In support of the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to strengthen organic farming systems and community-based certification, 46 organic agriculture practitioners from Quirino Province participated in two simultaneous activities on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) and Organic Agriculture Program held from May 28 to 30, 2025, at Faraon Integrated Farm, Villa Pagaduan, Aglipay, Quirino.

Organized by the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) in collaboration with DA-Regional Field Office 02 (DA-RFO 02), the activities included the Mentoring and Coaching Session on PGS – Batch 3 and a one-day Orientation on the PGS and Organic Agriculture Program.

The Mentoring and Coaching Session engaged 16 members of the PGS-DACS (Diffun, Aglipay, Cabarroguis, Saguday) Association, focusing on strengthening their internal systems in preparation for PGS certification. With the guidance of the Regional Pre-Assessment Team (RPAT), composed of representatives from ATI-RTC 02, DA-RFO 02, and DA-Experiment Station, participants received on-site mentoring, farm inspections, and technical recommendations based on previous monitoring activities. Key areas for improvement include farm recordkeeping, signage for traceability, and proper documentation of maps and layouts.

At the same time, 30 members from various Composting Facilities for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW) recipient associations attended the orientation session. The program introduced participants to the PGS concept, organic agriculture standards, and the processes involved in certification and accreditation. Topics were delivered by technical experts from DA-RFO 02 and ATI-RTC 02, helping participants understand the role of PGS in promoting safe and sustainable farming practices.

The sessions also served as a venue for experience-sharing among participants, with members expressing enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation for organic agriculture. Resource persons from the provincial government, ATI, and DA were present to provide technical guidance and encouragement. Among those who shared inspirational messages during the closing program were Hon. Roy A. Saladino, Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Quirino Chairman on Agriculture and Cooperatives; Mr. Wesley Dumahin from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) Quirino; and Mr. George A. Caday, Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person of DA-RFO 02.

Dr. Jo Danice Bicos of PLGU-Quirino and Dr. Maurieann Turingan of ATI-RTC 02 also gave welcome and motivational messages during the opening program, setting the tone for the three-day activity.

By the end of the training, participants left with renewed knowledge, practical guidance, and the motivation to push forward with establishing PGS groups and promoting organic agriculture as both a livelihood strategy and a path to sustainable farming in the province.

By: Zah Alfonso