This year’s biggest global gathering on organic agriculture was held in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on June 6-10, 2023 with more than 1,300 delegates, including 253 foreigners from 32 countries, joined and participated in the week-long activity for the 6^th Organic Asia Congress.

The event was organized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organics Asia, and the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities, Cities and Provinces of the Philippines (LOAMCP-Ph), hosted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, and the DA, through the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), as one of the major sponsors of the event.

With the congress’ theme, “Building World Peace through Organic Agriculture: Food Security vital to Peace Building”, speakers from all over the world presented organic agriculture technologies, researches and practices related on climate change, innovations, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, social inclusiveness and rice production. Former rebels turned farmers from Kauswagan also shared testimonies on how organic agriculture solved armed conflicts within their municipality and adjacent municipalities through the Arms to Farms project of the LGU of Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado.

National leaders and policymakers also attended the said event. Senator Mark Villar, represented Senator Cynthia Villar and physically delivered a message. He mentioned that one of the priorities of the current administration is to respond to the challenges of food security. “Promotion of community garden in our barangays is a pinned strategy that is being pursued nationwide to enhance productivity of the agricultural sector,” Villar said.

The national government through the DA-NOAP, has programs and activities capturing different sectors of the society including LGUs, youth, women, rural and urban farmers, enjoining everyone in the quest for a healthy, safe and sustainable food production.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan emphasized the roles of local leaders in promoting organic agriculture towards food security. In support, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Acosta stated the need for collaboration and understanding among stakeholders. NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan also encouraged all the participants to take their part to further strengthen the organic agriculture in the country.

Organic farming systems has been popularized for its contribution in ensuring the welfare of the public and the environment by employing chemical-free, natural and ecological farming. Through the congress, organic agriculture is highlighted in different light as it can also resolve conflicts and promote peace among communities.

The weeklong event was composed of four (4) major activities conducted consecutively: 1) 6^th Asia Organic Youth Forum, 2) 1^st Women in Organic Agriculture in Asia in the Philippines (WOAA-Ph), 3) 9^th Asian Local Governments for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) Summit and the 4) 6^th OAC. ###