The Kabayan Organic Practitioners conducted a mock inspection with the peer review committee as the main actors. This is one of the highlights of the on-going Training of Trainers on Participatory Guarantee System being held at Sitio Bilen, Barangay Duacan, Kabayan, Benguet.
With the expertise of Mr. Edwin C. Dicksen, Agriculturist II of ATI-RTC-CAR, and Mr. Rey C. Oway, Agriculturist I of DA-RFO-CAR, the participants were capacitated on the technical processes, operations, and regulations on the certification and accreditation as an OCB.
Here are some insights from the participants:
"We are very grateful that we experienced the actual inspection and observation through this activity. The feedback from Sir Edwin was very much appreciated, hopefully we can perform better as peer review committee in the future." - Hynnie Ann S. Bauzon, participant.
"All the learnings from the modules and discussions were used in the said activity. With this hands-on scheme, as a member of the peer review committee, I have now broader knowledge in the preparations and procedures relative to certification and technicalities in conducting inspection.” - Ms. Juanita A. Quirimo, participant.
The activity equipped the farmers in the systematic procedures of conducting inspections for organic agriculture practitioners vying for certification. The collaborative efforts, learnings, knowledge, and skills imparted is expected to be utilized by the group once certified and accredited as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB) through the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS).
Also, on June 17, 2024, the organic agricultural enthusiast participants executed the formulation of organic feeds utilizing locally available raw materials ensuring a proper and balanced diet for animals as one of the critical components of organic livestock production. They also prepared botanical pesticides with the commitment and persistence to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in the locality. This technology magnifies wider utilization of natural and alternative sources that are highly essential for the organic agriculture implementers.
Following the objectives of the ten-day training, Mr. Dicksen, the main speaker is looking forward to the success of the organization’s pursuit towards certification and accreditation as an OCB.
The training runs from June 13, 2024 and will end on June 25, 2024. // Aldrin Sagao, CDMS Technical Support Staff.//Aldrin Sagao, Technical Support Staff with Novy Culo , Lessie W. Pingkisan and Jesli Marcos, BSU Intern Students.
