Bacolod: The national government continues to push for the development of organic agriculture, highlighting the sector’s immense potential in creating income-generating opportunities while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. This is the focus of the 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC), organized under the Department of Agriculture (DA) National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), coinciding with the observance of the 11th Organic Agriculture Month, which opened at the SMX Convention Center here on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the three-day event, themed ‘Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,’ serves as a venue to discuss ideas, innovations, and advocacies among hundreds of participants from across the country. In his video keynote message, Senator Francisco Pangilinan urged advocates and officials to ‘continue to fight for a future where organic is the standard, not the exception, and establish an agriculture system that gives life, livelihood, and hope.’

Senator Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate committee on food, agriculture, and agrarian reform, and is an organic farmer himself, expressed his commitment to pushing for policies that protect and empower organic farmers, expand market access, strengthen support systems, and mainstream organic practices nationwide.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., in a message read by DA 6 (Western Visayas) Technical Director Zarlina Cuello, emphasized that organic agriculture is ‘more than a method, it is a promise to our health, to our land and the generations to come.’ He linked this year’s theme to the vision of Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas, which aims for sustainable livelihoods, resilient communities, and a greener, healthier future.

NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan highlighted the DA-NOAP’s commitment to strengthening the organic agriculture sector through livelihood projects, capacity building, support for women and youth in agriculture, and market development. She stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among farmers, researchers, policy-makers, and agri-business for the sector’s success.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson noted that the congress occurs at a challenging time for Filipino farmers, particularly due to the impact of Typhoon Tino and other ongoing issues like climate change, rising production costs, and soil degradation. He emphasized the significance of participants’ involvement in addressing these challenges.

Negrense organic farmer Ramon Uy Jr., president of Slow Food Asia and Pacific, expressed excitement for the growth of the country’s organic agriculture sector, having been involved since the inaugural NOAC in 2006. He highlighted Bacolod’s role as the slow food hub of Asia and Negros Occidental’s status as the organic capital of the Philippines, advocating for food systems that provide healthy, delicious, and fair food without chemicals.