Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, in his speech in Taiwan, said Negros Occidental, the “Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines,” is home to over 17,000 organic practitioners and enthusiasts.*
Negros Occidental led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson won its bid to host the 2027 IFOAM Organic World Congress, at the Nanhua University in Taiwan on Thursday, Dec. 5.
Negros Occidental won with 128 votes, against Brisbane, Australia, which had 92 votes.
The score board in Taiwan*
The Organic World Congress co-organized by the IFOAM – Organics International is held every three years and is attended by thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.
Lacson, in his speech in Taiwan, said Negros Occidental, the “Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines,” is home to over 17,000 organic practitioners and enthusiasts, and progressive policies like the Negros Organic Agriculture Ordinance.
Since the enactment of the ordinance in 2007 banning GMOs and synthetic chemicals, Negros Occidental has become a learning hub for sustainable farming, supplying certified organic products to both local and global markets, he said.
“Hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide,” he said.
“We envision this Congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve,” he added.
“Let us ignite a more inspired global movement to heal our planet, one farm at a time,“ said Lacson, who pointed out that Negros Occidental is the emerging Organic Food Bowl of Asia.
He said the aspiration to host the Organic World Congress “is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care”.
IFOAM, in its mission to address hunger, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the economic well-being of farmers and food workers, champions regenerative organic systems grounded in the principles of health, ecology, fairness, and care, he pointed out.
Lacson said Negros “envisions a future where organic practices become the norm rather than the alternative, for the sake of our health, our planet, and the shared future we strive to build”.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, Negros Association of Chief Executives president, who along with 13 other mayors of the province accompanied Lacson to Taiwan, said hosting the Organic World Congress 2027 is a defining moment for Negros Occidental.
“It is a chance to showcase the strength of our sustainable agriculture and bring honor not only to our province but also to the Philippines,” he said.
“What resonated most with stakeholders wasn’t our urban centers but our breathtaking eco-tourism sites and the inspiring stories of our people’s deep connection to nature,” he said.
“Now, the real work begins. We must rise to the challenge by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining logistics, and equipping our people to meet the expectations of a global audience.” Benitez added.
The Organic World Congress in 2027 will be a platform for knowledge-sharing, forging global partnerships, and strengthening the local agriculture sector that will boost local agri-tourism, he said.
He congratulated Lacson and all those who made Negros’ hosting of the world congress happen.
The other Negros Occidental mayors with the governor in Taiwan 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, Negros Island Region OIC Agriculture Regional Director Jose Albert Barrogo, Edgardo “Boyet” Uychiat – Negros Island Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation Inc. president, Slow Food Movement for SEA Councilor Ramon “Chinchin” Uy Jr., agriculture consultant Cherrie Atilano, local organic farmers and provincial government employees are also part of the delegation.*