The DA-BAFS successfully chaired the 21st Meeting of the ASEAN – TF-MASHP
The DA-BAFS successfully chaired the 21st Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on ASEAN Standards for Horticultural Produce and Other Food Crops (TF-MASHP) on June 9-10, 2026, virtually hosted by Malaysia via Zoom Cloud Meeting. The meeting was attended by ASEAN Member States (AMS) — Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor Leste.
The Philippine delegation led the proceedings, with Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PFT, PhD, CESO III, serving as Chair of the TF-MASHP. Dr. Alpha M. Lanuza acted as the Head of Delegation, while Ms. Kristel Alarice Aborido, RND, and Mr. Alvier Jade B. Remollo, PFT, RChT acted as the TF-MASHP Secretariat. They were also supported by the Local Secretariat led by Mr. Jyles Louis Monta, RAgr, Mr. Aerol Dexter C. Ebora, RAgr, and Ms. Princess Shiella May T. Sison, RAgr. Other members of the Philippine delegation included representatives from DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD), DA-BAFS Technical Services Division, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), Isabela State University (ISU), and Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC), which actively participated in the discussions and technical deliberations during the meeting.
During the productive two-day session, the Task Force successfully finalized the ASEAN Standards for Lemons and Fresh Figs, preparing them for endorsement to the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops (ASWGC). The TF-MASHP also harmonized the draft ASEAN Standards for Nutmeg, Celery, and Durian, which are scheduled for finalization at the upcoming meeting next year. Progress was also made in reviewing project documents for the revision of the ASEAN Standards for Mango, Papaya, and Pineapple. Highlighting its commitment to regional harmonization, the Philippines pledged to lead the review of the ASEAN Standards for Pummelo, with the commencement targeted in CY 2027.
The DA-BAFS affirms its continued commitment to the TF-MASHP as its permanent Chair, and to further its commitment in promoting regional cooperation and strengthening harmonized standards that support the quality, safety, and competitiveness of agricultural and fishery products across the ASEAN region.
