The Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) of the Department of Agriculture- Central Visayas (DA7) provided technical assistance to four (4) organic associations (OA) in Cebu on the preparation of OALP Proposal: Capability Building of OA Livelihood Proponents held today, June 3, 2025 at a venue in Cebu City.
The participants, who are aspiring to be an organic certified group were Simala Farmers Association (SIFARA) of Sibonga, Actfree Farmers Association of Boljoon, Cebu Diversified Advocacy Cooperative (CEDACO) of Cebu City and Dumanjug Federation of Civil Society Organization Incorporated (DUMFEDCSOI) of Dumanjug.
Introduced to them were the principles of organic agriculture and guided on the process of applying for OA accreditation.
Mae M. Montecillo, the focal person of the OAP gave the rationale, sharing that the OA program aims to strengthen local agricultural production and supports the goal of achieving food security. She stressed that true organic farming must meet specific standards, from planting to harvesting to consumption. The mixing of organic and inorganic produce defeats the purpose of the OAP.