KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--An enchanting tapestry of organic farms welcomed more than 100 foreign delegates of the 6th Organic Asia Congress, here.
Amidst this idyllic setting, farms such as Aga Sayo Farm, Villa De Pietro, Rama Nature's Farm, Sacar Pendato Organic Farm, Molijon Organic Farm, Lo Osting Nature Farm, and the Municipal Organic Demo Farm revealed the town’s unwavering commitment to organic agriculture and its potential for fostering socio-economic prosperity.
From desolation to hope
Standing out among these farms was Aga Sayo Farm in Barangay Cayontor, owned by Aga Dimakuta, also known as Commander Bapa, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatant and now a councilor of Kauswagan.
Their once impoverished barangay, devoid of roads and basic infrastructure, has undergone a profound change. Where there was once nothing, hope has blossomed.
Despite once being prone to landslides and mud, the road has now become a witness to their prosperous harvest season. Their once elusive dreams have materialized, and Aga's heart brims with joy as visitors explore their farm.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the local government for their steadfast support in transforming the once battle-scarred land into a flourishing organic haven.
"We are very happy to have you here, and you are welcome here in our area. We are very thankful to the mayor for the "From Arms to Farms" program. The government supported us; they gave us fertilizer and also seedlings," he said.
Foreign delegates of the 6th Organic Asia Congress embrace the serene ambiance of the Forest Park at Aga Sayo Farm in Barangay Cayontor, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Ethereal beauty and significance of farms
The foreign delegates were deeply moved by their visit to these farms, captivated by the ethereal beauty and profound significance emanating from the community.
The farm's enchanting atmosphere and the remarkable unity within the Muslim community profoundly inspired Samia Maamer, the general director of organic agriculture at the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture.
"The farm is nice. It's really, really nice; I needed to see this community of Muslims," she said.
According to Karen Mapusua, the president of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements-Organics International, the farms in Kauswagan exemplified how organic farming practices could cultivate environmental sustainability while nurturing the well-being of local communities.
"‘The From Arms to Farms program that we’ve seen is really impressive. It shows how important leadership is and the power of organic agriculture to transform not only the planet but also how it can support socio-economic development," she said.
Samia Maamer, the general director of Organic Agriculture from the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture with Aga Dimakuta or Commander Bapa. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Meanwhile, Aliakbar Shafighi, a researcher from Azad University in Tehran, Iran, marveled at the harmonious integration of biodiversity and its profound impact on agricultural activities.
"I have never seen anything like this before. This is great. I've seen the use of biodiversity, all activities," he said.
The transformation of Kauswagan into a thriving organic farming community is a testament to the remarkable potential of sustainable agriculture, inspiring hope and reaffirming the paramount importance of organic practices for a greener, more prosperous, and more united future, as witnessed by foreign delegates at the 6th Organic Asia Congress.
Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact of organic farming practices in Kauswagan, they departed with an unwavering conviction that investing in sustainable agriculture can sow the seeds of positive transformation, foster environmental resilience, and nurture prosperous communities globally. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
