By Mikee Natinga Norico
(From left to right): Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications; Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, CARES Faculty In-Charge and 2024 AgriFair Committee; Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr., Dean of CARES and Adviser of the 2024 AgriFair Committee; Mr. Andrew Palomar, Regional OAP Coordinator of DA RFO VI; Dr. Zarlina B. Quello, Director of the Office of the Regional Technical Director for Research; and Myrna T. Luceño, CPU CHM Faculty, pose for a group photo during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 10th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri Fair and Exhibits at the Lenwood Edge Building.
In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office VI, Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CPU -CARES), successfully hosted the 10th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri Fair and Exhibits from November 18 to 22, 2024, at the Lenwood Edge Building (LEB). With the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: PGS Pinalakas para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the event brought together local farmers, small-scale vendors, students, and researchers to celebrate and promote organic agricultural practices and products.
This year’s event was part of the nationwide observance of Organic Agriculture Month, as proclaimed by Proclamation No. 1030, series of 2015. The fair underscored the significance of organic farming in enhancing global competitiveness, promoting environmental integrity, increasing food security, and alleviating poverty, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15.
The event kicked off on November 18 with an exhibit featuring a variety of organic products, including seedlings, fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and homemade processed foods. This served as an excellent opportunity for local farmers and vendors to display their products while fostering stronger connections with the Central community.
The official launch on November 20, 2024, commenced with an opening prayer led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU Office of Communications. Dr. Jaime C. Cabarles, Jr., Dean of CARES and Adviser of the 2024 Agri Fair Committee, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing his gratitude to CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and Mr. Andrew Palomar, the Regional OAP Coordinator of DA RFO VI, for their valuable support in making the event a success. Dr. Cabarles also highlighted the role of farmers in the fair, thanking them for showcasing their organic products.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, in his message, emphasized the importance of organic agriculture in promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. He encouraged participants to live out the values of being the “salt” and “light” of the world, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:13-16. Dr. Zarlina B. Quello, Office of the Regional Technical Director for Research, also shared her insights on how organic farming is essential for sustainable growth and how partnerships in agriculture can improve competitiveness and innovation.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting, led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, marked the official opening of the exhibits, where visitors could explore various organic products, including fresh produce, processed goods, seedlings, and plants, from local vendors.
The event also featured a variety of activities, including capacity-building sessions aimed at improving farming techniques and understanding organic agriculture. An organic cooking contest provided participants with the opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity using organic ingredients.
On November 21, the student and professional research symposiums took place, highlighting the academic contributions to sustainable agriculture. This was followed by a research poster competition, which emphasized innovation in the field.
The festivities culminated on November 22 with the organic quiz bee and folk media contest, adding an interactive and educational element to the fair. The closing and awarding ceremonies honored the best exhibitors and participants in various categories, celebrating their dedication to organic farming and its future.
The collaboration between CPU and the DA RFO VI has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers, youth organizations, and the private sector, to strengthen the foundation of organic agriculture in the region. This event is a testament to the shared commitment to ecological farming practices and the pursuit of a food-secure and sustainable future for the Philippines.
As the 10th CPU-DA Collaboration on Organic Capability Building and Agri Fair concludes, the organizers continue to urge the community to support local food heroes and the ongoing efforts to promote organic farming. With the goal of increasing awareness and support for sustainable agriculture, the fair has succeeded in fostering a sense of unity between the community and those at the forefront of organic farming.
The 2024 Agri Fair and Exhibits successfully illustrated the role of organic agriculture in the holistic development of the community and the nation, promoting a greener and more sustainable future for all.