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

With the assistance from the DA RFO II Regulatory Division, Organic Agriculture Program and the Local Government Unit of Kayapa, the Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division conducted the monitoring activity to Kayapa PGS Group – the first Accredited Participatory Guarantee System Group in Nueva Viscaya on June 2 to 4, 2025. The activity verified the continued compliance of the core PGS group farmer- members with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture and to validate the effective implementation of correction and corrective action plan for the findings found during their previous inspection. #OAmonitoring #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS 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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Other Post

“We are almost done,” says Atty. Roland A. Tulay, Chairman of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) after they successfully concluded its comprehensive recruitment season, marking a significant step in strengthening the Bureau’s workforce. Deliberations for the selection process were meticulously carried out on June 9 and 10, 2025, ensuring a thorough and fair evaluation of all qualified and deserving applicants. This rigorous process culminated in the final interview stage, where the BAFS Board conducted a face-to-face assessment for a deeper understanding of the applicant’s skills and personality, gauge the non-verbal cues, body language, overall demeanour, and measure the applicant’s fit with the organization through a more personable and engaging interaction. From a total of 86 applicants, 21 qualified candidates advanced to the final interview stage with the Board. These positions aim to fill the vacant roles across key end-user divisions, including Organic Agriculture Division (OAD), Standards Research Division (SRD), and Technical Services Division (TSD), among others. This recruitment initiative is part of DA-BAFS’ ongoing commitment to continuously enhance its capabilities and effectively deliver excellent services for stakeholders. The Bureau is confident that the selected individuals will significantly contribute to innovation, build stronger relationships and improve overall team dynamics.#BAFS #HRMPSB  by: KGR Salas   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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Other Post

DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of SIPBAFAMCO, Caraga’s First Accredited PGS GroupLoreto, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the first surveillance of the SIPBAFAMCO Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group on June 4–6, 2025 to verify the group’s continued compliance as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB).SIPBAFAMCO, based in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, received its Certificate of Accreditation on July 22, 2024, making it the first PGS group accredited as an OCB in the Caraga Region. This first surveillance is part of the regular post-accreditation activities to ensure that the group maintains its capability to certify organic producers in line with national organic standards.The assessment involved both an office-based evaluation and witnessing of peer review activities, with focus on verifying whether the group operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner, as outlined in its Manual of Operations.The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was assisted by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office – Caraga Region.This activity supports the continuing development of credible PGS certification systems in the region. The outcome of the surveillance will guide SIPBAFAMCO in maintaining its accreditation status and improving the effectiveness of its certification processes.#OAassessment #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Other Post

The monitoring team of the DA-BAFS, assisted by the DA RFO VII Regulatory Division conducted monitoring of registered organic soil amendment products in Mandaue City, Cebu last June 4, 2025.The monitoring activity is conducted to verify the continued compliance of a BAFS-registered organic input producer to applicable Philippine National Standards and technical regulations relevant to organic agriculture.#OAmonitoring #OAregistration #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Other Post

DA-BAFS Joins 9th ASEAN Organic Agriculture Meeting in Cambodia DA-BAFS participated in the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Expert Working Group on Organic Agriculture (EWG-OA) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on May 30–31, 2025.Representing the Philippines were Mr. Mark F. Matubang, Chief Science Research Specialist and Head of Delegation, and Mr. Vicente D. Limsan, Jr., Science Research Specialist II, both from the Organic Agriculture Division.The meeting tackled updates on the alignment of national organic standards with the ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture (ASOA), revisions to the alignment tool, and the proposed Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Organic Agricultural Products (MRA-OAP). The PH delegation also shared progress on peer reviews and discussed ways to improve cooperation across ASEAN.DA-BAFS remains committed to promoting sustainable and harmonized organic agriculture systems in the region. #DABAFS #OrganicAgriculture #ASEAN #SustainableFarming #PHinASEAN #TeamBAFS #BAFSOnTheGo #BAFSontheMove  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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Monitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. May 30, 2025 Other Post

RECOGNITION AND ENGAGEMENT FORUM ON PHILIPPINE GOOD REGULATORY PRINCIPLES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS PROGRAM (PGRP-RAP) OF THE ANTI-RED TAPE AUTHORITY (ARTA)As part of its ongoing commitment to the Ease of Doing Business Act, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) proudly participated in the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Philippine Good Regulatory Principles – Recognition and Awards Program (PGRP-RAP) held on May 29, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.The Bureau earned a nomination for its significant contribution through the submission of DA Department Circular No. 10, series of 2023. The Rules and Regulations on the Product Registration of Organic Soil Amendments and Organic Bio-control Agents. This initiative showcases BAFS’ efforts to streamline regulatory processes, promote innovation in organic agriculture, and support a more business-friendly environment for stakeholders in line with the 10 principles of good regulatory practice.The nomination is a testament to DA-BAFS commitment to uphold the highest standards in public service, ensuring that our stakeholders, industry partners, farmers and fisherfolks receive timely and quality services.#DABAFS #FromRedTapeToRedCarpet #ARTAPGRPRAP  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 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Monitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. May 30, 2025 Assessment of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group May 30, 2025 Other Post

DA-BAFS Convenes Final Hybrid Stakeholder Consultation on Good Aquaculture Practices for Crustaceans.The DA-BAFS Standards Development Division (SDD), in collaboration with the Tambuyog Development Center, conducted the final Stakeholder Consultation of the following Philippine National Standards (PNS) on Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP) for Crustaceans from June 3 to 5, 2025. This activity was held through a hybrid setup: on-site at Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Quezon City, and online via Google Meet. Shrimp and Crab — Code of Practice (COP) — GAqP; Shrimp and Crab Hatchery — COP — GAqP; and Giant Freshwater Prawn Hatchery and Nursery — COP — GAqPThe activity aims to gather comments and recommendations from the relevant stakeholders. These inputs will be taken into consideration during the Technical Working Group (TWG) Finalization Writeshop, to be convened in July 2025.The consultation was attended by various organizations and institutions representing government agencies, academe/research institutions, civil society organizations (CSO), private sector organizations, and other relevant stakeholders and practitioners. During the session, participants shared valuable feedback and recommendations on technical and commercial information, further validating the provisions outlined in the working drafts with the current academic, research, and industry requirements and practice.#PNS #GAqP #BAFS #BAFSontheMove DA-BAFS Convenes Final Hybrid Stakeholder Consultation on Good Aquaculture Practices for Crustaceans. June 13, 2025 Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Monitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. May 30, 2025 Assessment of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group May 30, 2025 he Standards Development Division (SDD) of DA-BAFS conducted a hybrid Technical Working Group (TWG) Writeshop for the development of two Philippine National Standards (PNS) on food inspection and certification systems. May 28, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS compliance assessment team conducted a field compliance assessment of ongoing efficacy trials with approved Experimental Use Permits (EUPs) in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija on May 16, 2025.The activity aimed to verify the continued compliance of trials to the efficacy trial protocols, implementation of mitigating measures and practices to assess the effectiveness of the biocontrol agent products against the target pests of the specific crop.The conduct of efficacy trials through EUP is a pre-requisite for the registration of Organic Bio-Control Agents (OBCA) products.#OAregistration #OAassessment #OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove #DABAFS Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Monitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. May 30, 2025 Assessment of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group May 30, 2025 he Standards Development Division (SDD) of DA-BAFS conducted a hybrid Technical Working Group (TWG) Writeshop for the development of two Philippine National Standards (PNS) on food inspection and certification systems. May 28, 2025 National Quality Infrastructure Assessment at DA-BAFS May 22, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS conducted a Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 in Province of Batangas on May 20 to 23, 2025. The activity was participated by representatives from DA-RFO I, IV-CALABARZON, IV-MIMAROPA, and the Bicol Region, as well as from ATI-RTC CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol, and LGU-City of San Fernando La Union. Participants also included members of the PGS-OCB from Regions I, IV-CALABARZON, IV-MIMAROPA, and Bicol. The activity aimed to capacitate PGS OCB in conducting peer reviews, addressing audit findings, and issuing Participatory Organic Certificates (POC). At the end of the activity, the participants will be able to understand the accreditation process including its requirements, address and close audit findings through proper submission of CCAP, execute procedures outlined in their MOO with competence and consistency, conduct peer reviews and issue POC effectively and impartially; and facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration among PGS OCB to enhance best practices and operational strategies. #OAtechnicalassistance #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS   Field Compliance Assessment of Ongoing Efficacy Trials May 31, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 2 May 31, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Farmer-Members May 30, 2025 Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 May 30, 2025 Monitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. May 30, 2025 Assessment of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group May 30, 2025 he Standards Development Division (SDD) of DA-BAFS conducted a hybrid Technical Working Group (TWG) Writeshop for the development of two Philippine National Standards (PNS) on food inspection and certification systems. May 28, 2025 National Quality Infrastructure Assessment at DA-BAFS May 22, 2025 Other Post