On June 6 to 10, 2023, the Department of Agriculture – Caraga through its Organic Agriculture Program showed its dedication to the organic agriculture movement by actively participating in the 6^th Organic Asia Congress held at the Municipality of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte.

Held at the Kauswagan International Organic Convention Center, it has brought together approximately 2,000 participants from both local and international communities. With delegates hailing from 32 countries around the world, it served as a melting pot of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas on organic agriculture.

This year’s theme, “Building World Peace Through Organic Agriculture: Food Security Vital to Peace Building,” highlighted the crucial role of organic farming in promoting food security and fostering global harmony.

The host municipality of Kauswagan, is a war-torn devastated area due to arms conflict for decades. Through a new leadership and reform, it has implemented a peace-building program called Arms to Farms, which involves organic agriculture by creating livelihood and new opportunities among the insurgent groups and the affected communities. Two years later, the peace and order in the area improved and crimes have been eradicated.

Kauswagan Mayor Romel Arnado said that the success of their municipality comes from the unified efforts of their people, citing that they need peace so that their children can live safely.

 “We don’t want our children to wake up feeling endangered every day. Through our arms to farms program, we shall break down misconceptions and put Kauswagan on the global map,” Mayor Arnado said.

 Undersecretary for National Organic Agriculture Board Zamzamin Ampatuan lauded the efforts of the host municipality for bringing its story into the world using organic agriculture.

 “Organic industry is an isolated advocacy, it seems to be taboo even from the beginning, but look at Kauswagan now. You were able to pull off this kind of convention. You went out of the box,” Usec. Ampatuan said.

The event provided an ideal platform for agricultural experts, policymakers, farmers, scientists, and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices through a series of seminars conducted from June 7 to 9 in the field of sustainable agriculture, land management, and climate change, among others.

Two empowered organic women farmers from the Caraga region were part of the roster of speakers who presented their stories on social inclusivity. Jhoanna Garcia from Butuan City shared her relentless efforts in fostering community development within tribal groups in Barangay Nongnong, Butuan City.

Meanwhile, Marilyn Aranas, chairwoman of the Sto. Niño Multipurpose Cooperative in Sto. Niño, Butuan City delivered her presentation on women’s empowerment through Agri-clustering. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in promoting their active participation in decision-making processes.

The event also recognized the efforts of its stakeholders, including the DA-Caraga and the Local Government Unit of Sibagat in Agusan del Sur, for its steadfast commitment and partnership in the development of agriculture in Asia.   

Regional Technical Director for Operations Rebecca R. Atega and OIC of the Field Operations Division Melody M. Guimary accepted the recognition on behalf of the department. Meanwhile, Sibagat Vice Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista received the same recognition from the organization.

The congress served as a platform for networking and establishing valuable partnerships among participants, which will contribute to the continued growth and development of organic agriculture worldwide. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, IO-I, DA-13RAFIS)