By Mikee Natinga Norico
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (4th from left) poses for a group photo with representatives from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VI (DA–WV), along with CPU academic and non-academic unit heads, following the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits.
In celebration of Organic Agriculture Awareness Month, the Central Philippine University College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VI (DA-WV), successfully hosted the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits on November 12–14, 2025, at the Lenwood Edge Building (LEB).
With the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,” the three-day event highlighted organic agriculture as both a sustainable and profitable livelihood for Filipino farmers. The celebration gathered local farmers, small-scale vendors, students, and researchers who showcased a wide variety of organic products and technologies in front of the LEB.
The fair’s sub-theme, “Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura!” (Come and Earn through Organic Agriculture), underscored the economic potential of organic farming. Findings from the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) reveal that organic farming can generate higher returns on investment than conventional farming—proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The opening ceremony on November 12 began with a prayer led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications. Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, Chairperson of the 2025 DA-CPU Agri-Fair, acknowledged the guests and participants, followed by DA-WV Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia, who officially declared the Agri-Fair open.
Key messages were delivered by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President; Mr. Godynel D. Isedenia, Director of NOAB; Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, Chairman of RAFC; and Iñigo D. Garingalao, Iloilo City Agriculturist.
Local farmers proudly showcase their organic products during the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits held at the Lenwood Edge Building, highlighting sustainable and profitable farming practices.
In his message, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy emphasized that organic agriculture is vital in addressing food security, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting, led by Dr. Dagohoy, formally opened the exhibits, where visitors explored diverse organic products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, processed goods, seedlings, and ornamental plants.
The Agri-Fair brought together a wide array of exhibitors from across Western Visayas, including the Organic Farmers and Producers Association of New Lucena, Integrated Diversified Farmers Association of Zarraga, Iloilo Young Agripreneurs Association, Pototan Organic Practitioners Association (POPA), Cabatuan Organic Farmers and Practitioners Association (COFPA), B.A.T. Integrated Farm, CJ Miracle Fruit Juice, Producto de Iloilo, Armi’s Ice Cream, Dao Organic Farming Producers and Traders Association (DOFPTA), Tubungan Vegetable Producers Association (TVPA), Dumangas Mushroom Association, and others.
CPU students, faculty, and staff actively participated by supporting local vendors and purchasing organic goods such as kamote and mushroom chips, dried fish, homemade ice cream, strawberries, and pomegranates.
Aside from the fair and exhibits, the event featured a series of contests and learning sessions, including an organic food cooking competition, research symposium, seminar-workshops, capability-building sessions, and a folk media contest—all designed to promote awareness and skills in organic agriculture.
Representing DA-WV were Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person Zarlina B. Cuello, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief May Ann Grajo underscored the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset among farmers, in line with the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321).
“We want to align our Organic Agriculture Program with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division so we can strengthen the business idea of organic farming,” Grajo said. “It’s clear that organic farmers have great potential to increase their income—and we need to help them realize that.”
Iloilo City Agriculturist Iñigo D. Garingalao also emphasized the need to recognize farmers as both entrepreneurs and environmental stewards.
“Our farmers are not just food producers—they are entrepreneurs and stewards of the land,” he said. “The goal is not simply to earn money but to reduce expenses, maximize resources, and cultivate sustainable growth.”
He also highlighted Iloilo City’s continued efforts in promoting urban and peri-urban agriculture—empowering communities to compost, grow, and produce their own food while reducing waste through circular economy practices.
Through this partnership between DA-WV and CPU, the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits 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. The event stands as a testament to their shared commitment to ecological farming practices and the pursuit of a food-secure and sustainable future for the Philippines.
As the 11th 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 succeeded in fostering a sense of unity between the community and those at the forefront of organic farming.
The 2025 Agri-Fair and Exhibits successfully illustrated the role of organic agriculture in the holistic development of both community and nation—promoting a greener and more sustainable future for all.