The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led by Gov. Bong Lacson won the bid for the 2027 IFOAM Organic World Congress at Nanhua University in Taiwan.

The province won the hosting bid over Brisbane, Australia, receiving 128 votes to their 92.

“As Governor of the Sugar and Organic Food Bowl of the Philippines, I proudly represent Negros Occidental in bidding to host the 2027 World Organic Congress. The aspiration to host this esteemed Congress is something we consider not just a privilege but a calling, aligned with humanity’s shared aspiration for better health, ecology, fairness, and care.” Governor Bong Lacson said.

He added, “hosting the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Negros Occidental is not just an event for us. It is an opportunity to amplify the organic movement, inspire policy reforms, and empower farmers worldwide. We envision this Congress as a platform for innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration that will drive the change we all hope to achieve.”

The Organic World Congress, co-organized by the IFOAM – Organics International is held every three years and is attended by thousands of organic farmers, producers, researchers, advocates, and policy experts from around the world.

The bid was also attend by some LGU mayors (Mayor Javi Benitez, Mayor Mhai Mhai Mangilimutan, Mayor Marxlen dela Cruz, Mayor Manuel Escalante, Mayor Bading Escalante, Mayor Ela Yulo-Garcia, Mayor John Paul Alvarez, Mayor Daph Reliquias, Mayor Jose Maria Alonso, Mayor Gina Lizares, Mayor Narcisso Javelosa, Mayor Marvin Malacon, Mayor Biboy Yap, Mayor Marilyn Era), Board Member RJ Sablan, DA-NIR OIC Regional Exec. Dir. Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, NISARD Foundation Inc. represented by Boyet Uychiat, Slow Food Movement for SEA Councilor Chin-Chin Uy, local organic farmers and provincial government employees. #AbanseNegrense