Itogon, Benguet — The DA-BAFS carried out the second surveillance of the Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association (IIOFA) on September 29 to October 2, 2025 to verify the group’s continued compliance with accreditation requirements as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB). The surveillance covered an office-based assessment and witnessing of the group’s peer review, which served to evaluate whether IIOFA remains competent, impartial, and consistent in implementing its Manual of Operations as an OCB. The DA-BAFS Assessment Team noted that the group still needs further improvement in applying its Manual of Operations. Nevertheless, IIOFA was commended for its open-mindedness and willingness to learn, traits that are essential in strengthening their system and sustaining their role as an accredited OCB. As grassroots-based Organic Certifying Bodies, PGS groups like IIOFA play a crucial role in verifying organic farming practices through peer review and community-based certification. This system, recognized under the Philippine Organic Agriculture Act, provides farmers with a more accessible certification pathway while maintaining credibility and trust among consumers. Regular surveillance by DA-BAFS ensures that accredited groups uphold competence, impartiality, and consistency in their operations. The activity was supported by the DA Regional Field Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), DA-ATI, Provincial Government of Benguet and the Municipal Government of Itogon. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgricuture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  DA-BAFS Assesses IIOFA’s Continued Compliance as an Accredited Organic Certifying Body October 17, 2025 Pre-inspection of a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Core Farmer-Members October 17, 2025 Supervised Certification of Palawan Organic Farmers Association (POFA) Municipal PGS Group October 13, 2025 DA-BAFS joins DA-FPA and DA-BPI in developing a unified framework for pesticide MRL establishment October 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Assesses Core PGS Group in Zamboanga del Sur for Accreditation October 12, 2025 Final Inspection for the Certification of Core-Farmer Members of Allen Organic Vegetable Raisers October 12, 2025 DA-BAFS Reviews POPA’s Compliance as an Organic Certifier October 11, 2025 Pre-inspection of a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Core Farmer-Members October 5, 2025 Other Post

Quezon Province – The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team provided technical assistance through the pre-inspection to the core farmer-members of the PGS group from October 6-10, 2025. The activity aimed to assist the group in preparing for their organic certification application. The pre-inspection process helps core farmer members understand the steps involved during the actual inspection and assesses their readiness for certification. Representatives from DA-RFO IV-A (CALABARZON), Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Quezon, LGU Tayabas City, LGU Lucban, LGU Pagbilao, and members of the Regional Pre-assessment Team (RPAT) provided their assistance and support to the DA-BAFS during the conduct of the activity. #OAtechnicalassistance #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DA-BAFS  Pre-inspection of a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Core Farmer-Members October 17, 2025 Supervised Certification of Palawan Organic Farmers Association (POFA) Municipal PGS Group October 13, 2025 DA-BAFS joins DA-FPA and DA-BPI in developing a unified framework for pesticide MRL establishment October 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Assesses Core PGS Group in Zamboanga del Sur for Accreditation October 12, 2025 Final Inspection for the Certification of Core-Farmer Members of Allen Organic Vegetable Raisers October 12, 2025 DA-BAFS Reviews POPA’s Compliance as an Organic Certifier October 11, 2025 Pre-inspection of a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group Core Farmer-Members October 5, 2025 DA-BAFS Provides Technical Assistance to Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group October 4, 2025 Other Post