In 2010, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga started to pour in organic agriculture interventions in the City of Bislig making a way for the establishment of an Organic Technology Demonstration Farm for crops and livestock.
In its desire to be the Organic City in the Philippines by 2020, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bislig initiated and took their part in dedicating a bigger bulk of funding out from their internal revenue allotment to make the city an agri-tourism destination.
Adhering to the four principles of organic agriculture: Care, Health, Ecology, and Fairness, Bislig’s admirable actions were recognized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) – Asia by the declaration of COAFC as Organic Education and Social Innovation Institute (OESI) during last year Organic Asia Conference.
On June 14, the OESI was formally launched in Bislig and attended by organic enthusiasts headed by Dr. Zhou Zejiang of IFAOM Asia.
“The official launching and marking of the Center for Organic Agriculture and Fishery Complex (COAFC) as Organic Education and Social Innovations Institute (OESII) is a fulfillment of the City’s dreams and aspirations. We have been through a lot of trials and struggles along the way. But here we are today, reaping what we have sown for years. With teamwork and determination, we are now getting closer to the realization of our vision which is to become the model city for organic agriculture in the Philippines by 2020,” said Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro.
The 27-hectare agri-fishery facility will now serve as a learning hub cultivating a holistic approach where practitioners are encouraged to think and develop ideas in order to bring new perspectives and social innovations on organic agriculture.
“The establishment of OESII is a significant signal to Asia and to the world that as a continent with 60% of the world population, Asia organic sector is no longer only a supply source a vegetable garden, a greenhouse for the developed parts of the world, but also a great think tank, a new innovation center and consequently a big market and a potential center of the World Organic Movement,” said Dr. Zhou Zejiang, President IFOAM-Asia.
Through the OESF organic stakeholders, farmers, and fisherfolks in the local, national and international arena can learn, innovate and gain more knowledge on organic agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture welcomes the endeavor as a giant lift towards achieving the goal in creating a hunger-free, healthy and resilient environment. The facility would be vital in a growing economy and the growing populations today. (Rhea Abao/DA-Caraga)
