Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – In a significant step towards advancing organic farming in the province, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 12 (DA-RFO 12) Regional Pre-Assessment Team (RPAT), together with representatives from various, local government units (LGUs) in Sultan Kudarat, recently carried out a pre-assessment and farm evaluation of key agricultural operations within the area. This crucial evaluation took place from July 8 to 11, 2025, and focused on five farms under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Core Group of Bagumbayan, Esperanza, and President Quirino (BEP-SK) PGS Group in Sultan Kudarat.
The farms evaluated during the pre-assessment included Aspera Farm, Feta Integrated Farm, Panaligan Farm, Del Rosario Farm, and Amar Primeval Farm, each representing a vital part of the region’s agricultural landscape. These farms, located across different municipalities in Sultan Kudarat, are part of an important initiative that aims to align with the Philippine National Standard for Organic Agriculture (PNSOA) and provide the necessary foundation for achieving official organic certification.
Regional OA Program Coordinator Ms. Maria Corazon Sorilla said, “This pre-assessment is a critical preparatory step as these farms work toward their final inspection by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), the regulatory body responsible for certifying farms under the PNSOA.”
Following the assessment, the RPAT provided a comprehensive set of recommendations to the PGS applicants, identifying areas where improvements could be made in order to fully comply with the PNSOA.
The PGS applicants assured the RPAT that they would make the necessary adjustments and enhancements to ensure full compliance with the standards.
Sorilla emphasized that this evaluation not only highlights the ongoing efforts of local farmers in Sultan Kudarat to embrace organic farming, but it also emphasizes the role of the DA-RFO 12 in providing crucial support to these farmers throughout their certification journey.
“The DA-RFO 12, in partnership with LGUs and other stakeholders, remains committed to strengthening the organic agriculture sector in the region,” she added.
The DA’s PGS program is designed to ensure that smallholder farmers can meet the standards required for organic certification without the need for expensive third-party certifiers. This makes organic certification more accessible to a wider group of farmers, helping them achieve greater economic success while contributing to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.
Sorilla further stated that the RPAT will continue to monitor the progress of the PGS applicants as they work to implement the necessary changes.
She further stated that the agency is dedicated to advancing agricultural development in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. “The DA-RFO 12 plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving farm productivity, and enhancing food security,” she added underscoring that through initiatives such as the PGS, the agency provides critical support to local farmers, helping them transition to more sustainable and profitable farming methods. (Nichole Paul B. Agapay)