BACOLOD City – To promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices in Negros Island, the 16th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival and the 1st Terra Madre Visayas are set to take place here from Nov. 15 to 19, drawing the participation of key figures such as Negros Oriental’s Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria and Sen. Loren Legarda.
Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson confirmed the presence of Sagarbarria at the events, emphasizing the collaborative spirit between the two Negros provinces in organizing the festival.
Lacson envisions Negros transformed into a food bowl of organic products, highlighting the importance of sustainable regenerative farming.
Under the theme, “Regeneration for Future Generations,” this year’s festival will underscore the significance of eco-friendly farming practices and sustainable regenerative farming.
It aims to promote these practices as crucial steps toward ensuring a more environmentally friendly and food-secure future.
On the other hand, the 1st Terra Madre Visayas, a Filipino adaptation of the Italian event Terra Madre Salone de Gusto, will run concurrently with the festival. Its central theme, “Visayas: Food and Culture Biodiversity”, aligns with the commitment to eco-friendly farming practices and envisions the future of food systems and the planet.
Both events will be hosted at various venues, including the Provincial Capitol grounds, North Capitol Road, Negros Residences, and the Negros First Food Terminal.
Negrense organic producer Ramon “Chinchin” Uy Jr., who serves as the councilor of Slow Food International for Southeast Asia, views these festivals as “catalysts for change.” They not only promote sustainable farming but also serve as platforms to inspire and educate communities about the benefits of eco-friendly agricultural practices. (Watchmen Daily Journal, With a report from PNA)/PN
