Organic farmers in Masbate are working towards achieving PGS certification by 2025. After completing a 10-day "Training of Trainers" program organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), this group, which consists of over 20 active members, including Learning Sites for Agriculture and smallholder farmers, needs targeted support. To assist them on their journey, ATI Bicol has conducted specialized coaching and mentoring sessions to help them meet certification standards and enhance their advocacy for organic farming.

Fifteen (15) farmer leaders from across Masbate Province participated in a Coaching and Mentoring program focused on Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) from February 17 to 21, 2025. The group included six male and nine female farmers, representing various municipalities: three from Mobo, three from Masbate City, and one each from Uson, Cataingan, Aroroy, Milagros, and Baleno, along with two from Mandaon and two from Balud. The participants' ages ranged from 25 to 74, with an average age of 46.

The program commenced with registration and an opening ceremony with an opening remark from the OIC-Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Sheryl M. Almario, followed by an overview of the activity presented by the Project Officer, Ms. Justine Rose C. Tubig. After the opening ceremony, an initial meeting took place to discuss the challenges of PGS certification. During the meeting, five core group farmer leaders were selected: Mr. Darlon Amante from Darwel Agriculture Farm, Frederick Ramos from RASTI Integrated Farm, Ave Jamora from Ave-Lino's Integrated Farm, Ms. Luisa Almonte Reyes from Uma Koinonia, and Mr. Elmo Rapsing from E.R. Rapsing Agriculture Learning Center.

Mr. Franco G. Pesebre, the PGS Focal Person for the Pecuria Development Cooperative, visited the core group's farms. The visit involved pre-inspections, farm inspections, focused group discussions, and document verification. The program concluded with a final meeting, during which participants set goals, developed plans, and committed to enhancing their capacity to implement Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) principles.

Masbate's PGS Coaching and Mentoring activity was successful due to several effective practices. These included having a structured agenda, receiving expert guidance from the Pecuria Development Cooperative and the PGS Focal Person, and utilizing a collaborative approach that involved identifying a core group and conducting focused group discussions. Hands-on learning through farm visits and document verification was essential, culminating in a goal-oriented closing meeting where participants made plans and commitments. This process ensured that participants were well-prepared to effectively implement PGS principles and work towards becoming PGS-certified farms.