By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The 16th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival emphasizes the importance of food security, Victorias City Mayor and Association of Chief Executives in Negros Occidental president Javier Miguel Benitez said during the event’s opening ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds yesterday.
Benitez said that the economic, health and environmental potential of organic agriculture is tremendous and far-reaching.
He added that the foreshadowing solutions to concerns can be positively found in transforming commercial-driven farming methods into organic agriculture.
“With enough supply of organically and ethically-produced food, we will be able to address issues of equal access to food, no matter what the boundaries are, all over the world,” Benitez said.
He was among the guests during the food festival that was also attended by officials from the Department of Agriculture and the Negros Oriental provincial government.
Benitez has also urged the attendees to encourage the youth to get into agriculture as a way of life, pointing out that farmers are getting older.
It also concerns him that the number of enrollees in agricultural schools is dwindling, and the alarm on the future of the country’s agricultural sector should have been sounded already.
“As we talk about new and better approaches and practices in the industry, a more effective food security program, or even efficient agricultural land use, we must also bring discussion on the future workforce of this sector,” Benitez said.
Meanwhile, Woodrow Maquiling Jr., Negros Oriental Provincial Tourism executive director, said Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria is hoping that the food tourism and organic farming on Negros Island will further strengthen the relationship between both provinces.
Negros Oriental also showcased their best organic products during the festival.
The province also supports the Slow Food Movement, believing that food should be grown and bought locally, prepared with care, and consumed with appreciation.
The movement was first formed in Italy in 1989 and has since spread worldwide with the objective of protecting food diversity, building links between producers and consumers, and raising awareness of some of the most pressing topics affecting our food system.
Maquiling said that they would also bring the Slow Food Movement to Negros Oriental.
For his part, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the present world is currently pressed with a multitude of challenges which include climate change, the destruction of our natural habitat, gross inequality, and issues related to food and water security.
Lacson said that to counter the adverse impact on our diminishing natural resources, the Negros Occidental provincial government has initiated an organic farming program, even preceding the enactment of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agricultural Act of the Philippines.
He added the food festival embodies the idea of a holistic and sustainable approach to agricultural practices.
“At its core, it goes beyond mere cultivation and represents a commitment to rejuvenating the environment and ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations,” Lacson said.
He added that there is a need to empower and enable local farmers, and make it a primary goal to enhance the market potential of organic products.
“Our dedication is crucial, not just for the economic development of our island, but most of all for the well-being of our communities,” he added.
The Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival will be until Sunday, November 19 on North Capitol Road in Bacolod City./DGB, WDJ