BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) has granted the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) group in Kayapa town as a PGS-Organic Certifying Body (PGS-OCB).

The DA-BAFS issued the  Certificate of Accreditation to the PGS of Kayapa after it was found that the group is  compliant with the requirements of the Republic Act No. 11511 or the Act Amending the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 and the guidelines for the accreditation of core PGS Group as an OCB.

The RA 1151 is an act signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte to promote and develop the practice of organic agriculture in the country and promote community-based organic agriculture systems.

With the DA-BFS  Certificate of Accreditation issued in December 14, 2022, the Kayapa PGS Group is now authorized to provide organic certification services particularly on animal and crop production to their farmer-members.

According to Mr. George Caday, Regional Coordinator, Organic Agriculture Program, the accreditation was first in Cagayan Valley.

"With the support of our local government units and stakeholders, we hope to accredit more in the future," he said.

Dr. Elizabeth Balasya, Kayapa town Mayor  thanked the DA Region 02 Organic Agriculture Program for their technical support.

“The requirements were very stringent so we really exerted great effort to comply. After all, it’s for the benefit of the people. As a Local Chief Executive and a Medical Doctor, I want to assure the health and safety of my constituents through the promotion of organic agriculture and food safety,” she said. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)