August 3, 2021 - The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) remains committed to foster collaboration with DA Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Offices, after its latest Focus Group Orientations (FGOs) on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) implementation held in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on August 02, 2021.
The BAFS Team, led by Director Myer G. Mula initiated the series of FGO with the DA-RFOs in preparation for the implementation of PGS, particularly the regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 11511 (RA 11511), also known as the amended Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. It aims to ensure uniform understanding of the basic concepts of PGS, and strengthen the collaboration arrangements among the BAFS, the DA-RFOs, and BFAR Regional Offices.
In his opening message, Director Mula emphasized the need to strengthen the linkage between the BAFS and the DA-RFOs and the complementation of DA programs to ensure the smooth implementation of the certification and accreditation of core PGS groups as organic certifying bodies (OCBs).
The BAFS Team presented the salient points of the RA 11511 specifically the relevant provisions on PGS, the overview of certification and accreditation process of core PGS groups as organic certifying bodies (OCB), including the Roll-out Plan for CY 2021. Similar to the previously conducted FGOs, among the clarifications sought by the participants were the specific role(s) of the Regulatory Division in the certification and accreditation process, and the required specifics on the Mayor’s Permit of the core PGS group.
The activity was attended by personnel from the Regional Organic Agriculture Program, Regulatory Division, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), and Special Areas for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program under the Agriculture and Fishery Sectors.
As of this writing, the BAFS team is on its way to another round of FGO in Davao Region on August 04, 2021. ###
Director Mula formally opened the Focused Group Orientation on Participatory Guarantee System held in
The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City on August 02, 2021.
During the open forum, Mr. Abdulkadil I. Ango, BAFS Regional Focal Person, opined that the
recognition of PGS will encourage the smallholder farmers to be certified.