The CPU-DA initiative gathered some 20 exhibitors from public and private entities— across Iloilo and neighboring provinces like Capiz and Antique—most of whom are advocates of natural farming practices and organic agriculture.
Among other participants, the Capiz State University (CapSU) scattered in ten campuses across the province—and represented by Dr. Cora F. Navarra, newly appointed vice-president for research and extension, brought a number of organic products from Capiz.
From the province of Capiz, CapSU brought to the organic market samples of organic black rice, vermicast and carbonized rice hull coming from small backyard productions in Ivisan and nearby Capiz towns.
CapSU also sold mushroom fruiting bags produced from the mushroom culture based in its Burias Campus and the coco sugar produced by CapSU RDE. It also showcased engineered bamboo novelty items produced by one Randy Fancubila, a recognized Magsasaka Siyentista from Capiz specializing in engineered bamboo technology.
Fancubila leads the 28-member Dumalag Bamboocraft Producers’ Cooperative based in Dumalag, Capiz which has already been trained by government agencies particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz . For such efforts, it is laudable how CapSU diligently brings to the fore the capacities of small-scale farmers and innovators like Fancubila who discover alternative ways on how to make use of our natural resources while also being able to provide livelihoods in their own communities.
Participating in the same expo were small producers from Capiz and Iloilo who continually innovate saleable products out of organic or traditional farming systems.
All these only go to show how such initiatives can create awareness among the general public; and form part of the one hundred and one approaches by which we can promote practicable ways to combat climate change and its ill effects.
Such and other activities hinged on the national pronouncement led by the DA—primarily the Republic Act No. 10068, or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010—should be further encouraged if only to effectively promote and advance organic farming practices not only to the rural communities but more importantly to every farmland in this country.
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MR. ORGANICO CapSU TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra shares carbonized rice hull technology to CPU engineering students. |
