BANSALAN, Davao del Sur— To further strengthen the implementation of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XI, along with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office-Organic Agriculture (DA-RFO-OA) Program, conducted a 10-day PGS training for 30 organic farmers and agricultural extension workers.
PGS is a locally adaptable quality assurance initiative for organic products, emphasizing integrity and local food availability. Unlike third-party certification, PGS actively involves farmers in verification, decision-making, and marketing, thereby empowering them and promoting rural development. Recognized by law, PGS allows organic farmers to receive training and certification at no cost.
The objectives of the training were to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to explain the key provisions and implementing rules of the Organic Agriculture Act, as amended by RA 11511, on Participatory Guarantee Systems. It also focused on applying the current Philippine National Standards (PNS) for organic agriculture, developing policies aligned with these standards for their operational manuals, understanding the requirements and procedures for PGS group accreditation, and conducting peer reviews and certification protocols.
A mock inspection was also conducted at Silvano Farm and 8A's Farm in Davao del Sur, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and provide recommendations to help the farm owners meet the Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture certification.
The training took place at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center Foundation Inc., Brgy. Kinuskusan in Bansalan from May 13 to 24, 2024.
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Contributor: Marikie Nacolangga
