The Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 2 (ATI-RTC 2) in collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office 02, successfully conducted a Mentoring and Coaching Session for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Santiago City. It was held at the Gonzaga Center of Agronomy Inc., Villa Gonzaga, Santiago City, Isabela, on April 22-24, 2025, and attended by 16 members of the PGS group.

The Regional Pre-Assessment Team (RPAT) conducted farm inspections and monitoring of their compliance with the recommendations during their previous pre-assessment of farms for five core PGS farmer-members last July 29-31, 2024.

Before the monitoring and site inspections, the RPAT presented the previous findings and provided recommendations to address areas needing improvement at each farm site. The RPAT emphasized the importance of proper record-keeping practices, clear signage for easy traceability, and ensuring that farm maps and layouts are properly filed along with the necessary documents.

Ms. Ma. Lourdes Laconsay, PGS-S core group member, expressed her gratefulness for the learning. “Thankful po ako kasi naturuan nila tayo ng maayos sa mentoring and coaching na talagang binigyan pa nila tayo ng time para maituro po sa atin ng detailed para matapos po natin ang mga dapat ayusin. We promise na i-adopt po namin lahat ng naituro sa amin hanggang mai apply na  namin ang PGS-Santiago,” Laconsay said.

Meanwhile, Mr. George A. Caday, DA-RFO 02 Organic Agriculture Focal Person, expressed his support for the group, stating that the activity aimed to assist them in completing the required documents and taking the necessary steps to meet the requirements for PGS certification.

This activity provided valuable guidance and support to the group in preparing for PGS certification, ensuring compliance with the required standards, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

~Ms. Jennilyn Franada Pablo, PMEU