The pursuit of sustainable, chemical-free agriculture in the northernmost frontier of the Philippines has achieved a significant milestone. The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Batanes Core Group has officially secured its organic certification from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS).
This achievement marks a turning point for Ivatan farmers, opening doors to expanded market opportunities while preserving the island province’s unique ecosystem. The milestone was made possible through the collaboration and steadfast support of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Batanes, Municipal LGUs, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 2 (ATI-RTC 2), and the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO 2).
With its initial core group now officially certified, PGS Batanes is actively preparing for its next major milestone: formal accreditation as an Organic Certifying Body (OCB).
To appreciate the progress of PGS Batanes, it is essential to understand the distinct roles that certification and accreditation play under Republic Act 11511 (the amended Organic Agriculture Act): In simpler terms:
• Certification proves that the farmers are growing authentic organic produce.
• Accreditation grants the group the legal authority to inspect and issue organic certificates to other local producers in Batanes.
By shifting toward a Participatory Guarantee System, smallholder farmers in Batanes gain an affordable, community-driven alternative to costly third-party certification. Peer review mechanisms allow local farmers to evaluate each other’s practices, fostering accountability, continuous learning, and shared pride in organic stewardship.
As PGS Batanes advances toward full accreditation as an OCB, the entire province stands on the brink of an agricultural transformation, ensuring safer produce for Ivatan households, higher incomes for local farmers, and a stronger, climate-resilient future for Batanes.
Via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez