ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal — To ensure the compliance of farmer-members with the Philippine National Standards (PNS) on Organic Agriculture and other related regulations, the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON conducted the third batch of the Unlocking Potential: Coaching and Mentoring Sessions for Marikina Watershed Kaysakat Association (MARIWSKA) PGS Group from June 19-20 and 23-24, 2025.
The sessions included virtual discussions on recordkeeping and documentation, as well as peer review and certification protocols, led by Mr. Marianito Mendoza Jr. from the Regulatory Division of DA-Regional Field Office CALABARZON. Ms. Soledad Leal from the Partnerships and Accreditation Section of DA-ATI CALABARZON also presented the essential procedures to be included in the group’s manual of operations—a basic requirement that must be approved and adopted in applying for accreditation with the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS).
The coaching and mentoring continued through onsite sessions at the farm of Ms. Daisy Rollorata, where peer reviewers conducted a practice peer review of her farm’s practices and technologies. This served as a preparatory exercise for the upcoming witness audit required during the accreditation process. The group began adopting the correct procedures as part of their compliance.
Another peer review was conducted at James’ Peak, also located in Antipolo City, owned by Mr. James Palarion, who will join the Core PGS Group. Recommendations were provided by the reviewers to align the farm's practices with the standards outlined in the PNS for Organic Crop Production.
Center Director Dr. Rolando Maningas expressed his support through a pre-recorded video message. Notably, Dr. Maningas had personally visited the group during the Training of Trainers on PGS held in February.
The success of this coaching and mentoring session was made possible through the collaboration of DA-ATI CALABARZON and the Regional Organic Agriculture Program (ROAP) and Regulatory Division of DA-RFO CALABARZON. Earlier batches of mentored PGS groups include SAMATAYO of Tayabas City, Quezon; and MOFA of Majayjay, Laguna.
Another group of aspiring PGS practitioners—trained by the Center in previous years—will undergo mentoring in July. With continued support from its partners, the Center remains optimistic that MARIWSKA will achieve PGS certification before the end of the year.
News by: Soledad A. Leal
