilizer subsidy program for participating farmers.
1966 - Executive Order No. 38 changed the Presidential Assistant for Community Development
to Presidential Arm for Community Development and at the same time elevating the PACD to
cabinet rank.
1966 - Executive Order No.64 was revoked Executive Order No. 50 was issued to restore the
power and responsibility for the implementation of the Rice and Corn Production Program to the
RCPCC.
1969 - By virtue of Executive Order No. 183, the National Food and Agriculture Council was
created in place of RCPCC. NFAC performed the functions of RCPCC with the additional
responsibility of the coordination, administration and implementation of the national program of
self-sufficiency in foodstuffs. With these functions and responsibilities, it controlled a large
portion of funds for agriculture and the funding from the United States Assistance for
international development (USAID). In discharging its tasks, NFAC had also assumed a major
responsibility for overseeing the effective delivery of agricultural extension. This created
misunderstanding and power struggle in the alignment of people and tasks in the implementation
ot extension program.
1972 - Several organizational changes affecting agricultural extension took place with affecting
the declaration of Martial Law in 1972. Presidential Decree No.1 which embodied the integrated
reorganization plan of the government and the Presidential Letter of Instruction dated November
1, 1972 reverted the Agricultural Productivity Commission to its original name, Bureau of
Agricultural Extension. The functions and personnel in cooperatives was transferred to the
Department of Local Government and Community Development. Also, Presidential Decree 970
abolished the Bureau of Farm Management of the Department of Agrarian Reform and its
extension function was transferred to the Bureau of Agricultural Extension.
1973 - It was on July 1, 1973 when the Bureau of Agricultural Extension was placed again under
the Department of Agriculture. The Abaca and other Fibers Board was fused with the Bureau of
Agricultural Extension.
1977 - In 1977, upon the request of the Philippine Government, the World Bank Mission
appraised the Philippine agricultural extension service. A series of talks followed, after which the
Ministry of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Agricultural Extension, took over the preparation
of the Project study on the adoption of the Training and Visit System (T and V System) in the
Philippines agricultural service. The proposal for the National Extension Project (NEP) was
appraised by the World Bank Mission from February to March 1978. The World Bank approved
a loan of US $35 million. The NEP became fully operational on March 27,1979. The T and V
System Philippine Model evolved into the complementation program "a development strategy
designed to improve the quality of life of farm families through the resource pool of Marketing
Assistance Centers (MAC). Technology Packaging (Tech Pack), Cooperatives Development
(Coop Dev), with Extension Delivery System (EDS). It derived its name from the recognition
that "complementation is imperative among the resource pool component if the model is to be
operational and effective in addressing the multi-dimensional problems of the small farm
families". The Philippine Agricultural extension service was strengthened with facilities and
resources, both software and hardware, acquired by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food through
its World Bank assisted
National Extension Program. This brought about innovative changes in the agricultural extension
service delivery system.
The Bureau of Agricultural Extension Becomes a staff Bureau
1978 - In 1978, ministry-wide regional offices were created in the Ministry of Agriculture by
virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1579. By virtue of Executive Order No. 595, the Bureau of
Cooperative Development, which was created under the Ministry of local Government and
Community Development in the 1972 reorganization, was likewise placed under the supervision
and control of the Ministry of Agriculture.
1980 – the structural set-up of the Ministry of Agriculture was streamlined for a more unified
extension service with the reorganization under Presidential Decree No. 1579 and Letter of
Instruction No. 595. Under this set-up, 12 ministry-wide regional directors and 24 Assistant
Regional Directors were appointed. This was followed by the designation of 75 Provincial
Agricultural Officers in 1980.
Under the new organizational set-up, the Bureau of Cooperatives Development and the Bureau
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which used to be line agencies, became staff bureau. Thus,
as a result of this change, the Bureau Directors no longer exercised direct command or direct
supervision in the field. Matters that have to be communicated to the extension field workers
from the Central Office must pass through the Regional Directors.
1982 - in 1982, Executive Order 803 established an integrated management system for
agricultural services for the unification of government efforts at providing adequate and timely
agricultural services and inputs. Executive order 803 recognized the political will as a vital factor
in agricultural development. As the province was designated the political unit of management for
inducing agricultural development, coordination and supervision of operations of the various
agencies involved in the delivery for agricultural service became the responsibility of the
provincial governor (Executive Order 803,1983). However, its implementation left much to be
desired.
The Creation of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)
1987 - By virtue of Executive Order No.116 (1987) the Bureau of Agricultural Extension, the
Philippine Agricultural Training Council and the Philippine Training Center for Rural
Development were merged into the Agricultural Training Institute. Thus, the Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI) was born.
Executive Order 116 declares that it is the policy of the State "to promote the well-being of
farmers (including the share tenants, leaseholders, settlers, fishermen and other rural workers) by
providing an environment where they can increase their income, improve their living conditions
and maximize their contributions to the national economy. Moreover, it shall be the policy to
accelerate agricultural development and enhance the production of agricultural crops, fisheries
and livestocks by optimizing the use of resources and applying advanced farming
systems/modern technologies with the end in view of attaining food security for domestic use
and expanding/diversifying agricultural production for export”.
In consonance with the above articulation of the state, the Agricultural Training Institute is
mandated by Executive Order 116 to be "responsible for the training of all agricultural extension
workers and their clientele, who are mostly farmers and other agricultural workers, ensure that
training programs address the real needs of the agricultural sector, ensure that the research results
are then communicated to the farmers through the appropriate training and extension activities."
The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997
1997 - RA 8435 created the AFMA Law of 1997 "This is an act prescribing urgent related
measures to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country to enhance their
profitability, and prepare said sectors for the challenges of globalization through an adequate,
focused and rational delivery of necessary support services, appropriating funds therefore and for
other purposes", otherwise known as the “The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of
1997”.
Rule 85.1 of the IRR includes the following that pertains to extension: "The results of all
research institutions within the NaRDSAF shall be conducted by offices and reported at regular
intervals and integrated into the NIN. For this purpose all institutions under the NaRDSAF are
required to submit reports in formats consistent with standards and schedules issued by the
Department and the CERDAF".
Section 86 declares the policy of the State to promote science and technology as essential for
national development and progress. The State shall give priority to the utilization of research
results through formal and non-formal education, extension, and training development of a
national extension system that will help accelerate the transformation of Philippines agricultural
and fisheries from a resource-based to a technology-based industry.
Section 87 on Extension Services states that Agriculture and Fisheries extension services shall
cover the following major services to the farming and fishing community:
a. Training services;
b. Farm or business advisory services,
c. Demonstration services; and
d. Information and communication support services through tri-media.
Section 88 which is about the Special Concerns in the Delivery of Extension Services that the
delivery of Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Services shall involve multidisciplinary farmers,
fisherfolk, and their organizations, and those engaged in food and non-food production and
processing, including the private and public sectors. There shall be a national merit and
promotion system governing all extension personnel, regardless of source of funding, to promote
professionalism and achieve excellence and productivity in the provision of the government
extension service.
While the chronicle of events related to extension work in the Philippines was exhaustively
discussed, it is worth mentioning also the origin of extension education. The term extension
education was first introduced in 1873 by Cambridge University in England to describe a
particular innovation. This was to take the educational advantages of the universities to the
ordinary people, where they live and work. The term "extension was first coined in England.
However, agricultural extension was started in America few years later when crop production in
a community was affected by pest and diseases. A university helped the people solved the
problem on crop protection.
