Themed: “One Negros, One Green Economy”, the weeklong celebration was anchored on the MOA signed in 2005 by the two former governors of Oriental and Occidental Negros, George Arnaiz and Joseph Marañon, to make Negros Island as the Organic Food Bowl of Asia (Sarian, 2011).
Since then, the Organic Farmers’ Festival is annually being celebrated and now on its 9th year.
The affair was also in line with Republic Act 10068 or the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010” which intends to enhance development and promotion of organic agriculture in the country (Sunstar, 2010).
It was also intended to help the agriculture sector realize the need to shift to organic agriculture as an alternative method of farming which promotes production of safe food while protecting the environment.
Through the leadership and generous support of the Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, that was the first time the City has provided a booth for Victoriahanons to display and sell their organic products.
Several buyers from all over the Negros Island and tourists (both local and foreign) were able to purchase Victorias’ organic products.
This occasion has also placed the City on the limelight as Gerry Barreto, a farmer from Barangay XIV, was declared as the champion in the organic quiz bee competition of the Province.
Victorias’ farmers, fisher folks, women, and youth (who sold their products at the booth) as well as the staff of the City Agriculture Office were very much thankful to the city officials for the support extended to them during the festival.
Victorias City participated in various activities during the 9th Organic Farmers’ Festival which was held at the capitol grounds of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental last Nov. 18 – 23. By Samson Garzon, Jr., Victorias City Agriculturist
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