Strawberry farmers in Bulacan undergo PhilGAP training

Farmers from the IntelliFarm, a strawberry farm in Bulacan, have undergone training on Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) in Balagtas on 27 January 2026.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Central Luzon, IntelliFarm uses new technology and methods of planting through indoor vertical hydroponics, a modern system wherein plants are planted vertically inside buildings and are grown using water with nutrients instead of using soil.

The training aims to ensure that the production of IntelliFarm is safe, high-quality, and responsible, in line with the standards set by PhilGAP to safeguard the consumers, workers, and the environment.

According to Marilyn Velarde, PhilGAP Focal Person, the PhilGAP certification is not only for the safety of the goods and the rights of the workers, but provide a broader opportunity in the market for agricultural products.

Christian Canlas, Agriculturist I, presented the four primary principles of PhilGAP that need to be followed to achieve certification: food safety, environmental protection, health and safety of workers, and quality assurances of the product.

Jofel Ocampo, Agriculturist I, discussed the process and steps needed for the application of PhilGAP Certification.

Strawberry farming is a thriving livelihood in Bulacan, particularly in Calumpit and other local spots like Norzagaray. Using heat-tolerant varieties like the Bicol Hawaiian, these farms successfully cultivate strawberries in a tropical climate, allowing for local pick-and-pay tourism.