ASIDE from showcasing agricultural products, mostly organic and naturally-grown, of farmers in Negros Occidental, the recently-opened People’s Organization (PO) Product Selling at the Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City is also promoting environment conservation among Negrenses.

Luisa Tutor, senior environment management specialist of the Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo), said the activity is considered a “green event” that gathered local farmers from upland and coastal areas.

Tutor said participating farmers are using biodegradable materials like leaves, abaca, paper and native baskets, among others as their packaging materials and containers instead of plastic.

“Through this annual event, we are promoting conservation economic enterprise as our participating farmers have been defending our natural resources through pro-environment practices,” she said, adding that “environment conservation would mean sustainable livelihood for them.”

The 15-day product selling was opened by provincial government officials led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Pemo Officer-In-Charge Atty. Chit Antipatia.

This is part of the 27th Provincial Environment Month celebration themed “Air Pollution: We can’t stop breathing, but we can do something about the quality of air that we breathe.”

Now on its sixth year, the activity is participated by 17 farmers and fisherfolk associations showcasing their respective products like rice, vegetables, roots crops, processed food, dried fish, herbs and fruit trees, among others.

These are direct and fresh from their farms, Tutor said, adding that the PO Product Selling is also aimed at showcasing Negrense products especially organic and naturally-grown crops.

Tutor said the activity is also a measure to encourage farmers to become entrepreneurs thus, it provides a venue for them to generate more income.

Pemo records showed that participating associations have initially raked in almost P42,000 in sales during the first day.

“We expect that sales will increase on the following days as the weather gets fine,” she said, stressing that Pemo’s vision is to achieve a healthy environment, empowered communities and sustainable economic growth.