By Mikee Natinga Norico
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (4th from left) poses for a group photo with representatives from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VI (DAĢƵWV), along with CPU academic and non-academic unit heads, following the successful ribbon-cutting ceremony of the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits.
In celebration of Organic Agriculture Awareness Month, the ĢƵ College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CPU-CARES), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VI (DA-WV), successfully hosted the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits on November 12ĢƵ14, 2025, at the Lenwood Edge Building (LEB).
With the theme ĢƵKabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: Halina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura,ĢƵ the three-day event highlighted organic agriculture as both a sustainable and profitable livelihood for Filipino farmers. The celebration gathered local farmers, small-scale vendors, students, and researchers who showcased a wide variety of organic products and technologies in front of the LEB.
The fairĢƵs sub-theme, ĢƵHalina at Kumita sa Organikong Agrikultura!ĢƵ (Come and Earn through Organic Agriculture), underscored the economic potential of organic farming. Findings from the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) reveal that organic farming can generate higher returns on investment than conventional farmingĢƵproving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The opening ceremony on November 12 began with a prayer led by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications. Dr. Joyce S. Wendam, Chairperson of the 2025 DA-CPU Agri-Fair, acknowledged the guests and participants, followed by DA-WV Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia, who officially declared the Agri-Fair open.
Key messages were delivered by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, CPU President; Mr. Godynel D. Isedenia, Director of NOAB; Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, Chairman of RAFC; and Iñigo D. Garingalao, Iloilo City Agriculturist.
Local farmers proudly showcase their organic products during the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits held at the Lenwood Edge Building, highlighting sustainable and profitable farming practices.
In his message, Rev. Dr. Dagohoy emphasized that organic agriculture is vital in addressing food security, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting, led by Dr. Dagohoy, formally opened the exhibits, where visitors explored diverse organic products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, processed goods, seedlings, and ornamental plants.
The Agri-Fair brought together a wide array of exhibitors from across Western Visayas, including the Organic Farmers and Producers Association of New Lucena, Integrated Diversified Farmers Association of Zarraga, Iloilo Young Agripreneurs Association, Pototan Organic Practitioners Association (POPA), Cabatuan Organic Farmers and Practitioners Association (COFPA), B.A.T. Integrated Farm, CJ Miracle Fruit Juice, Producto de Iloilo, ArmiĢƵs Ice Cream, Dao Organic Farming Producers and Traders Association (DOFPTA), Tubungan Vegetable Producers Association (TVPA), Dumangas Mushroom Association, and others.
CPU students, faculty, and staff actively participated by supporting local vendors and purchasing organic goods such as kamote and mushroom chips, dried fish, homemade ice cream, strawberries, and pomegranates.
Aside from the fair and exhibits, the event featured a series of contests and learning sessions, including an organic food cooking competition, research symposium, seminar-workshops, capability-building sessions, and a folk media contestĢƵall designed to promote awareness and skills in organic agriculture.
Representing DA-WV were Regional Executive Director Dennis R. Arpia and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person Zarlina B. Cuello, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief May Ann Grajo underscored the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset among farmers, in line with the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act 11321).
ĢƵWe want to align our Organic Agriculture Program with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division so we can strengthen the business idea of organic farming,ĢƵ Grajo said. ĢƵItĢƵs clear that organic farmers have great potential to increase their incomeĢƵand we need to help them realize that.ĢƵ
Iloilo City Agriculturist Iñigo D. Garingalao also emphasized the need to recognize farmers as both entrepreneurs and environmental stewards.
ĢƵOur farmers are not just food producersĢƵthey are entrepreneurs and stewards of the land,ĢƵ he said. ĢƵThe goal is not simply to earn money but to reduce expenses, maximize resources, and cultivate sustainable growth.ĢƵ
He also highlighted Iloilo CityĢƵs continued efforts in promoting urban and peri-urban agricultureĢƵempowering communities to compost, grow, and produce their own food while reducing waste through circular economy practices.
Through this partnership between DA-WV and CPU, the 11th Organic Production Technology Training Cum Agri-Fair and Exhibits brought together a diverse group of stakeholdersĢƵincluding farmers, youth organizations, and the private sectorĢƵto strengthen the foundation of organic agriculture in the region. The event stands as a testament to their shared commitment to ecological farming practices and the pursuit of a food-secure and sustainable future for the Philippines.
As the 11th CPU-DA Collaboration on Organic Capability Building and Agri-Fair concludes, the organizers continue to urge the community to support local food heroes and the ongoing efforts to promote organic farming. With the goal of increasing awareness and support for sustainable agriculture, the fair succeeded in fostering a sense of unity between the community and those at the forefront of organic farming.
The 2025 Agri-Fair and Exhibits successfully illustrated the role of organic agriculture in the holistic development of both community and nationĢƵpromoting a greener and more sustainable future for all.