The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera, in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) conducted inspection of 26 farms in the municipalities of Atok, Kibungan, Bakun, and Tublay in Benguet and Barangay Pinsao in Baguio City. The inspection for Philippine Good Agriculture Practices (PhilGAP) certification was held on August 18-22, 2025.
In Benguet, there are 25 farms that cultivate assorted vegetables such as potato, cabbage, carrot, chinese cabbage, strawberries, sugar beets, beans, lemon, celery, bell pepper, tomato, spinach, parsley, and lettuce, while one (1) farm in Baguio City cultivates coffee and lemon.
These farms were evaluated on-site and found to be compliant with the PhilGAP standards, specifically on food safety, produce quality, promote environmental management, and ensure the health, safety, and welfare of agricultural workers.
The inspection team was composed of Ms. Jenny Cipriano and Mr. John Paul Navarrete from BPI along with Mr. Melchor Tumbaga and Ms. Leiza Calantas from DA-CAR.
Currently, there are a total of 489 certified farms from Benguet Province and 11 certified farms from Baguio City. These farms are monitored during the first year of their certification to ensure ongoing compliance with PhilGAP standards.
The successful inspection highlights the dedication of farm owners and the respective Local Government Units. Certificates are expected to be issued within a month.**Leiza Calantas, Regulatory Division
