'O' is for OISCA (One Family, One Roof, One Sky)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

NEGROS Occidental has been chosen as the site of OISCA's 50th International Anniversary Celebration with OISCA International Philippines Chapter as host.

It is with pride that our governor, the Hon. Alfredo G. Maranon Jr., is national president and it is under his leadership that this celebration, in collaboration with OISCA Int'l., will be organized and carried out. It is also with great pride to announce that Sunstar President Jimmy Golez is also OISCA-Silay President.

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What is OISCA? OISCA stands for Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement. Established in 1961 with Dr. Yonosuke Nagano as its first president, it is "founded on the mission to contribute to humanity's environmentally-sustainable development through a holistic approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of agriculture, ecological integrity and the human spirit."

OISCA had always been ahead of its time. Its goals included filling the need for food security, and preserving the environment - exactly what the world today is fighting for. In fact, the event's sub-theme is "Food First" "Love Green".

The main theme is "Forging Stronger Partnerships for a Sustainable World" - a reflection of OISCA's achievements and how it will pursue its goal of strengthening ties of cooperation.

At the initial planning and press conference last July 2, the provincial government and OISCA partnership hopes to gather 10,000 attendees. This invitation is extended to farmers, fisherfolk, and those involved in sustaining the environment.

Gov. Maranon touched on issues about the environment because of the urgency of the matter. Through OISCA's efforts, there are millions of mangroves and upland trees planted.

The environment is only one of the many programs of OISCA. For economic development, this NGO provides livelihood training which includes training for out-of-school youth. In line with its health advocacy, OISCA has established day care centers, conducted medical missions and constructed potable water facilities. For culture, there is the fostering of Japan-Philippines friendship.

Director of OISCA-Bago Shigemi Watanabe is naturally taking an active part in the planning and organizing while his wife, the vivacious Thelma Watanabe, is Steering Committee Head.

OISCA-Bago is a popular destination for students and visitors of the province because of its sericulture, or the cultivation of silkworms to create silk. I have visited it countless of times and the whole process of silkworm breeding to extraction of silk threads from the cocoons to the final stages of spooling and weaving of the threads never fail to elicit excitement from young students and keen interest from adult tourists.

Our beloved governor hopes to promote tourism and investment potentials of the province through OISCA-International's 50th Anniversary on August 23-25, 2011 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium.

The program of activities include a cooking exhibition of Negrense and Japanese cuisines; a Youth Camp for elementary and high school students and boy and girl scouts (target:1,000-1,500 students); an International Friendship Night; Fun Run; Negros Eco-tourism and Food Fair; a photo exhibit; tree planting at Pana-ad Park; and a Japan-Negros Football Match at the Pana-ad Football Field.

The good governor assures everyone the security of the area during the 3-day affair.

In 1995, OISCA was awarded the "Category I (General) Consultative Status of the UN Economic and Social Council". It was given the UN Earth Summit Award for Sustainable Development in 1992. In 1989, the Secretary-General of the United Nations awarded it the "Special Testimonial for Distinguished Services for Youth."

OISCA chapters can be found also in Bayawan City, Canlaon, Sagay City, and Silay City, as well as in Ajuy, Iloilo and other centers around the Philippines.