1st OA Summit held in EV

The Provincial Local Government Unit of Northern Samar in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-8 (DA-8) conducted the first ever Organic Agriculture Summit in the region last October 19, 2012 at the Ibabao Hall, New Capitol Building, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The said activity carries the theme “Organic Agriculture: Key towards Food Sufficiency and Healthy Environment” and was held in line with the World Food Day Celebration. The summit was also initiated by the PLGU-Northern Samar under the auspices of Governor Paul R. Daza, after the creation of the Provincial Technical Committee for Organic Agriculture (PTCOA). 

RTD Arsenio A. Fortin, DA-8’s Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension, encouraged the participants to submit project proposals that will benefit the farmers. “The DA is willing to have a partnership with the LGU and other stakeholders to implement local organic agriculture programs,” he quipped.

Meanwhile, Gov. Paul R. Daza is the Chairman of the Provincial Technical Committee for Organic Agriculture and gave his all out support on the Organic Agriculture Program being pushed by the DA under the leadership of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. In fact, project proposals have already been submitted in support of the program. 

The summit proper kicked-off with the discussion of Rev. Fr. Cesar O. Aculan, Director of Social Action Commission and Samar for Peace & Development of the Diocese of Calbayog City. As a renowned advocate of organic farming, he shared some opportunities and challenges in organic agriculture towards achieving food sufficiency.  

The Substantive Provision of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or RA 10068 and the Organic Agriculture Ordinances of Northern Samar were likewise discussed in the summit.  After the sharing of ideas and other inputs, the group planning workshop ensued.

Farmers, stakeholders, members of the academe, POs, NGOs and civic action groups attended the said activity. (by: RQ Calesterio, Media Production Aide)