KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--A symphony of vibrant colors swirled in the air, mingling with enticing aromas and evoking a profound sense of pride, as the 13th Sustainable Organic Agriculture Agri-Aqua Fair took center stage at the Kauswagan International Organic Convention Center.

Nestled in the picturesque province of Lanao del Norte, Kauswagan has emerged as a thriving hub, captivating the senses with its diverse array of organic treasures. The fair coincided with the 6th Organic Asia Congress, transforming its humble origins into a captivating spectacle that resonated with a wider audience.

Vibrant showcase of organic agriculture

Walking through the fairgrounds, one could not help but be captivated by the sight of booths brimming with organically grown coconuts, plump vegetables, and succulent fruits. Each product seemed to tell a story—a tale of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices.

From the earthy scent of freshly harvested herbs and crops, Kauswagan's agricultural heritage was on full display. The fair also showcased the diversity of marine products, further emphasizing the municipality's focus on both upland and marine resources.

The Agri-Aqua Fair featured a thrilling booth competition, showcasing the creativity and dedication of 13 barangays. Barangay Cayontor took the top spot with their visually stunning booth and won P100,000, followed by Barangay Libertad and Tacub, which won P80,000 and P50,000, respectively.

Other barangays also received consolation prizes worth P30,000. Furthermore, the local government demonstrated their unwavering support by providing a substantial seed fund of P200,000 to every barangay.

The fair remains open to the public from Monday to Sunday, offering a chance to explore the impressive products and learn about sustainable farming practices.

Sowing seeds of success

Mayor Rommel Arnado conveyed gratitude for the barangay's efforts and unwavering support in making the fair possible. He emphasized the power of Kauswagan in driving organic agriculture and its positive impact on the community.

Meanwhile, Municipal Agriculture Officer Adelino Rico, emanated enthusiasm as he spoke about the profound impact of the fair on the municipality. He passionately conveyed the vision championed by the mayor —a vision rooted in the pillars of food sufficiency, affordability, and sustainability for the community.

"Part of Mayor Arnado's program is food sufficiency, food affordability, and food sustainability in Kauswagan, which is the first reason why the mayor wants this municipality to be a model for organic agriculture," he said.

The fair has become a symbol of Kauswagan's commitment to good leadership, transparent and accountable governance, and its transformative impact on the lives of farmers. It has not only elevated Kauswagan's status as a tourist destination but also served as a testament to the power of organic agriculture in fostering peace and development.

With each product, lovingly nurtured by devoted hands, the municipality had etched an enduring mark on the landscape of organic agriculture, cultivating a legacy that would flourish for generations to come. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)