10th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress sets in Iloilo

“Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: PGS Pinalakas para sa Bagong Pilipinas”, is the theme for this year’s 10th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (   ROAC). Almost 100 organic farmer participants convened in a yearly congress which aims to empower organic farmer producers to create a competitive livelihood, increase income and become apparent for a financially stable future in the field of agri-entrepreneurship.

Participants from the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras and Negros Occidental were commended for being certified in Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) core members and accredited group. As PGS certification being the priority of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) focused on quality assurance system which is developed and practiced by people engaged in organic agriculture, it is used to certify producer-farmers as an actual and active practitioner, it is also supported by incentives, trainings and mentoring. The Tubungan Vegetable Producers Association (TVPA) is among the PGS core group that was certified according to the standards set by the Bureau of Agriculture Fisheries Standards (BAFS). Among the members were; Antonio Tacan Jr. of Tony’s Farm, Salvador Talento Jr., Buddylyn’s Farm, Antonio Tadiaque of Pilok’s Farm, Felomino Tacalan- Minong’s Farm, and Richard Tamara of Talento Integrated Farm.

These organic producers of fruit crops, vegetable crops, root crops and live animals can now label their own produce as organic PGS products. Negros Island Organic Producers Association (NIOPA) was also certified as PGS-OCB by BAFS for being compliant to the standards. On the other hand ten (10) youth scholars and farmer partners received a monthly allowance of P5,000, hands-on training in farms and mentorship; From Iloilo- Nieva Jane Nares, Edimio Lim, Jeffrey Canonaso, Rodnie John De Los Santos, Larry John Galvan; Aklan- John Rupert Panganonong, Alfred Ilig and in Negros Occidental – Juffel Belnas and Jeyson Lacton.

The scholarship is open to youth engage in agriculture with ages 18-35 years old Farm partners that provide the interns the empowerment to engage in organic farming are; Concepcion Carillo, Eduardo Tresico, Palmy Meliton, Elizabeth Sol, Almario Senoro and Dan Rae Hugo were provided a monthly stipend of P5,000 and a grant of P120,000 for the necessary support and guidance to the interns. Also various interventions from the OA program was turned over to organic farm partners and associations; Dingle Family Farm School received 3.732M worth of poultry chicken, village type feed mill, egg incubator, shredder machine, electric motor pump, and scaling up of native chicken.

Kalibutan Society Incorporated (KSI) also received a hauling vehicle worth 1.5M, DAO Organic Farmers Practioners and Traders Association (DOFTA) received an amount of P400,000 that includes various farm supplies and farm tools in support to fertilizer production facility. COFPA, Cabatuan Organic Farmers producers Association with a 4.720M mushroom production facility,multipurpose cultivator, hauling vehicle and electric motor water pump as well as with other associations such as APOPA-Aklan Provincial Organic Producers Association, POPA- Pototan Organic Practitioners Association and Negros Island Organic Producers Association ( NIOPA) who also received farm intervention coming from the DA-OAP.

“It is not about the numbers but the context of how we can be able to reach our goals to strengthen our industry and increase participation of the region in terms of micro level enterprise potential , we need the organic agriculture program to sustain development goals in farming and provide healthy food in every Filipino table,” said Zarlina Cuello , DA Regional Technical Director. Moreover various products were displayed in the lobby of GoldBerry Hotel for the trade fair. Organic fresh produce and processed products from the different provinces of Region VI captured the eyes of city goers. Exhibitors were also given the chance to participate in “Food Scaping and Pinaka contest”. Best decorated booth were selected as Aklan was judged as the first prize winner , followed by Negros Occidental and Guimaras province. They received a certificate and cash prize.

ROAC participants got the chance to tour organic farms in Iloilo (Agnes Farm, Hugo’s Farm and Barcelo Mushroom Farm) among others, and they were able to share best organic practices in the field. The Regional Organic Agriculture Congress 2024 is well represented by the different support agencies BAFS,NOAP, NOAB, PLGUs, MAOs, ATI, AEWs and the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas-Organic Agriculture Program focal persons and representatives. Text#JNCapaciete (DA-RAFIS6) Photo credits #GMDCordova/AJMSubade/VNOQuimpo(DA-RAFIS6)