28/02/2024
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA Region and Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO), the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) conducted a two-day Seminar-Workshop on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Certification Process and a two-day Farm Assessment of potential farms for PGS Application
In a bid to bolster a sustainable food system through the promotion of chemical-free food production, the MAO facilitated a two-day Seminar-Workshop on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Certification Process held at MAO Training Center, Brgy. Poblacion on February 19-20, 2024. It was co-facilitated by the representatives from the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) of DA-RFO-MIMAROPA, Mr. Jomel S. Pasia and PAgO through Ms. Johanna Mae Alvarez, and was attended by organic agriculture knowledgeable farmers from Brgy. Caruray and PAMANA farmers from the different Barangays of San Vicente.
The two-day Seminar-Workshop aimed to capacitate the potential farmers in San Vicente who are currently practicing chemical-free farming practices and provide opportunities for them to develop their discipline as organic certified practitioners through the PGS. It was loaded with comprehensive discussions on the Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture; Salient Provisions of RA 11511 (amended RA 10068 also known as โOrganic Agriculture Act of 2010โ); and PGS Orientation, Certification and Accreditation Process. The interactive topics delivered by Mr. Jomel S. Pasia gave the participants opportunity to have their questions answered and experiences in chemical-free farming shared to their fellow farmers. In addition, the participants were briefed by Ms. Johanna Mae Alvarez on how to organize the PGS including their duties and function. The participants also actively engaged with the workshop on writing Management Plan for Organic Production. The activity was concluded by a closing program wherein each participant was given a certificate and a token (1 bottle of molasses and 3 can + 1 packet of seeds) from the Provincial Agriculture Office.
The strengthened partnership between the MAO and the personnel from DA-MIMAROPA and PAgO underscores the commitment of the sector for the competitive development of Organic Agriculture in the country. With the goal to push through the formation of the PGS Core Group in San Vicente this year, the OA handlers are hopeful to deliver more interventions and positive impact to the community.