A joint inspection conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) and the DA – Regional Field Office III, with support from regional and local agricultural offices, was held on May 13–15, 2025 to verify the compliance of five core farmer-members with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture.The inspection aimed to ensure adherence to the Philippine National Standards relevant to organic agriculture practices.Representatives from the Regional Organic Agriculture Program, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office of Bulacan, and the Municipal Agriculture Office of San Ildefonso also participated and provided valuable assistance during the activity.#OAassessment #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove #DABAFS 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 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 First Surveillance Assessment of TOP-PGS, Gerona, Tarlac. May 10, 2025 Other Post

The DA-BAFS conducted a Capability Building Workshop for the Accredited Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Bodies (PGS-OCB) for Cluster 1 in Province of Pampanga on May 6 to 9, 2025. The activity was participated by representatives from DA-RFO CAR, II, and III ATI-RTC CAR, II, and III PGS-OCB of CAR, Region II and III.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 #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS 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 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 First Surveillance Assessment of TOP-PGS, Gerona, Tarlac. May 10, 2025 FIeld Compliance Assessment of ongoinf Efficacy Trials, Naic, Cavite May 10, 2025 Other Post

The Monitoring Team from the DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division and DA-Regional Field Office Region VII Regulatory Division monitored the certified core PGS group farmer-members of a core PGS group in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on May 20-22, 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 the previous inspection.Representatives from the DA-RFO No. VII Organic Agricultural Program, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) No. VII and City Agriculture Office of Bayawan joined in the activity.#OAmonitoring #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove #DABAFS MNonitoring of Organic Farmer-Practioner Assosciation of Bayawan (OFPRAB) PGS Group. June 4, 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 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 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 Other Post

The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted an accreditation assessment in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, focusing on a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group. The evaluation aimed to verify their compliance with the requirements to become an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) on May 20–23, 2025.The DA-BAFS team performed an office-based evaluation and observed the group’s peer review process. Key areas of assessment included the group’s competence, impartiality, and consistency in adhering to their Manual of Operations, as well as relevant technical regulations and national standards. Technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office provided support to ensure a smooth and objective evaluation.This assessment is a significant step towards expanding the PGS certification system in the Caraga Region. Successful accreditation of the Sibagat-based group would enhance community-based organic certification efforts within Agusan del Sur. The outcome of the assessment will dictate the subsequent steps for the group’s potential accreditation as an OCB under the PGS scheme.#OAassessment #OrganicAgriculture #PGSforOA#BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 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 Other Post

The Standards Development Division (SDD) of DA-BAFS conducted a hybrid Technical Working Group (TWG) Writeshop from May 19 to 23, 2025, for the development of two Philippine National Standards (PNS) on food inspection and certification systems. The writeshop was held at Eurotel North Edsa, Quezon City and conducted online via Google Meet. Participants included representatives from the DA agencies, academe/research institutions, and civil society organizations.The activity aimed to finalize the initial drafts of the following PNS in preparation for the upcoming Initial Stakeholder Consultation:Development of Equivalence Agreements Regarding Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems – Guidelines Judgement of Equivalence of Sanitary Measures Associated with Food Inspection and Certification Systems – GuidelinesThese PNS provide guidelines for competent authorities desiring to enter into bilateral or multilateral equivalence agreements related to import and export, as well as in judgment of the equivalence of food inspection and certification systems.#BAFS #PNS #Equivalence  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 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 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 Other Post

On May 9, 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by the Board of Investments (BOI) and in collaboration with the World Bank, carried out a scoping and assessment of the Philippines’ National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). This endeavor aims to deepen understanding of the NQI ecosystem — including standardization, accreditation, metrology, and conformity assessment — and to identify opportunities to strengthen NQI institutions and improve SME compliance with international quality standards. As part of this effort, delegations from the DTI-BOI, along with the World Bank, visited the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), a selected stakeholder in the NQI. The site visit provided valuable insights into DA-BAFS’s role and contribution to the country’s NQI ecosystem, particularly in the context of standards for agriculture and fishery sectors, as well as the management of organic agriculture.The delegates who participated in this site visit included Ms. Geeza June Painaga-Auditor, Ms. Vera Ysabel De la Cruz, Ms. Juanita Carpio, Dir. Ernani Dionisio, Christian Schoel, Kimberly May Baltao-Chandra, Dir. Mary Grace Mandigma,PFT, Dr. Alpha Lanuza, Mr. Derrick Tan, and Dr. Gari Pellinor Hernandez.#BAFS #dti_boi #WorldBank #NQI  National Quality Infrastructure Assessment at DA-BAFS May 22, 2025 First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 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 Other Post

DA-BAFS Conducts First Surveillance of MOFARMCO, Davao Region’s First Accredited PGS Group*Surveillance ensures continued compliance with organic certification standardsMagsaysay, Davao del Sur — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the first surveillance of the Magsaysay Organic Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MOFARMCO) from April 28 to May 1, 2025 to assess its continued compliance as an accredited Organic Certifying Body (OCB) under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).MOFARMCO, based in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, is the first PGS group accredited in the Davao Region. The cooperative plays a key role in advancing community-based organic certification in the area.The surveillance involved an office-based assessment and witnessing of peer review activities to evaluate whether MOFARMCO operates in a competent, impartial, and consistent manner as an OCB. The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was assisted by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office and the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) Davao Region.This surveillance underscores the role of continuous oversight in safeguarding the integrity of PGS certification. As the pioneer OCB in the region, MOFARMCO helps set standards for future PGS groups in Mindanao.The results of the surveillance will guide the group in strengthening its systems and sustaining its accreditation as an OCB.#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS  First Surveillance Assessment of MOFARMCO, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. May 11, 2025 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 Other Post

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