Fresh Start Organics: Breaking Grounds in Organic Farming

Organic farming is aimed at producing food for every Negrosanon without damaging the environment. 

Farmers should turn away from the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.Instead, they should learn how to prepare their own compost fertilizers and natural insecticides by introducing plants that attract and repel garden insects.

Organic farmers can improve poor soil and increase food production by growing a combination of crops. This farming method protects the land by putting back the nutrients into the soil and also conserves the environment.

One of the pioneers of this practice is Fresh Start Organics in Hda. Maquina, Silay City operated by Ramon Uy Jr. who has already inspired small-time farmers to  go into organic farming.

Check out this blogpost from 2011 to learn more about this pioneer in organic farming: Fresh Start Organic Farm

Silay City Organic Farm Tours

The continuing efforts of the Silay City Government in the promotion of farm tours as an emerging tourist attraction has resulted in the formulation of various tour packages that caters to the demand of the visitors.

These tour packages are specially designed so that the individual can better appreciate the health and environmental benefits of organic farming.

So, whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, a traveler, a nature-lover, a student, a professional of any age or race; Silay City has something for you.

Organic Silay Tour Package # 1

‘The Taste and Fun of Silay’

7:00 am	-         Assemble at Silay Plaza Olympia Severino (public plaza) for briefing -         (OPTIONAL) Visit to the Blessed Sacrament at San Diego Pro-Cathedral / or Ruins of the Old Church (Prayer Room) -         Walk tour to Silay Delicacy Barter Trade passing Calle Real  (The Old Shopping District)
7:30 am	-         Arrival at Calle Carajo -         Tourists can have their choice of Silay native delicacies (most are muscovado sugar-based) -         Tourists may have ‘masa breakfast’ at the sidewalk ‘carinderia’ -         Tour guide may invite you to taste brewed coffee
8:30 am	-         Proceed to Fresh Start Organic Vegetable Garden (managed by Chin Chin Uy). Travel time is 5-10 minutes. a.     Lecture / Demo on organic farm fertilizer preparation b.    Visit at the garden -         Open Forum follows -         Tour organizer may schedule a lunch where organic recipe could be served.
10:00 am	-         Visit at Hda. Adela Folklore Village. Travel time is 10 minutes. -         Reception at the Multi-purpose center. -         Interaction with villagers. -         Lunch (could be arranged with tour organizer) -         Demonstration of rituals to appease the spirits -         Hacienda Tour ·       Tour may be extended. For available schedule, reservation, activities and food, please get in touch with Silay Tourism Division, Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center, Silay City, TN (034) 495.55.53.

Organic Silay Tour Package # 2

‘Sentimental Journey to Patag’

7:00 am	-         Breakfast (at Sir and Ma’am Restaurant)
7:45 am	-         Drop By El Ideal Bakery for the native delicacies / Visit Calle Carajo for the Silay Native Delicacy Barter Trade
8:30 am	-         Visit Fresh Start Organic Garden -         Proceed to Fresh Start Organic Vegetable Garden (managed by Chin Chin Uy). Travel time is 5-10 minutes. c.     Lecture / Demo on organic farm fertilizer preparation d.    Visit at the garden -         Open Forum follows
9:45 am	-         ETD for Patag
10:45 am	-         ETA Brgy. Patag, Silay City -         Visit to the Japanese garden (Last stand of the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII) -         Swimming at the spring water of the pool -         (OPTIONAL) Trek to Dumalabdab Falls and Pulang Tubig Falls -         Lunch
1:45 pm	-         Visit vegetable farms -         Buy native trinkets made of nito from the handicraft artists of Patag -         Sightseeing
3:00 pm	-         ETD for Silay City ·      For available schedule, reservation, activities and food, please get in touch with Silay Tourism Division, Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center, Silay City, TN (034) 495.55.53.

Organic Silay Tour Package # 3

‘Seafood and Iron Dinosaur’

11:45 am	-         Lunch in any Balaring Seafood Restaurant -         (OPTIONAL) Mangrove Tour on top of Bamboo Bridge -         (OPTIONAL) Visit Tom’s Bamboo Tower
1:30 pm	-         Visit Fresh Start Organic Garden -         Proceed to Fresh Start Organic Vegetable Garden (managed by Chin Chin Uy). Travel time is 5-10 minutes. e.     Lecture / Demo on organic farm fertilizer preparation f.       Visit at the garden -         Open Forum follows
2:30 pm	-         Delicacy shopping at El Ideal Bakery -         Visit to the Silay Museum
3:00 pm	-         Bagoneta ride passing through the sugarcane fields along the riles communities, fishponds and bird watching areas.
4:30 pm	-         Visit at Hawaiian Philippine Company (sugar mill) -         See the iron dinosaurs (Steam locomotive) -         Buy the best muscovado sugar
5:45 pm	-         Back to Silay City ·       For available schedule, reservation, activities and food, please get in touch with Silay Tourism Division, Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center, Silay City, TN (034) 495.55.53

 come, visit us now!

Silay Goes Organic

Silay City took the challenge to produce healthy and appetizing food without damaging the environment.

The city strives to take part in sustainable development through organic farming because its environmental and health benefits represent hope for future generations.

Silay is one with the province of Negros Occidental in its goal to become the Organic Capital of the Philippines. Our agriculture officer, Jason Benedicto, is especially enthusiastic about the promotion and implementatio of organic farming. To date, two of the recent outstanding farmers of Negros Occidental are all Silaynons.

Years of sugarcane farming with the use of chemical and pesticides has taken its toll on our land. The soil’s natural fertilizers are basically non-existent today. The first step towards organic farming is for us to slowly coax nutrients back into the soils, Now, this may take years but the benefits greatly outweigh the wait.

After all, organic farming is not just about food production. It is not just all about healthy living. It is also about the preservation of Mother Earth.