• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental won the bid to host the 2027 Organic World Congress, during the 21st OWC held in Taiwan from December 2 to 6.
The OWC is dubbed as one of the biggest international events for sustainable farming and organic agriculture, attended by experts and advocates of organic agriculture all over the world.
Negros Occidental got 128 votes, compared to 92 votes of Oceania Pasifika of Brisbane, Australia.
The province of Negros Occidental is the first and only province with an Anti-GMO Legislation in the Philippines, and the home to the longest standing Annual Organic Farmers Festival, according to IFOAM.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the Negros Occidental delegates, including 14 mayors, in attending the 21st OWC in Taiwan, said that hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for Negrenses, but an opportunity to amplify the organic
movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide.
“We envision this Congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve,” Lacson said.
To host this esteemed 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, he stressed.
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, we have become a learning hub for sustainable farming, supplying certified organic products to both local and global markets, Lacson said.
Our province offers a vibrant cultural and ecological experience. From organic sugarcane plantations to natural reserves, we exemplify the harmony between nature and progress, he added.
Together, we can honor the transformative impact of organic agriculture—and envision 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, Lacson further said.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, who led the 14 mayors in attending the OWC in Taiwan, said that hosting the Organic World Congress 2027 is a defining moment for Negros Occidental, and a chance to showcase the strength of Negros sustainable agriculture, which will bring honor not only to our province, but also to the Philippines.
Benitez added that the governor and agriculture leaders, both nationally and locally, captured the essence of what makes Negros Occidental truly special: the dedication of our farmers and their regenerative practices, which contribute to healthier communities and a healthier planet.
What resonated most with stakeholders was not our urban centers but our breathtaking ecotourism sites and the inspiring stories of our people’s deep connection to nature, Benitez said.
The real work begins, Benitez said “we must rise to the challenge by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining logistics, and equipping our people to meet the expectations of a global audience.”
This event is a platform for knowledge-sharing, forging global partnerships, and strengthening our local agriculture sector that will boost our local agri-tourism, he added.
As we move forward, public consultations will remain essential to ensure that our preparations not only meet global standards but also uplift the lives of our people, Benitez also said.*
