PALOMPON, Leyte – Approximately 200 organic agriculture practitioners, advocates, and agricultural extension workers gathered today, November 6, at the Palompon Convention Center in Palompon, Leyte, for the Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC). This year’s event is themed “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK – PGS Pinalakas para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The congress, organized in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Palompon and the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8, aims to equip participants and stakeholders with the latest updates, information, and promotional insights on organic agriculture.
The event also provides a platform to showcase success stories in enterprise management, farm production, and processing, while gathering concerns and suggestions from participants for possible policy resolutions.
Palompon Municipal Mayor Ferdinand dela Calzada welcomed attendees, expressing hope that the congress would offer valuable insights for farmers seeking to advance the agricultural sector.
Field Operations Chief Rodel G. Macapanas, representing Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, and Rodolfo Cortez of the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB), delivered messages highlighting support and developments in the region’s organic agriculture.
A trade fair and exhibit allowed farmers to showcase their organic products and farm produce, fostering community engagement and market linkages.
Key highlights of the opening program included the awarding of the PGS Organic Certification to the Cagsumje-Canipulan-Solsogon Farmers Association (CCSFA) of Sta. Margarita, Samar, and recognition of youth interns under the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture. Region 8 was commended for having the highest number of enrollees nationwide.
The congress will continue tomorrow with additional activities to celebrate Organic Agriculture Month this November, including lectures on food recipes using organic ingredients, food safety, organic farming practices, consumer awareness, and market linkages.(PR)
