The Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS) Executive Committee (ExeCom) convened on November 3, 2025, in Diliman, Quezon City. The meeting was a key step in implementing the DA-DENR-NCIP-NCCA Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2023, which lays out the official rules to recognize and confirm NIAHS sites and ensures their protection.
One of the key agenda was the creation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs) for NIAHS subcriteria and indicators. The TWG is responsible for developing policies, guidelines, and standards to institutionalize the NIAHS within DA. Their responsibilities include recommending criteria and indicators for identifying and managing NIAHS, conducting benchmarking for a national registry, and coordinating with regional offices, local government units, and partner institutions to identify priority areas.
The ExeCom reviewed the proposed NIAHS subcriteria and indicators presented by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, who presided over the meeting in his capacity as permanent representative of the agriculture secretary and NIAHS ExeCom chair.
Attending the meeting were NIAHS Vice Chairperson Joell H. Lales, DA-BAR OIC-director, as well as the permanent representatives of DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau director and NCCA chairperson.
The ExeCom also invited DA agencies serving as members of the DA NIAHS TWG, including the Field Operations Service, National Organic Agriculture Program, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program, and Kabuhaya at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo.