Question & AnswerQ&A (DA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 17, S. 1998)
The BAFPS was established pursuant to Republic Act No. 8435, also known as The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, specifically under Section 63 which mandates the creation of the BAFPS to ensure adherence to product standards in agriculture and fisheries.
According to Section 63 of RA 8435, the BAFPS shall formulate and enforce standards of quality for processing, preservation, packaging, labeling, importation, exportation, distribution, and advertising of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture products; conduct research on product standardization and alignment with international standards; and conduct regular inspections to ensure freshness, safety, and quality.
The BAFPS coordinates with the Bureau of Product Standards and the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Food and Drugs of the Department of Health, state and private universities and colleges, local government units, and private sector organizations such as people's organizations and NGOs.
BAFPS coordinates with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), which are primarily responsible for fisheries product standards, with roles and relationships defined further by an Administrative Order from the Secretary of Agriculture.
The BAFPS develops and implements codes of practice and guidelines for food safety, postharvest handling, processing, packaging, labeling, advertising, distribution, and marketing of agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture products, ensuring participation of government and non-government stakeholders.
The BAFPS conducts research to align local standards with international standards, monitors international food safety standards and codes of practice, facilitates government participation in international standard bodies such as WTO SPS and TBT agreements, Codex Alimentarius, and serves as the National Inquiry Point for sanitary and phytosanitary concerns.
BAFPS can recommend the filing of administrative, civil, or criminal actions against violations of standards-related regulations, conduct inspections, testing, certification, and may impose sanctions via proper courts, as well as implement product recalls and disposal of unfit commodities.
BAFPS is authorized to levy and collect fees for inspection, testing, certification, and other services, subject to consultation and approval by the Department of Finance, Commission on Audit, and Department of Budget and Management, with fees deposited to the Bureau of Treasury for trust disposition or incorporation into corporate funds for government corporations.
The BAFPS is under the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, with its organizational structure and tasks defined in the administrative order's annexes.
BAFPS forms multi-sectoral technical committees comprising government agencies, state and private universities and colleges, and private sector representatives to formulate, review, and revise national standards on agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture products.