The Agricultural Training Institute - RTC XII took part in the 9th Organic Agriculture Congress and Regional Organic Natural Expo, themed “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang Ok: PGS Pinalakas: Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” held at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City from July 23-25, 2024.

The congress opened with a welcome address by Dr. John B. Pascual, RTD for Operations, and brought together notable guests, including representatives from the City Mayor’s Office, led by Ms. Nikki Catolico, and dignitaries like Mr. Dale Russeth Gabanes from the National Organic Agriculture Program, Ms. Mina Gabor, President of International Sustainable Tourism, and Mr. Johnny H. Pasaquian, Agriculturist II from ATI-RTC XII. Other esteemed guests included Mr. Mario B. Alolosan, President of the SOX Organic Agriculture Industry Council, Ms. Corazon E. Sorilla, Region XII Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person, and Ms. Vera Ysabel Dela Cruz from the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Standards.

The event was a gathering point for organic practitioners, stakeholders, and farmers from across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. A highlight of the congress was the awards ceremony, honoring eleven interns from the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) Batch 2 and recognizing the efforts of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)-certified Organic Certifying Bodies within Region XII. The event also celebrated Organic Agriculture Livelihood Projects (OALP), a key initiative supporting local organic farmers.

Attendees also participated in the Ribbon Cutting and Exhibit Tour held at SM General Santos City, which showcased a wide variety of organic products and innovations. The expo underscored the organic sector’s commitment to sustainability and featured presentations where stakeholders exchanged insights, promoting best practices for organic agriculture across the region.

This congress was organized by the Organic Agriculture Program in coordination with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture-RFO XII, furthering the shared vision of sustainable organic farming in the Philippines.