Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and 14 mayors are in Taiwan for Negros Occidental’s bid to host the 2027 Organic World Congress.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said he has been appointed acting governor starting Wednesday until Saturday, Dec. 4 to 7.
Lacson was accompanied by Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Negros Association of Chief Executives president, and 13 other mayors.
“We are optimistic, as we should be, about our bid for the World Organic Congress 2027. While Australia is a strong contender, we believe in the passion and competence of our team,” Benitez said.
“The Governor’s leadership and the support of 14 mayors highlight our collective commitment. This bid moves the needle forward for eco-tourism and agriculture in Negros Occidental,” he said.
Benitez said “It’s an opportunity to showcase our efforts in sustainability, protect nature, enrich our soil, and uplift our farmers. United, we can prove that our province is ready for the global stage”.
“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 earlier.
“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.
Benitez said the mayors in their delegation are Salvador Escalante Jr. of Cadiz City, Melecio Yap Jr. of Escalante City, Maria Gina Lizares of Sipalay City, Narciso Javelosa of Sagay City, Manuel Escalante of Manapla, Marxlen dela Cruz of Salvador Benedicto, Marvin Malacon of EB Magalona, Jose Maria Alonso of Pontevedra, Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana, John Paul Alvarez of Ilog, Ella Celestina Yulo of Moises Padilla, Marilyn Era of Calatrava and Daph Anthony Reliquias of Hinoba-an.
Negros Occidental Board Member Richard Julius Sablan and agriculture consultant Cherrie Atilano is also with the group, Benitez said.*