The DA-BAFS hosted a 12-member delegation from the Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) as part of their overseas study tour for the Food Value Chain Improvement Project (FVCIP) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting, held on November 17, 2025, focused on the BAFS’s standard research, development, and promotion process, including those related to organic agriculture and the crucial role of science-based standards in strengthening the agri-food sector. BIFFL, a specialized financial institution under the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, is spearheading initiatives to boost sustainable agricultural development and enhance food processing systems in their country. Their study tour aims to gain insights into food safety management systems, agri-processing practices, international collaboration, and potential business linkages with partner countries. During the meeting, BAFS presented its mandate and guided the delegation through its end-to-end standards development process—from research and development to promotion, adoption, assessment, and organic agriculture. The discussions highlighted the importance of science-based standards in improving the food value chain, promoting consumer safety, and supporting the competitiveness of agri-fisheries products. The delegation, composed of senior government officials, business leaders, and BIFFL representatives, recognized the Philippines as an ideal partner, citing the country’s remarkable achievements in agricultural development and food processing. They expressed a strong interest in exploring further collaboration opportunities with the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies. This meeting marks a meaningful step toward deeper cooperation between the Philippines and Bangladesh, reinforcing shared goals of strengthening food systems, ensuring food safety, and fostering sustainable agricultural growth. #BIFFL #FoodSafety #BAFSontheMove            The DA-BAFS hosted a 12-member delegation from the Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL). November 18, 2025 The DA-BAFS participated in the online international seminar entitled “Advancing Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN November 18, 2025 The Standards Research Division of the DA-BAFS conducted a field data gathering activity in collaboration with Grajos Agri-Bee Farm in Casiguran, Sorsogon. November 6, 2025 Standards Research Division of the DA-BAFS conducted a field data gathering activity in collaboration with the Cavite State University-Bee Research November 6, 2025 DA-BAFS inspection team conducts inspection to Bataan November 5, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input November 4, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of ONE-SAOP in Gandara, Samar November 4, 2025 DA-BAFS #HairWeGo: Strands of Hope November 3, 2025 Other Post

Quezon City, Philippines — November 10, 2025. The DA-BAFS participated in the online international seminar entitled “Advancing Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN: Session 1 (Biostimulants),” organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC). The session brought together experts, personnel from regulatory agencies, and researchers from ASEAN Member States (AMS) to discuss the emerging topic of biostimulants, an agricultural input that boosts plant growth, resilience, and productivity. Representing the Philippines, Ms. Kristel Alarice R. Aborido, RND, Science Research Specialist II of the DA-BAFS Standards Development Division (SDD), presented the country’s ongoing initiatives to establish a national regulatory framework for biostimulants, including those with organic claims. Mr. Marlo Deblois from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) also shared insights into the existing regulations and registration processes for inorganic products. Other Filipino participants included Dr. Alpha M. Lanuza, Mr. Gerald Cammagay, Mr. Aerol Dexter C. Ebora, (DA-BAFS), and Mr. Jonathan Paz of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, Inc. (ICP)—who also serves as a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) developing the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Biostimulants — Product Standard — Specifications. At present, the PNS on Biostimulants — Product Standard — Specifications is in its finalization phase prior to endorsement to the DA Secretary. The standard is expected to be approved by December 2025, marking a significant step toward establishing science-based and harmonized regulations for biostimulants in the country. #Biostimulants #PNS #BAFSontheMove The DA-BAFS participated in the online international seminar entitled “Advancing Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN: Session 1 November 18, 2025 The Standards Research Division of the DA-BAFS conducted a field data gathering activity in collaboration with Grajos Agri-Bee Farm in Casiguran, Sorsogon. November 6, 2025 Standards Research Division of the DA-BAFS conducted a field data gathering activity in collaboration with the Cavite State University-Bee Research November 6, 2025 DA-BAFS inspection team conducts inspection to Bataan November 5, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input November 4, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of ONE-SAOP in Gandara, Samar November 4, 2025 DA-BAFS #HairWeGo: Strands of Hope November 3, 2025 DA-BAFS Explores Digital Transformation and RegTech for Enhanced Regulatory Services at APO Conference 💡 October 30, 2025 Other Post