The Department of Agriculture – Caraga conducts the 8th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) together with organic farmers, practitioners, and stakeholders all over the region at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City.

The three-day congress which runs from July 4 to 6, serves as a platform for the presentation of the regional and provincial plans, accomplishments, and initiatives taken by various local government units (LGUs), including the province, aimed at advancing the organic agriculture program in the region.

The congress brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and members of the academe from the five provinces of the region to share best practices in the organic agriculture industry.

Sharing the Municipality of Sibagat’s best practices in their organic agriculture movement, Vice Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista discussed the municipality’s banner program with the goal of inspiring other LGU participants to engage in the industry, she said, “We wanted to be a leader by example, so we have to walk the talk for us to inspire.”

Apart from the presentation of success, the event also recognized different groups and individuals with outstanding initiatives and successful implementation of organic farming practices. Farm partners such as Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm, San Isidro Parish Binucayan Area Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lola Modesta Integrated Farm, and JB Nature Farm were awarded for their active participation in organic-related programs and projects in the region.

The recipients for the Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project for 2023 which supports farmer groups in establishing livelihood were also recognized such as the Socorro Empowered Peoples Cooperatives (SOEMCO) and Sibagat Organic Farmers Association (SOFA).

Moreover, the Congress also recognized 11 recipients of the Organic Agriculture Youth Scholarship. The scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of farmers to pursue studies and careers in organic agriculture, thereby ensuring the continuity and growth of sustainable farming practices in the region.

National Organic Agriculture Program Director Bernadette San Juan graced the 8th Caraga ROAC. Director San Juan presented the Roles and Responsibilities of LGUs in the implementation of the NOAP Programs pursuant to RA.10068 as amended by RA11511. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, IO-I, DA-13RAFIS)