Davao City gears for Organic Agriculture Month celebration

The Organic Agriculture Program under the Davao City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) invites Davaoeños to participate in the celebration of this year’s Organic Agriculture Month.

Ms. Jeana Ablen, Focal Person for the Organic Agriculture Program, told the Madayaw Program of the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday that her office prepared a series of activities related to organic agriculture.

“Kini nga bulan, makaingon ta nga mapuno gyud siya sa mga aktibidades mahitungod sa organic agriculture para ipasabot, ipasibya dili lang diri sa Davao City, nga naa ta’y lig-on nga organic agriculture program sa Davao City (This month, we can say that we have various activities lined-up related to organic agriculture to inform the public, not only here in Davao City, that the city has a firm organic agriculture program),” she said.

The event will kick off on November 9 at the Rizal Park. After the opening ceremony, on November 9–10, there will be an Organic Agri Fair at the Pavilion of Rizal Park. According to Ablen, they are expecting more or less 20 exhibitors to be present at the fair to showcase their organic products.

The office also invited organic practitioners from Sibulan, which was considered an organic zone, as well as the Organic Producer Exporter Corporation (OPEC). Lunhaw Awardees on Organic Farming will also be present during the activity.

Ablen also said that the Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), selected as one of the Top 50 Best Cacao producers in the world by the Cacao Excellence Award, will be participating in the exhibit. The association will also be giving a free taste of their product.

Additionally, the CAgrO will be giving free vermicast and ready-to-plant fruit and vegetable seedlings until supplies last.

The City Veterinarian’s Office will also provide educational materials about the ASF and other diseases affecting animals.

On November 16–17, there will be an Organic Farmer’s Market where people may avail the same services given during the Agri Fair.

The office will also conduct training in their district offices. Ablen said that they have already identified their target participants for the training since it will focus on organic agriculture.

A series of short training sessions will also take place on November 23–24. On November 23, the City Vet will hold an information drive about ASF and other diseases affecting animals. Meanwhile, on November 24, there will be a short training on edible landscaping and establishment of an organic garden in Rizal Park.

The culmination of the event will be on November 24, wherein the awarding of Gulayan sa Barangay will take place as well as the recognition of SOFA’s accomplishment in the field of cacao production.

Able encouraged not only Davaoeños but also people from neighboring provinces to support the celebration of the organic month by participating in the activities and availing of the services offered during the event. The office also reminds those who wish to come to the event to bring their eco-bags since the exhibitors will no longer be using plastic bags in wrapping purchases.

“So magsugod kita sa pag-abli karong November 9 alas dyes sa buntag og take advantage pud ta nga kita makatilaw sa mga patilaw nga libre sa atoang mga practitioner, mga exhibitors; at the same time naa tay mga ginagmay nga mga panghatag nga mga agricultural nga mga inputs so pwede mo put magdala og eco bag para sayon sa inyohang pagbitbit, ug kung kamo mamalit sayon pud ninyo masulod ang inyong gipamalit. Malipayon mi nga mag-agni sa inyo nga magduyog ta, makisuporta ta sa kani nga buluhaton sa atoang siyudad, sa Davao City, through sa atoang opisina sa City Agri. (We will open at 10 a.m. on November 9. Let us grab the opportunity to avail of the free taste of the products from the practitioners and exhibitors. At the same time, our office will also be giving free agricultural inputs. The public is allowed to bring eco bags for their convenience. It is our joy to encourage the public to join and support this event in Davao City through the City Agriculturist Office.),” Ablen said. CIO