KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Seventy delegates from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 participated in the 6th Organic Asia Congress held at the International Organic Convention Center, June 6–9, 2023.
With the theme "Building World Peace through Organic Agriculture: Food Security Vital to Peace Building," the conference aimed to discuss trends and strategic directions in the organic agriculture movement. The event brought together around 2,000 organic advocates, including 254 foreign guests from 31 countries.
"I am proud to open the doors to the world to step into the very land, not too long ago was devastated by conflict and shattered our people's dreams. Having attained lasting peace, we are on our way to fully achieve an important milestone in sustainable development," said Rommel C. Arnado, who served as the host local chief executive of said Congress and the national president of the League of Organic Agriculture, Municipalities, Cities and Provinces (LOAMCP).
As the seat of the organic congress, the once war-torn Kauswagan town highlights its Arms to Farms program, which aids in bringing people back to the fold of the government while at the same time addressing food security issues.
Through the said program, former combatants have transformed into exemplary organic farmer-leaders in the municipality.
Meanwhile, on behalf of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, committee chair of both agriculture and food and environment and natural resources, Senator Mark A. Villar keynoted the congress and addressed the participants.
"Your attendance marks a shared purpose towards nation-building anchored on sustainability and food security, and ultimately, attaining peace," he said.
On the host municipality’s priority program, the official added that it will encourage citizens, especially former combatants, to engage in organic farming.
The government can intervene to support and help such communities become empowered and self-sufficient, he went on.
Taking off from the town's own strife as a peace story, Villar likewise deems that organic agriculture is an indispensable tool in catalyzing peace and stability.
"Organic agriculture farming systems are a beacon of hope for sustainable practices by emphasizing the health of the soil, conservation of water, and protection of ecosystems," he said.
Likewise, he said that the alternative farming system helps bring people back to basics while shaping a future that is harmonious with nature.
Revolving around this year's theme, plenary and parallel sessions during the Congress centered on Climate Change, Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), Asian Local Governments for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA), Innovations in Organic Agriculture, Sustainable Fisheries and Organic Aquaculture, and Innovations in Organic Milk Production.
Also tackled were organic rice production and innovations, women in organic agriculture (WOAA), social inclusiveness, rural revitalization, and partners of LOAMCP Kauswagan.
Organic site visits and exhibits were also undertaken as a showcase of the implementation of organic agriculture as a potential benchmark for the participating delegates in their respective communities.
Supporting Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the DA-10 team delegation is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, together with the division chiefs and other staff and organic agriculture adopters in Region 10.
Also gracing the event are DA national officials, including National Organic Agriculture Program director Bernadette San Juan and DA Undersecretary for the National Organic Agriculture Board, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan.
The said Congress is co-organized by the Local Government of Kauswagan, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)-Organics Asia, and LOAMCP-Phl in partnership with ALGOA, the Global Alliance for Organic Districts (GAOD), the International Network of Organic Farmer Organization (INOFO), and other national government agencies, including DA-10, with fund support worth P8 million from its regional field office. (DA-10/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
