Participants survey a farm during their mock inspection exercise
CEBU. The Training of Trainers on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Batch 2 was held in Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Cebu City from May 8 - 17, 2023. The 10-day training aimed to capacitate PGS groups on establishing and operating in compliance with the organic agriculture standards and corresponding technical regulations. Twenty farmers and agricultural extension workers participated in the said training.
During the training session, participants successfully completed the necessary objectives and gained a clear understanding of various important provisions, including the implementing rules and regulations of the Organic Agriculture Act amended by RA 11511. This includes Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), Organic Agriculture Standards, the National List of Permitted Substances for Organic Agriculture, general requirements and procedures for PGS group accreditation, protocol for peer review and certification, and current applicable Philippine National Standards (PNS) for organic agriculture.
The participants have shared their positive feedback about the training. Lilibeth B. Carillo, of the Organic Agriculture Practitioner Association in the City of Naga, expressed her gratitude for the informative sessions and the opportunity to learn more about PGS. She noted the cooperation of the other participants and their respect and trust in one another. Ronilo R. Montejo, from Cebu Organic Agriculture Cooperative, gave the training management team a 9 out of 10 rating, commending their effort and commitment in successfully facilitating the training. Gloria G. Pocot, of PGS Sugbo, shared how the training provided both theoretical learning and practical action, empowering them to engage in service for others. Finally, King Phillip Caballes, of Seed4Com Masters Farm, highlighted the resource person's ability to effectively convey their knowledge and experiences to the participants.
Based on the evaluation from the participants, they highly appreciated the mock inspection exercise during a farm visit on the 9th day of the training. The exercise provided an avenue for them to practice and put into action all the theoretical learning they have learned in the past few days of the training.
In conclusion, the TOT on PGS Batch 2 was a success in providing essential tools to empower different stakeholders towards promoting PGS. All participants gained a lot of learnings, which they can apply to their organic farming. Furthermore, the co-participants' diversity in personalities and experiences allowed them to learn from one another. The resource persons were effective in transmitting their knowledge, and the training management team made the training productive and fruitful.
