Negros Occ set to continue developing its organic agri industry

Negros Occidental is assured of continued support from its local government unit (LGU) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in developing the organic agricultural industry. This was made known at the province’s 13th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival at the Capitol grounds in Bacolod City last Wednesday.

In his speech during the opening ceremonies, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. vows to sustain the region’s movement on developing organic agriculture.

Marañon also recognized the efforts of the organizers of the event, which he considers an integral part of the province’s push for organic agriculture, adding that the annual event has been attracting many local and foreign visitors.

“They are impressed and surprised with our products,” he said, explaining that some government officials from Okinawa City, as well as other foreign guests from Australia and Korea, among others, attended the festival.

According to Marañon, this increasing number of attendees signifies that it is becoming bigger and more successful each year. This year’s theme is “Organic Agriculture: The Greening of Negros Island,” and the festival was held until last Saturday, December 1.

Marañon also said that the worldwide trend on healthy food and organic farming is helping farmers and their families to improve their lives. “We should sustain our organic agriculture movement in the province which we started 13 years ago,” he said, adding that “anything good for the health and farmers should be continued.”

DA recognizes the contribution of Negros Occ in Organic Farming

On its part, the DA in Western Visayas assures its support in further boosting the province’s organic agriculture industry.

Rene Famoso, Operations Division Chief of DA-Western Visayas, said that Negros Occidental is the region’s hope for organic agriculture.

Western Visayas has around 460,000 hectares of agricultural lands, and the DA is targeting 7% of it to be devoted to organic farming. Famoso notes that the province has already exceeded its target of 13,000 hectares, as it now currently has 15,000 hectares devoted to organic farming.

Provincial Government recognizes proponents of organic agriculture movement in the province

During the festival, the provincial government of Negros Occidental recognized different organic practitioners, focal persons, LGUs, and other stakeholders for their contribution to the development of the local organic agriculture industry. The awardees received cash prizes and certificates.

In addition, several individuals and organizations received various equipment for food processing from the provincial government, in collaboration with the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Awardees

• Victorias City – best organic LGU
• Pamela Henares of Talisay City – best certified organic farm (individual category)
• Negros Island Organic Producers Association in Bago City – best certified organic farm (group category)
• Donie Vergara of Bago City – best farm in-conversion (individual category)
• Nataban Organic Village Farmers Association in San Carlos City – best farm in-conversion (group category)
• Modesto Alpas of Sipalay City – best coffee farmer
• Rogelio Catalogo of Salvador Benedicto – best cacao farmer
• Loduvico Villanueva of Silay City – best integrated agroforestry
• Samson Delos Reyes of Salvador Benedicto – best aqua inland aquaculture project
• Electo Vilaaster of Salvador Benedicto – best livestock project for chicken
• Cecil Silverio of Binalbagan – best livestock project for peking duck
• Dr. Romeo Agraviador of San Carlos City -best livestock project for goat
• Don Luis Consing Elementary School in Cadiz City – best school implementing organic agriculture project (elementary)
• Cansilayan National High School in Murcia – best school implementing organic agriculture project (high school)
• Nannetes Farm in Cadiz City – best agriculture entrepreneur
• Nerylynn Lim of Manapla – best organic agriculture integrated project (individual category)
• Pakigda-et sa Kalambo-an in Toboso – best organic agriculture integrated project (group category)
• Eva Dela Cruz of La Carlota City – organic focal person
• Elpedio Dayuday of San Carlos City – best agricultural extension worker
• Sumugat Family of Victorias City – best organic practitioner family.