BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), in collaboration with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), successfully conducted a national inspection of 70 farms for Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification. The inspection was held from April 21 to 25, 2025, covering areas in the municipalities of Itogon, Tuba, Atok, Kibungan, and Mankayan in Benguet; Lucnab in Baguio City, and Bauko and Sagada in Mt. Province.
These vegetable farms were carefully evaluated and found to be compliant with the PhilGAP standards, which focus on food safety, environmental management, product quality, and worker’s welfare. These farms are cultivating various crops including strawberry, potato, broccoli, carrot, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, sweet peas, bell pepper, lettuce, coffee, eggplant, tomato, and herbs.
The inspection team included Kenn Alaxes C. Refuerzo, John Daves P. De Villa III, and Genesis Mhar S. Balisong from the BPI, and Doweno C. Santiago Jr. and Leiza Calantas from DA-CAR.
To date, there are already 540 total PhilGAP-certified farms in the region with 344 newly certified farms. The DA-CAR together with the partner local government units continue to monitor the GAP farms during the two years of their certification validity. The BPI through its Satellite Pesticide Analytical Laboratory further collects samples of harvestable crops for pesticide analysis. These combined initiatives ensure the farmers’ compliance to PhilGAP standards as embodied in their certifications.
The successful inspection demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the farm owners in adopting PhilGAP standards. The certificates are expected to be released after one month. By Leiza Calantas
