Farmers from the Sustainable Industry for Competent and Advanced Farming (SICAF) Association, a PGS group from Sultan Kudarat, participated in a two-day Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Coaching and Mentoring activity spearheaded by ATI-RTC XII through its Partnership and Accreditation Section under the Organic Agriculture Program, in partnership with DA-RFO XII, on May 27–28, 2026, at ATI-RTC XII.

The activity aimed to strengthen the farmers' knowledge, skills, and readiness for organic and sustainable farming practices, particularly in operational requirements and compliance mechanisms necessary for maintaining an effective and trustworthy Participatory Guarantee System.

“Mahalaga na palakasin natin yung certification system para masiguro natin yung integridad at kredibilidad ng organic agriculture,” said Cornelio Gatiera, Agriculturist I under the Organic Agriculture Program of DA-RFO XII.

Various topics, including the Alignment of Internal Standards and Manual of Operations (MOP), Auditing 101, and Peer Review and Certification, were discussed during the coaching and mentoring activity, highlighting the importance of operational requirements and compliance mechanisms in maintaining an effective and trustworthy PGS.

Through the coaching and mentoring activity, participants were able to develop their farm profiles, farm maps, farm location records, and Organic Management Plans. These outputs will help them establish an organized documentation system while ensuring compliance with organic agriculture standards.

The activity reflects the shared commitment of ATI-RTC XII and DA-RFO XII to strengthening the participatory certification system, empowering farming communities, and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.