Cauliflower growers and traders in Ilocos Sur and Benguet participated in the Field Data Gathering (FDG) activities held on February 11-14, 2025, and February 25-28, 2025, respectively.The DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD), in coordination with the DA-Regional Field Office in Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), conducted face-to-face interviews as part of the FDG activities to support the amendment of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Cauliflower—Product Standard—Grading and Classification (PNS/BAFPS 18:2005).The collected information on current local practices and product quality for fresh cauliflower will be used in the technical evaluation and subsequent amendment of the PNS/BAFS 18:2005.PNS/BAFS 18:2005 provides standard for the classification, grading, and packing of commercial varieties of cauliflower to be supplied fresh to consumers. #Cauliflower #ProductStandards #StandardsResearch The DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD), in coordination with the DA-Regional Field Office in Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) March 4, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 28, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Framers-Memebers February 28, 2025 The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team, together with the DA-RFO VII and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bohol February 28, 2025 The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS group farmer-members in Benguet February 27, 2025 Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

On February 25-27, 2025, a PGS Group based in Benguet was subjected to an office-based assessment and witness audit by DA-BAFS to verify the compliance of the group with the accreditation requirements. Once accredited as an organic certifying body, the group will be authorized to provide organic certification services to its farmer-members.The technical personnel of the DA Regional Field Office and DA Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center of the Cordillera Administrative Region provided support and assistance that made the assessment possible. #OAassessment#OrganicAgrilcuture#PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 28, 2025 Inspection of Core PGS Framers-Memebers February 28, 2025 The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team, together with the DA-RFO VII and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bohol February 28, 2025 The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS group farmer-members in Benguet February 27, 2025 Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region MIMAROPA Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Occidental Mindoro from February 18 to 20, 2025. The inspection was conducted to verify their compliance with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture. Representatives from the Regional Organic Agriculture Program, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center MIMAROPA, Municipal Agriculture Office of San Jose and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Occidental Mindoro assisted in the activity. #OAassessment #Organic Agriculture  #PGSforOA #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS Inspection of Core PGS Framers-Memebers February 28, 2025 The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team, together with the DA-RFO VII and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bohol February 28, 2025 The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS group farmer-members in Benguet February 27, 2025 Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team, together with the DA-RFO VII and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bohol, conducted supervised certification for the PGS group in Bohol from February 11 to 14, 2025.The activity aimed to provide technical assistance to the accredited PGS group, ensuring that their organic certification process is conducted in full compliance with the group’s Manual of Operations (MOO).A critical component of this activity is the supervised peer review, which is intended to guide peer reviewers in verifying the compliance of applicant farmer members with the PGS group’s Internal Standards (IS).#OAtechnicalassistance#BAFS#BAFSonthemove#PGSforOA  The DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team, together with the DA-RFO VII and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bohol February 28, 2025 The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS group farmer-members in Benguet February 28, 2025 Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region CAR Regulatory Division monitored certified core PGS group farmer-members in Benguet from February 11 to 13, 2025.The activity verified the continued compliance of the core PGS group farmer- members with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture. It also validated the effective implementation of the correction and corrective action plan based on the findings from the previous inspection.Representatives from the Regional Organic Agriculture Program, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center CAR, and Municipal Agriculture Office of Tublay assisted in the activity. #OAassessment #Organic Agriculture#PGSforOA #B AFSonthemove#DABAFS Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 The Compliance Assistance Team of the DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program, Provincial Agriculture Office of Pampanga, and LGU of Bacolor, Sta. Anna, Angeles, and Porac provided technical assistance through a pre-inspection activity in the province of Pampanga from February 3 to 7, 2025.The activity aimed to help the group prepare their application for organic certification.#OAtechnicalassistance#BAFS#BAFSonthemove#PGSforOA Pre-inspection activity of DA-BAFS together with the DA-RFO III Organic Agriculture Program in the province of Pampanga February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

On February 26, 2025, the DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room. The session, attended by Statistics Professors from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), aimed to validate the survey questionnaire for the study titled, “Baseline Assessment on the Reach, Usefulness, and Use of Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech)-Related Philippine National Standards (PNS)”.The primary objective of the meeting was to ensure that the survey questions are both linguistically and analytically appropriate in measuring the intended variables. The survey questionnaire will further undergo content validity and reliability. These tests are essential to establish the survey questionnaire’s relevance, representativeness and integrity, ensuring it effectively captures the necessary data for assessing the adoption and impact of the PNS. #BAFSontheMove#PNS#BAFSTSD DA-BAFS Technical Services Division (TSD) Standards Policy Recommendation (SPR) Section held an Evaluation Reference Group (ERG) meeting at the DA-BAFS Conference Room February 27, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 2024 BEST ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT – Technical Services Division February 3, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 Inspectors from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar from February 3 to 5, 2025. The inspection was conducted to verify their compliance with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture.Representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center, Regional Organic Agriculture Program and the City Agriculture Office of Samar assisted in the activity. #OAassessment #Organic Agriculture #PGSforOA #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VIII Regulatory Division inspected five core PGS group farmer-members in Calbayog City, Samar February 27, 2025 From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 2024 BEST ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT – Technical Services Division February 3, 2025 EMPLOYEE of the YEAR – Ms. Jenina B. Cusay January 31, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day What do hearts, flowers, and agriculture have in common? At the DA-BAFS, we know the answer – and it’s sweeter than you think! This Valentine’s Day, DA-BAFS celebrates the dedication of our farmers and the agricultural bounty that makes this occasion so special. From roses to chocolates, agriculture plays a crucial role in Valentine’s Day celebrations. DA-BAFS is committed to supporting these farmers and ensuring the quality and safety of these cherished gifts. Our rigorous standards guarantee that the symbols of love we share are beautiful, delicious, and of the highest quality. This Valentine’s Day, we encourage you to think about the journey your gifts have taken. Consider the hands that planted the seeds, the farmers who tended the fields, and the communities that benefited from their labor. By supporting local farmers and choosing products that meet our high standards, you’re not just giving a gift, you’re investing in a sustainable future for Philippine agriculture. Beyond the chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day is also a time to celebrate the love for our families, friends, and communities. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the love that goes into every aspect of our lives, from the food we eat to the flowers we give. Let’s show our appreciation for the farmers who make these celebrations possible. Let’s choose local, support sustainable agriculture, and cultivate a future filled with love, prosperity, and sweet success. Happy Valentine’s Day from DA-BAFS! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the sweet taste of Philippine agriculture. #Valentines #supportlocalfarmers #DirectorsCorner From Seed to Celebration: DA-BAFS and Our Farmers This Valentine’s Day February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 2024 BEST ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT – Technical Services Division February 3, 2025 EMPLOYEE of the YEAR – Ms. Jenina B. Cusay January 31, 2025 COS Personnel of the Year – Ms. Stephanie L. Bulanadi January 31, 2025 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – Ms. Roxanne P. Lizardo and Mr. Raffy G. Reydado January 31, 2025 LEADERSHIP AWARD – Dr. Alpha M. Lanuza and Ms. Geeza June V. Painaga-Auditor January 31, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

 From February 4 to 6, 2025, the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City to verify its compliance with accreditation requirements. This assessment ensures that the group operates in accordance with relevant guidelines, maintaining consistency, competence, and impartiality in delivering certification services as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB).Representatives from the DA Regional Field Office, the DA Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center of Davao Region, and the City Government of Davao provided support during the assessment. #OAassessment#OrganicAgrilcuture#PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS    DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Davao City February 14, 2025 DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division Accreditation Section conducted an assessment of a PGS group in Sagada. February 14, 2025 Assessment of PGS Group for Accreditation as Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-Organic Certifying Body February 6, 2025 2024 BEST ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT – Technical Services Division February 3, 2025 EMPLOYEE of the YEAR – Ms. Jenina B. Cusay January 31, 2025 COS Personnel of the Year – Ms. Stephanie L. Bulanadi January 31, 2025 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR – Ms. Roxanne P. Lizardo and Mr. Raffy G. Reydado January 31, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 6 7