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The SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) joined the 8th Sustainable Ecological Agriculture (SEA) Summit on October 27-29, 2026, at Eden Hall, SCC Natures Farm 1, Green Valley, Poblacion 8, Midsayap, Cotabato. Cotabato.
This year’s summit carried the theme “Sowing Resilience: Sustainable Ecological Agriculture for Food, Health and a Greener Tomorrow,” bringing together local government leaders, national and regional agencies, academe, farmer groups, and advocates of ecological farming from across the region.
The opening day, themed “Learn: Knowledge and Science-Understanding Sustainable Ecological Agriculture,” aimed to build a shared foundation on food security, health, and the environment.
Welcome messages came from Midsayap Mayor Hon. Rolando C. Sacdalan and Dr. Edwin T. Balaki, President of Southern Christian College (SCC) and RRDCC Chairperson of SOXAARRDEC. Dr. Elma M. Neyra, Director for SCC Special Project, presented the rationale and history of the summit.
Inspirational messages were delivered by Cotabato 1st District Representative Edwin L. Cruzado, M.D. and Ms. Elma L. Delante spoke on behalf of DA-RFO XII Regional Executive Director Dr. John B. Pascual. The keynote message was given by Dir. Bernadette F. San Juan of the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), who joined local leaders and partners in declaring the summit open.
Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte Vice Mayor Rommel C. Arnado shared his town’s experience in governance for organic agriculture, food security, and sufficiency.
Mayors from across the region led the cutting of ribbons and the opening of the exhibits, namely, Pigcawayan Mayor Hon. Juanito C. Agustin, Alamada Mayor Hon. Jesus N. Sacdalan, Libungan Mayor Hon. Angel Rose L. Cuan, Midsayap Mayor Hon. Rolando C. Sacdalan, Aleosan Mayor Hon. Eduardo C. Cabaya, Pikit Mayor Hon. Muhyryn D. Sultan-Casi, and Carmen Mayor Hon. Rogelio T. Taliño.
Also present were SCC Vice Presidents Dr. Neyrma N. Cabatac (Academic Affairs) and Dr. Rodelio N. Ambangan (Research and Extension). The strong participation and support of local chief executives showed how much local governments are investing in ecological agriculture. The afternoon plenary sessions on Food, Health, and Environment were attended by SOXAARRDEC Director Dr. Julius Jerome G. Ele, who opened the series with a talk on “Food Security in the Age of Climate Change.”
He was followed by two other speakers: Ms. Helenita R. Gamela, Executive Director of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc., on Ecological Farming and Human Health, covering pesticide-free farming, nutrition, and safe food, and Dr. Ma. Elena N. Tanabe, Assistant Professor at USM Kabacan, on Healing the Soil, Healing the Planet, covering biodiversity, water conservation, soil health, and agroforestry.
On October 28, participants joined field tours, visiting different farms and enterprises. The afternoon plenary featured farmer-practitioners sharing their experiences in organic farming, value-adding for vegetables, and appropriate farm machinery.
SOXAARRDEC’s participation reflects its commitment to connecting research with the farms and communities it serves. SOXAARRDEC congratulates Southern Christian College and all partners and organizers for hosting a meaningful summit.
