Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Lacson urged on Friday the trustees and members of the Negros Economic Development Foundation to continue bridging the gap between development and the grassroots, and, at the same time, reimagine agriculture as a business the brings prosperity and dignity to farmers and fisherfolk.
NEDF marked its 56th founding anniversary July 24 with a celebration attended by Lacson and representatives from both the government and private sectors in its organic farm in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
It was also attended by businessman Antonio Montinola, who, along with Msgr. Antonio Fortich, Eriberto Garcia, Antonio Cumagun, and Carlos Locsin, founded the organization in 1970.
“NEDF has built a legacy rooted in socialized housing, health, integrated agricultural development, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and sustainability. These are more than programs and initiatives. They are concrete expressions of a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the Negrense people,” Lacson said.
Foundation president Wilhelmina Gonzales also expressed her gratitude to the provincial government and the organizations who have helped NEDF achieve its objective to help the poorest of the poor.
The anniversary was also highlighted by the launching of the GIZ Bokashi Project, a Green Economy Partnership with the European Union and the new NEDF Branding; the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Ming Yuan College and the Central Philippines State University. It also inducted as member, Biopower Group of Companies president Arthur Aguilar. ||
