The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led by Governor Bong Lacson won the bid for the 2027 IFOAM Organic World Congress at Nanhua University in Taiwan.
With 128 votes, the province bagged the hosting against Brisbane, Australia which had 92 votes.
The Organic World Congress co-organized by the IFOAM – Organics International is held every three years and is attended by thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.
“As Governor of the Sugar and Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines, I proudly represent Negros Occidental in bidding to host the 2027 World Organic Congress.
“The aspiration to host this esteemed Congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling.”
The aspiration to host this esteemed Congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care,” Lacson said.
“Hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide. We envision this Congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve,” the governor added.
The bid was also attend by some LGU chief executives including Mayor Mhai Mhai Mangilimutan, Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, Mayor Manuel Escalante, Mayor Bading Escalante, Mayor Ela Yulo-Garcia, Mayor John Paul Alvarez, Mayor Daph Reliquias, Mayor Jose Maria Alonso, Mayor Gina Lizares, Mayor Narcisso Javelosa, Mayor Marvin Malacon, Mayor Biboy Yap, Mayor Marilyn Era and Mayor Javi Benitez.
Benitez is the president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives.
“Hosting the OWC in 2027 is a defining moment for Negros Occidental.”
“Hosting the OWC in 2027 is a defining moment for Negros Occidental,” the mayor said.
“It is a chance to showcase the strength of our sustainable agriculture and bring honor not only to our province but also to the Philippines,” he said.
“Now, the real work begins. We must rise to the challenge,” Benitez stressed.
