ITOGON, Benguet – In the lush mountains of Itogon, Benguet, a group of dedicated farmers has secured accreditation for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Organic Certifying Board. The journey of the Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association (IIOFA) is one of hard work, teamwork, and a strong commitment to sustainable farming. Their story highlights the power of community cooperation, resilience in overcoming obstacles, and the transformative impact of organic agriculture.
In 2018, IIOFA was established with a clear mission: to practice organic farming and provide pesticide-free, healthy produce to the local community. Today, the association has 27 active members and a growing production area of 12,850 square meters. According to Nestor Copero, the IIOFA President, their main crops include green leafy vegetables, beans, and fruits like guyabano, rambutan, mango, and papaya. In addition to crops, the association also raises livestock such as sheep and pigs, further diversifying their farming operations.
Marilyn Peningeo, the Business Manager and Chairperson of the Peer Review Committee, remembers the early hurdles the association faced when applying for the PGS certification. “We thought all we had to do was prepare our farms, but we ended up needing to complete a lot of paperwork. It was overwhelming,” she says. For many farmers, the technical side of documentation was a challenge, as their expertise was in farming, not in administrative tasks.
Despite these challenges, the group stayed determined. Peningeo highlights how crucial support from various committees and guidance from the local government were in helping them navigate the complexities of the certification process. “Some farmers were discouraged and even gave up because of the paperwork, but we didn’t stop,” she explains.
The path to certification also required changing mindsets. Some farmers were initially reluctant to attend training sessions, preferring to stick to traditional methods. However, for IIOFA, attending training was essential. “We wanted to make sure everyone shared the same understanding of organic farming,” says Peningeo. “It was important for us to align our mindset.”
Another challenge was following the Manual of Operations (MOP), which laid out the necessary steps for certification. With members from diverse educational backgrounds, the rules initially seemed overwhelming. But through perseverance and teamwork, the farmers gradually became familiar with the MOP and started implementing it in their daily farming practices.
The peer review inspection, a key part of the PGS certification process, was another nerve-wracking experience. “At first, we were anxious because it was something new for us,” recalls Peningeo. “But we soon realized that certification comes with responsibilities. We also had to help other farmers get certified.” During the inspection, some issues with documentation and record-keeping were identified. However, with the collective effort of the group and the invaluable support of the local government, these issues were addressed, and the association was able to move forward.
Despite their efforts, receiving the final certification was delayed due to communication issues. “We thought that once we fixed the non-compliance issues, the certification would come through. But it took about 8 to 9 months before we got a response,” Peningeo remembers. Despite the delay, the association’s persistence paid off when they finally received the long-awaited certification.
Achieving PGS certification brought both tangible and intangible benefits to the IIOFA. One of the most significant changes was an improvement in discipline among the members. “Before the certification, some farmers were less strict, thinking they didn’t need to follow the system. But now, they understand that if they want to be a part of this, they must follow the MOP and Internal Standards (IS),” says Peningeo. This newfound discipline has improved farm management, reduced internal conflicts, and fostered greater cooperation among the members.
The certification also helped expand the association’s market reach. IIOFA members are now regularly invited to participate in organic market fairs, giving them the chance to showcase their produce to a larger audience. The certification has also led to the introduction of greenhouses, which have motivated farmers to be more responsible in managing their farms. “The greenhouses have made us more careful and diligent in how we can manage our farms,” says Peningeo.
Throughout their journey, the support of the local government and the Department of Agriculture (DA) has been invaluable. The local government has backed IIOFA with an ordinance that promotes organic farming, and the annual funds allocated for organic agriculture have increased, giving farmers a strong incentive to adopt sustainable farming practices.
The DA’s Organic Agriculture Project (OALP) has also been a key contributor, providing essential resources such as greenhouse materials, livestock, and farming tools. These resources have not only helped increase production capacity but have also emphasized the importance of organic farming to the local community.
With the success of their PGS certification, IIOFA now plans to expand. IIOFA PGS Management Committee Chairperson Leonardo Mayao Jr. shares their goal of increasing their certified farming area from 12,850 square meters and adding another 3,500 square meters in the coming year. They also aim to recruit five additional certified farms and expand their membership by 5 to 10 new members. “Our goal is to share what we’ve learned and encourage other farmers to join the organic agriculture movement,” Mayao says.
The IIOFA is also eager to help other farmer associations achieve PGS certification. “It’s a long process, but it’s worth it,” says Mayao. “It takes determination, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.”
Looking back on the obstacles they’ve overcome, Peningeo reflects, “The hard work pays off. We’ve become more knowledgeable, our mindset has evolved, and our attitudes have shifted. We are now better prepared to continue this journey into the future.”
For the members of IIOFA, the journey doesn’t end with certification. Their vision extends to future generations. “We hope our children will carry on what we’ve started. We want them to continue the legacy of organic farming and sustainability,” says Peningeo.
The success of the Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association is more than just about obtaining certification. It’s a story of community empowerment and the shared determination to create a sustainable future – one farm at a time. By Alyssa Dawn Alalag
