Cadiz city: Cadiz City in Negros Occidental has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by distributing 1,000 rattan-made baskets as part of the 'Balik Alat' program, coinciding with the ongoing 2026 Dinagsa Festival Fiesta Fair. This initiative aims to replace single-use plastics with native baskets.
According to Philippines News Agency, the northern Negros city is committed to the 'Balik Alat' program, which translates to bringing back the native basket in Hiligaynon. This initiative reinforces the city's dedication to environmental protection and aligns with the ordinance regulating the use of single-use plastics.
City Agriculturist Jocelyn Say, in her remarks during the ceremonial handover of the baskets to Cadiznons at the fair's opening on January 19, highlighted that the initiative fulfills Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr.'s vision. She stated, "That is, to empower communities, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Bringing back the basket revives our culture and creates a greener future together for Cadiz."
The full enforcement of City Ordinance 13-2021, which regulates the use, sale, or provision of plastic bags and other single-use plastics in Cadiz, began on October 1, 2025, as noted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Negros Occidental OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola, who attended this year's Dinagsa Festival Fiesta Fair launch, expressed support for the 'Balik Alat Program.' She emphasized its use of indigenous resources and the skills of indigenous people who craft the native baskets. "The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is grateful for a platform like this to support the campaign regulating the use of single-use plastics," she added.
Genzola further praised the fair for empowering the local agri-fishery sector, opening doors for livelihood, and promoting enterprise growth, which allows farmers to become 'agripreneurs.' She remarked, "More than a showcase and promotion of products, it is a testament to the resilience and hard work of our local communities through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo."
The 2026 Dinagsa Festival Fiesta Fair, which will run until January 23 at the Cadiz City Park, features locally made food products, agricultural produce, and handicrafts. Mayor Escalante stated that the city government continues to strengthen the agricultural sector and support farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises through various initiatives.
In this year's fair, the city government collaborates with the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, which implements a farm-to-consumer market chain. This initiative eliminates intermediaries, allowing local producers to earn higher income by selling their produce directly to consumers.
