DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of TOP-PGSSurveillance affirms commitment to organic certification standards. Gerona, Tarlac — In line with its mandate to ensure the credibility of organic certification systems, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) carried out its first surveillance of the Tarlac Organic Producers (TOP) PGS Association Inc. from April 29 to May 1, 2025.The surveillance assessed the continued compliance of TOP-PGS as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). It involved an office-based assessment and on-site witnessing of peer review activities to verify that the group operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner.The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was supported by technical staff from the DA Regional Field Office – Central Luzon and the Local Government Unit of Gerona.This activity emphasizes the importance of sustained oversight in maintaining the integrity of organic certification processes. As one of the first accredited OCBs in the region, TOP-PGS serves as a benchmark for future PGS groups in Central Luzon.Results from the surveillance will guide the association in strengthening its internal systems and maintaining its accreditation moving forward.#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS  First Surveillance Assessment of TOP-PGS, Gerona, Tarlac. May 10, 2025 FIeld Compliance Assessment of ongoinf Efficacy Trials, Naic, Cavite May 10, 2025 Bontoc Contributes to National Native Pork Standards. May 7, 2025 The DA-BAFS conducted three successful sessions of its seminar series on Applied Statistics in Standards-Related Research, Development, Promotion, and Assessment. May 7, 2025 A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI. April 30, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Other Post

The DA – BAFS compliance assessment team conducts field visits to verify the continued compliance of on-going efficacy trials with approved Experimental Use Permits (EUPs) in Naic, Cavite on April 29, 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 ongoinf Efficacy Trials, Naic, Cavite May 10, 2025 Bontoc Contributes to National Native Pork Standards. May 7, 2025 The DA-BAFS conducted three successful sessions of its seminar series on Applied Statistics in Standards-Related Research, Development, Promotion, and Assessment. May 7, 2025 A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI. April 30, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD) Team visited Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. last May 6th to obtain vital information for the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Native Pork Cuts. The BAFS team is collecting information on traditional butchering, processing, and pricing in barangays Gonogon, Bontoc Ili, Can-eo, and Mainit.Senior Science Research Specialist Melissa Astillero explained that this local understandingwill be fused with information from other areas to generate a scientific foundation for national standards. Mayor Tudlong expressed his support, noting the potential benefits for local farmers and consumers through standardized cuts and pricing.The BAFS team, with support from DA-CAR and the Provincial Veterinary Office, will continue fieldwork on May 7th. This initiative aims to establish consistent meat cut definitions and pricing, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of the native pork industry nationwide. ####BAFS#SRD#Municipality of Bontoc The DA-BAFS conducted three successful sessions of its seminar series on Applied Statistics in Standards-Related Research, Development, Promotion, and Assessment. May 7, 2025 A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI. April 30, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS conducted three successful sessions of its seminar series on Applied Statistics in Standards-Related Research, Development, Promotion, and Assessment on April 7, 14, and May 5, 2025, at the BAFS Conference Room in Diliman, Quezon City. The main objective of this learning intervention was to enhance the proficiency of DA-BAFS personnel in applied statistics, data analytics, and visualization through a structured learning program enabling them to effectively support standards research, development, promotion, and assessment.During the training, participants were introduced to the differences between descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as methods for assessing the validity and reliability of survey questionnaires. They also learned how to apply parametric and non-parametric tests, visualize data effectively, and communicate insights through data storytelling. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from fundamental concepts to more advanced techniques, equipping attendees with a deeper understanding of how to practically apply these tools in standards development, standards-related research, impact evaluation, and organic-related functions.Statistics Experts from Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Ms. Katrina D. Elizon and Mr. Peter John B. Aranas, served as the resource persons for this training.#BAFS#bafsonthemove  The DA-BAFS conducted three successful sessions of its seminar series on Applied Statistics in Standards-Related Research, Development, Promotion, and Assessment. May 7, 2025 A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI. April 30, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Other Post

A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI, with support from regional and local agricultural offices, verified the compliance of five core farmer- members with Philippine National Organic Agriculture Standards, April 22-24, 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, Provincial Agriculturists Office of Davao del Norte and Municipal Agriculture Office of Sto. Tomas assisted in the activity.#OAinspection#OrganicAgriculture#PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS  A joint inspection by the DA- BAFS and DA- Regional Field Office Region XI. April 30, 2025 Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS, in collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office 6 and in coordination with the Provincial and Municipal Agriculture Offices of Iloilo and Aklan, conducted field data gathering activities to support the development of an Explanatory Manual for the Philippine National Standard (PNS) Organic Poultry – Code of Practice (COP). The activity was carried out across five (5) organic-certified poultry farms in Iloilo and Aklan.The primary objective of this initiative was to collect and document information and images that will help ensure a harmonized interpretation of the provisions stated in the PNS Organic Poultry – COP.The Explanatory Manual will serve as a supplementary document to the PNS, aimed at enhancing users’ understanding of the standard through additional notes, clarifications, and relevant visual references.This manual is envisioned to be a valuable resource in promoting the consistent and effective application of the PNS Organic Poultry standards.#BAFS #PGS #ORGANICPOULTRY  Field Data Gathering for the Development of Explanatory Manual for PNS Organic Poultry – Code of Practice April 29, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Inspections of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 15, 2025 Other Post

DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS GroupTublay, Benguet — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the third surveillance of the Tublay Organic Farming Practitioners Agriculture Cooperative (TOFPA-COOP) on April 22–25, 2025 to monitor its compliance as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).TOFPA-COOP, based in Tublay, Benguet, holds the distinction of being the first PGS group accredited in the Philippines since the national rollout of the PGS program in 2022. The cooperative has since served as a model for community-based organic certification.The surveillance included an office-based assessment and witnessing of peer review activities to evaluate the group’s competence, impartiality, and consistency in operating as an OCB. Technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office – Cordillera Administrative Region and the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) CAR assisted the DA-BAFS Assessment Team throughout the activity.TOFPA-COOP’s performance during this surveillance reaffirms its continuing commitment to uphold the integrity and credibility of its certification work. The group’s experience as the first accredited PGS OCB sets a benchmark for newer groups, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards in peer review and certification processes.The outcome of the surveillance will guide TOFPA-COOP’s next steps to strengthen its operations and ensure sustained compliance with accreditation requirements. This activity reflects DA-BAFS’ sustained efforts to promote credible organic certification through PGS, helping build trust among farmers, consumers, and local communities in the country’s organic sector.#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS       DA-BAFS Conducts 3rd Surveillance of TOFPA-COOP, the Philippines’ First Accredited PGS Group April 29, 2025 Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Inspections of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 15, 2025 A supervised certification service was provided to the PGS group in Sta. Maria, Isabela April 15, 2025 Other Post

To increase the capacity and assist the group in their operations as an Organic Certifying Body, the DA-BAFS Compliance Assistance Team provided technical assistance to an accredited PGS group in Bayawan, Negros Oriental from April 22 to 25, 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.#OAtechnicalassistance#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS  Supervised Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group April 25, 2025 Monitoring of Registered Organic Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Inspections of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 15, 2025 A supervised certification service was provided to the PGS group in Sta. Maria, Isabela April 15, 2025 DA-BAFS conducted the first surveillance of the Batangas Organic and Natural Farming Agriculture Cooperative (BONFAC) April 15, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS Registration Section conducted the monitoring activity to a registered organic bio-control agent (OBCA) product of Enviro Scope Synergy Inc. on April 24, 2025 in Pasay City.On the same day, the team visited the company’s storage facility in San Pedro, Laguna to verify the actual amount of products vis-a-vis the written inventory.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 Input April 25, 2025 A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Inspections of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 15, 2025 A supervised certification service was provided to the PGS group in Sta. Maria, Isabela April 15, 2025 DA-BAFS conducted the first surveillance of the Batangas Organic and Natural Farming Agriculture Cooperative (BONFAC) April 15, 2025 Benchmarking Philrice and PCC – Immersive Artifact April 15, 2025 Other Post

A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFSContinuing the spirit of Fire Prevention Month observed last March, the BfpNcr QuezonCity Projectsix Substation Training Team awarded a certificate of completion to the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards, to take cognizance of the Bureau’s efforts to educate its employees and personnel on fire safety and prevention. This recognition served as a gesture of gratitude for the BAFS personnel’s dedication and commitment to raise fire safety awareness and reinforce a mindset to contribute to the broader goal of a fire-safe community.The awarding of the certificate stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that is essential towards the promotion of effective fire prevention campaigns. It emphasizes the importance of working hand-in-hand with the BFP to create a safer and more resilient community in Quezon City and beyond. The certification signifies a commitment to safeguarding lives and properties through proactive fire prevention measures and collaborative partnerships. ####BAFS#BFP#fireprevention  A Spark of Recognition: BFP Awards DA-BAFS April 23, 2025 Monitoring of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 21, 2025 Capability Building Activities on PNS for Organic Agriculture April 15, 2025 Inspections of Core PGS Farmer-Members April 15, 2025 A supervised certification service was provided to the PGS group in Sta. Maria, Isabela April 15, 2025 DA-BAFS conducted the first surveillance of the Batangas Organic and Natural Farming Agriculture Cooperative (BONFAC) April 15, 2025 Benchmarking Philrice and PCC – Immersive Artifact April 15, 2025 DA-BAFS collaborates with University of the Philippines Los Baños-Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (UPLB-AMTEC) and DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization DA-PHilMech. April 4, 2025 Other Post