DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of TOP-PGS

Surveillance affirms commitment to organic certification standards. Gerona, Tarlac — In line with its mandate to ensure the credibility of organic certification systems, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) carried out its first surveillance of the Tarlac Organic Producers (TOP) PGS Association Inc. from April 29 to May 1, 2025.

The surveillance assessed the continued compliance of TOP-PGS as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). It involved an office-based assessment and on-site witnessing of peer review activities to verify that the group operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner.

The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was supported by technical staff from the DA Regional Field Office – Central Luzon and the Local Government Unit of Gerona.

This activity emphasizes the importance of sustained oversight in maintaining the integrity of organic certification processes. As one of the first accredited OCBs in the region, TOP-PGS serves as a benchmark for future PGS groups in Central Luzon.

Results from the surveillance will guide the association in strengthening its internal systems and maintaining its accreditation moving forward.