KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte – Mayor Rommel Arnado expressed his overwhelming gratitude to the participants of the six-day 6th Organic Asia Congress which served as a platform showcasing the achievements and impact of organic agriculture in this once war-torn town in Mindanao.
SEN. Mark Villar commends Mayor Rommel Arnado's leadership and the municipality's progress in organic agriculture. (Bonita L. Ermac) The congress – a fruitful platform for exchanging knowledge, strategies, and experiences in organic agriculture – was held from June 4 to June 9 at the sprawling International Organic Convention Center located in a coastal sitio of Tangkig in Barangay Tacub in Kauswagan. Over 1,200 delegates, including 253 foreigners from 31 countries, took part in the six-day Congress that adopted "Building world peace through organic agriculture-food security vital to peace building" as its theme. Arnado highlighted during the congress the progress achieved in the town under the From Arms to Farms program which is aimed at achieving food security and eliminating hunger through peace-building efforts. Former rebel commanders now play a vital role in maintaining peace and prosperity in Kauswagan, the town where President Joseph Estrada waged his all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in March 2000. Arnado stressed the importance of breaking down misconceptions about organic products and promoting their health benefits. By unifying their efforts, the municipality aims to play a bigger role in the global stage of organic agriculture. Sen. Mark Villar commended Arnado's leadership and the municipality's progress in organic agriculture. The senator was particularly impressed with the significant progress achieved in the town’s From Arms to Farms program, which empowers former combatants and members of armed groups to engage in organic farming, thereby becoming an instrument of peace and conflict resolution. The congress featured distinguished speakers presenting their research and experiences on topics such as innovation, social inclusiveness, and organic rice production. Participants were encouraged to make the most of the numerous sessions and discussions planned throughout the event. National Organic Agriculture Program Director Bernadette San Juan expressed optimism about the congress's success and urged attendees to maximize their time to learn about organic agriculture. She emphasized the importance of organic farming in ensuring the welfare of the public, the environment, and farmers' livelihoods. Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta of the Mindanao Development Authority cited the favorable conditions in Mindanao for organic farming and its potential to contribute to the region's economic growth. She stressed the link between organic agriculture, food security, and peace-building, as well as the need for collaboration and understanding among stakeholders. Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture Zamzamin Ampatuan expressed his appreciation to Arnado and commended the municipality's dedication to organic agriculture, stressing the crucial role of local leaders in advancing the advocacy for organic agriculture as a tool in achieving food security. Participants from various sectors, including government agencies, private institutions, and organizations, aim to drive transformative change and build a sustainable future for all.