Quezon City, Philippines — November 10, 2025. The DA-BAFS participated in the online international seminar entitled “Advancing Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture in ASEAN: Session 1 (Biostimulants),” organized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Food Value Chain Development Project (AJFVC).
The session brought together experts, personnel from regulatory agencies, and researchers from ASEAN Member States (AMS) to discuss the emerging topic of biostimulants, an agricultural input that boosts plant growth, resilience, and productivity.
Representing the Philippines, Ms. Kristel Alarice R. Aborido, RND, Science Research Specialist II of the DA-BAFS Standards Development Division (SDD), presented the country’s ongoing initiatives to establish a national regulatory framework for biostimulants, including those with organic claims. Mr. Marlo Deblois from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) also shared insights into the existing regulations and registration processes for inorganic products.
Other Filipino participants included Dr. Alpha M. Lanuza, Mr. Gerald Cammagay, Mr. Aerol Dexter C. Ebora, (DA-BAFS), and Mr. Jonathan Paz of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, Inc. (ICP)—who also serves as a member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) developing the Philippine National Standard (PNS) on Biostimulants — Product Standard — Specifications.
At present, the PNS on Biostimulants — Product Standard — Specifications is in its finalization phase prior to endorsement to the DA Secretary. The standard is expected to be approved by December 2025, marking a significant step toward establishing science-based and harmonized regulations for biostimulants in the country.
