SAN JOSE, Province of Dinagat Islands – “As I leave this training, I carry with me not only new knowledge but also a renewed commitment to promote biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices and share these learnings.”
Participant Milky O. Ebueza aptly captured the impact of the Training on Biodiversity-Friendly Agricultural Practices (BDFAP) conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII on May 25–29, 2026 in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. The activity gathered 29 participants, composed of Organic Agriculture (OA) Coordinators and Accredited Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) practitioners from across the Caraga Region.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical understanding of biodiversity conservation and its integration into agricultural production systems. Through lectures, workshops, field assessments, and learning visits, participants gained valuable insights into how agriculture can support environmental protection while sustaining food production and rural livelihoods.
During the opening program, Provincial Agriculturist Rico B. Galinato welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of biodiversity-friendly agriculture in addressing emerging challenges in the sector. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the training to help conserve protected areas through biodiversity-friendly approaches while promoting sustainable agricultural development in their respective communities.
The activity featured resource persons from various national government agencies, including Ms. Evangeline Dacumos of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Mr. Mark Christopher Valdez and Mr. Allen Marven Tinhay of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Ms. Roxette Ann Quindala of BPI-PPSSD, Ms. Rowena Bolinas of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), and Ms. Elena Madelo-Baquiano of ATI-RTC XIII.
Discussions also include the Philippine National Standard (PNS/BAFS 362:2023) on Biodiversity-Friendly Agricultural Practices (BDFAP) – Code of Practice. Participants explored the principles and standards governing biodiversity-friendly farming systems, including Sustainable Land Management, Integrated Farming Systems, Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises, biodiversity conservation, and responsible agricultural production within protected and environmentally sensitive areas.
Further, topics on biodiversity conservation policies, integrated farming systems, sustainable land management, biodiversity-friendly enterprises, and standards for biodiversity-friendly production, harvest, post-harvest handling, packaging, and labeling were discussed.
The training included field assessments and environmental scanning activities conducted in selected sites in the province. Participants observed actual biodiversity-friendly farming practices and ecosystem conservation initiatives implemented within protected landscapes. These visits allowed them to evaluate farming systems that balance productivity with environmental stewardship while identifying challenges that may threaten local ecosystems.
Participant Cherry S. Estacion of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur shared that the environmental scanning activity was among the most meaningful experiences during the training. She noted that observing different ecosystems and conservation practices firsthand deepened her appreciation of biodiversity protection and strengthened her understanding of the environmental impacts of unsustainable farming practices.
The training also resulted in several agreements among participants, including strengthening coordination with Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs), enhancing monitoring and reporting mechanisms in biodiversity-sensitive areas, promoting biodiversity-friendly farming technologies, and identifying Technical Working Groups that will support the implementation of BDFAP initiatives at the local level.
