LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) successfully conducted its 9th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress on April 22-23, 2024 at the Benguet Sports Complex, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
With this year’s theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: PGS Pinalakas para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event aimed to encourage organic advocates to apply for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). Also, it convened experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of organic agriculture to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and discuss strategies to further develop the organic agriculture industry in the Cordillera region.
During the event, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan crowed that the 1st PGS-OCB Group in the country was from the Cordillera region through the collaborative efforts of the agency, the provincial and municipal local government unit and the farmers. She highlighted that recognition is crucial as the agency continues to stand on its commitment for safe and quality agricultural produce through viable agricultural practices such as organic farming.
“We thank everyone of you for the full support you’ve given for this congress. Let us continue to learn, unlearn and relearn and strengthen each other in terms of good practices. I also hope that the Organic Agriculture Program will come up with a climate-resilient agriculture through OA practices in aiming that we are contributory to taking care of our planet and all the issues of climate change that we are experiencing,” she expressed.
Moreover, Lea C. Deriquito representing NOAP Coordinator Bernadette San Juan pointed four key points on why we should promote organic agriculture. These points include: for sustainability, for export, for higher income and low cost of production, an investment and a gift to future generation and the environment.
Khristine Molitas, representing Benguet Congress representative Eric G. Yap also expressed their support to the men and women farmers of the Cordillera. This is through the passage of some bills at the Senate in support to the farmers including their children. One of which is the scholarship bill which covers eligible children of farmers. She encouraged the participants to take the opportunity to suggest not only ask for long term solutions to the problems since they are the ones who know what is best for the agriculture industry.
As of to date, the Cordillera region has recorded six certified PGS groups from the 38 certified groups and 35 PGS-certified organic farmer-members out of 203 members, which is the highest so far nationwide.
Newly certified PGS-OCB groups in the Cordillera were awarded during the congress. These groups were: Organic Participatory Guarantee System of La Trinidad, Itogon Integrated Organic Farmers Association, and Montanyosa Organic Agriculture Practitioners Association. Additional 10 certified PGS-OCB members were also awarded including provincial and local governments who exempted efforts on assisting organic farmers in their respective jurisdictions.
Further, a series of topics were discussed including the National OAP Implementation in the Philippines, DA-BAFS’ Updates on the Implementation of Participatory Guarantee System in the Philippines, Updates on DA-BSWM Organic Agriculture related Interventions in CAR, Regional OAP Updates, KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program, Updates on OA ATI Implementation in CAR, Development of Organic Fertilizer Products and Systems to Improve Soil Fertility of Organic Vegetable Farms, Naturland Success Story on Organic Farming, Guidelines on Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consultation, and Guidelines on Nursery Establishment.
Additionally, the congress offered a venue for an open discussion on Gender and Development concerns that promoted a lively exchange of concepts and perceptions. Regional OAP Focal Person Precil M. Sales highlighted that their suggestions are valuable to the agency as it will help them during planning of appropriate interventions on the succeeding years. A key highlight of their recommendations is the provision of portable and high-quality machinery tailored for women and senior citizen organic farmers.
The setting played host to a wide variety of organic produce. Fruits, vegetables, processed food, beverages, heirloom rice, were among the products on display.
Also present during the event were Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, provincial veterinarians, municipal agriculturists, Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee members on agriculture, municipal and provincial OA focal persons, and RAFC Chairperson Ryan Palunan. By Leny D. Mendoza
