When the organic agriculture or OA as other have called it goes into mainstream - this term is neither new nor old to me. I first heard OA 18 years ago (hmm! that doesn't mean I am that old, but at some point of my life - I grow) when I joined in a non-government organization as technical writer cum researcher fresh from college graduation.

Surrounded by advocates (environmental, gender and development, peace, free press and among others) I had really an overwhelming experience because what they talked and worked for were solid real-life experiences which are not found under the formal school context.

So when the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) started to embrace the OA framework - I am one of those who are very much delighted on the development because I cannot figure that out that such cause reached to a government institution which is mandated by the Philippine government as responsible agency in the promotion of agricultural and fisheries development and growth.

An agency whose pursuit of providing a policy framework that directs public investments and, in partnership with the local government units (LGUs), provides the support services necessary to make agriculture and fisheries, and agri-based enterprises profitable and to help spread the benefits of development to the poor, particularly those in the rural areas. Whereby, the endeavor is indeed a big feat in the process.

With OA's implementation, I am positive that this endeavor will not stop when the initiators are no longer in active service, rather, we would be very much grateful when it continue to thrive onwards.

Going back to basics and goes natural is a manifestation of our vigilance to protect ourselves and the world that we live in. Life is too short and figuratively not fair, thus, what we've done are just little step to achieve a better tomorrow.