“Pagbati sa ika-15 na Bicol Organic Agriculture Congress! Bahagi kayo ng libo-libong OA practitioners na naghahangad ng makatarungan at maka-kalikasang sistema ng producksyon para sa sapat, ligtas, abot-kamay at abot-kayang pagkain para sa lahat,” shared National Association of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Groups Representative and National OA Board Director Rodolfo Flores Cortez, Jr. who served as Keynote Speaker of the 15th Bicol Organic Agriculture Congress (BOAC).

In line with this year’s theme, “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: PGS Pinalakas Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Director Cortez pointed out the key areas of action under the program, among them the expansion of OA areas. He emphasized the importance of the PGS as instrument in promoting OA in the country.

The congress was hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 5 (DA Bicol), in collaboration with Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 5 (ATI Bicol) and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA).

During the Opening Ceremonies, Php17.4M worth of OA Livelihood Projects were awarded to four (4) Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) namely Pecuaria Development Cooperative (PDC); Agri-preneur Farmers and Producers Association, Inc. (AFPAI); The Agri Planters and Food Processors Association of Tigaon (TAPFPAT); and Rizal Vegetable Growers Association (ROVGA).

Also, fifteen (15) youths were recognized as recipients of the Youth Scholarship Grant for Organic Farming.

The one-day activity was graced with the presence of DA Bicol Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief and Regional OA Focal Person Adelina A. Losa, Reg’l Technical Director for Research and Regulations Lorenzo Albina who represented DA Bicol Reg’l Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot, Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, Political Head Hilda Pacis who represented Senator Cynthia Villar, and NOAP Project Development Support Division Chief Ma. Eliza J. Antinero.

The 15th BOAC was held on August 9, 2024 at Robertson Hotel, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City.