On November 23, 2024, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS), together with OCCP Inspection and Certification Services, Inc., and a third-party certified operator (LiveGreen International, Inc.), participated in DWPM Radyo 630 TeleRadyo Serbisyo’s Wais Konsyumer Program hosted by Mr. Alvin Elchico. The session aimed to raise public awareness about organic food products, specifically focusing on the certification and benefits of these products in the Philippines and the mandate and functions of DA-BAFS and certifying bodies. During the program, the representatives addressed a series of questions to clarify the concept and significance of organic food. It was emphasized that for a product to be considered truly organic—and thereby labeled with the Philippine Organic Mark and the seal of conformity of an accredited organic certifying body (OCB)—it must adhere to the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Organic Agriculture and be certified by an accredited OCB. One of the key topics discussed was the misconception regarding the cost of organic food in the Philippine market. While organic products are generally more expensive than conventional ones, it was explained that this is due to the meticulous production process and strict compliance with organic standards. The safety and integrity of organic products were also highlighted. DA-BAFS assured the public that the agency ensures the safety and quality of organic products through monitoring and the accreditation of certifying bodies. It was further explained that organic certification is a mandatory process for producers and traders who wish to label their products as “organic.” Certification is granted by DA-BAFS-accredited OCBs, including organizations like OCCP-ICSI and Control Union Philippines, Inc. (for third-party certification), as well as accredited Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) groups. The representatives provided an overview of the certification process, which includes the submission of documentary requirements, on-site inspections, and compliance with organic standards. Farmers (or operators) need to provide proof of their organic practices, such as management plans and production records, to ensure transparency and traceability.The segment concluded with a message for the public to support locally produced, certified organic products, emphasizing their benefits for health and the environment. The engagement served as an effective platform to educate the public, especially consumers, about organic agriculture and to encourage the transition to more sustainable food systems in the Philippines.#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS TeleRadyo Serbisyo’s Wais Konsyumer Program in DWPM Radyo 630 December 20, 2024 Monitoring of Atok Organic Practitioners Association Inc (ATOPAI) in Atok, Benguet December 20, 2024 Inspection Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Farmer – Members Province of Cotabato December 19, 2024 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in South Cotabato December 12, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials in Davao del Norte December 12, 2024 DA-BAFS Monitoring Team conducted monitoring activities to two of the DA-BAFS registered organic soil amendment producers in Davao City December 12, 2024 Assessment to a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group (Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur) December 12, 2024 Oath Taking Ceremony of DA-BAFS Newly Appointed Employees for FY 2024 December 6, 2024 1 2 3 4 5

The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA- Regional Field Office CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS Group farmer-members in Atok, Benguet, on December 10-12, 2024.The activity aimed to verify the continued compliance of core PGS group farmer-members with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture, and to validate the effective implementation of correction and corrective action plan for the findings found during the previous inspection.Representatives from the Organic Agriculture Program and Provincial Agriculture Office of Benguet assisted in the activity.#OAmonitoring#PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Monitoring of Atok Organic Practitioners Association Inc (ATOPAI) in Atok, Benguet December 20, 2024 Inspection Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Farmer – Members Province of Cotabato December 19, 2024 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in South Cotabato December 12, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials in Davao del Norte December 12, 2024 DA-BAFS Monitoring Team conducted monitoring activities to two of the DA-BAFS registered organic soil amendment producers in Davao City December 12, 2024 Assessment to a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group (Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur) December 12, 2024 Oath Taking Ceremony of DA-BAFS Newly Appointed Employees for FY 2024 December 6, 2024 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Surveillance Audit December 6, 2024 1 2 3 4 5