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

On October 6–9, 2025, the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted an initial assessment of a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group based in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. The activity aimed to verify the group’s compliance with accreditation requirements through office-based assessment and witnessing of their peer review process. The assessment evaluated the group’s competence, impartiality, and consistency in implementing their Manual of Operations as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB). While improvements are needed in some areas, the team commended the group for their openness and eagerness to learn. Technical staff from DA-RFO and DA-ATI RTC Zamboanga Peninsula assisted in the activity, which was also observed by representatives from other farmer groups and local government units. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgricuture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 DA-BAFS together with DA-RFO III Conducts Inspection of Core – Farmer Members of PGS Group in the province of Nueva Ecija September 18, 2025 Other Post

Allen, Northern Samar – The DA-BAFS Inspection Team conducted the final inspection to the core-farmer members of Allen Organic Vegetable Raisers for their application for organic certification on September 29 to October 1, 2025. The inspection was conducted to verify their compliance with the Philippine National Standard relevant to organic agriculture.Representatives from the DA-RFO VII Regulatory Division and Organic Agriculture Program, and Local Government Unit of Allen assisted in the activity. #OAinspection #PGSforOA #OrganicAgriculture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 DA-BAFS together with DA-RFO III Conducts Inspection of Core – Farmer Members of PGS Group in the province of Nueva Ecija September 18, 2025 Pre-Inspection of the Participatory Guarantee Sytem (PGS) Group COre Farmer-Members September 18, 2025 Other Post

Pototan, Iloilo — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) carried out the second surveillance of the Pototan Organic Practitioners’ Association (POPA) on September 29 to October 3, 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 POPA 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, POPA 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 POPA 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 Western Visayas and the Municipal Government of Pototan. #OAassessment #PGSforOA #OrganicAgricuture #BAFSonthemove #DABAFS  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 DA-BAFS together with DA-RFO III Conducts Inspection of Core – Farmer Members of PGS Group in the province of Nueva Ecija September 18, 2025 Pre-Inspection of the Participatory Guarantee Sytem (PGS) Group COre Farmer-Members September 18, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts Initial Assessment of Core PGS Group in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte September 18, 2025 Other Post

Polangui, Albay – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) Compliance Assistance Team provided technical assistance through the pre-inspection to the core farmer-members of the PGS group from September 22-26, 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 V (Bicol Region), Local Government Unit of Polangui, 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 #DABAFS  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 DA-BAFS together with DA-RFO III Conducts Inspection of Core – Farmer Members of PGS Group in the province of Nueva Ecija September 18, 2025 Pre-Inspection of the Participatory Guarantee Sytem (PGS) Group COre Farmer-Members September 18, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts Initial Assessment of Core PGS Group in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte September 18, 2025 DA-BAFS Conducts Monitoring of Peñafrancia Sugar Mill, Inc. September 18, 2025 Other Post