Philippine Good Agricultural Practice (PhilGAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Accredited Plant Nurseries certifications were awarded to some farmers from Central Luzon on November 4, 2022 at the Heroes Hall Convention, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

This year’s theme is Strengthening Market Promotions of Certified Good Agricultural Products towards Food Safety and Sufficiency.

One of the objectives of PhilGAP certification and the Department of Agriculture – Central Luzon is to promote quality, safe and clean agricultural products through the Regulatory Division. “With this activity, we can achieve high quality agricultural products and environmentally-safe food, most of all we can ensure the safety of consumers,” said GAP Focal Person Marilyn Velarde.

Meanwhile, GAHP certification is a program under the Bureau of Animal Industry that aims to ensure that farming practices are followed based on the Philippine National Standard: Code of GAHP.

Pursuant to the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act 10611, it ensures that animal raisers conform to national standards of proper methods and practices in animal husbandry.

Angel Tulabut is one of those who will prove the importance of having accreditation. A former government employee, he now owns Mergel Plant Nursery in Bamban, Tarlac.

“I got a certification so that everything I do related to agriculture is realistic and meaningful, I make sure that at the Accredited Plant Nursery, farmers can buy prototypes and good planting materials,” he said.

In total, 132 PhilGAP certified farms, six GAHP certified farms and four plant nurseries were recognized in the program. The story of Rafael Pagaling of Palauig, Zambales is also proof of the good that having the certification of his farm has brought.

“When we got PhilGAP Certification, our income and profits increased, we had many customers because they believe that our produce is safe for their families to eat,” he said.

Also attended the event were Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, Jr., RTD for Research, Regulatory, and Integrated Laboratory Arthur Dayrit, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) OIC-Assistant Director Herminigilda Adrias Gabertan, Regulatory Division Chief Dr. Xandre Baccay at BPI Agriculturist II Samuel Fontanilla. (Department of Agriculture Central Luzon)