PB okays organic farming ordinance

The Cebu Provincial Board has unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance institutionalizing sustainable agricultural practices, promoting chemical-free farming, protecting the environment, and safeguarding public health.

- Jonnavie Villa/FPL

Board Member Victoria G. Corominas-Toribio authored the measure, which was passed during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on Monday, June 16.

Titled the Cebu Organic Agriculture Development Ordinance, the measure has been allocated an initial funding of P15 million.

A copy of the ordinance obtained by The Freeman states that the measure aligns with Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, and its amendment, RA 11511, thereby localizing and strengthening Cebu’s role in environmental protection through agriculture.

“It is hereby declared the policy of the Province of Cebu to encourage, promote, propagate, develop, protect and implement the practice of organic agriculture to reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, protect the health of producers and consumers of farm products and educate the public on the health benefits of organically-grown agricultural products,” reads a portion of the ordinance.