Basco, Batanes – The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2 (DA RFO 2) hosted the 80th National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) Meeting and the 2nd Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting Series of 2025 from May 19-22 in Basco, Batanes. The event, aimed at promoting organic agriculture, highlighted significant initiatives and policy support designed to uplift farming practices in the region.

In her message, Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO 2, announced a crucial resolution passed on May 7, 2025.

“We have encouraged policy support and investment by crafting Resolution for an Administrative Order recommending the Department of Agriculture, through Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., to declare Batanes an Organic Farming Practitioner Province,” Dr. Aquino stated.

This resolution was co-signed by Farmer Regional Executive Director, Mr. Dante B. Tobias, and shared with local leadership, including Governor Marilou H. Cayco.

Dr. Aquino emphasized the region’s unique advantages for organic farming: “Our region is blessed with rich natural resources, fertile soil, and a favorable climate, making it an ideal place for organic agriculture.” She noted that organic farming in Cagayan Valley is gaining momentum, driven by government initiatives and a growing awareness among farmers.

The DA RFO 2 has implemented various programs to promote organic agriculture, including training and technical assistance. One notable initiative is the “From Waste to Wealth” framework, which features the tagline “Biodegradable Wastes ay Yaman, Asenso Natin Organiko at Reheranitibong Agrikultura Isabuhay” (Bio-ANI).

This program aims to transform biodegradable waste into valuable organic fertilizer, thereby supporting regenerative agriculture.

As part of these efforts, DA RFO 2 has distributed composting facilities to convert household and farm waste, such as rice straw, corn stubble, and animal manure, into fertilizer. “We have conducted capacity-building training for Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs) focused on organic fertilizer production and business negotiation skills,” Dr. Aquino added.

The current status of organic agriculture in Batanes shows promising growth, with 13,208.9 hectares dedicated to organic practices. Among these, 2.3 hectares are third-party certified, with a total of 4,126 organic agriculture practitioners in the province.

Other provinces within the region are also making strides in organic farming. Cagayan has reported 274.90 hectares of organic area, Isabela boasts 1,099.1 hectares, Quirino has 534.18 hectares, and Nueva Vizcaya has 651.03 hectares, with respective numbers of practitioners and certified areas.

The meeting saw participation from key figures in agriculture, including Dir. Bernadette San Juan of the National Organic Agriculture Program, Lea C. Deriquito, DMO V/ Chief-Advocacy and Policy Division; Ma. Eliza J. Antinero, PDO V/Chief, Project Development Support Division; Dir. Aimee L. Paredes, NOAB – Representative for NGO; Dir. Gabriel A. Arubio, NOAB – Representative for Luzon Small Farmer; Dir. Godynel D. Isedenia, NOAB – Representative for Visayas Small Farmer; Dir. Mael Jethel J. Kapunan, NOAB – Representative for Mindanao Small Farmer; Dir. Rodolfo F. Cortez, Jr., NOAB – Representative for PGS Group, Dir. Von Mark R. Mendoza, Director for Project Management Service; Ma. Susana G. Perez, PDO V/CARPO, PMRMD-PMS (DAR NOAB TWG Representative); Dr. Juanito T. Batalon, NOAB – Representative for DOST / Director for PCAARDD; Ms. Cherry V. Lanwang, Senior Science Research Specialist (DOST NOAB TWG Representative); Dir. Gomel C. Gabuna, LIB, MDM, CESE, Director, North Luzon Cluster, Field Regulatory Operations Office, FDA, and Mr. George Caday, Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person.

Joining online were Dir. Dona Padre, Representative, Private Sector, Asec. Elizabeth Lopez de Leon and Usec. Cherrybel Caballero, Undersecretary for Organic Agriculture and HVCDP.

As the region continues to embrace organic agriculture, these initiatives and collaborative efforts are set to enhance sustainable farming practices and strengthen the agricultural sector in Cagayan Valley.

Via Ferdinand Cortez
Photos: OA DA RFO 2