Regional PhilGAP inspectors undergo training

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Central Luzon’s Regulatory Division conducted a Retooling and Inspector’s Training on Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) here.

The Good Agricultural Practices Certification program is spearheaded by the Regulatory Division to ascertain the safety of food and ensure the quality of agricultural products while continuing the high safety standards of area, along with the health and safety of its workers.

The training aims to provide new and current inspectors of PhilGAP of the valuable trainings and knowledge in conducting an inspection to guarantee the safety and quality of agricultural products from certified farms.

Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulatory and ILD Arthur Dayrit, Regulatory Division chief Dr. Xandre Baccay, and Regional GAP Focal Person Marilyn Velarde were on hand during the training, which was participated by representatives from the Banner Programs of the Operations Division, Regulatory Division, and the Integrated Laboratories Division of the DA.

Bureau of Plant IndustryPlant Product Safety Services Division Head of PhilGAP Unit Samuel Fontanilla and head of Accreditation and Inspection Section Lennie Manipon conducted the training to the aforementioned participants.

Dayrit cited that the training is important for the agency to reach the goal to increase the production without sacrificing the quality of agricultural products, along with the health and safety of the consumers.