By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the hot sun and gentle breeze of Palawan, a group of dedicated organic farmers gathered with hope and determination. Their goal: to prove that their farming methods meet high organic standards and to bring their products closer to market through official certification.
From August 12 to 15, 2025, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) helped the Palawan Organic Farmers Association (POFA) strengthen their certification process. This support came in the form of a supervised certification—a technical review aimed at making sure POFA’s local organic certification group follows proper procedures and rules.
The supervised certification helps peer reviewers within the group check if the farmers meet the Internal Standards set by POFA and comply with their manual of operations. This ensures that their organic certification is trustworthy and recognized. The activity was carried out with help from the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office Palawan and the local government unit of Quezon, Palawan.
Organic farming is becoming more popular in the Philippines as more consumers seek healthy and safe food. However, farmers must pass strict certification processes to label their products as “organic.” This certification assures buyers that the products were grown without harmful chemicals or synthetic fertilizers.
By strengthening POFA’s capacity as an Organic Certifying Body through supervised certification, DA-BAFS aims to boost the credibility and marketability of Palawan’s organic produce. This will help farmers gain better prices and access to bigger markets, supporting their livelihoods and encouraging sustainable farming.
Palawan is known for its rich biodiversity and clean environment, making it ideal for organic farming. With government support, local farmers can maintain these natural advantages while providing safe food to Filipino families.
As the Philippines pushes for more sustainable agriculture, efforts like this supervised certification help build trust between farmers and consumers. It also encourages more farmers to adopt organic methods, protecting the environment and improving public health.
This program reminds us how important it is to support our farmers and their journey toward sustainability and food security.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News