The provincial government of Negros Occidental, led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, won the bid for the 2027 IFOAM Organic World Congress.
The voting took place at Nanhua University in Taiwan, where Negros Occidental garnered 128 votes, and won against Brisbane, Australia, which has 92 votes.
The Organic World Congress, co-organized by the IFOAM-Organics International, is held every three years and is attended by thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.
“As governor of the Sugar and Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines, I proudly represent Negros Occidental in bidding to host the 2027 World Organic Congress. The aspiration to host this esteemed congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care,” Lacson said during his presentation.
“Hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide.
“We envision this congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve,” the governor added.
Lacson was accompanied by mayors Javi Benitez, Mhai Mhai Mangilimutan, Marxlen dela Cruz, Manuel Escalante, Bading Escalante, Ela Yulo-Garcia, John Paul Alvarez, Daph Reliquias, Jose Maria Alonso, Gina Lizares, Narciso Javelosa, Marvin Malacon, Biboy Yap, and Marilyn Era, Board Member RJ Sablan, DA-NIR OIC regional executive director Jose Albert Barrogo, NISARD Foundation Inc. represented by Boyet Uychiat, Slow Food Movement for SEA councilor Chin-Chin Uy, local organic farmers, and provincial government employees, the Capitol said. ||
