farm food fest 2024

The 17th Negros Island Organic Festival and 2nd Terra Madre Visayas was held on Nov 19 to 23, 2024 at North Capitol Road in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Booths and stalls lined the closed off streets beside the lagoon and around the capitol drive entrance. Talks and workshops were held daily at the Negros Residences - all within walking range of the participants and event visitors. 

view of event venue at North Capitol Road - BCD PIO

We were treated to an extraordinary community of farmers and producers in and around Negros province. Participating delegates who have implemented tangible projects in their communities came to share and collaborate in this five-day fest.  Government support and representation was fully supportive, in recognition of their valuable contribution to our food systems, travel tourism and local entertainment. 

now on it's 17th year - growing & expanding

The festival aimed to promote the Visayan region as an active Slow Food central hub in Asia and the Pacific - exhibiting Philippine cuisine, culture, and arts. Daily turnout and event earnings attest to its resounding success. 

It was delightful to browse through the stalls, curiously checking out what they had to offer. Food - fresh, raw, preserved, home cooked, local fare. Plants - edible, ornamental, pesticide free, tended with care - regular favorites and unusual surprises. 

in its second year & gaining good ground 

We took our time picking up and closely examining each item. Stall sellers were eager to share their tips and suggestions on how to tend for, prepare and serve their goods. It was amazing to hear their stories and absorb their wealth of knowledge. 

officials at the opening day, festival grounds

From the soil conditions that propagate and increase yields, to how best to forage for or cook their delicacies. There were generous samplings and tastings served all around. Varied options for many local favorites and new and unusual edibles presented. Some food we'd grown up loving but had grown scarce to find. Some new hybrids grown and produced in carefully tended far to reach places. 

garden plants for sale - purple pepper, variegated calamansi, 7 color chili

There were demos and workshops given around the festival grounds as well as lectures and talks at the function hall. Participants and delegates came from all parts of the Visayas - north to south, east and west, across the island and surrounding seas. 

discovery of the day - yutokon or Pano'on Hornstedtia conoidea,
Zingiberaceae (ginger family)

Slow food communities came and contributed their home grown knowledge - Slow Food International, Asia-Pacific, Philippines, Visayas, Panay Educators, Slow Food Youth, Slow Fish, Slow Drinks, Coffee Coalition, Cooks Aliance, Arc of Taste movement. A deep and rich growing pool of knowledge and practice. 

We also had treats from local businesses - Paleta, Sant Jordi, Casa del Formaggio, Fresh Start, Quan, Gina’s, 18th Street Palapala, N. Velez Grill, Aboa Ice Cream, 7 Hectares, Bog’s Brew, 26 Herb Garden, Vientos de la Granja. HS Botanical Garden. A thriving community of committed residents. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in the house

LGUS and government support was out in full force as well - Slow Food Negros, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Province of Negros Occidental and Governor Bong Lacson, Bacolod City and Mayor Albee Benitez, Senator Loren Legarda, NCCA, Director General Kiko Benitez, Victorias City and Mayor Javi Benitez, Silay City and the Historical Council, Philippine Reef and Rainforest. 

video recap of the festival's happy turnout

How wonderful to witness the connections and collaborations formed by all these different groups - in a shared feast of clean, good and fair food for the whole community. Congratulations folks - well done!