The Assessment Team from DA-BAFS and DA-RFO Regulatory Division conducted an annual surveillance audit of Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association (IIOFA) from October 22 to 25, 2024. IIOFA is an accredited PGS group from Itogon, Benguet.The audit aims to verify the continued compliance of the group with the relevant accreditation guidelines.Learn more about the accreditation of PGS group as OCB through this link: bit.ly/OrganicPGS#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 1 2 3

From October 29-31, 2024, the DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted the annual surveillance of the Cabatuan Organic Farmers and Practitioners Association (COFPA) in Cabatuan, Iloilo. The 3-day surveillance covered office-based assessment and witnessing the conduct of peer reviews to verify the group’s continued compliance with the accreditation requirements.The activity was made possible with the support and assistance of the representatives from the DA-Regional Field Office and the DA-ATI Regional Training Center of Western Visayas, along with the representatives from the Municipality of Cabatuan and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Iloilo. Their assistance was integral to the smooth conduct of the surveillance, reinforcing the shared commitment to maintaining high standards in organic agriculture certification.Learn more about the accreditation of PGS group as OCB through this link: bit.ly/OrganicPGS#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 1 2 3

DA-BAFS and DA-RFO MIMAROPA Regulatory Division, assisted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, conducted a pre-inspection activity on the core PGS group farmer – members in Romblon on October 21 to 25, 2024.The activity aimed to assess the readiness of the five farmer-members for organic certification, and provided technical assistance on the compliance with the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture and relevant technical regulations.#DABAFS#BAFSonthemove#OAtechnicalassistance#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture  Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 1 2 3

A team of inspectors from DA-BAFS and DA-RFO MIMAROPA Regulatory Division conducted a pre-inspection activity on the core PGS group farmer – members in Oriental Mindoro on October 28 to 31, 2024.The activity aimed to assess the readiness of the five farmer-members for organic certification, and provided technical assistance on the compliance with the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture and relevant technical regulations.#DABAFS#BAFSonthemove#OAtechnicalassistance#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 1 2 3

Mental health is a basic human right. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships, and shape the world we live in, including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” last October 28, 2024. 55 employees were in attendance to the face-to-face seminar with the guest speaker Ms. Maria Elena “Elline” Cruz-Santos, RPm, RPsy, CSCLP, CSCOP. This activity successfully highlighted the importance of mental well-being and created a supportive environment for dialogue andlearning most importantly in the workplace. As the agricultural sector continues to face unique challenges, such initiatives are crucial in promoting mental health awareness and providing the necessary tools for individuals to thrive. The seminar equipped all BAFS personnel with tools that will enable them to assess their current mental health status to ultimately encourage early detection, prevention, and ultimately seek professional help toaddress mental health concerns.The seminar was designed, and tailor-fit for the benefit of BAFS employees at the workplace. An initiative aimed at increasing awareness of mental health issues, promoting mental well-being, and fostering a supportive environment for employees. It highlights the vital connection between mental health, productivity, job satisfaction, and overall employee wellness. By nurturing a mentally healthy workplace culture, organizations can decrease absenteeism and improve employee retention, ultimately enhancing overall performance.As we move forward, DA-BAFS plans to continue hosting similar events, fostering a cultureof awareness and support around mental health in the workplace.      In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 1 2 3

Pre-Inspection team from DA-BAFS, DA RFO XI Regulatory Division, Organic Agriculture Program and DA ATI RTC XI, assisted by the Provincial Agriculture Office, conducted a pre-inspection activity on the core PGS Group – farmer members in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on October 7 to 11, 2024.The pre-inspection team assessed the readiness of five farmer members for organic certification, and provided technical assistance on compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS) for organic agriculture and relevant technical regulations.#DABAFS#BAFSonthemove#OAtechnicalassistance#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 Assessment Team from DA-BAFS audited the core PGS group from the San Fernando City, La Union October 10, 2024 1 2 3

Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region III Regulatory Division inspected one core farmer- member replacement and five core PGS group farmer-members in Tarlac and Aurora from October 7-10, 2024. The inspection verified the group’s compliance with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture. Representatives from the Regional Organic Agriculture Program, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center Region III, Municipal Agriculture Office of Gerona, Baler and Casiguran and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Tarlac and Baler assisted in the activity.#DABAFS#BAFSonthemove#OAinspection#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 Assessment Team from DA-BAFS audited the core PGS group from the San Fernando City, La Union October 10, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials October 10, 2024 1 2 3

The DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD), in coordination with the DA-Regional Field Office X, conducted a Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) on October 14-18, 2024. The activity aimed to gather relevant information on the local practices related to the prevention and reduction of mycotoxins contamination in cassava during the different stages of production up to the transport stage. Cassava growers in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental were the respondents of the face-to-face interviews.Northern Mindanao was identified as the top-producing region of cassava in the first semester of 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).#bafsonthemove#BAFS Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit December 23, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 Assessment Team from DA-BAFS audited the core PGS group from the San Fernando City, La Union October 10, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials October 10, 2024 Inspection of Core PGS Farmers – Member October 2, 2024 1 2

Engr. Abraham Perez III of the DA-BAFS Technical Services Division presented the preliminary results of the study titled Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit held in Baybay City, Leyte.Preliminary key findings highlighted perceived improvements in product quality, production processes, environmental management, and worker safety among farms that adopted the PNS Code of GAP. However, challenges were also reported, particularly those related to the standards, availability of assistance in implementing the standard, and maintaining records.The preliminary results presented at the PhilGAP Summit will still undergo validation with study participants and expert review. The final results will be used to enhance policies and mechanisms for improving standards development, promotion processes, and implementation.#BAFS#PNS#PhilGAP Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit December 23, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 Assessment Team from DA-BAFS audited the core PGS group from the San Fernando City, La Union October 10, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials October 10, 2024 Inspection of Core PGS Farmers – Member October 2, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an office-based assessment and witness audit of a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group based in Santa Maria, Isabela September 26, 2024 1 2

In a recent turn of events, following the accreditation of Mr. Jerome D. Bunyi by the Department of Foreign Affairs as Agriculture Counsellor stationed at the Embassy of the Philippines in Beijing, China, his current designation/position as Director for Policy Research Service (PRS) became vacant. Considering how crucial such position (and its corresponding tasks) entails to the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr. issued Special Order No. 1402 series of 2024 designating BAFS Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom as Officer-in-Charge, Director of the PRS effective on September 24, 2024 and, Special Order No. 1404 series of 2024 designating Assistant Director – Designate Mary Grace R. Mandigma as Officer-in-Charge, Director of the BAFS.A smooth transition meeting transpired on the 26th of September 2024 at 2PM to keep the BAFS personnel abreast on the next steps to take after these appointments and designations. Banking on high expectations that both leaders can perform their new roles with flying colors, the BAFS people wish them the best of luck and success in their journeys!#LeadershipTransition#BAFS#Director Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region 7 October 10, 2024 Survillance Audit of an Accredited PGS-OCB October 10, 2024 Assessment Team from DA-BAFS audited the core PGS group from the San Fernando City, La Union October 10, 2024 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials October 10, 2024 Inspection of Core PGS Farmers – Member October 2, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an office-based assessment and witness audit of a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group based in Santa Maria, Isabela September 26, 2024 DA-BAFS assessment team conducted a field compliance assessment (FCA) of ongoing efficacy trials in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. September 19, 2024 1 2