FARM TOURISM

IN THE PHILIPPINES
BRIEFER

Photos from: GarinFarm, Iloilo. www.garinfarm.com; Duran Farm, Bulacan, www.duranfarm.com

Briefer on the Farm Tourism in the Philippines

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Briefer on the Farm Tourism in the Philippines

Prepared by Vincent Samonte
For the Office of Rep. Sharon S. Garin
AAMBIS-Owa Party-list
11 November 2014, Quezon City

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The Sector of Agriculture and Tourism in the Philippines

Agriculture and tourism plays a major role in the countrys economic and cultural
development.
According to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), the Philippines employs a third
of the population under the agriculture sector which is about 12 million workers. On the
other hand, roughly a tenth of the countrys employed segment of the population works in
the tourism industry, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
It is the responsibility of the state to promote awareness and understanding of the benefits
and importance of agriculture, promote environment-friendly and sustainable farm
practices, and generate more job opportunities especially in the sector of agriculture. The
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has reported problems concerning the conversion
of agricultural lands to commercial or residential purposes. There seemed no incentives
for farmers or farm owners to pursue having agricultural lands in the country.
Tourism, in addition, is also one of the countries means to promote socioeconomic
growth and cultural affirmation. It generates investment and foreign exchange.
The combination of two major sectors, agriculture and tourism, could help further boost
economic growth and generate additional employment. This is the motivation behind the
creation of the Farm Tourism Act of 2014 which will establish a comprehensive program
for the development and promotion of farm tourism in the country.

Farm Tourism Defined

Farm tourism also known as agri-tourism refers to the practice of attracting visitors and
travelers to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes. It involves
any agricultural based operation or activity that brings farmers, visitors or tourists who
want to be educated and trained on farming as well as to provide a venue for outdoor
recreation without necessarily altering the agricultural nature of the land.

ASEAN countries where farm tourism is practiced

In the Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand offers equally well-developed
agri-tourism. In these countries, tourist visitors can opt to stay with a household or host
family in a rural community for the purpose of cultural immersion.

Places in the Philippines where farm tourism is practiced

Agri-tourism has been initiated in different part of the countries since the 1990s.
An hour away from Metro Manila is Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm located in Angat,
Bulacan. It considers itself as a farm village university where communities live
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together, study technical courses and do farming while encouraging visitors to experience
the life in the farm through different activities such as hiking, bird-watching, campfires,
harvest-your-own fruit and overnight stays.
Duran Farm also located in Bulacan, is also a known farm tourism destination in Luzon
where local and foreign visitors go to learn about best practices in vegetable production.
It also served as a venue for private companies conducting seminars and training
programs.
Another agri-tourism site is the Costales Nature Farm in Majayjay, Laguna visited by
more than 3,000 tourists (local and foreign) every month with different purposes--farmer visitors learn how organic farming is done, businessmen check the place up for
possible investment, students conduct their educational tours, while families spend special
occasions such as birthdays in the farm.
Other agri-tourism sites are the leisure farms in Batangas, the mango farms in Guimaras,
and the rice farms in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. In some parts of Batangas and
Cavite provinces, agri-tourism is practiced by leasing land for a period of time so that
tourists can grow and harvest their own produce. The strawberry and organic vegetable
farms of Benguet are also well-known for the pick-your-own-fruit activities. Bukidnon,
which is host to vast pineapple and coffee plantations, is tagged as one of the ideal spots
in agri-tourism.
Annex 1 provides the list of accredited farm tourism sites in the country.

The Benefits of Farm tourism

Farming is considered as a vital piece of Filipino culture, thus it can easily be cultivated
into an agricultural tourism activity. Some of the benefits of farm tourism include:
1) Economic and Social Benefits
Farm tourism offers a pathway to economic development in rural areas. It attracts visitors
and generates more employment for the locals. Farm tourism offers a route to pull the
strong, mature agricultural sector up and at the same time enhance the tourism sector.
The Philippines could create an estimate of 14.6 million new jobs by 2016, according to
experts, should the government adopt various reforms geared towards enhancing the
business environment, particularly in the sectors of agriculture and tourism.
It has been pointed out in different studies that there is a growing need to further develop
the countryside to encourage reverse migration and decrease the population in different
cities especially in Metro Manila.
Spreading the benefits of tourism and agriculture can largely contribute to poverty
alleviation.

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2.) Education
Agri-tourism not only benefits the economy and the Filipino society but it also helps in
educating the new generation about the importance of the environment in ensuring food
security and balanced eco-system.
Farm Tourism provides an avenue for technology transfer. Technology transfer is a
process where technologies developed by a certain group or person are passed on to
farmers. During visits and trips, tourists will be exposed to the technology and techniques
being used in agricultural farming.
3.) Health Benefits
Farm tourism encourages organic farming. The practice of organic farming is seen to
reduce pollution and toxic substances such as pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in the
environment which could ensure safer water among farmers and residents. Moreover,
organic farming assists the fight against climate change because it avoids chemical
fertilizers and pesticides, thus reducing nonrenewable energy use.
4.) Heritage and Ecological Conservation
Agricultural activities have been part of the Filipino culture since time immemorial. Farm
tourism activities help the visitors especially the youth to appreciate the beauty of nature
as it is and instill how important farming is to the Filipino community.

Other Industries that will benefit from Farm Tourism

The food and beverage industry along with hospitality sector offering accommodation
and transportation facilities will definitely benefit from farm tourism.
Hospitality sector is seen to improve as it is vital to have appropriate accommodation
arrangements for tourists visiting the Philippines. As many of the farm tourism sites are
distributed throughout the country, the arrival of tourists demand for better modes of
transportation to bring them to and from their destinations.

Why choose the Philippines as a farm tourism site to visit and invest in?
The Philippines with its distinct archipelagic feature offers ideal conditions which
position itself as one of the best destinations for farm tourism.
It is one of the largest archipelago in the world composed of 7,101 islands and has about
11 million hectares of agricultural lands. It offers diverse agricultural products which is
seen as an asset in promoting different farm tourism sites. These varied offerings can
bring revenue to the sectors of agriculture and tourism which can create about 14 million
jobs.

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The countrys tropical climate and fertile soil makes it an ideal place for agriculture. The
country has also been known to be rich in different and incredible species of fauna and
flora.
Aside from the geographic features of the Philippines, the ability of the Filipinos to speak
English is also seen as a favorable characteristic making it easier for tourists to
communicate with the locals which also makes the country more tourist-friendly.

Government initiatives
Tourism and agriculture are two of the highest priorities of the Philippine Development
Plan (PDP) from 2011 to 2016. The government has identified promising business
opportunities for investors to capitalize in accommodation and transportation aside from
agriculture.
Currently, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute and the
Department of Tourism are the two government agencies which promote farm tourism in
the country. There are 28 accredited farm tourism sites under the DA and 5 under the
DOT. Executive Orders and Memorandum Circulars may be created to enhance the
promotion of the farm tourism in the country but these measures are still not enough to
strengthen the farm tourism industry. A strong policy on farm tourism is needed to ensure
that this industry will contribute to economic growth. Hence, the urgent enactment of the
Farm Tourism Act of 2014 is being pushed through.

The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DAATI) as a supervisory arm of the government
The DA-ATI is the overall manager of agriculture and fisheries training and extension in
the Philippines. The agency has joint projects. Its mandate as apex agency for a unified
and efficient agriculture and fisheries extension (AFE) services in the country, has the
following priority programs:

ATI Regular Programs

Commodity-based and technology focused marketing and agribusiness related to
supply value chain
Institutional development for cooperatives, rural-based organizations, and farmers'
groups
Extension delivery systems for agricultural extension workers
Farmer-Led Extension
Farmers' Field School

These programs aim to enhance access to AFEs knowledge products and services;
strengthen their competitiveness and capacities; expand partnerships with different nongovernment organizations and the academe to further promote farm tourism; and
strengthen their capacity in Climate Change Adaptation and Readiness.

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The Farm Tourism Movers' of the Philippines Association, Inc

In the Philippines, there are associations which push for the development of farm tourism.
One of which is the Farm Tourism Movers of the Philippines Association, Inc. which is
headed by Dr. Francisco dela Pea, Jr. who is also the President-CEO of ACES
Polytechnic College located in Davao Del Norte.
Farm Tourism Movers of the Philippines Association, Inc. aims to provide additional
income for the marginalized farmers through farm tourism. It also assists farm operators
and would-be operators in planning, operations and management through symposium,
workshops and the likes.
The ACES Polytechnic College in Partnership with the Alliance of Concerned
Entrepreneurs for Food Security (ACE-FS) established in 2010, the Natural Farming
Institute located at Panabo City, Davao. The National Farming Institute envisions to train
farmers and community leaders who are advocates of sustainable farming and to
maximize productivity and ensure environmental protection.
The DA-ATI supervises these NGOs and taps them for joint projects.
Dr. Francisco dela Pea, Jr. can be contacted through (084)822-4182 and
frank071258@yahoo.com.

The Farm Tourism Act of 2014

Currently, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute and the
Department of Tourism manage in promoting farm tourism in the country. Under the DA,
there are 28 accredited farm tourism sites while there are only 5 under the DOT. Farm
tourism sites owners and investors may find it confusing which government body is
solely responsible for the accreditation of such sites. There is a strong need to have a
single body to manage and coordinate the farm tourism activities in the Philippines.
Hence, the enactment of the Farm Tourism Act of 2014 is earnestly sought.
The bill lays down the functions and the organizational structure of the newly created
agency, the Philippine Farm Tourism Industry Development Coordinating Council
(PFTIDCC), which will be administratively attached to the Department of Tourism
(DOT).
1. The PFTIDCC is tasked to prepare and implement a Comprehensive National
Farm Tourism Industry Development Plan; establish and maintain a
comprehensive farm tourism information system; formulate farm tourism research
and development projects; and provide for the registration and accreditation of
farm tourism practitioners and operators.
2. Aside from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Tourism
(DOT), other agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural

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Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher

Education (CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI), Philippine Information agency (PIA), Department of Local and Interior
Government (DILG), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and
local government units are tasked to work together for the efficient operations of
the PFTIDCC.
3. The DOT and the DA in collaboration with other agencies mentioned shall
formulate a 6-year farm tourism strategic development plan which shall be
evaluated and updated every three years. The development plan includes the
identification of farm tourism sites; education and promotional support;
infrastructure, investment, and market promotion; possible extension programs;
and research and development.
4. The PFTIDCC shall be composed of the secretaries of the 10 mentioned agencies
above having the DOT and DA secretaries as chairperson and co-chairperson,
respectively, plus a representative from the Union of Local Authorities of the
Philippines and 6 representatives (2 from each mega regions of Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao) from farm tourism associations / organizations recognized by the
DA or the DOT.
5. The PFTIDCC is mandated to encourage the establishment of at least one tourism
farm in every province in the country.
6. Accreditation of the PFTIDCC shall be valid for 2 years only.

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Annex 1:
List of Farm Tourism Sites in the Philippines Accredited by the DA or DOT
Luzon
Kahariam Realty & Farms
Inc.
Moca Agri-Farm

Costales Nature Farms

Hacienda Macalauan Inc.

Brgy. Adya, Lipa City, Batangas

Brgy. Castillo, Batangas

Brgy, Gagalot, Majayjay,

Laguna
Brgy. Tubero, Calauan, Laguna

University of the
Philippines Los Baos
Gourmet Farm

Los Baos, Laguna

Sonyas Garden

Brgy. Buck Estate, Alfonso,

Cavite
Km. 47 Aguinaldo Highway,
Lalaan 1, Silang Cavite

Ilog Maria Honey Bee

Farm
Tomato Farms
National Apiculture
Research Training
Development Institute
Central Luzon State
Univeristy
D. Duran Farm
Agribusiness & Training
Center

0906-449-1040
www.kahariamfarms.com
0919-479-0566
staff@mocafarm.com
www.mocafarm.com
(049)537-3432
www.costalesnaturefarms.com
(049)568-0152
http://www.hmi.net.ph/
(049)536-2928
www.uplb.edu.ph

Silang, Cavite

NFC, Sarrat, Piddig, Ilocos

Norte
DMMMSU-NARTDI, Bacnotan,
La Union
Muoz Science City, Nueva
Ecija
131 Basuit, San Ildefonso,
Bulacan

www.gourmet.com.ph
0917-532-9097
www.sonyasgarden.com
(046)865-0018; 0917-5039156
www.ilogmaria.com

www.dmmmsu-nluc.org

(044)456-5238
Clsu.edu.ph
0917-525-8161; 0922-8927478
dduranfarm@yahoo.com
www.duranfarm.com
0916-225-3363
Gk1world.com/gk-enchantedfarm
0917-510-1853
abaltazar1012@yahoo.com
0917-387-2011; (045)4930719
bernardo.calilung@yahoo.com

Gawad Kalinga Enchanted

Farm

Angat, Bulacan

Borja Egg Farm

Bernies Farm (ASGAIC)

Brgy. San Jose, Magalang,

Pampanga
373 Amucao, Tarlac City

Palawan Butterfly Garden

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

https://www.facebook.com/
PalawanButterflyEcoGarden
AndTribalVillage

Bridge Farm

Km 59 San Rafael, Puerto

Princesa City, Palawan
Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa
City, Palawan
Camalig, Albay

0921-292-8974
rellybridge@yahoo.co.uk
(048)433-4373; 0928-5040716; 0916-552-6340
(052)484-1178
www.facebook.com/pages/
Juboken-Enterprises-Inc

DA-PAES Agri-tourism
Farm
Juboken Farm and
Enterprise

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Visayas
Our Lady of the
Philippines Trappist
Monastery
Bohol Bee Farm
Restaurant and Resort

San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

http://www.ourladyofnewhelfta.
com/OLP/

Dao, Dauis, Bohol

Pamora Farm
Orchard Valley Inc.
Pealosa Farms

Km. 396 Garreta, Pidigan, Abra

Tigum, Pavia, Iloilo
Victorias City, Negros Occidental

0917-710-1061
vickywallace@boholbeefarm.c
om
www.pamorafarm.com
0922-893-3415
(034)399-2784/399-2847;
0918-938-2152
wilmon03@yahoo.com

Mindanao
KampoJuan EcoAdventure Farm
Monte Vicentaue Resort
Mindanao Baptist Rural
Life Center
Del Monte Philippines
Menzi Agricultural
Development
Paradise Organic Farm
ACES Natural Farm

Sitio Mapait, Dicklum, Bukidnon

(088)228-2409; 228-2409

Purok G-Melina, Brgy. New

Passi, Sultan Kudarat
97 Ponciano St., Brgy.
Bansalan, Davao Del Sur
Camp Philipps, Bukidnon

0918-588-8914
mvresort_official@yahoo.com
(082)221-1186

Camilag, Manolo Fortich,

Bukidnon
Roxas Concepcion, Koronadal
City
Peda, San Francisco, Panabo
City

Briefer on the Farm Tourism in the Philippines

mbrlc@mozcom.com

(02)672-7282
www.delmonte.ph
www.menzi.ph
0920-2005151
dannyapostol1950@gmail.com
084.822-4182; 0999-9952506
frank071258@yahoo.com

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Bill pushes Philippine farms as tourist destinations

By Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) | Updated October 30, 2014 - 11:33am
Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/10/30/1385823/bill-pushes-philippine-farms-tourist-destinations

MANILA, Philippines - Farms will be included in the country's list of feasible tourist spots once the
"Farm Tourism Act" becomes a law.
AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Rep. Sharon Garin authored House Bill 3745 or "An act providing for the
development and promotion of farm tourism in the Philippines and for other purposes" which was
approved on first reading by the House of Representatives Committee on Tourism.
The proposed measure provides that tourists may enjoy activities such as milking cows, fruitpicking, harvesting vegetables, fishing, horseback riding, watching butterflies, tasting wines or
juices and sight-seeing while visiting farms.
Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzalez supports the bill, noting that the the tourism and agriculture sector
will both benefit from it and would boost the country's economy.
The Tourism Committee consulted farm owners, tourism officers, agriculture experts, other
stakeholders and government officials in studying the measure.
Agri-tourism will encourage farmers will encourage farmers to preserve their lands and ensure
food security in the country, University of South Eastern Philippines Professor Fernando Magdato,
Jr. said.
Under the bill, the Department of Tourism will team up with the Department of Agriculture,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology,
Department of Agrarian Reform and local government units in identifying which farms are viable
tourism sites. Each of the 81 provinces in the country should have at least one tourism farm.
Asian countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia thrives in the farm tourism
industry.

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Farm tourism is PHs sunshine industry

Source: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/farm-tourism-ph-sunshine-industry-160839196.html
June 9, 2014

The Philippines emerging farm tourism sector got a major push as a driver of inclusive economic
growth in the Farm Tourism Conference held recently in Daet, Camarines Norte.
Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) and the province of
Camarines Norte and supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the three-day confab put
the spotlight on the unique fusion of agriculture and tourism. Guest speaker Sen. Cynthia Villar
says that farm tourism is one of the countrys sunshine industries that can be exploited because
of the agricultural nature of the economy. She noted farmers and fisherfolk need to diversify and
supplement their agricultural incomes, and farm tourism is one creative strategy to achieve this
goal. Villar, who is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, reports that
she is working for the passage of vital legislation and amendments on existing laws to
complement this growing subsector of the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, ISST President and Project Director Dr. Mina Gabor says farm camps focus on lowimpact travel and empowers local communities socially and economically. Farm tourism attracts
visitors and travelers to farm areas, generally for educational and recreational purposes to
encourage economic activity to provide farm and community income, she says.
The former Tourism secretary also notes that it involves the community and its benefits should be
distributed to stakeholders to ensure sustainable tourism and inclusive development. The
gathering also showcased the successful farm camps across the country such as the Sunflower
Farms in Ligao City, Albay; Rapha Valley in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental; Dragon
Fruit Farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Dasoland in Dasol, Pangasinan; and the Disneyworld of
Farming Systems of The Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center Foundation, Inc. in Bansalan, Davao
del Sur, among others.
Gabor says that the confab also underscores that the integration of tourism and farming allows
more efficient resource utilization which can provide jobs, increase income, business
opportunities and reduce urban migration.
She adds that the ISST will also be holding the Homestays of the World Summit later this year,
which is another potential sector in the tourism industry that can benefit people at the community
level.
The Farm Tourism Conference is in line with the theme of the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO) for this year, Tourism and Community Development, which emphasizes
tourisms vital role in spreading its economic fruits to the grassroots.
The gathering was attended by local government executives, municipal tourism and agricultural
officers, barangay officials, entrepreneurs and community stakeholders from various provinces,
which have potentials in agriculture- and rural-based tourism.
Supporting government agencies were the Municipal Government of Daet, the Department of
Interior and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian
Reform, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, and
the University of the Philippines-Los Baos. Corporate supporters were East West Seed
Company and Planters Products.

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Agri, tourism, exports key to PH sustained growth

By Lean Santos, Published 12:20 PM, Jun 08, 2013 | Updated 12:20 PM, Jun 08, 2013
Source: http://www.rappler.com/business/industries/30784-agri-tourism-exports-govt-priority-marketer

MANILA, Philippines - If the Philippines wants to sustain its status as a rising economy, it has to
focus more on the basics, particularly agriculture, tourism and high-value exports, a marketing
expert said.
In a press conference of the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) on Thursday, June 6,
marketing consultancy firm Business Mentors, Inc. president Willy Arcilla said the government
needs to push these to further sustain the country's growth momentum.
"Imagine what we can do together if we can ask the government to refocus on agriculture... make
highly-valuable products that we can export, and push tourism more. There is so much potential,"
he said.
Arcilla cited the delay of the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP) as one of the reasons why the country's agriculture sector has been such a laggard.
CARP was first introduced in 1988 under the administration of former president Corazon Aquino
with the aim of distributing farm lands to landless farmers.
However, the government, particularly the Department of Agriculture (DAR), failed to fulfill their
end of the bargain and was only able to distribute around 111,889 hectares to 63,755 agrarian
reform beneficiaries in 2011.
The target is to distribute around 220,000 hectares of farm land every year.
Arcilla said, instead of relying heavily on the CARP, the government and the farmers can pursue
other alternatives including cooperative farming.
"Land reform is not a be-all and end-all solution. There are so many alternatives like cooperative
farming. But there should be support including the fertilizers, roads and irrigation systems, among
others."
"All of these has to be addressed by the government," he said.
Not just self-sufficiency
Arcilla also said the government should not just aim for self-sufficiency in terms of meeting
domestic demand. There should also be abundance of supply of high-value products to
strengthen the country's export capabilities.
"We should not just focus on self-sufficiency but abundance so we can export like our high-grade
rice, coconut, mangoes, bananas, pineapples," he said.
He stressed the importance of moving up the value chain as part of the industrialization efforts of
the country.
He cited two examples, particularly semiconductors and coconut water.
In the case of semiconductors, which is slowing down despite being the country's foremost export
commodity with almost 65% share of the country's exports, he said we should move up the
electronics value chain by producing more complete electronics products and not just parts.

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Coconut water, on the other hand, has been gaining ground in the international market and Arcilla
said the Philippines should focus more on building a Filipino brand than supplying foreign brands
with these valuable commodities.
"Coconut water is in big demand now. President Aquino, with all due respect to him, said we are
now exporting these to US brands. But I said no. We should come up with a Filipino brand
because the value is in the brand, not in the raw material."
"We should not be contented by just supplying foreign brands with our raw materials. We should
be brave enough (to make our own)," he said.
In 2011, coconut water was hailed by Aquino as one of the country's most promising new export
opportunities with a growth rate of over 300% to 16.76 million liters from 4.4 million liters the
previous year.
Local brand Fruits of Life has been profiting from coconut water and is exporting about 240 tons in
cans and tetra packs a year directly to supermarket chains in the United States and China.
Some of the foreign brands dominating the coconut water market include ZICO, a US coco water
brand majority owned by Coca-Cola.
Tourism
Tourism is also seen by marketers in the country as a potential driver for growth but stressed that
the right infrastructures has to be in place if the government wants to attain its 10 million tourists
goal in 2016.
"Tourism is a sector heavily dependent on marketing. The kind of marketing and promotion and
marketing the government put out in the world is crucial in luring tourists to visit the country," PMA
president Vicente Reyes said.
"In terms of the infrastructure, it's a chicken and egg situation. Infrastructure will be done when
more tourists come. But number of tourists will also depend on the kind of infrastructure we have
in the country," he added.
In 2012, the country hosted around 4.3 million tourists. The government is expecting 5.5 million
tourists to flock in the country this year, more than half of the 10 million tourists target in 206.
PMA is hosting the National Marketing Conference in Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on June 27 to
28, gathering marketing practitioners, entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials to
talk about marketing as an instrument to sustain economic growth. - Rappler.com
Agrotourism and ecotourism are more fun in the Philippines
By Moje Ramos-Aquino, Fpm. August 1, 2014 8:54 pm
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/agrotourism-ecotourism-fun-philippines/115699/
I am here in Dipolog City and truly our country is beautiful in its natural state everywhere you go.
And every province and city is aspiring to be the preferred tourist destination. According to the
Department of Tourism, tourism is our fourth foreign currency-generating industry. It provides an
alternative source of income, especially where there are no manufacturing activities or big retail
shops in place.
Tourism promotes entrepreneurship. Those involved in providing tourist products and services do
not need to have a college diploma or big starting funds.

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But first, as promised, let me give some suggestions on how to turn our naturally well-endowed
countryside into tourist magnets.
Agrotourism and ecotourism are the hottest buzzwords nowadays. In other countries they have
become major tourist attractions because they give respite to those who are from big cities and
other cement jungles.
It is not just about erecting resort hotels, but transforming farms into leisure farm resorts, offering
recreational and agricultural activities and showcasing the culture and traditions of the place.
Different farms can offer different experiences to their guests with the same Filipino hospitality,
good local food, exciting and varied activities and country accommodation. The farmer-owner and
his family will personally manage and see to the comfort and satisfaction of their guests.
Some suggestions. For roughing it up, provide enough space for a campsite with tents, barbecue
grill, and other necessities within arms length. Provide workshops on craft-making; for example,
basket making and others. Guests can bring home what they make and you charge them the cost
of the materials used. Bird-watching is a good companion activity here. Hilot [massage] services
could be provided.
Games like catching the pig and many others could be facilitated with prizes for winners.
The veggie patches should not just be for the guests to stare at. Some activities could be
developed around the theme. For example, guests could be made to transplant seedlings to beds.
They could be asked to prepare the soil, do composting, make organic pesticides and harvest.
There could be brief workshops and giveaways of seeds and seedlings for guests to be able to do
these back in their own homes.
Another one is a pick-and-eat-all-you-can when fruits and berries are in season. If guests pick
more than they could eat, they must pay for it and could bring them home. This could be exciting
especially for small children and teenagers. Camiguin has its Lansones Festival in October.
Farm owners could cultivate a net-covered butterfly or dragonfly garden around flower beds and
other insect-attracting plants. They could also open a trail around the farm for early morning
hiking and jogging. And one of my favorites is to create a labyrinth where guests can provide
guests with spiritual and therapeutic pursuits.
For animal farms, guests can be given opportunity to feed the animals, gather eggs from the
chicken coop, and others. Then there could be a workshop on red egg-making [itlog na pula or
salted egg]. Guests would surely enjoy the little cute farm animals which they do not see in the
city. Many kids nowadays think that their chicken and eggs simply come from the supermarket.
If there is a lake or stream in the farm, a fishing and shellfish-catching expedition would be fun
aside from the usual swimming event. There could be a boat-making workshop and a boat racing
contest afterwards. There are many other water activities that could be lined up.
It will also profit both tourists and province to organize activities and workshops around the
culture, customs and traditions of their indigenous people. This will provide employment for the
IPs and a unique learning experience for the tourists. The Ifugaos are good at this.
There are limitless possibilities for agrotourism and ecotourism. There are many recreational,
educational and spiritual activities around natural ecological resources, local agriculture, orchards
and vegetable gardens that tourists could enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of where they
live and work to offer a respite from their daily grind.
According to the Department of Tourism, the other areas for tourism are diving and marine sports,
sun and beach, health, wellness and retirement, education, cruise and nautical tourism, meetings,
incentives, conferences, exhibition and events.

Briefer on the Farm Tourism in the Philippines

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