AFTER the launch of the “Pop-Up Earth Market” in Silay City over the weekend, the second one will open in Bacolod City Saturday, March 27, 2021.
Gathering at least 30 local organic farmers and producers, the event at the Kadiwa Market of May’s Organic Garden in Barangay Pahanocoy will run until Sunday, March 28.
About 20 local farmers and producers joined the “Earth Market” in Silay City held at the Casa A. Gamboa at 5 Rizal Street from March 20 to 21.
Doreen “Reena” Gamboa, president of Slow Food Community of Negros Island, said, “we are very happy with the turnout of the first Pop-Up Earth Market in Silay and we are already looking at holding the event on a regular basis.”
A project of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island, these two new “Earth Markets” in Negros Occidental are the newest addition to the worldwide Slow Food community and is one of the highlights of the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Festival 2020 to 2021.
Ramon “Chinchin” Uy Jr., a member of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island, said the Earth Market in Bacolod will open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Aside from the showcase of local produce and products, activities at the Earth Market in Bacolod will also include a cooking demo by Chef Don Colmenares from 12 noon to 1 p.m., and Chef Joerri Aro from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, Chef Gab Melocoton will also have a cooking demo from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Talks on the first day include “Opportunity in Cacao Growing and Processing” by Chris Fabriga from 10:30 to 12 noon; “Sustainable Seafood in Negros” by Terence Dacles and Dr. Ari Barcelona from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; “Organic Shade Grown Coffee Growing and Processing – Ark of Taste Barako Coffee” by Teddy Cañete of Minoyan Murcia Marginal Coffee Growers from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m; and “How to make Dulce de leche from Carabao’s Milk” by the Philippine Carabao Center from 5 p.m. to 5:30 pm.
On the second 2, talks include “Growing, Processing the Ark of Taste: Adlai” by Arsenio Dela Torre of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; “Rediscovering the Ark of Taste: Tinigib Corn” by Arnel Calago of Camingawan Tagukon Farmers Association from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon; “Green Mining Technology” by Noel Fordente of Central Philippines State University (CPSU) from 1 to 2:30 p.m., “Small-Scale Muscovado Production” by Genaline Mangao of CPSU from 2:30 to 4 p.m., and “Home-Based Mushroom” by Josie Jiminez and Syro Jiminez from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cali Band will entertain the guests from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
“Earth Markets” is an international network of markets that work in accordance with the principles of “slow food.”
The Slow Food Community of Negros Island commits to “promoting and preserving the traditional food of Negros Island" and to change the local food system one step at a time.
"We are bringing good, clean, and fair shopping opportunities to the local community. The produce are local, fresh, and seasonal,” Gamboa said.
The organizers have assured the public that the activities will observe health protocols against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) such as observing required physical distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield, checking of body temperature, using of contract tracing system, and washing of hands.