LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- To promote the use of organic agriculture, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAg) launched the 1st Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
More than 300 organic farmers and students from the municipalities in the province participated in the congress, and showcased their organic agriculture products.
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin L. Ampatuan lauded the provincial government of Ilocos Norte under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc for initiating the first provincial organic agriculture congress in the province.
“I am glad to hear that under the leadership of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, mayroon kayong movement dito, ‘yong Barangay Eco-farm. I would congratulate also Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos for this endeavor,” said Usec. Ampatuan.
“This is a laudable effort and this complements the call of PBBM that the local government units should play a significant part in our campaign for food security, food sufficiency, and food accessibility,” added Usec. Ampatuan.
He said the objectives of the event are to increase the volume of production in the province through expanding organic production areas, adoption of appropriate organic agriculture technologies, and learning innovative approaches.
The organic congress is in line with Republic Act No. 10068, which was enacted to promote, propagate, develop, and put into practice the use of organic agriculture in the Philippines.
Engineer Ma. Teresa L. Bacnat, the OIC of OPAg, commended the local organic farmers, noting that even though organic farming is expensive and time-consuming, they consider the food security of the residents.
“I know that the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte is always here to support you. So, sana huwag po kayong madiscourage kahit po kumbaga mas mahirap nating ibenta ang ating mga organic. I'm sure na susuportahan po ng gobyerno ang ating organic agriculture sa ating probinsiya,” Engr. Bacnat said.
OPAg recognized the province's Outstanding Organic Agriculture Practitioners during the congress, with Juan Paulo Enrico M. Valenciano of Banna taking first place in the individual category and Organiko nga Mannalon ti San Nicolas taking first place in the organization category.
In the school category, Dingras' Barong Elementary School won first place in the elementary level, and Dumalneg National High School won first place in the secondary level.
Meanwhile, Provincial Board Member Jonathan Toralba, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said the event is a great way to encourage everyone to start doing organic farming in their community, especially that fertilizers and chemicals spray are proven to have caused many diseases.