Tubungan, Iloilo — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) carried out the first surveillance assessment of the Tubungan Vegetable Producer Association (TVPA) Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Core Group from July 7 to 10, 2025. The activity aimed to verify the group’s ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB). The assessment involved an in-depth, office-based review of records, procedures, and documentation. In addition, the team observed peer review activities to evaluate whether the group continues to demonstrate competence, impartiality, and consistency in implementing its Manual of Operations. The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was supported by technical staff from the DA Regional Field Office and the ATI Regional Training Center VI, along with representatives from the Provincial Government of Iloilo and the Municipal Government of Tubungan, who provided assistance throughout the process. This surveillance assessment is part of DA-BAFS’ continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of the PGS in Iloilo and ensure that organic certification bodies operate with transparency and integrity. The results will determine whether the TVPA PGS Core Group will maintain its accreditation status. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  DA-BAFS Conducts Surveillance Assessment of Tubugan Vegetable Producer Assosciation (TVPA) PGS Core Group July 15, 2025 DA-BAFS Conduct Surveillance and Scope Expression Assessment of Aborlan PGS Group Aborlan, Palawan July 15, 2025 20th ASEAN Task Force Meeting on ASEAN Standards for Horticultural Produce and Other Crops (TF-MASHP) July 10, 2025 Investing in Well-being: A Pillar for Productive Public Service July 10, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual PNS Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Coconut July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 Other Post

 The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the first surveillance of the Aborlan PGS Group on July 7–10, 2025 to verify the group’s continued compliance with accreditation requirements as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB). As part of the activity, the group was also assessed for its application to expand its certification scope to cover Mushroom Production, in addition to its existing approved scopes. The assessment included an office-based review of records and procedures, as well as witnessing of peer review activities to determine if the group remains competent, impartial, and consistent in implementing its Manual of Operations. The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was assisted by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office and representatives from the Municipal Government of Aborlan, who provided support during the assessment.This combined surveillance and expansion assessment is part of the continuing efforts to strengthen the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) implementation in Palawan. The results will determine whether the Aborlan PGS Group maintains its accreditation and whether its request to certify mushroom production will be approved. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  DA-BAFS Conduct Surveillance and Scope Expression Assessment of Aborlan PGS Group Aborlan, Palawan July 15, 2025 20th ASEAN Task Force Meeting on ASEAN Standards for Horticultural Produce and Other Crops (TF-MASHP) July 10, 2025 Investing in Well-being: A Pillar for Productive Public Service July 10, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual PNS Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Coconut July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS successfully chaired the 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗽𝘀 (𝗧𝗙-𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗛𝗣). Held in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, from June 11-12, 2025, the meeting brought together delegates from across Southeast Asia, with Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam attending in person, and Indonesia and Singapore participating virtually. Notably, Timor-Leste joined the discussions for the first time as an observer. The Philippine delegation led the proceedings, with 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝘂𝘇𝗮 serving as Chair of the TF-MASHP. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗹 acted as the TF-MASHP Secretariat, while 𝗞𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗼, 𝗥𝗡𝗗 headed the Philippine contingent. During the productive two-day session, the Task Force finalized the ASEAN Standards for Carrots and Passion Fruits. Discussions also progressed on the draft standards for Lemons and Figs. Demonstrating its commitment to regional harmonization, the Philippines pledged to lead the review of ASEAN Standards for Mango and Papaya, with their finalization targeted for Calendar Year 2028. The DA-BAFS affirms its continued commitment to the TF-MASHP as its permanent Chair and to further harmonizing Philippine National Standards (PNS) with ASEAN Standards.  #DABAFS #ASEANStandards #PNS #PHinASEAN #TeamBAFS #BAFSontheMove  20th ASEAN Task Force Meeting on ASEAN Standards for Horticultural Produce and Other Crops (TF-MASHP) July 10, 2025 Investing in Well-being: A Pillar for Productive Public Service July 10, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual PNS Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Coconut July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Other Post

 The DA-BAFS commenced the Civil Servants’ Health and Wellness Month and the National Nutrition Month by facilitating a “Health & Wellness Caravan” on July 8-9, 2025. This impactful two-day event, which was open to all, truly highlighted DA-BAFS’ deep dedication to fostering the holistic well-being of both its valued personnel and the wider government community.  In a remarkable collaboration with the Quezon City Health Department, and with the invaluable support of Honorable Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte and Honorable Vice-Mayor Gian G. Sotto, the caravan offered a comprehensive array of free medical services. Participants readily availed themselves of complementary medical consultations, including risk assessments and nutritional advice through the use of a food-plate model (Pinggang Pinoy), random and fasting blood sugar tests, cholesterol tests, and family planning. Alongside these services, the Quezon City Health Department also conducted awareness seminars on clinical breast examinations for both men and women, and physical health, led by Dr. Arnold Monteiro, Medical Officer III, Project 6 Health Center, which focused on hypertension and diabetes.  Complementing the list of medical services, the caravan proudly hosted key exhibitors, including Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth, offering its frontline services, member records updating, and an overall information drive regarding its services. Further enhancing the holistic experience, attendees were treated to complimentary haircuts, facial treatments, and massages, alongside valuable physical wellness assessments from Anytime Fitness.  A significant highlight was the insightful Seminar on Mental Health expertly led by Dr. Mechael Angelo Marasigan. This timely session highlighted the Quezon City government’s 24/7 mental health helpline, helpline 122, and provided vital strategies for fostering mental well-being, recognizing its direct link to overall productivity and resilience.  As DA-BAFS looks forward to expanding its health and wellness programs in the coming year, the call for broader participation from other government agencies in the vicinity resonates deeply. Investing in our public servants’ health and well-being is a concern that goes beyond departments; it is a shared responsibility that underpins the strength, resilience, and effectiveness of our entire public service. Through cooperation in this effort, we stand to build a healthier, more vibrant, and ultimately more productive government workforce for all Filipinos. by: KGRSalas  Investing in Well-being: A Pillar for Productive Public Service July 10, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 Other Post

 𝗘𝗠 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘆 – 𝗖𝗢𝗣 The DA-BAFS, in collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office MIMAROPA, conducted a field data gathering activity in certified organic poultry farms in Marinduque on June 23-26, 2025. This initiative is part of the development of the Explanatory Manual for the Philippine National Standard (PNS) Organic Poultry – Code of Practice (COP). The Explanatory Manual is a supplementary knowledge product designed to support the effective adoption of the PNS. It aims to document practical insights, field practices, and images that help clarify and elaborate on the provisions of the PNS Organic Poultry – COP, ensuring a harmonized and enhanced understanding of the standard among stakeholders. Once completed, the manual will serve as a valuable resource for regulatory personnel, organic farm operators, and other industry stakeholders in promoting consistent and effective application of the organic poultry standards. #BAFS #PNS #bafsonthemove  Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group June 13, 2025 Other Post

𝗘𝗠 𝗚𝗔𝗣 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁   The DA-BAFS, in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Regional and Provincial Offices in Region IX, conducted a field data gathering activity across registered coconut farms in Zamboanga del Norte, Zambanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur on June 2-5, 2025. This activity supports the development of the Explanatory Manual for the PNS Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut.   The Explanatory Manual will complement the PNS by providing additional context, field-based insights, and images that clarify the provisions of the PNS GAP for Coconut. It aims to provide practical understanding of the standard among farmers, regulators, and extension workers.   Once finalized, the manual will be a key reference tool for promoting safe, and sustainable coconut farming practices aligned with GAP standards.   Investing in Well-being: A Pillar for Productive Public Service July 10, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry- Code of Practice July 9, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual PNS Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Coconut July 9, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 Other Post

Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan  Initial Assessment of PGS Group in Angat, BulacanDA-BAFS Conducts Initial Assessment of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group for Organic Certification in Bulacan.Want to know more? Kindly see in comments. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS Assessment of Core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group in Angat, Bulacan June 27, 2025 Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Soil Amendment Products June 11, 2025 Other Post

Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials  General Santos City – The DA-BAFS Registration Section together with the DA-RFO XII conduct the field compliance assessment (FCA) of ongoing efficacy trials with approved Experimental Use Permit (EUP) on June 24, 2025. Located in Tambler, General Santos City, the efficacy trial was conducted for the control of disease of grapes (Vitis vinifera).The FCA was conducted to verify the execution of the parameters of the efficacy trial and the continued compliance to the BAFS approved EUP. #OAregistration #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS Field Complience Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials June 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Soil Amendment Products June 11, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins 9th ASEAN Organic Agriculture Meeting in Cambodia June 11, 2025 Other Post

DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum In a continued push for more effective and technology-driven food safety practices and mainstreaming of remote audits, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) joined Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations Paz J. Benavidez II, head of the Philippine delegation, in representing the Philippines at the Vienna Food Safety Forum held from June 9 to 13, 2025. A key highlight of the event was Session 7: “Remote Audit and Inspection Practices forEnhanced Regulatory Collaboration and Oversight: Putting a Standard into Practice,”which focused on implementing the Codex standard (CXG 102-2023) within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The session explored how remote audits and inspections—originally popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic- can be institutionalized as standard regulatory practices, especially in hard-to-reach food establishments. BAFS Officer-in-Charge, Director Mary Grace R. Mandigma served as one of the panelists of Session 7. She joined a distinguished lineup of food safety leaders from across the ASEAN region. The session emphasized the importance of harmonizing the conduct of both remote audits and on-site audits, noting that the decision to conduct remote audits should bebased on risk, particularly in ASEAN countries, where logistical and geographical challenges can hinder traditional inspection processes. The Philippine delegation also shared insights on the Philippines’ initiatives in actively pursuing digitalization to enhance efficiency, traceability, and compliance with food safety standards, while juggling with trade systems at the same time. The Philippines’ experience in integrating digital technologies, data-driven tools, and international standards to improve food regulatory oversight is a key pillar of the Food Safety Strategic Plan of the Department of Agriculture. As part of this plan, the DA is targeting the digital transformation of its platform to at least seven regulatory processes, aiming to achievea 60% increase in stakeholder engagement through improved transparency in food safety information. DA-BAFS’ participation highlights the Philippines’ active role in shaping the future of food safety through innovation and international collaboration. The agency’s contributions to the forum added valuable perspective to regional dialogues on how standards like CXG 102-2023 are adopted and localized, while also opening up future collaboration in several areas with other ASEAN countries. As food systems become increasingly complex and globalized, the Vienna Food Safety Forum and its key sessions mark a significant step toward creating more resilient, transparent, and tech-enabled food safety standards. ### by: DGPascua DA-BAFS Takes Part in Global Dialogue on Remote Audits at Vienna Food Safety Forum June 13, 2025 Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Soil Amendment Products June 11, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins 9th ASEAN Organic Agriculture Meeting in Cambodia June 11, 2025 RECOGNITION AND ENGAGEMENT FORUM ON PHILIPPINE GOOD REGULATORY PRINCIPLES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS PROGRAM (PGRP-RAP) OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY (ARTA) June 11, 2025 Other Post

Kapangan, Benguet — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the initial assessment of a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group in Kapangan, Benguet on June 10–13, 2025. The assessment was undertaken to verify the group’s compliance with the accreditation requirements as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB).The activity consisted of an office-based assessment and witnessing of the group’s peer review process, with the goal of determining whether the group operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner in accordance with its Manual of Operations. The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was supported by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) CAR. Also present were representatives from the Province of Benguet and the Municipal Government of Kapangan, showing local support for the group’s efforts to establish itself as a certifying body. This group is the sixth PGS group in the Cordillera region to apply for accreditation as an OCB. The assessment marks a significant step in the region’s continuing efforts to expand local capacity for organic certification and strengthen community-based assurance systems.The outcome of the assessment will determine the group’s eligibility for accreditation, in line with national standards and regulations for PGS implementation.#OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  Assessment of Core Participatory Gurantee System Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Kayapa PGS Group June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS HRMPSB Successfully Concludes Its 2025 Recruitment Season June 13, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS Group June 13, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Soil Amendment Products June 11, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins 9th ASEAN Organic Agriculture Meeting in Cambodia June 11, 2025 RECOGNITION AND ENGAGEMENT FORUM ON PHILIPPINE GOOD REGULATORY PRINCIPLES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS PROGRAM (PGRP-RAP) OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY (ARTA) June 11, 2025 DA-BAFS Convenes Final Hybrid Stakeholder Consultation on Good Aquaculture Practices for Crustaceans. June 11, 2025 Other Post