In a bold move to strengthen sustainable agriculture and empower local growers, the City Agriculturist Office of Davao has urged organic farmers to get certified through the city’s newly accredited local certifying body — a development hailed as a game-changer for smallholder farmers.
Jeana M. Ablen, Senior Agriculturist of the City Agriculture Office (CAgro), announced on Madayaw Davao that the Davao Organic Farmers and Advocates Association (DOFAA) has been officially authorized to certify small-scale organic farms within Davao City. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) granted DOFAA this accreditation in February 2025, making it the city’s first Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) certifying body — a move set to benefit local producers until 2030.
“This is a huge opportunity for our organic farmers, especially those with small landholdings, to have their farms and products certified as organic,” Ablen said.
Why This Matters
Davao City has long been a hub for agricultural innovation and organic farming. However, many small-scale farmers have found it difficult to afford the high costs and complex requirements of third-party organic certification. With DOFAA now functioning as a local certifier under the Participatory Guarantee System, farmers with five hectares or less of land — officially classified as smallholders under Republic Act 11511 — can now achieve certified organic status at a significantly reduced cost.
The PGS system promotes trust and transparency among farmers, consumers, and certifiers through peer reviews, local verification, and community involvement. Under this system, farmers must be verified by the City Agriculture Office and their barangay and must be active members of the PGS Davao group.
Ablen explained that once verified, a farm will receive an official organic seal — a valuable label that can be used on packaging to indicate the product’s authenticity. “This organic label gives consumers confidence in choosing our local organic produce,” she said.
Local but Powerful
While PGS certification is not applicable to large-scale operations and does not have the nationwide reach of third-party certifiers, it is legally recognized across the Philippines. Products bearing the PGS seal can still be marketed outside of Davao City, offering small farmers an opportunity to access wider markets without the financial strain.
“DOFAA has gone through all the legal processes. It’s registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has a Mayor’s Permit, and follows standards aligned with the Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture,” Ablen added.
The organization is headquartered in Los Amigos, serving as the city’s hub for peer-reviewed organic certification and support.
Support Beyond Certification
The City Government of Davao continues to back organic farmers not only with the PGS system but also with logistical support. Every Thursday and Friday, the City Agriculturist Office provides free transportation for organic farmers bringing their goods to the Rizal Park organic market, ensuring they can showcase and sell their products without added burden.
Ablen hopes that eventually, all participating vendors at the Thursday market will be PGS-certified — a goal that would further solidify the trust between local producers and their consumers.
Looking Ahead
As the movement for sustainable and chemical-free farming gains momentum, the establishment of a local certifying body like DOFAA places Davao City at the forefront of community-led agricultural development. It empowers small farmers not only to grow organically but to compete in the marketplace with the credibility and assurance that certification provides.
By lowering the barriers to entry and making organic certification more accessible, Davao City is sowing the seeds of a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious future for agriculture in Mindanao.
For organic farmers in Davao City looking to get certified, you may contact DOFAA in Los Amigos or coordinate with the City Agriculturist Office for more details on the PGS process.