TAYABAS CITY, Quezon — Aiming to certify four aspiring Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) groups in the region by the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON conducted the first batch of Unlocking Potential: Coaching and Mentoring Sessions for Aspiring PGS Groups.
In collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Office IV-A, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Quezon, and Office of the City Agriculturist of Tayabas, this initiative was delivered through a blended approach, combining online sessions with face-to-face engagements held via Zoom and in Tayabas City, Quezon, on April 3-4 and April 10-11, 2025.
A total of 15 members from the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Tayabas sa Yamang Organiko (SAMATAYO) and agricultural extension workers from the Provincial and City Agriculture Offices participated in the activities.
Their group was trained in December 2023, and this year, they were the first batch to receive mentoring on documentation and recordkeeping, in addition to certification and accreditation protocols.
They inspected the three core members of the group: Beatri Nature Farm, Libre’s Farm, and Ramos Farm, all located in Quezon. The areas for improvement were communicated to them in preparation for their pre-inspection with DA-BAFS. Potential members of the core group received additional tips on how to successfully pass the certification process. Furthermore, the group presented its Manual of Operations, which is a requirement for the accreditation process.
There will be a series of further meetings, coaching, and mentoring sessions provided by the DA-RFO IV-A and DA-ATI CALABARZON staff to ensure the group’s readiness.
During the closing program, DA-ATI CALABARZON Center Director Dr. Rolando Maningas delivered a message commending the group’s efforts and wishing them success in their upcoming certification application with DA-BAFS. Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ana Clarissa Mariano expressed her appreciation of the group’s enthusiasm to promote organic agriculture in Tayabas City.
The mentoring sessions were facilitated by the Partnerships and Accreditation Section, with technical assistance from experts at DA-RFO IV-A, including Mr. Arnaldo Gonzales, Mr. Marianito Mendoza, Jr., and Mr. Jun Villarante, who provided valuable guidance and support to prepare the group for their certification journey.
News by: Soledad A. Leal
