QuestionsQuestions (ADMINISTRATIVE CIRCULAR NO. 01, S. 2018)
It aims to facilitate adoption of four (4) GAP modules (food safety; produce quality; environmental management; and workers’ health, safety and welfare) and to help make Philippine agricultural crops accessible to ASEAN and other foreign markets.
It covers farms and packing facilities where agricultural crops are harvested at some point in their growth stage intended for human consumption, or for use as raw materials for processed food products.
They must have available Philippine National Standards (PNS) guide.
Individual certification (the producer is the certificate holder) and Group certification (a group/corporation/cooperative/institution/association is the certificate holder, based on its QMS/ICS as applicable).
The BPI Assistant Director chairs it; co-chair is the PPSSD chief(s). Members include NPQSD and NSQCSD and/or their designated representatives, with permanent members designated by Special Order signed by the Secretary.
After inspection evaluation, it makes final evaluation and recommendations to the BPI Director; endorses qualified applicants; acts on complaints including possible revocation/cancellation recommendations; recommends qualified inspectors; reviews the program and guidelines annually and proposes strategic plan/changes to the BPI Director.
They set inspection plan, conduct actual inspection, collect samples if needed, prepare the inspection report, coordinate on non-compliance items, conduct follow-up inspections if necessary, and submit inspection report/checklist to the Certification Committee through the Program Secretariat.
PhilGAP Inspectors conduct initial/renewal inspection and report compliance; Monitoring Inspectors monitor compliance of already certified farms and investigate filed complaints.
The Accreditation and Inspection Section (AIS) of BPI-PPSSD heads it. It provides technical support (assess applications, prepare inspection plan, coordinate inspection, safe keep documents, draft communications, transmit results with recommendation) and administrative support (scheduling, booking/transport/budget, record keeping).
Applicants submit to the DA Regional Executive Director (RED) of their respective regions, which endorses to the BPI Director through the Program Technical Secretariat for evaluation and action.
Within ten (10) working days from evaluation, the Program Technical Secretariat notifies the applicant and the PhilGAP inspectors of the inspection plan.
Using a checklist based on adopted relevant PNS requirements; assessment must comply with four (4) GAP modules; a multi-disciplinary inspection team of at most three (3) inspectors conducts the inspection.
If applicable, samples for heavy metals/microbial/pesticide analysis may be taken using appropriate techniques; the applicant shall provide samples for analysis.
PhilGAP Inspectors submit the report to the PhilGAPCC through the Program Technical Secretariat within five (5) working days after all necessary inspections (including follow-up). The Program Technical Secretariat notifies the applicant and PhilGAPCC within five (5) working days upon receipt of the inspection report and laboratory results.
PhilGAPCC convenes and has five (5) working days to recommend to the BPI Director; the BPI Director acts within five (5) working days on the recommendation.
Valid for two (2) years from issuance. Renewal should be filed not later than three (3) months prior to expiry.
Updated farm records in the last two (2) years, updated list of fertilizers and pesticides used, updated farm map if applicable, and revised manual of operation if applicable.
At least once or as deemed necessary during the certificate validity, based on inspection and monitoring reports; the Circular provides monitoring frequency is based on reports.
Unauthorized use is subjected to relevant provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394) and Philippine Patent Laws.
Non-compliance with major provisions of the relevant PNS GAP code or failure to comply with any guideline portion as shown by audit reports or investigation reports of filed complaints, which can lead to revocation including the privilege of using the PhilGAP Certified mark.