‘Earth Markets’ opening in Silay, Bacolod this March

Two “Pop-Up Earth Markets” are opening in Negros Occidental this March: one in Silay City on March 20 and 21, and the other in Bacolod City on March 27 and 28.

The so-called “Earth Markets” is a project of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island and is one of the highlights of the Terra Madre Salone del Gusto Festival 2020-2021.

In Silay City, the Earth Markets will be held at Casa A. Gamboa on 5 Rizal St, while in Bacolod City, it will be at the Kadiwa Market at May’s Organic Garden in Barangay Pahanocoy.

“Earth Markets” is an international network of markets that work in accordance with the principles of “slow food.” The Slow Food Community of Negros Island commits to “promoting and preserving the traditional food of Negros Island.

Doreen “Reena” Gamboa, president of Slow Food Community of Negros Island, said they will showcase produce and products from organic farmers and fishermen from all over Negros Occidental, and they will bring the producers to the consumers in order to create a shorter supply chain.

“We will also be holding talks as well as cooking demos of recipes from our best-selling ‘Negrense Heritage Cooking’ book, as well as talks about agro-ecological farming, organic farming, sustainable fisheries, and Ark of Taste like adlai, cacao, tinigib corn, coffee and more,” Gamboa added.

Ramon “Chinchin” Uy Jr, a member of the Slow Food Community of Negros Island, said the main focus of the Earth Markets is the small producers and food craftsmen.

“They sell only what they produce and they can personally guarantee the quality of their products,” Uy said.

Customers visiting the Earth Market stalls can expect “good, clean and fair food” as the produce and products are “local, fresh and seasonal,” he added.

“This is because we respect the environment and the work of the producers; the produce are offered at fair prices, for those who buy and for those who sell,” Uy stressed.

Moreover, Earth Markets are not only places to buy high quality products, but are also spaces to build communities, create exchange and cultivate education, added Uy.

Organizers also assure the public that the activities will observe health protocols against COVID-19 such as observing required physical distancing, wearing of face mask and face shield, checking of body temperature, using of contract tracing system, and washing of hands.

For inquiries on Pop-Up Earth Markets, contact Reena Gamboa (0922) 853 4430 or Ramon “Chinchin” Uy at 0917-300-2446.