THE economy of Negros cannot be forever dependent on farming or on sugar thus, there is a need for the region to industrialize.
During the opening of the 11th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival (NIOFF) at the Negros First Cyber Centre in Bacolod City Tuesday, Interior Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo Jr. pointed out the need for new businesses that build manufacturing plants and factories to be able to provide massive work for the people.
“I appeal to our political and business leaders in Negros, prepare for the future, we have to industrialize," he said.
Hinlo said that amid the efforts to sustain and develop the agricultural sector because food sufficiency is a basic necessity, Filipinos should think like a first world country and not be trapped in the comforts of the haciendas.
“For Negros to be able to give mass employment, we need to follow the examples set by Singapore, South Korea, Japan and other industrialized countries,” Hinlo said.
He also appealed to local agricultural leaders to make the economic benefit of farming an inclusive growth for everyone by including and uplifting the lives of poor farm workers.
Negros needs to promote organic farming to preserve soil quality, and promote healthy living, and agri-tourism, he added.
In a message delivered by Hinlo, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno lauded Negrense farmers for continuously playing an important role in sustaining the country, particularly in providing food to the people.
Sueno urged all sectors, especially the government, to constantly engage in public-private partnerships, promote best practices as standards, and support farmers by implementing more farm-to-market road projects for the products to reach the market.
Moreover, Tourism Assistant Secretary Daniel Angelo Mercado, who was also present at the opening program, said farm tourism in the Philippines is relatively new with the aim of not only attracting travelers, but also helping farmers diversify and augment their income.
“We have recently become the world’s eighth farm tourism choice destination,” Mercado said, adding that promoting organic agri-tourism is the perfect marriage as it advocates sustainable industry.
Themed “Getting Connected Through Regenerative Organic Agriculture,” this year’s five-day event gathers thousands of organic agriculture advocates, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholder-members from different municipalities and cities in Negros.
Among them are some 150 organic farmer-producers and exhibitors who are currently displaying and selling their products at the Cyber Centre grounds.
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the Provincial Government targets to increase last year’s sales of almost P4.2 million.
Currently, global market value for organic product is pegged at about P100 billion thus, Marañon said the province is still challenged to produce more to supply the demand.
There is also a need for local producers to be certified so that they can access both domestic and international markets, he added.
“We have achieved significant milestones in the implementation of the organic agriculture program,” Marañon said, adding that despite the challenges “we are in the right direction towards our vision to become the Organic Food Bowl of Asia.”
In sustaining its gains, the provincial government is in the process of formulating new policies and measures to preserve the island’s organic standing and integrity, the governor said.