What an incredible day of kindness! We are overjoyed to announce the huge success of our hair donation drive held on October 27. Because of the generosity of our community, we collected a total of 22 hair donations!, In proud partnership with the Hair For Hope Organization. This initiative was not just about cutting hair; it was about sharing one’s ‘crowning glory’ to restore the confidence and self-esteem of cancer warriors and individuals with Alopecia. The act of community compassion drew 22 generous donors, 13 who attended onsite for their cuts and 9 who contributed their hair offsite showcasing widespread dedication to the cause. The atmosphere was uplifting and emotional, as participants traveled from diverse areas across the region, including Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan, Caloocan, and Quezon City, all united in their goal. The event’s success was ensured by the efforts of the dedicated team from the Hair For Hope Organization, including Angelica Kimwell, and volunteer stylists Jun Rey Amod and Shiena Rubi, whose skills were instrumental in preparing the donated hair to professional standards. Every inch of hair donated on this day represents a precious, tangible gift of hope, confidence, and dignity for its future recipient, proving that when communities come together, even the simplest act can offer unforgettable support. We extend our deepest gratitude to every person who grew out their hair, followed the donation guidelines, and made the big chop for a greater cause. Your act of compassion resonates deeply within our community, proving that when communities come together, even the simplest act can offer unforgettable support.### #hairdonation #bafs #hairforhope #alopeciaawareness #cancerawareness   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 Baseline Assessment of the Reach, Acceptance, and Use of AFMech-PNS October 24, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins Quezon City Government ‘s “Trees for the Future” Initiative October 18, 2025 Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 OBCA-alaman!!! Seminar-Workshop for the Accreditation of Organic Biocontrol Agents (OBCA) Researchers October 15, 2025 Other Post

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) attended the Conference on Digital Transformation and Regulatory Technology (RegTech) for Public Sector Productivity co-hosted by the Asian Productivity Organization and the Development Academy of the Philippines on October 1 to 2, 2025 in Pasig City. The two-day activity was attended by policymakers, economists, statisticians, and government officials from 16 APO member-economies. Experts presented studies, cases, and experiences of successful digital transformation and application of RegTech. Among the topics discussed during the conference were public sector digital transformation, blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence, regulatory sandbox, open data, and digital public infrastructure. The participation of DA-BAFS provided an avenue to explore innovative solutions in its regulatory services and streamlining its processes. Further, networks between agencies and member-economies were built to better serve the stakeholders and foster government agency collaboration. The DA-BAFS is committed to integrating learnings to continue improving the quality of services it offers. ### #bafs #DAP #APOConference  Photo Credit: Development Academy of the Philippines Photo Credit: Development Academy of the Philippines DA-BAFS Explores Digital Transformation and RegTech for Enhanced Regulatory Services at APO Conference 💡 October 30, 2025 Baseline Assessment of the Reach, Acceptance, and Use of AFMech-PNS October 24, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins Quezon City Government ‘s “Trees for the Future” Initiative October 18, 2025 Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 OBCA-alaman!!! Seminar-Workshop for the Accreditation of Organic Biocontrol Agents (OBCA) Researchers October 15, 2025 Supervised Certification of Palawan Organic Farmers Association (POFA) Municipal PGS Group October 13, 2025 Other Post

 The DA-BAFS Technical Services Division presented the initial findings of the study titled “Baseline Assessment of the Reach, Acceptance, and Use of the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech)-Related Philippine National Standards (PNS)” during a validation workshop with the 13 DA–Regional Agricultural Engineering Divisions (RAEDs), the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), and the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC). The workshop was held from October 14 to 16, 2025, in La Union.  The primary objective of the workshop was to validate the findings derived from the survey questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with respondents from the DA-RAEDs, BAFE, and AMTEC. This process ensured that the collected data were accurate and truly reflective of their perspectives. Furthermore, the workshop aimed to determine whether the responses aligned with the study’s objectives and provided relevant insights. The validated data from this study will serve as a basis for enhancing policies and mechanisms that strengthen standards development, promotion processes, and related outputs. #bafs #FGD #PNS #afmech  Baseline Assessment of the Reach, Acceptance, and Use of AFMech-PNS October 24, 2025 DA-BAFS Joins Quezon City Government ‘s “Trees for the Future” Initiative October 18, 2025 Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 OBCA-alaman!!! Seminar-Workshop for the Accreditation of Organic Biocontrol Agents (OBCA) Researchers October 15, 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 Other Post

PAYATAS, QUEZON CITY – DA-BAFS demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship and joining the fight against climate change by actively participating in the “Trees for the Future” planting initiative at the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility this Saturday.   The event, which was part of the celebration for Quezon City’s 86th Founding Anniversary, brought together over 300 volunteers to support the city’s aim to “1 Million Trees Program.” DA-BAFS personnel joined the effort, planting tree saplings alongside personnel from the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) and the Parks Development and Administration Department. The Bureau’s participation highlights the crucial link between agriculture, food standards, and a sustainable, climate-resilient environment. The successful event, which was also supported by partners from the J. Amado Araneta Foundation, Inner Wheel Club 378, and St. Mary’s School of Quezon City, contributes to the city’s running total of 530,973 trees planted since 2022. The initiative was graced by city officials, including Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo and CCESD Head Andrea Villaroman. #QuezonCity #qclgu #treeservice #TreePlantingChallenge #BAFS   DA-BAFS Joins Quezon City Government ‘s “Trees for the Future” Initiative October 18, 2025 Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 Other Post

Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro — A team from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted monitoring activities for the farmer-members of the Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) from October 7 to 9, 2025. The activity aimed to verify the members’ continued compliance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) relevant to organic agriculture, and to validate the effective implementation of the correction and corrective action plans addressing the findings identified during the previous inspection. Representatives from the DA Regional Field Office – MIMAROPA and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magsaysay also joined the activity to provide assistance and support. #OAmonitoring #OAinspection #PGSforOA #OrganicAgricuture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 Other Post

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

   Davao City – The DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division (OAD) through its Registration Section conducted a week-long seminar workshop to the qualified researchers as a prerequisite for the accreditation of OBCA researchers on September 15 to 19, 2025 in Davao City. The activity was graced by DA-RFO XI Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zabdiel Zacarias. RTD Zacarias gave his message of support to the activity, highlighting the importance of building networks and partnerships with agencies like DA-RFO XI, DA-BAFS and the private institutions to strengthen the organic agriculture sector. He also commended the efforts of the DA-BAFS and the participants to their commitment to the highly-technical capacity building activity. Our director, Director Mary Grace Mandigma also extends her gratitude to the participants who upon accreditation shall serve our OBCA stakeholders on the conduct of efficacy trials. She provided emphasis on the proactive approach of the Bureau by opening the possible discussion on updating the 2nd Edition of OBCA Manual, focusing on covering the assessment of pest and diseases affecting Philippine export crops and other emerging pests of major agricultural commodities. The activity focused on the discussion of the DA-BAFS regulatory mandates, and Philippine National Standards relevant to organic Agriculture. Presentations on functions of OBCA researchers, 2nd Edition of OBCA Manual and the standards protocol development was also discussed. Part of the workshop was for the researchers to develop their own efficacy trial protocol matrix based on the previous discussions. These protocols were presented by the participant and evaluated by the Registration Section. A mock field compliance assessment activity (FCA) was also conducted at the DA-RFO XI Research Station at Manambulan, Davao City. The participants and the training management team were welcomed by the DA-RFO Research Division led by their chief, Ms. Melanie A. Provido. She was thoroughly on-board with the idea that personnel from their Regional Crop Protection Center and Research Division will secure their accreditation as there are several inquiries of efficacy testing in their station. She also added that the membership of their Regulatory Division personnel to the DA-BAFS FCA team will increase the capacity of their agency on OBCA regulations. The mock FCA served as the hands-on-training of the participants on the actual activities being conducted within the duration of approved Experimental Use Permit and while conducting the efficacy trials. The participants enthusiastically raised their questions and sought further clarifications on the process involved which were addressed by the training management team. To conclude the activity, the participants shared their experiences based on their expectations cited on the first day. They shared that it was evident that the activity provided them knowledge and insights on the organic agriculture sector.#OAregistration #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS   DA-BAFS Joins Quezon City Government ‘s “Trees for the Future” Initiative October 18, 2025 Monitoring of Organico Mindoreños – Occidental PGS Group (OM-OM PGS Group) October 18, 2025 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 OBCA-alaman!!! Seminar-Workshop for the Accreditation of Organic Biocontrol Agents (OBCA) Researchers October 15, 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 Other Post

Palawan – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) provided technical assistance through supervised certification to POFA to increase the capacity and assist the group in their operations as an Organic Certifying Body on August 12-15, 2025. The supervised certification is intended to guide peer reviewers in verifying the compliance of applicant farmer members with the PGS group’s Internal Standards (IS) and ensuring that the organic certification procedures are in compliance to the group’s manual of operations. The activity was supported by Agricultural Program Coordinating Office Palawan and LGU-Quezon #OAtechnicalassistance #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove#DA-BAFS  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 DA-BAFS is assessing a core PGS Group in Puerto Princesa City! October 3, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS, together with the DA–Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (DA-FPA) and DA–Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), jointly convened to develop a unified framework for the establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues during a workshop held on October 6–8, 2025, at Novotel Hotel, Quezon City. This initiative is part of the USDA – Philippines Engagement through CABI, which aims to enhance interagency coordination for pesticide MRL establishment, implementation, and monitoring. Experts and consultants provided technical guidance throughout the workshop to support the development of the unified framework. Representing DA-BAFS were Ms. Kristel Alarice Aborido and Ms. Katrina Maniling, who actively participated in the discussions and provided insights to identify strengths, redundancies, and areas for improvement. Their contributions aim to ensure a coherent, harmonized, and science-based approach to establishing MRLs for pesticide residues. #DA-BAFS #BPI #FPA #Pesticides #MRL #agriculture  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 DA-BAFS is assessing a core PGS Group in Puerto Princesa City! October 3, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts Initial Assessment of Core PGS Group in Baler, Aurora in Baler, Aurora October 3, 2025 Other Post