About us
Cebu Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association was conceived in a matter of minutes, literally. The founding members were all attendants of the seminar on natural farming system conducted by the Department of Agriculture in July 2006. It was the last day of a series of seminars for the whole month of July when a DA personnel suggested to the attendees to form an association to put meaning to what they had learned from the seminar. Everybody was agreeable to the idea so, right then and there, just before the seminar came to a close, they decided to elect a set of interim officers. Thus COFGA was born.
COFGA is an association of organic farmers whose primary objective is to make farming a sustainable livelihood for years to come. The indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers and chemicals by most farmers in the country today to get quick and often bountiful harvest has exhausted the soil most of its nutrients such as minerals that are naturally abound in nature. In this regard, COFGA members will try to do something in terms of advocacy seminars and trainings in local communities and try to foster ties with LGUs and other private sectors.
COFGA is a SEC-registered non-profit non-government organization in the Philippines. Being a non-profit organization, we mostly source our funds from outside sources such as private individuals and companies in the form of financial grants or donations. These financial aids will enable us to conduct free trainings and seminars on organic farming techniques to marginalized farmers around Cebu province.
Aside from the seminars and trainings, we also aim to establish cooperations with local government units to put up projects that would alleviate poverty in rural areas as well as urban communities.
For information about membership to COFGA, please click here.
Cebu Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association 
Louise Goodman said,
May 22, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
Do you have a list of “organic only” farmers markets?
I live in San Jose, California. Thank you!
JULIEN ROBLE said,
July 5, 2009 @ 1:40 am
hi, MY PRODUCT IS ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR / ORGANIC COCONUT HONEY’I wud like to introduce here in cebu;not only by thru marketing but to share this technology’ organic coconut sugar is made from coconut sap’is purely natural process rich vitamins and minerals’according to FNRI Philippines (FOOD NATIONAL RESEACH INSTITUTE) the GI glycemix index is 35’it is ideal for diabetic or non-diabetic if you like more info and details: pls contact mobile no.0916-4314334 /0928-2128016 email: cocosugbo2007@yahoo.com
Jorge said,
June 5, 2007 @ 5:41 am
Hi Louise,
Thanks for writing.
Sorry, I don’t know about the markets in the United States. As you know, our organization is based in Cebu, the Philippines. In our country though, I don’t know of “organic only” farmers market that exist.
As a developing country, it’s still quite hard to find such market because most of us can’t afford to buy organically-grown products. It’s not because growing crops organically is expensive. Rather, it’s the getting of certification of commercial farms from the governing agency which is currently at a prohibitive rate. Naturally, farmers sell their products at a much higher rate if compared to non-organic.
Although our organization is trying to advocate organic farming in a relatively cheaper way of growing crops and livestock, we don’t foresee it happen in a very near future yet. Maybe, 10 or so years – that’s more realistic.
Leah Almonte said,
June 5, 2009 @ 1:41 am
To COFGA,
Promising sales opportunities are now available through our recently developed organic based fertilizer which is called En Grow +. We have pleasure in offering the exclusive representation to you.
Consumers are becoming health and environment-conscious. Our new organic fertilizer called En Grow + is made from humus and transformed into Humic Acid which allows the plants to absorb nutrients from the soil among others.
Also, En Grow + promote friendly agricultural practice for the soil to regain some friendly bacteria and fungus so farmers can harvest better tasting, smelling, better color and size of fruits and vegetables. This is also cost effective to farmers and gardeners alike.
This product is made in the Philippines and will help lessen the need for inorganic fertilizer. In this light, we are seeking distributors all over the Philippines. May we invite you to be one of our distinguished buyers or distributors? Should you have any questions or are interested please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Susan Baron or Ms. Leah Almonte. Upon receipt of your response, we will immediately send you product sample and specifications.
Yours sincerely,
JOSEFA C. REYES
Manila Herbal & Essential Oils Co., Inc.
2/F 2281 DMCI Plaza
Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Tel: +632-8167372
Mobile No.: 0917-8121932
joanne said,
August 23, 2007 @ 5:41 am
Hello!
My name’s Joanne. I’m really happy to know that there are organic farmers now in cebu. My family and I are currently in Taipei and we’re moving to Cebu soon.
When we were in Manila 3 years ago, we used to buy our vegetables from a weekend organic market. I think it still exists today. I’m wondering if there is a possibility of coming up with a marketplace for organic vegetable growers in Cebu. Maybe a cooperative of organic farmers can be formed. Hopefully the LGU can provide an area even just for a weekend market, wherein they can bring their products for the public.
I’m sure that there are lots of fans out there who are willing to support organic farming.
More power!
GOd bless.
Joanne Antiquina
Jorge said,
August 24, 2007 @ 5:26 am
Thanks Joanne for writing.
It’s nice to hear from you. And I welcome you to Cebu. Our pride to have you here.
You’re curious if there’s a possibility to come up with a marketplace for pure organic products in Cebu. That’s one of the things our organization is aiming for.
COFGA is just less than a year old but we strive hard to be known to the general public thru advocacy seminars and trade fairs for organic products in the near future.
Yes, we all know that most people want to get rid of foods laced with contaminants but there seems to be no other recourse available. Everything in the market today is ‘unnaturally’ grown.
But we have a good news for you. Rustan’s Fresh Supermarket located in Ayala Center Cebu now sells only organically-grown farm products. So when you come to Cebu, you know where to go to buy your favorite greens.
Thanks again for dropping by. I hope you keep visiting our website for more updates.
joanne said,
September 28, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Hi Jorge!
Thanks for your reply. I thought I didn’t get any reply from you because I didn’t get it in my yahoo box.
I’m finally back home with my family. It’s good to know that Rustan’s Ayala is marketing organic greens. I’ll check it out soon!
All the best and more power!
Joanne
Jorge said,
October 1, 2007 @ 9:22 am
I didn’t send u email in ur yahoo inbox because i want u to visit our site again to check for any reply 🙂
By the way, if you don’t mind I’m inviting you to join in our organization. Everybody is welcome as long as he is an advocate for organic farming. You don’t need to be a farmer or gardener as you can see in our membership qualifications page. If you haven’t read it yet, please browse over it.
If you’re interested pls contact me at (32) 261-9074 0927-4584490 for details.
Thanks again.
Michelle Domocol said,
January 14, 2008 @ 8:31 am
Good afternoon,
I’m a project officer of a Sugbuanon Foundation for the Development of Rural Resources and Effective Area Management, a non-profit organization that coordinates agricultural resource persons and farmer’s association around Cebu Province.
Do you know of anyone who would like to conduct a seminar on either vermiculture or vegetable pickling? We will shoulder travel expenses for the resource person
We implement Dr. Davide’s Farmer-Scientist Training Program and facilitate rural development projects in Aloguinsan, Balamban, Bantayan Island, Consolacion, Toledo City and Pinamungajan.
Please email if you have any queries regarding our program. I appreciate any guidance.
Daghang salamat,
Michelle Domocol
Project Officer
of Organizational Development
Leah Almonte said,
June 5, 2009 @ 1:39 am
Dear Ms. Michelle Domocol,
Promising sales opportunities are now available through our recently developed organic based fertilizer which is called En Grow +. We have pleasure in offering the exclusive representation to you.
Consumers are becoming health and environment-conscious. Our new organic fertilizer called En Grow + is made from humus and transformed into Humic Acid which allows the plants to absorb nutrients from the soil among others.
Also, En Grow + promote friendly agricultural practice for the soil to regain some friendly bacteria and fungus so farmers can harvest better tasting, smelling, better color and size of fruits and vegetables. This is also cost effective to farmers and gardeners alike.
This product is made in the Philippines and will help lessen the need for inorganic fertilizer. In this light, we are seeking distributors all over the Philippines. May we invite you to be one of our distinguished buyers or distributors? Should you have any questions or are interested please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Susan Baron or Ms. Leah Almonte. Upon receipt of your response, we will immediately send you product sample and specifications.
Yours sincerely,
JOSEFA C. REYES
Manila Herbal & Essential Oils Co., Inc.
2/F 2281 DMCI Plaza
Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City
Tel: +632-8167372
Jorge said,
January 25, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Thanks or writing. I know some members of our group who are into vermiculture and vegetable pickling. I’ll ask them if they like to. So keep posted.
Best regards!
Liz said,
May 9, 2008 @ 5:16 am
Hi,
I am planning on moving to Cebu from Canada for my job, and I only eat organic food so I will check out that market. It seems that for such a large city there is only one organic market? I am probably going to end up renting, but here at home I have a huge organic garden (which I am going to miss). Are there community gardens, where people who dont have a garden can rent a plot and grow their own food? Is that something that folks might be interested in?
Ryan Yu said,
May 12, 2008 @ 5:33 am
Hello. My Name Is Ryan, we are from Cebu and currently looking for suppliers for Organic Veggies for my mother who is sick with cancer. She is Manila right where supply is abundant but she will move back to Cebu soon. These are the more or less our requirements:
romaine lettuce,potato,tomato,parsley,celery,garlic,spring onions, native onions, green bell pepper, carrots, green apple. The rest r 4 variety sa dishes ni momy w/c is impt: broccoli, cauliflowr, squash,ocra,kangkong,spinach,cabbage,pechay,malunggay,gabi,camote,sayote, papaya,banana etc.
Please contact me asap at 09228898987 or 2312532. Thank you!
Jorge said,
June 4, 2008 @ 4:17 am
Hi Liz,
Thanks Liz for writing. It;s nice of you to write us thru our site. Sorry for the very delayed reply. I had a very busy month of May and wasn’t able to read comments too often.
Anyways, yes, Cebu may be a large city but that’s true organic lifestyle is not yet a very big trend here. Adopting that lifestyle is yet a long way off here. Maybe only the well-off who can afford to buy very expensive organic products. Our government looks like not yet ready to go into organic farming because most of our farmers here are subsistent farmers. They need growth enhancers to produce bigger harvest for quick money for ther family.
If you live in the suburb of Cebu yes, it is possible to rent a plot of land. If you’re lucky to rent a property with a huge vacant lot then you’re free to do whatever you want to that lot.
By the way, I’m a licensed real estate agent also. Have you found a good residence already? If not, then email me so that I can help you find a very nice abode during your stay here. How long will you be staying here in Cebu? Where in Cebu you’ll be assigned?
Thanks for writing and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need some help for your housing needs while in Cebu or you may simply need any help to make your stay in Cebu more fruitful and enjoyable. You can even attend our monthly meeting which falls on every second Saturday of the month. My mobile no. is 0927-4584490 or email me at jocana726@yahoo.com or jorge0726@gmail.com.
Thanks again.
Jorge
Jorge said,
June 4, 2008 @ 4:18 am
Hi Ryan,
Sorry for the late reply. Try to check with Rustan’s Fresh Supermarket if they have organic products.
Ryan I assume you undrestand well what’s organic product already. Organic products are those that devoid of commercial or synthetic growth enhancers that include fertilizers, inducers, pesticides, herbicides, etc.
So to make sure you get the organic products you want, avoid buying the produce from Carbon market or any big grocery stores or supermarkets. Chances are, these products are usually grown using synthetic or inorganic growth enhancers. If you invest time and effort, you can do research and source your produce from Negros Oriental. Currently it’s the closest place you can go to get organic products. Organic farms are already ubiquitous in that province because of the local government support but expect a high premium also in price.
Jorge
alan s said,
August 25, 2008 @ 5:39 am
hi,
like ryan i’m also looking for organic foods for my sister-in-law. she will be in cebu for 2 weeks and only takes organic foods for health reasons
anyway, i when to rustans supermarket today, and found out that the only organic food they sell is rice
i also went to robinsons but there stocks are limited, if not always out of stock
i’m at a lost here, since my sister-in-law is arriving on wednesday and i have no clue where i can buy organic foods for her in the next 2 weeks
Jorge said,
September 15, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
hi alan,
try to inquire at the healthy options in both ayala and sm cebu. i think there u can find organic foods there.
so pls try to ask around at those stores.
thanks
connie tangpuz said,
October 21, 2008 @ 3:36 am
hi, am also one of those interested on organic fruits and vegetables.
i hv been looking where i can find a source here in Cebu as i also consume a lot of vege’s due to my daily juicing regimen. i’v read that adding apple cider vinegar (2-3 tbsp) to the vege in water would remove the pesticides, but I still would be interested to go for organicallyp-farmed vege’s. how about sourcing it from any of your group who has a farm?
Jorge said,
October 24, 2008 @ 2:49 am
thanks for taking time to drop by our site. we’re still over a year old and we’re still building up our resources and still looking for a good site for our demo farm.
our members dont produce commercial crops yet because we’re still in our infancy stage so to speak.
Anyways, about putting apple cider on ur veggies to remove pesticides actually is true. but washing them with water is just as effective. just scrub them well. U may soak the veggies for a few minutes before thoroughly scrubbing them will work effectively. u dont need to buy that expensive cider just to wash ur veggies. save it and use it in ur cooking instead.
Raymond Palmez said,
November 26, 2008 @ 11:18 am
Hi,
I am Raymond Palmez of Cyma Restaurants from Manila, we are setting up our Cebu branch and currently looking for suppliers of specialty vegetables, vine-ripened tomatoes and lettuces for our restaurant’s consumption. I hope you can direct me to some of the local growers so we don’t have to ship-in from manila.
Thanks
Raymond
Jorge said,
November 29, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Hi, thanks for dropping by. Currently, we dont have any info about it yet. In Cebu, there’s no commercial grower of organic vegetables yet. Maybe you can source your organic vegetables from Negros Oriental. Itis now the country’s leading organic growers.
Good luck to ur new venture in Cebu.
Jorge
Janis said,
March 30, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
Hi,
My name is Janis.
I hope you are still reading this blog site; the last entry is already about 4 months ago. I got your numbers and email addresses though, I may contact you any time soon.
I am thankful that an organization like yours exist here in Cebu.
I am interested in attending seminars, how-to start up organic farming.
I am really at toddler-level in terms of knowledge about organic farming.
I only heard people say that organic produce are most beneficial to health and environment. I have no idea how tedious or easy it could be. But if it can help save lives and our land for the next generation then I want to participate. And I believe this can be a source of income for me and a livelihood for my neighborhood in Misamis Occidental.
Please let me know of any schedules, or please recommend partner organizations or institutions here in Cebu offering seminars on this topic.
Thank you so much for your time,
Janis
julien roble said,
April 5, 2009 @ 9:42 am
hi,i am julien roble my product is ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR is made fro coconut sap is purely natural and organic process is very nutritious and delicious is good for coffee and other ingredient that require sugar’according to FNRI the ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR it making ideal for diabetic the glycemic index is 34 compare to other table sugar is 64’FIRST TIME IN CEBU!! produced by COCOSUGBO Philippines DTI/PCA/FNRI/SGS certificate no.permits Approved . . .GO ! GO! ORGANIC pls inquires email: cocosugbo2007@yahoo.com call/text 09164314334
julien roble said,
April 6, 2009 @ 9:16 am
hi,im julien roble ORGANIC FOOD PRODUCT is the best by the way i wud like to introduce my product produced by COCOSUGBO philippines FIRST TIME IN CEBU!! the ORGANIC COCONUT SUGAR is made from coconut sap is purely natural and organic process is very nutritious and delicious according to studies (FNRI) food nutrition research institute the glycemic index is 34 compare to ordinary sugar is 64 making it ideal for diabetic and non-diabetic”prevention is better than cure/FOR INQUIRES PLS EMAIL : cocosugbo2007@yahoo.com call / text 0916 – 431-4334
Bing Torre said,
April 15, 2009 @ 2:35 pm
Hi!
I am an freelance events organizer based in Cebu and I am cooking up a Food & Beverage Festival to be held at Crossroads Mall during last weekend of May.
I was wondering if you would be interested to support the said activity by setting up a booth with organic items and information about your organization. Perhaps, you could also conduct some trainings/seminars during the 3-day festival.
If this is not possible, I would appreciate if you could connect me to group/individual who might be interested.
I am willing to discuss details with you. Here are my contact details:
BING B. TORRE
Marketing Communications l
Event Management & Creative Services
Product Dealership l Business Development
& Corporate Training Solutions
Telefax l +6332.3465598
Mobile l +63915.4387351 l +63922.7759200
Email l bing.torre@gmail.com
bing.torre@yahoo.com.ph
YM ID l birai@yahoo.com
I hope you could send me yours as well.
Many thanks.
RT Gonzales said,
May 29, 2009 @ 4:17 am
Good Day To All!
I am RT Gonzales, marketing manager of herbana farms. Gil Carandang and I are planning to hold an organic farming seminar entitled TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS IN ORGANIC FARMING in Cebu sometime August 2009.
Since i am based in Manila, perhaps you may recommend an individual who may be interested to assist and act as our secretariat in cebu. I will be in Cebu once i have identified said individual so as to start the work for the seminar.
interested person/s may contact me at the ff:
rtgon@yahoo.com
herbanafarms@yahoo.com
0928-6245185
thanks,
RT Gonzales
Jorge said,
June 19, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Hi RT. Im so sorry for the late reply. Ill ask my group if we can act as a secretariat. Pls let me know what are the responsibilities that it entails. Thanks and best regards!
RT Gonzales said,
June 20, 2009 @ 10:04 am
hi jorge,
i emailed a reply to u earlier but not sure if u got it. just email me if u didn’t get it.
thanks,
rt
Jonna Shinoda said,
June 16, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Hi everyone! Just like everybody else here, I am an Organic fanatic. Soon I will be selling organic products such as Laundry Soaps, Handwash, Sunblock, Mosquito Repellant, Diaper, Hair Shampoo and Conditioner. I will be using only pure organic ingredients. I will also be selling organic Herbal Seeds, Essential Oils, and Teas. Contact me at 01973205662 or 09228995662.
rt gonzales said,
July 16, 2009 @ 2:44 am
Please click on the link below for INVITE:
Herbana Farms, Manila
Abigail said,
July 18, 2009 @ 12:53 am
Dear Sir,
We would like to invite you and all your members to come and attend the TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS IN ORGANIC FARMING SEMINAR that will lead and conduct by Mr. Gil Carandang- The Father Of Organic Farming in The Philippines. Kindly follow the link—— http://www.cebuclassifieds.com/detail.php?id=172567.
avietiful said,
August 8, 2009 @ 3:26 am
WE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE ALL CEBUANOS TO COME TO OUR FARMER’S MARKET ALL ORGANIC VEGETABLES AND PRODUCTS EVERY SATURDAY AT GUSTAVIAN RESTO IN BANILAD IN MARIA LUISA ROAD. WE ARE THERE FROM 9:30 AM UP TO 6:00 PM! THE FISRT ORGANIC FARMER’S MARKET IN CEBU!! SEE YOU THERE!!
PeterB said,
October 26, 2009 @ 6:37 am
Hi there organic folks
Went to Banilad last Saturday (24th Oct), no farmers market! Travelled from Argao. Disappointed. Please keep your blog up to date. But with so few correspondents, probably so little interest in Cebu. Anyway for any interested persons in organic/homoeopathic preparations for animal/crop care, I have 30 years experience in this and access to materials.
Regards
Doc Pete
avietiful said,
January 22, 2010 @ 6:44 am
Hello everyone!
We would like to inform you that the Banilad Town Center Farmer’s Market were moved from Saturday to Sunday. There are plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy products to choose from! SEE YOU EVERY SUNDAY FROM 9:30 AM UP TO 6:00PM!
david dunlop said,
August 9, 2009 @ 2:56 am
Hello Good People,
1) I have arrived from Oregon U.S. and expect tp be here til the first week of Feb.
2) The supermarket at SM mall has Organic Brown Rice from Luzon 60/kilo.
When it is best we can be in touch about anything……
David Dunlop
heypoet@sbcglobal.net
Jorge said,
September 23, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
hi david,
pls contact me thru my mobile at 0927-4584490 or my landline at 262-0914.
tnx.
david dunlop said,
August 9, 2009 @ 2:59 am
By the way
I might be interested in getting a juicer for homegrown wheatgrass…..
David Dunlop
heypoet@sbcglobal.net
Labangon (Cebu City) and Sibonga 2 hrs south of Cebu City
Rod Warren Tecson said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:10 am
Can I ask for help from everyone or anyone? I’m looking for humic acid here in Cebu to use for my plants. Does anyone know where to buy?
Thanks.
Warren
Jorge said,
September 23, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
hi rod,
try asking from Department of Agriculture Regional office 7 along M. Velez St., Guadalupe, Cebu City. Go there and ask. They will be glad to help u out.
tnx.
Christine said,
April 16, 2010 @ 8:36 am
Hi! I am interested to organize a farmer’s market here in Cebu. We are very interested to promote organic products. Where can we contact you? Thanks.
09174132183
larry ybanez said,
June 29, 2011 @ 1:43 am
hi cofga,
it’s nice to know your organization and it’s based here in cebu. our organization is cebu organization of modern beekeepers (comb). we are an organization of organic honey producers and apiary products based here in cebu. just like your organization, we are also recognized by dept of agriculture here in cebu. for the mutual interests of our organization, maybe we can explore partnerships with your organization to advance the interests of our organization.
my contact details is lry08@yahoo.com or our facebook is “cebu organization of modern beekeepers (comb) – (formerly chai)”.
hope to hear from you…
Roel said,
July 26, 2011 @ 7:44 am
I am from Cebu. I would like to know where we can buy organic vegetables and fruits here in Cebu.
-email me at bcld.roel@gmail.com