The largest worldwide organic agriculture conference of the year took place in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte from June 6–10, 2023. Over 1,300 people, including 253 foreigners from 32 nations, attended the week-long 6th Organic Asia Congress.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte hosted the event, which was organized by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organics Asia and the League of Organic Agriculture Municipalities, Cities and Provinces of the Philippines (LOAMCP-Ph). The DA served as one of the event’s primary sponsors through the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP).

Speakers from around the world discussed organic agriculture technologies, research, and practices related to climate change, innovations, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, social inclusivity, and rice production, all under the congress theme of “Building World Peace through Organic Agriculture: Food Security Vital to Peace Building.” Via the LGU of Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado’s Arms to Farms project, former rebels who became farmers in the area also testified about how organic agriculture resolved armed disputes within their municipality and neighboring municipalities.

Policymakers and national leaders also attended the aforementioned occasion. Sen. Cynthia Villar’s representative, Sen. Mark Villar, made a physical message delivery. He said that addressing the issues around food security is one of the administration’s top concerns. “A pinned strategy that is being pursued nationwide to enhance productivity of the agricultural sector is the promotion of community gardens in our barangays,” Villar stated.

The national government, working with the DA-NOAP, has programs and initiatives that reach out to many segments of the population, including as women, youth, LGUs, and urban and rural farmers, encouraging them all to join the fight for safe, sustainable, and nutritious food production.

Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan of the Department of Agriculture highlighted the importance of local leaders in advancing organic agriculture as a means of ensuring food security. Maria Belen Acosta, Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), expressed support by stating that stakeholders must cooperate and understand one another. All of the attendees were urged to contribute in order to bolster organic farming in the nation by NOAP Director Bernadette San Juan.

Organic farming systems have gained popularity because they use natural, chemical-free farming practices that promote public and environmental welfare. The convention presents organic agriculture in a new light by emphasizing its ability to settle disputes and foster harmony between communities.

The six-day event consisted of four main events that were held back-to-back: the first Women in Organic Agriculture in Asia in the Philippines (WOAA-Ph), the ninth Asian Local Governments for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA) Summit, the sixth Organic Agriculture Conference.