• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed disappointment over the co-hosting of the first Terra Madre Asia and Pacific in Negros Occidental, citing that local organic farmers did not benefit as much as anticipated from the event.
The event was jointly hosted by the Provincial Government and the City Government of Bacolod, and was held in conjunction with the 18th Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival, designed to garner support for the latter from the international gathering. The intention was for exhibitors of the international event to purchase raw ingredients from the local farmers.
However, Lacson lamented that the primary objective of the collaboration was not achieved, as sales generated by local organic farmers at Terra Madre fell short of expectations.
“It was an intentional decision on our part to hold the Organic Festival alongside Terra Madre Asia and Pacific. This alignment was meant to create synergy, enabling our Terra Madre chefs from across Asia and the Pacific to source directly from local farmers and showcase the richness of our island’s produce to delegates from the Philippines and around the world,” the governor explained.
During an interview, Lacson revealed that out of the P2.8 million in sales during the five-day event, only P185,000, equating to just 6.5 percent, came from Terra Madre exhibitors.
He further noted that sales by local organic farmers only significantly increased on the last day, following persistent encouragement from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
On the first day, Terra Madre purchased P10,000 worth of raw ingredients from local farmers; on the second day, P13,000; P14,000 on the third; P14,000 on the fourth; and a substantial P133,000 on the last day.
“It’s disappointing in a sense because we were hoping our organic farmers would benefit more from hosting Terra Madre,” Lacson added, expressing concern “based on the data that he saw.”
Meanwhile, Lacson acknowledged that the international event had a positive impact on the province, especially in attracting foreign visitors and local tourists eager to experience the region’s cuisine.
The provincial government had allocated P6 million in financial support for hosting Terra Madre Asia and Pacific. The governor also confirmed that the event would return to Negros Occidental in 2027.*
