The Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) conducted a five-day Training for Certified Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Groups Toward Accreditation as Organic Certifying Bodies (OCB) for Bulacan Organic Farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from March 10 to 14, 2025, at Merryland Integrated Farm Inc., Pulilan, Bulacan.
The training aims to strengthen the capacity of PGS groups, which are primarily composed of small farmers and fisherfolk, to operate as organic certifying bodies. With their PGS certification, Bulacan's PGS equip core members with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement and sustain the PGS system effectively.
Mr. Jian Carlo Castillo, owner of Merryland Integrated Farm Inc., welcomed the participants and guests, highlighting the significance of expanding organic agriculture production.
Ms. Ma. Gloria SF. Carillo, Bulacan Provincial Agriculturist, expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing that organic agriculture is a key strategy in mitigating climate change as a priority for the province.
Ms. Zarah Jane N. Sendrijas, Organic Agriculture Focal Person, presented the training overview and led discussions on the Philippine National Standards (PNS) on Organic Swine, ; PNS on Organic Soil Amendment of the Interior and Local Government; and Management Systems/ Procedures and Documentation of PGS.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mark Joseph Esteban from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) provided insights into the PNS on Organic Poultry; PNS on Organic Crop; and Alignment of Internal Standards of the PGS group with the applicable Philippine National Standards relevant to Organic Agriculture.
The training included a plenary exercise on editing draft Internal Standards and Manual of Operations by the Core PGS Groups and tackled Accreditation of PGS Groups as Organic Certifying Bodies (OCB).
Moreover, the training serves as a crucial step in advancing organic certification efforts in Bulacan, ensuring that local farmers and AEWs are well-prepared to uphold organic agriculture standards and support sustainable farming practices.
