Five members of BPGSA receive their participatory organic certificate 

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) awarded the Participatory Organic Certificate (POC) to five members of the Bohol Participatory Guarantee System Association (BPGSA). This recognition was given during the closing program of the 2023 Bohol Agri Fair held at the Old Airport, Tagbilaran City, Bohol on July 19, 2023.

The five deserving recipients of the POC are Jomer M. Balag, Rona C. Deque, Efrenia C. Holt, Marilou M. Escalona, and Emmanuel A. Gamonez. Each member has received the POC for a specific scope. Jomer M. Balag focuses on crop production and beekeeping, Rona C. Deque specializes in special products, particularly mushroom cultivation, Efrenia C. Holt focuses on crop production and processing, Marilou M. Escalona is in both animal and crop production, and Emmanuel A. Gamonez is on agricultural input, crop production, and processing.  With the POC, these five farmers are now given the privilege to label and sell their products as organic.

It is also noteworthy to mention that the organic soil amendment (OSA) product of Mr. Gamonez is the first certified under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) wherein majority of the OSA in the market are third-party certified. Ms. Holt’s chocolate and tablea is also the first certified organic chocolate and tablea in the country under the PGS scheme.  

On the other note, four of these five certified organic farms are learning sites of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in the region: the Green Garden of Hope which is owned by Mr Gamonez, the Egay’s Farm which is owned by Ms. Escalona, the Green Thumb Farm which is owned by Rona C. Deque, and the Jolit’s Eco Garden Integrated Farm which is owned by Mr. Balag. This is a significant milestone to the learning sites for agriculture of ATI.

The PGS certification offers a more accessible and cost-effective avenue for these farmers to penetrate the organic market while fostering trust and building relationships with consumers and the local community. PGS is considered an alternative approach to the traditional third-party certification systems provided by international organic organizations.

The BPGSA is now taking significant steps towards becoming an organic certifying body (OCB). Once accredited as an OCB, the association can conduct peer reviews and certify its members as organic practitioners. This certification ensures that these farmers meet the necessary standards for organic production. BPGSA has already drafted its own set of criteria and standards for organic production, highlighting their commitment to promoting and upholding organic farming practices.

This latest achievement by the BPGSA highlights their dedication and efforts in promoting organic farming in Bohol. The recognition and certification provide validation for the members' hard work and serve as a tangible proof of their commitment to sustainable and organic agricultural practices. As they move forward, the BPGSA aims to continue its mission of supporting organic farmers and fostering a thriving organic market in Bohol.