FIRST PHILIPPINE ORGANIC MANGO CONFERENCE PHOTOS

January 23-25, 2008

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	Alex Corpus Hermoso, convenor of the First Philippine Organic Mango Conference said, "Kailan pa sisimulan? We have to start somewhere!" as he expresses his best interest to push through organizing the organic mango industry in the country.
	Fr Shay Cullen, President of PREDA, expresses his warm welcome to the participants. He stressed out that there is a remarkable growing market demand for organic products abroad. In relation with PREDA’s advocacy on environment, he mentioned that there are negative effects of using chemical inputs to human health and the natural growth of mango trees as well. "The more you use chemicals to produce, the more mango trees that die every year", he said
	Governor Atty. Amor Deloso, grace the event and expresses his support as Zambales is known to be the home of the sweetest mango in the world that this industry will be developed in his province.
	Dr. Orlino Mercado of the DA-Regional Field Office 3 presents the Status of Mango Industry in the Philippines.
	During the open forum - Rex Rivera from General Santos (left), Mr. Ross Quin of the Full of Grace, Nueva Ecija (right) both practitioners of organic mango production and Ms. Leilani Limpin( middle) of Organic Certification Center of the Philippine (OCCP).
	Mr. Thomas Hoyer, Executive Director of DWP- Germany presents the growing market demand for organic mango both as fresh fruit and processed mango derivative products such as puree, juice, dried mango, chutney, jams, etc.
	Mr. Justin Uy- President of Profood Cebu shared their exprtise on mango processing and marketing. He announced his commitment to process organic mangoes for Preda Fair Trade.
	Prof. Susana Garcia of Ramon Magsaysay Technological University- Research & Extension Training Dep't presented the results of the efficacy of Botanical sprays from different NGO & PO partners.
	Ms. Geraldine Labradores from Southern Partners of Fair Traders, Inc Cebu shares the Fair Trade principles and market opportunities through Fair Fair Trade network.
	WORKSHOP: The participants were divided into groups and the Technical Working Group (TWG) per Island Region had been formed. Preda Fair Trade hes been designated as the secretariat.

	SOLIDARITY NIGHT: PREDA-AKBAY theater group performs environmental play entitled "ANG BATO" which shows the destruction of large scale mining to our environment.
	Cultural presentations perform by "PERLAS NG SILANGAN" of Olongapo City.