DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group
Loreto, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the first surveillance of the SIPBAFAMCO Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group on June 4–6, 2025 to verify the group’s continued compliance as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB).
SIPBAFAMCO, based in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, received its Certificate of Accreditation on July 22, 2024, making it the first PGS group accredited as an OCB in the Caraga Region. This first surveillance is part of the regular post-accreditation activities to ensure that the group maintains its capability to certify organic producers in line with national organic standards.
The assessment involved both an office-based evaluation and witnessing of peer review activities, with focus on verifying whether the group operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner, as outlined in its Manual of Operations.
The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was assisted by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office – Caraga Region.
This activity supports the continuing development of credible PGS certification systems in the region. The outcome of the surveillance will guide SIPBAFAMCO in maintaining its accreditation status and improving the effectiveness of its certification processes.
