Inspectors from the DA-BAFS A Commitment to Quality Assurance Quality is the cornerstone of any successful organization and in the field of agriculture and fisheries, it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of products and the competitiveness of the industry. The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS), throughout the years, consistently strived to produce quality products and provide customer-focused services. A testament to this commitment to maintaining processes that yield quality deliverables is the continued satisfaction of the DA-BAFS to the ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management System (QMS) requirements validated through the 2nd Surveillance Audit held last December 2, 2024. Led by auditors Ms. Mary Danica Pelone and Ms. Zipporah Bernardo from TUV SUD PSB Inc., the surveillance audit aimed to review and verify the Bureau’s compliance with the ISO 9001:2015 requirements. BAFS OIC-Director Mary Grace R. Mandigma, process owners, and the concerned staff were actively involved throughout the audit process, demonstrating their commitment to quality assurance. During the closing meeting, the auditors presented the results of the surveillance audit, which identified a total of seven findings, all categorized as opportunities for improvement. While it is not uncommon to have findings in such audits, the most significant news is that the auditors concluded that the Bureau’s current Quality Management System (QMS) fully satisfied the ISO 9001:2015 requirements. #BAFS #ISOCertified Validation Workshop with the DA-Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs) for the Study “Baseline Assessment on the Use and Impact of Philippines national Standards (PNS)” December 23, 2024 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Surveillance Audit December 6, 2024 Oral Presentation of “BIOSTIMULANTS GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES” at the SAIN 4 SHGBEE3 (Siem Reap, Cambodia) November 22, 2024 DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) November 22, 2024 Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) November 21, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 1 2 3 4
Validation Workshop with the DA-Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs) for the Study “Baseline Assessment on the Use and Impact of Philippines national Standards (PNS)”
The DA-BAFS Technical Services Division presented the initial findings of the study titled Baseline Assessment of the Reach, Usefulness, and Use of Philippine National Standards (PNS) during a validation workshop with the DA – Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs). The workshop was held from November 13 to 14, 2024, in Baguio City. The main goal of the workshop was to validate the findings from the survey questionnaire and the focus group discussions (FGDs) with respondents from the eight DA-FSRAs. This ensured that the data collected were accurate and reflective of their responses. Additionally, the workshop aimed to determine if the responses aligned with the study objectives and provided relevant data. The data derived from this study will be used to enhance policies and mechanisms for improving standards development, promotion processes, and their products.#BAFS #PNSBaselineAssessment Validation Workshop with the DA-Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs) for the Study “Baseline Assessment on the Use and Impact of Philippines national Standards (PNS)” December 23, 2024 Oral Presentation of “BIOSTIMULANTS GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES” at the SAIN 4 SHGBEE3 (Siem Reap, Cambodia) November 22, 2024 DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) November 22, 2024 Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) November 21, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 1 2 3 4
Oral Presentation of “BIOSTIMULANTS GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES” at the SAIN 4 SHGBEE3 (Siem Reap, Cambodia)
Ms. Edna Lynn Floresca, Chief of BAFS-Standards Research Division (SRD) presented the study, “Biostimulants Guidelines and Regulations: A Comparative Analysis of Different Countries” during the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (SAIN 4) and the Third International Conference on School Plus Home Gardens cum Biodiversity Enhancement and Enterprise (SHGBEE3) in Siem Reap, Cambodia on November 19-22, 2024. The Conference was organized by the Center for Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (CE SAIN) and the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). The conference aims to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation focused on sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and biodiversity in the community. #BAFSinCAMBODIA #SRD Oral Presentation of “BIOSTIMULANTS GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES” at the SAIN 4 SHGBEE3 (Siem Reap, Cambodia) November 22, 2024 DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) November 22, 2024 Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) November 21, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 1 2 3 4
DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)
In support of the celebration of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) joined the celebration by recitation of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) pledge and signing of commitment during the Bureau’s flag-raising ceremony on November 18, 2024. The Bureau’s cooperation during WAAW celebration represents a significant step in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance. By committing to responsible antimicrobial use, improving infection control, and supporting education and research efforts, signatories contribute to a collective movement aimed at preserving the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.Additionally, the Bureau participated in the celebration of WAAW related activity for the agricultural sector held last November 19, 2024 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, Quezon City, and acted as one of the resource speakers during the event. Mr. John Gregory V. Aquino represented the agency and shared in his presentation the efforts related to development and promotions of Philippine National Standards (PNS) and how the PNS serves as a key tool in combating AMR.The WAAW is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.The DA-BAFS through continued commitment, collaboration, and accountability, can work together to suppress the threat of antimicrobial resistance and safeguard public health for future generations.#AMR#WAAW#BAFStosupport DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) November 22, 2024 Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) November 21, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 1 2 3 4 Section Title ByAllister Budlao December 18, 2024 Public Advisory Important update:The guidelines for the provision and promotion of bio-fertilizers in corn areas… Read More Pamantayan Isyu #5 ByAllister Budlao December 17, 2024 News Letter Edited By: Rosemarie V. Calibo, Katrina L. Maminta Consolidated By: Kristel Alarice R. Aborido… Read More DA-BAFS Support to the Celebration of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) ByAllister Budlao November 22, 2024 BAFS in Action … Read More Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) ByAllister Budlao November 21, 2024 BAFS in Action The DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division, in collaboration with the DA-MIMAROPA, with the assistance… Read More DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite ByAllister Budlao November 21, 2024 BAFS in Action The DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite on… Read More Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) ByAllister Budlao November 21, 2024 BAFS in Action As part of ensuring continued compliance of an accredited PGS group with the accreditation… Read More Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) ByAllister Budlao November 14, 2024 BAFS in Action The Assessment Team from DA-BAFS and DA-RFO Regulatory Division conducted an annual surveillance… Read More Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) ByAllister Budlao November 14, 2024 BAFS in Action From October 29-31, 2024, the DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted the annual surveillance of the… Read More Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) ByAllister Budlao November 14, 2024 BAFS in Action DA-BAFS and DA-RFO MIMAROPA Regulatory Division, assisted by the Office of the Provincial… Read More
Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan)
The DA-BAFS Organic Agriculture Division, in collaboration with the DA-MIMAROPA, with the assistance from the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Palawan and the Municipal Agriculture’s Offices of the Municipality of Aborlan and Quezon, conducted a supervised certification for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Groups in the province from November 11 to 15, 2024. The activity aimed to provide technical assistance to the accredited PGS group, ensuring that their organic certification process—covering receiving and processing a farmer member’s application for certification, preparation for peer review, conducting the peer review, evaluating peer review findings, formulating and endorsing certification decisions, to finally issuing the Participatory Organic Certificate—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#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Supervised Certification of PGS Group (Aborian and Quezon, Palawan) November 21, 2024 DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 1 2 3 4
DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite
The DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite on November 19-22 November 2024. The initial assessment is composed of an office-based assessment and witnessing of the group’s peer review. The assessment aims to verify the compliance of the group with the accreditation requirements for them to operate as an organic certifying body ensuring they conduct certification in a competent, consistent, and impartial manner.The assessment was assisted by the DA-RFO and DA-ATI RTC of CALABARZON together with the representatives of the Local Government Unit of the Province of Cavite.Learn more about the accreditation of PGS group as OCB through this link: bit.ly/OrganicPGS#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted an assessment to a core PGS Group based in Amadeo, Cavite November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 1 2 3 4
Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol)
As part of ensuring continued compliance of an accredited PGS group with the accreditation requirements, a surveillance was conducted for Bohol Participatory Guarantee System Association (BPGSA) in Dimiao, Bohol on November 11-14, 2024. Office-based assessment and witnessing of their peer reviews were part of the surveillance assessment.The DA-BAFS Assessment Team was joined and assisted by the representatives from DA-RFO and DA-ATI RTC of Central Visayas, and from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of the Province of Bohol during the conduct of surveillance.#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Surveillance Audit to an Accredited PGS Group (Dimiao, Bohol) November 21, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 1 2 3
Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet)
The Assessment Team from DA-BAFS and DA-RFO Regulatory Division conducted an annual surveillance audit of Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association (IIOFA) from October 22 to 25, 2024. IIOFA is an accredited PGS group from Itogon, Benguet.The audit aims to verify the continued compliance of the group with the relevant accreditation guidelines.Learn more about the accreditation of PGS group as OCB through this link: bit.ly/OrganicPGS#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Itogon, Benguet) November 14, 2024 Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 1 2 3
Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo)
From October 29-31, 2024, the DA-BAFS Assessment Team conducted the annual surveillance of the Cabatuan Organic Farmers and Practitioners Association (COFPA) in Cabatuan, Iloilo. The 3-day surveillance covered office-based assessment and witnessing the conduct of peer reviews to verify the group’s continued compliance with the accreditation requirements.The activity was made possible with the support and assistance of the representatives from the DA-Regional Field Office and the DA-ATI Regional Training Center of Western Visayas, along with the representatives from the Municipality of Cabatuan and the Provincial Agriculture Office of Iloilo. Their assistance was integral to the smooth conduct of the surveillance, reinforcing the shared commitment to maintaining high standards in organic agriculture certification.Learn more about the accreditation of PGS group as OCB through this link: bit.ly/OrganicPGS#OAassessment#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture#BAFSonthemove#DABAFS Surveillance Audit of an Accredited PGS OCB (Cabatuan, Iloilo) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 1 2 3
Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon)
DA-BAFS and DA-RFO MIMAROPA Regulatory Division, assisted by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, conducted a pre-inspection activity on the core PGS group farmer – members in Romblon on October 21 to 25, 2024.The activity aimed to assess the readiness of the five farmer-members for organic certification, and provided technical assistance on the compliance with the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture and relevant technical regulations.#DABAFS#BAFSonthemove#OAtechnicalassistance#PGSforOA#OrganicAgriculture Pre-Inspection to Core PGS Farmer – Members (Romblon) November 14, 2024 Pre-Inspection to PGS Core Farmers – Members. Oriental Mindoro November 14, 2024 In celebration of the Mental Health Month, the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards conducted a seminar titled “Mental Health Check-In” October 30, 2024 Pre-Inspection of Core PGS Farmer – Members. Tagum City, Davao del Norte October 24, 2024 Inspection of CORE PGS Farmer – Members October 24, 2024 Field Data Gathering (FDG) activity to support the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins contamination in Cassava-Code of Practice (COP) October 22, 2024 Perceptions on the Contribution of the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the Philippine GAP (PhilGAP) Certification Program during the 2024 PhilGAP Summit October 16, 2024 Townhall Meeting on the Transition of DA-BAFS Temporary Director October 11, 2024 1 2 3