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NON-governmental organizations and the local government of Alaminos
have joined forces to help promote organic farming in the country as
one of the solutions to the current food crisis happening worldwide.
In a news forum over the weekend Mayor Hernani
Braganza of Alaminos City, one of the convenors of the “Go
Organic” movement said when compared to conventional farming,
organic farming could boost farmers’ income, improve environment,
promote biodiversity, provide good quality and healthy food and
promote non-toxic farms.
“I am proud and honored to be here joining
hands with colleagues from the non-governmental and farmers’
organizations, environment networks and the academic community in
the promotion of organic farming,” Braganza said. “I encourage
the public and local officials even in highly urbanized places such
as in Metro Manila, to promote organic food.”
Organic farming basically do away with the use
of chemical-based fertilizers that could be harmful to the health.
It uses garbage and natural fertilizers to grow rice, corn, fruits
and other crops.
In Alaminos, Braganza said, 70 percent of
farmers are now into organic farming while only 30 percent are still
using chemical fertilizers. He expressed optimism that with the
“Go Organic” campaign more farmers would be convinced to use
organic fertilizers in their farms.
Local government code of 1991 mandates local
governments to make agriculture and waste management programs as one
of their primary responsibilities in pursuit of sustainable
agriculture and food sufficiency of the country.
At present, prices of organic vegetables, rice
and fruits are more expensive than conventional food, this is
because only few farmers in the country observe organic farming, but
with the “Go Organic” movement, the convenors hope that at least
80 percent of farmers nationwide will be convinced to shift to
organic farming.
Besides Alaminos City, other participants in the
campaign include the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement,
Centro Saka, La Liga Policy Institute; University of the Philippines
Los Baños; Earth Day Network and the Malasimbu Farmers’
Cooperative.
-- Jefferson Antiporda
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