Negros Occidental has been selected to host the 2027 Organic World Congress (OWC) at the end of this year’s OWC held at Nanhua University in Taiwan Thursday afternoon.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with the province’s 14 city and municipal mayors, led the bid for the hosting where Negros Occidental, considered the “Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines,” beat Brisbane, Australia, in the votes, 128-92.
“The aspiration to host this esteemed Congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care,” Lacson said in his message.
Spearheaded by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the OWC, now in its 21st year, is a triennial event that gathers thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.
“Hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide,” the governor said.
The province’s successful bid came two weeks after it held the 17th year of the annual Negros Island Organic Farmers’ Festival, the longest event of such kind in the country.
In 2007, the Provincial Board approved the landmark legislation titled “The Safeguard Against Living Genetically-Modified Organisms” that prohibits the entry of genetically modified plants and animals into the province.
A part of the delegation, Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, said hosting the OWC in 2027 is “a defining moment for Negros Occidental.”
“It is a chance to showcase the strength of our sustainable agriculture and bring honor not only to our province but also to the Philippines,” he added.
Benitez underscored “the dedication of the Negrense farmers and their regenerative practices, which contribute to healthier communities and a healthier planet.”
“Now, the real work begins. We must rise to the challenge by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining logistics, and equipping our people to meet the expectations of a global audience,” the mayor said. (PNA)
