DA RFO1- Organic Agriculture Program

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), through the Organic Agriculture Program, successfully conducted the Pre-Assessment for Organic Certification of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) core groups under the Ilocos Region PGS for Organic Producers and Stakeholders Association, Inc. (IRPOSAI) and Siwawer Organic Practitioners Association Inc. (SOPAI) in the province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

This activity marks another important step toward ensuring compliance with organic agriculture standards and strengthening the capacity of our farmer groups to achieve organic certification. Through collaboration, commitment, and continuous guidance, we are cultivating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for our farming communities.

Together, we move closer to producing safe, healthy, and certified organic products for every Filipino.

Strengthening Organic Agriculture through collaboration, learning, and hands-on experience

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 1 successfully conducted the Capability Building Activities Towards Participatory Guarantee System – Organic Certifying Body (PGS-OCB) Accreditation and Organic Certification on 21–22 May 2026 in San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

The activity gathered PGS core members and Organic Agriculture Focal Persons from Ilocos Sur to deepen their understanding of PGS principles, accreditation requirements, documentation standards, and peer review mechanisms essential in ensuring a credible and transparent organic certification system.

Participants also engaged in workshops and a mock farm inspection at Malakas Farm, applying inspection procedures and strengthening their technical and institutional capacities in promoting sustainable and participatory organic agriculture.

Together, we continue to empower farming communities and advance a resilient and trustworthy organic agriculture sector in the region.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), through the Organic Agriculture Program in coordination with the National Organic Agriculture Program, successfully conducted the Regional Organic Agriculture Center Workshop on May 4-6, 2026.

The activity gathered representatives from DA-RFO I divisions, research and development units, station chiefs, and key stakeholders to discuss and formulate plans for the establishment and development of the Regional Organic Agriculture Center in Region I. The session was graced by Director Bernadette San Juan, Director of the National Organic Agriculture Program, who served as the resource speaker, while staff from the National Organic Agriculture Program provided technical and facilitation support throughout the conduct of the activity.

Activity Highlights:
• Orientation on the functions and importance of the Regional Organic Agriculture Center
• Presentation of regional organic agriculture profile, priority commodities, and challenges
• Workshops on commodity prioritization and criteria development
• Identification of required facilities, programs, and services
• Development of short-, medium-, and long-term plans and recommendations

The activity strengthened collaboration among stakeholders and generated valuable inputs and strategies that will serve as the basis for planning and implementing programs and interventions for organic agriculture in Region I, reaffirming the commitment to sustainable and resilient organic agriculture systems in the region.

The search is on for organic champions!

The Department of Agriculture is organizing a Philippine Pavilion at BIOFACH to showcase our organic products to the world stage. This five-year initiative will strengthen the Philippines' presence in the global organic market.

Join us in the 1st Philippine Pavilion at BIOFACH 2027 in Nürnberg, Germany, and showcase the best of Filipino organic products and produce on the global stage.

Interested participants must accomplish the BIOFACH Exhibitor Assessment Form and submit it via email to [email protected].

You may access the said form and further details in this link: https://tinyurl.com/BIOFACH2027

Don't miss the chance to carry the flag with pride and be part of history!

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA–RFO I), through the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), successfully conducted the week-long celebration of Organic Agriculture Month on 24–28 November 2025 in partnership with DA-AMAD, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Pangasinan (OPAg), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

The event gathered Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), City and Municipal Agriculturists, OA focal persons, organic practitioners, Gulayan sa Paaralan coordinators, and partner organizations from across Region I. Through expert-led lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and planning sessions, participants strengthened their knowledge and skills in soil health, climate-resilient farming, organic standards, biological pest control, and preparation of organic inputs.

Highlights of the celebration included:
✅ Climate Change and Climate-Resilient Agriculture sessions
✅ ROADSiDE Station workshops and planning
✅ Organic Agri Klinik on Soil Health and Fertility
✅ Orientation on PNS/BAFS Organic Agriculture Standards
✅ Hands-on demonstrations on FPJ and FFJ preparation

This successful activity strengthened regional collaboration and reinforced our commitment to sustainable, climate-resilient, and environmentally responsible agriculture in Region I.

DA-RFO I Conducts FY 2025 Quarterly Review and Assessment for Organic Agriculture Program

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), through its Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), successfully conducted the FY 2025 Quarterly Review and Assessment on October 29–30, 2025 at the DA-Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center (DA-PREC) in Sual, Pangasinan.

The two-day activity served as a venue to evaluate the program’s accomplishments, progress, and challenges in implementing organic agriculture initiatives across the region. Participants included OAP regional staff, station chiefs, and technical personnel from the following research stations: INREC–Batac City and INREC–Dingras in Ilocos Norte, PREC–Sta. Barbara and PREC–Sual in Pangasinan, and ISREC–San Juan in Ilocos Sur.

During the activity, representatives from each station presented the status of their Projects, Programs, and Activities (PPAs) funded under the Organic Agriculture Program, as well as their respective Five-Year Organic Agriculture Development Plans.

Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person Dr. Marvin G. Quilates emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment in advancing the organic agriculture agenda of the region. Meanwhile, Ms. Maybelyn B. Libong, Regional Alternate OA Focal Person, facilitated the “Ways Forward” session, which consolidated key recommendations and strategies for the upcoming planning cycle.

Through this quarterly review and assessment, DA-RFO I continues to strengthen institutional coordination and align regional efforts with national priorities — fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient organic agriculture sector in Region I.