The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA Region, conducted the Training on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Towards Certification on May 18–22, 2026, at The Softbed Homestay, San Vicente, Palawan.
The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of the PGS group to understand organic agriculture (OA) certification requirements, improve compliance with accreditation standards, and build confidence in the certification process.
In his message, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos encouraged participants to take the training seriously and to share their learnings with fellow farmers in order to further strengthen OA in the province of Palawan.
Through lecture-discussions, participants learned about the Philippine National Standards for OA, the PGS certification procedures, and the documentary requirements needed for certification compliance.
During workshops and group discussions, they refined their draft internal standards and understood the roles and responsibilities within the PGS. They also emphasized the importance of proper documentation, farm record-keeping, and compliance with OA standards to ensure transparency and credibility within the PGS group.
One of the highlights of the training was the hands-on demonstration and practice of inspection procedures and protocols. During the mock inspection, participants assessed compliance, evaluated farm conditions, and documented observations based on PGS standards.
“Napakarami ko pong natutunan sa training na ito. Dati, akala ko ay sapat na ang hindi paggamit ng synthetic chemicals upang maituring na organic practitioner. Dahil dito, mas naunawaan ko ang mga kinakailangan sa ilalim ng PNS on Organic Agriculture at ang mga dapat ko pang pagbutihin. Naging motibasyon ko rin ang mga natukoy na findings at non-compliances upang higit na mapahusay ang aking mga practices. Napakahalaga at napapanahon ng training na ito sa paghahanda para sa mas maayos na pagpapatupad ng organic agriculture,” shared Mr. Jhomar A. Pacaldo of the PAMANA San Vicente Organic Producers’ Association (PSVOPA).
Ms. Karen T. Vicente, Agriculturist II of ATI-MIMAROPA, and Mr. Jomel S. Pasia, Agriculturist I of the DA MIMAROPA Region, served as resource persons in the five-day training.
A total of 20 farmer-members of the PSVOPA participated in the training.
