Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday, Nov. 19, was optimistic Negros Occidental could win its bid to host the 2027 Organic World Congress.
The decision of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) on Negros Occidental’s bid is expected on Dec. 5, he said.
“IFOAM Asia Executive Director Jennifer Chang along with Ramon Uy Jr. and Boyet Uychiat have been campaigning for Negros among the voting delegates, and they feel we have a good chance of bagging the right to host the Organic World Congress in 2027”, Lacson said.
“We are up against Brisbane, Australia, and we are hoping for the best, by Dec. 5 we will know if we won the bid or not,” he said.
Negros Occidental is also already being earmarked to be the Terra Madre of Asia Pacific, which promotes slow food, he said.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Negros Association of Chief Executives president, said “we are looking at winning the nod of the decision-makers of IFOAM to award us the hosting of the 2027 World Organic Congress”.
He said Victorias City is throwing its full and exhaustive support to bring the Organic World Congress to Negros and for many more similar events in the future.
Benitez said he and 16 mayors of Negros Occidental have committed to accompany the governor to Taiwan in December as a show of support for Negros’ bid to host the world congress.
“Our prominent position in organic agriculture production is something to be protected and consolidated”, Benitez said.
Lacson and Benitez made the announcements at the opening program of the 17th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival and 2nd Terra Madre Visayas at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City Tuesday morning.
The festival that will run until Saturday is being held at the North Capitol Road and in front of the Negros Occidental Capitol.
Lacson said organic farming and the Terra Madre Slow Food movement hold immense significance. “These initiatives not only promote sustainable agricultural practices but also champion the preservation of biodiversity and the health of our communities,” he said.
“The Slow Food movement, with its emphasis on clean and fair food, aligns well with our shared vision of a sustainable and equitable future for all,” he said.
“By coming together, we strengthen our resolve for sustainable and fair agriculture and the protection of our environment,” he said.
Negros Occidental, together with Negros Oriental has long been at the forefront of organic farming in the Philippines, Lacson pointed out.
“We have dedicated years to promoting sustainable agriculture and food security, with a deep respect for our land and compassion for our people and farmers. This commitment has earned us the National Award for Top Performing Organic Agriculture Province. The Negros Island is in a good position to lead the way,” he said.
Agriculture is more than just a farmer planting crops or raising livestock, it is a tool for lifting people out of poverty, ensuring food security and sufficiency, and saving the planet, he said.
“You are on the right track to be the organic agriculture capital of the Philippines,” Assistant Secretary Elizabeth De Leon of the Department of the Interior and Local Government also said in her keynote address.*