BAGUIO CITY – In celebration of Food Safety Awareness Week, themed “Pagkaing Ligtas at Sapat Kaagapay sa Maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera convened a Regional GAP Team (RGT) Assessment Meeting and Planning Workshop in Baguio City on October 29-30, 2024.
This gathering aimed to strengthen the region’s commitment to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which focus on ensuring safe and sustainable food production.
Regional GAP Focal Person Doweno Santiago, Jr. highlighted the meeting’s objective: to evaluate each province’s efforts and collaboratively address challenges to increase the number of GAP-certified farms. The Cordillera region currently boasts the highest number of GAP-certified farms in the country, and the goal is to maintain and expand this achievement.
During the workshop, Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan urged participants to remain steadfast in their advocacy for GAP. “While some may perceive limited direct benefits from GAP, the practices we impart to farmers greatly enhance food safety for consumers,” she stated. Acknowledging the lack of a separate budget for GAP within the agency, she reassured attendees that any savings would be directed towards supporting this initiative.
Moreover, Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations, and Integrated Laboratories, Arlene M. Sagayo, emphasized the profound impact of their work on food safety, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. “You are pioneers of a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future,” she declared, encouraging attendees to lead by example and inspire others. She reiterated that GAP is not merely about adhering to standards but about embracing innovation and striving for excellence at every stage of production.
Provincial GAP focal persons from the six provinces, including Baguio City, presented their achievements and outlined future targets for FY 2025, along with the issues they face. Partner implementers, including the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Agricultural Training Institute, Bureau of Plant Industry, and PhilRice, shared their initiatives supporting GAP implementation.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to intensify certification efforts for Young Farmers Challenge Awardees and Learning Sites for Agriculture, conduct Training of Trainers for PhilGAP Inspectors, cluster farmers’ cooperatives and associations for certification, enhance support for aspiring farmers, and strengthen advocacy efforts.
Currently, the Cordillera region boasts 550 active PhilGAP certifications covering 347.18 hectares of production, primarily in Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. However, this represents only 0.01% of the region’s total fruit and vegetable production area, highlighting the need for continued growth and commitment to safe and sustainable agricultural practices. By Leny D. Mendoza
