Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (center) with Philippine Association of Agriculturists president Dr. Fernando Sanchez Jr. (left) and Dr. Roberto Ranola Jr., Board of Trustees chairman, at the summit.*Richard Malihan photo
Agriculture must be an evolving, adaptive industry, deeply connected to science, powered by technology, and supported by sustainable practices, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson said on Tuesday, July 29.
“As we confront the growing threats of climate change, our commitment is to help our farmers become more productive, climate-resilient, and better linked to markets,” Lacson also said in his speech at the 12th National Congress and 2025 Philippine Agriculturists‘ Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.
The theme of the summit attended by 2,000 agriculturists is “Transformative agriculture towards a resilient and sustainable food system”.
“We hope this summit becomes a venue for innovative ideas, transformative strategies, and strong partnerships — so that together, we can build a food system that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations,” Lacson said.
“The challenges we have faced in recent years, including natural calamities, pandemic disruptions, and market instabilities, have reminded us that agriculture is not just the foundation of our food security, but of our very survival,” Lacson said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address on Monday underscored the vital role of agriculture in securing our nation’s future, Lacson pointed out.
“His call for sustained investment in food production, support for our farmers, and the modernization of agricultural systems aligns deeply with the theme of this summit,” Lacson told its participants.
Dr. Eufemio Rasco Jr., agriculture lead at the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), cited the transformative power of AI in bolstering government initiatives to revolutionize the nation’s food systems.
“Evolution science tells us that the trait of extinction requires adaptation. All of us must learn new skills, learning with rather than in competition with AI,” he told the summit participants.
The summit, organized by the Philippine Association of Agriculturists Inc., brought together representatives from local government units and institutions nationwide.
Executive Assistant Carlos Auxtero III, representing Mayor Greg Gasataya, cited the interconnectedness of food security with the nation’s overall well-being.
“Without strong, resilient, and sustainable food systems, we compromise our economy, our health, our security, our culture, and our national identity,” he said, as he urged attendees to use the congress as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration.*