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.
