By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm October sun in Bataan, farmers from the Agrikultirang Yaman na Natural at Inobatibo–Asosasyon ng mga Kasakang Organiko, Inc. (AYNIKA) proudly opened their farms to government inspectors—hoping their hard work in organic farming would soon be officially recognized.
From October 20 to 24, 2025, a team from the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) conducted a week-long inspection in Bataan to assess whether the group’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) core members comply with national standards for organic agriculture.
The inspection aimed to verify if the farmers’ production practices meet the Philippine National Standards (PNS) on organic crops and inputs—a key requirement for certification that will allow them to market their produce as officially certified organic.
The DA-BAFS inspection team was assisted by the DA Regional Field Office III – Regulatory Division, the Organic Agriculture Program, and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Bataan. Together, they checked farm records, production areas, and post-harvest facilities to ensure full compliance with organic regulations.
Organic farming groups like AYNIKA play an important role in the national goal of expanding sustainable agriculture. Through the PGS, smallholder farmers can earn organic certification through a community-based approach that values transparency, shared responsibility, and peer evaluation—making certification more affordable and accessible compared to third-party systems.
Officials from DA-BAFS said that the agency continues to support PGS groups across the country to strengthen trust in locally certified organic products. The bureau has been working closely with local government units and regional offices to build farmers’ capacity in following proper documentation, recordkeeping, and organic production techniques.
Bataan’s organic farmers expressed optimism that certification will open new market opportunities and increase consumer confidence in their produce. They also hope it will encourage more farmers to shift from chemical-based farming to natural and sustainable methods.
The DA emphasized that supporting organic agriculture aligns with the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10068), which promotes healthy food production, environmental protection, and livelihood development for rural communities.
As the inspection concluded, local farmers and DA representatives alike shared one goal—to make organic farming not just a niche practice but a growing movement that benefits both producers and consumers.
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