At least 32 representatives from different sectors attended the meeting and workshop in response to Provincial Ordinance No. 35, which calls for the creation of the Negros Oriental Organic Agriculture Management Council.
Belinda Villahermosa, secretariat of the NOOAMC, said the main purpose of that meeting was to convene the council. The meeting was presided by Provincial Administrator Arnel Francisco, representing Gov. Roel Degamo.
Participants in the council meeting included Provincial Agriculturist Greg Paltinca, Provincial Veterinarian Solomon Cadiz, the Department of Agriculture represented by Alejandro Rafal, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Felix Sy, the Provincial Legal Office represented by Atty. Buena Vista, and the consumer group represented by Benjamin O. Calderon.
Villahermosa said they have yet to name representatives who will bring the voice of the church group, the academe, the marginalized farmers, and the NGOs.
Villahermosa said the meeting was historic because for the first time, government has committed to push organic agriculture in the Province. “That was a very big step finally, when everybody will work hand in hand to promote organic agriculture. So it took a lot of time before finally all people were convened, and the council was formed. It was a huge step towards the great improvement of agriculture in the Province,” she said.
The chairman of the council is Governor Degamo. (Angeline Nabua & Donita Bemida/SU Masscom interns)
