The DA-BAFS, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), successfully conducted the Finalization Meeting for the Development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Integrated Monitoring and Surveillance of Foodborne Antimicrobial Resistance — Guidelines on September 10, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisson, North EDSA, Quezon City.
The meeting brought together members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) representing government agencies, academe/research institutions, and civil society organizations. Before the discussion of the draft PNS, Dr. Ralph Carolyn Cabug of FAO delivered a presentation on FAO’s initiatives on AMR monitoring and surveillance.
In her opening remarks, DA-BAFS OIC-Director, Ms. Mary Grace R. Mandigma, PFT, underscored the critical role of monitoring and surveillance in ensuring food safety and addressing antimicrobial resistance. She also highlighted the significance of the proposed PNS and conveyed her appreciation to the TWG members for their commitment and dedication to the standards development process.
The Finalization Meeting served as a platform to finalize the proposed draft PNS prior to its endorsement to the Department of Agriculture Secretary.
