From war-torn to organic haven: Kauswagan hosts 6th Organic Asia Congress

by Lou Ellen L. Antonio

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Kauswagan, a once war-torn town in Mindanao, has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis, emerging as a global leader in organic agriculture.

The town, once marred by conflict during former President Joseph Estrada's all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2000, is now a shining example of peace and prosperity.

This remarkable turnaround is largely attributed to the efforts of former combatants who have taken up pivotal roles in ensuring a harmonious and thriving Kauswagan through the "From Arms to Farms" program of the local government.

The 5th-class municipality has come a long way from its war-torn past as it stands proud as the host of the prestigious 6th Organic Asia Congress on June 4 to 10.

It was a gathering of 1,300 local and foreign delegates from 32 countries and areas such as Iran, India, South Korea, China,

Mongolia, Tunisia, and Vietnam, among others, that witnessed the transformation taking place in this once-devastated area.

Participants include distinguished experts, policymakers, and passionate individuals committed to organic agriculture.

It provided a remarkable platform for Kauswagan to showcase its remarkable journey and share valuable insights with the interna - tional community.

Lasting peace, hunger alleviation, and sustainable development

Kauswagan Mayor Rommel Arnado expressed profound gratitude for the delegates' interest in his hometown and credited the transformative "From Arms to Farms" program for the progress achieved thus far.

"We have also put Kauswagan on the global map as we have drawn the attention of the world through our success in alleviating hunger and peacebuilding. I truly believed that our decision to unify and come together helped us achieve our goals of lasting peace in Kauswagan," he said.

Among the distinguished guests at the event was Senator Mark Villar, who commended the passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to organic agriculture.

"This gathering of passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to the cause of organic agriculture is proof of our shared purpose towards building a better country, one that is rooted in sustainability, full security, and ultimately peace," he said.

Food security for conflict prevention

Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, chairperson of the Mindanao Development

Authority, emphasized the importance of ensuring a sufficient food supply as a means to prevent conflict and violence.

"We acknowledge that when people have enough to eat, they are less likely to engage in conflict or resort to violence to meet their basic needs. This is why a gathering of experts, policymakers, and stakeholders like this is important in achieving this