News Details

Gov’t Strengthens Organic Agriculture Drive to Boost Farmers’ Livelihood and Sustainability

NPO

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November 18, 2025

BACOLOD CITY – The national government is intensifying its push for organic agriculture, underscoring the sector’s capacity to uplift farmers’ income while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

This advocacy takes center stage at the 18th National Organic Agriculture Congress (NOAC), organized by the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Agriculture Program (DA-NOAP). The event coincides with the celebration of the 11th Organic Agriculture Month and opened Tuesday at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City.

With the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,” the three-day congress brings together hundreds of participants nationwide to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and strengthen organic agriculture advocacy.

In his video keynote address, Senator Francisco Pangilinan encouraged farmers and stakeholders to “continue fighting for a future where organic becomes the norm—an agriculture system that gives life, livelihood, and hope.” As chair of the Senate Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Agrarian Reform—and an organic farmer himself—he reaffirmed his commitment to policies that expand market access, support systems, and mainstream organic farming nationwide.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., through DA Western Visayas Technical Director Zarlina Cuello, emphasized that organic agriculture is “more than a method—it is a promise to our health, our land, and future generations.” He said this year’s theme aligns with the administration’s Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas vision of resilient communities supported by sustainable livelihoods.

DA-NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan highlighted ongoing programs for livelihood development, capacity building, youth and women engagement, and market strengthening. She stressed that building a competitive organic industry requires not just government action, but unified collaboration among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson noted that this year’s NOAC takes place amid continuing challenges for farmers—especially those heavily impacted by Typhoon Tino, which severely affected agricultural communities across the province. Beyond this, he underscored ongoing threats such as climate change, rising costs, soil degradation, and the growing need for resilient food systems.

Negrense organic farmer Ramon Uy Jr., president of Slow Food Asia and Pacific, expressed optimism for the industry’s growth, recalling his participation in the first NOAC in 2006. He welcomed the congress being held in Bacolod—recognized as the slow food hub of Asia—and Negros Occidental, the Philippines’ organic agriculture capital. He reiterated the slow food vision of “good, clean, and fair food” produced without chemicals and accessible to all, aligned with the global organic movement.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR