The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IX thru its Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) participated in the ORGANIC OSMENA 2020 last August 20-22, 2017 spearheaded by the Local Government of Sergio Osme?a, Zamboanga del Norte.

In partnership with SFJ Farm Inc., IBSA- Integrated Business Skill Academy School of Organic Agriculture, Congressional Office of Cong. Bullet P. Jalosjos, DOLE, TESDA, DOST, DOT, DA, DTI, DPWH and other National and private agencies, Organic Osmena 2020 is the municipality's first Annual Natural Organic Festival which showcases all the natural organically grown crops in the locality.

Present as the Keynote Guest, Senator Cynthia A. Villar gave an inspiring message being the senate Chairman on Agriculture and an organic advocate. She was joined by Undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Atty. Karen Jimeno who likewise committed to allocate funds for the improvement of farm to market roads in the locality.

DOLE9 Director Ofelia B. Domingo said that DOLE is committed to be of assistance to the farmers who produce organic products by sharing livelihood funds for the procurement of equipments for the organic fertilizer production. Likewise, the DOLE also provided livelihood assistance and employment thru SPES granted to the Municipality thru the facilitation of their PESO Manager Mr. Juan L. Entrina and support and partnership of the Local Chief Executive.

The activity was participated by almost 5000 farmers a day, 2000 farmers alone from Sergio Osme?a, ZDN, 500 farmers from Polanco, ZDN, 500 farmers from Pi?an ZDN, 500 farmers from Rizal ZDN, 500 from Dapitan City, 500 farmers from Sibutad ZDN and 500 farmers from different municipalities from districts 2 & 3 in Zamboanga del Norte.

The said fair aimed to connect the farmers to the suppliers and buyers; to introduce the essence of organic farming and its products. The event also served as a venue for the farmers to be trained in Organic Farming skill and to be certified through TESDA & IBSA and to market the organically grown crops from Sergio Osme?a to Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao through SFJ Food, SFJ Organica & 002020 Festival website.

Megajane Ligutom, LEO-II, ZDNFO