November 19, 2024- Mayor Albee Benitez and Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 17th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival and the 2nd Terra Madre Visayas 2024 at the Capitol Grounds. The event’s opening ceremony followed at the Negros Residences Function Hall, marking the beginning of the festival.

The celebration will feature activities throughout the day, including the Terra Madre Visayas Market and a series of informative talks. Topics to be covered include Food Product Mapping: Slow Food Ark of Taste at the Food Terminal Market of Negros Occidental and various sessions at the Negros Residences Function Hall, such as Slow Food Asia Pacific Plans, Slow Food Farms, and Slow Food Travel. Additional discussions will explore Blue Crab Fisheries Management and Food Development, Regenerating Gastronomy through an Interdisciplinary Approach, Food Biodiversity Mapping in the Visayas, and Engaging Citizen Science for Coastal Resource Ecology Literacy.

The festival showcases booths set up by different Slow Food Community groups, featuring a range of sustainable and organic products. This platform not only highlights local producers but also encourages dialogue on preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological responsibility.

Distinguished guests present at the launch included Bacolod City Mayor Libby Ponce Tangco from SJI, was elected as the counterpart of Mayor Albee Benitez during the Rotary Club of Bacolod Boys and Girls Week event, Victorias City Mayor Javi Benitez and Bacolod City Councilors Em Ang, Vladimir Gonzalez, and Jason Villarosa. Representatives from national and local government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and foundations also attended the event.

The event will run from today until November 23, highlighting the vibrant culture of organic and slow food movements in the Visayas.
(Source: Bacolod City Public Information Office)