Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte — The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted the initial assessment of a core Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group based in Dipolog City from September 8 to 11, 2025 to verify the group’s compliance with accreditation requirements as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB).
The assessment involved an office-based review and witnessing of the group’s peer review to evaluate whether the group is competent, impartial, and consistent in applying its Manual of Operations as an OCB.
The DA-BAFS Assessment Team observed that the group needs further improvement in the implementation of its Manual of Operations. However, the team commended the group for its open-mindedness and willingness to learn, noting that such qualities are key in strengthening their capability as an emerging certifying body.
The activity was supported by technical personnel from the DA Regional Field Office (RFO) and the DA Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) of Zamboanga Peninsula, together with representatives from the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte.
