The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), recently conducted an inspection of 50 farms in the region, all of which passed the requirements for Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification. The inspection, held from August 12 to 16, 2024, covered farms in the municipalities of Atok, Tuba, La Trinidad, and Mankayan in Benguet, Sto. Tomas in Baguio City as well as Bauko and Sabangan in Mountain Province.
The farms are engaged in the cultivation of various crops, including potato, cabbage, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, garden pea, and onion leeks. These farms have been found compliant with PhilGAP standards, which focus on food safety, environmental management, worker’s welfare, and product quality.
PhilGAP Lead Inspector Kevin V. Quiñones from BPI acknowledged the farm owners’ commitment to meeting the standards. He also reminded them of the responsibility that comes with certification, emphasizing the need to maintain the practices required by PhilGAP.
In addition, Melchor Tumbaga, part of the inspection team, highlighted the importance of proper record-keeping as part of the certification process. He stated that maintaining accurate records helps in monitoring farm management, cropping patterns, and return on investment.
One of the farm owners, Marjorie L. Babsi-ing from Balili, Mankayan, shared that adopting PhilGAP practices has reduced her expenses on farm inputs and improved the overall management of her farm.
The inspection team also included Lead Inspector Lea Abando, Ms. Jenny Cipriano, Mr. John Dave P. De Villa III from the BPI, and Mr. Doweno Santiago and Leiza Calantas from DA-CAR. The certificates for the farms are expected to be released within a month upon approval of the PhilGAP certifying committee.
As of August 10, 2024, the region has 485 active PhilGAP certifications. By Leny D. Mendoza
