TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb. 26 (PIA) – More than 300 participants composed of farmers, farm owners, and farming enthusiasts from around the country and foreign delegates are now in Bohol for the 7th edition of the Philippine Farm Tourism Conference at Bellevue Resort in Panglao town.
Bohol’s own potential as an investment area will be highlighted as business prospects in farm tourism will be discussed during the conference with the theme: “Farm Tourism: Consciousness for Healthy Living and New Experiences.
Hosted by the provincial government, the conference will showcase learnings from the pandemic and share best practices to provide social and economic empowerment to farming communities.
“With our theme, I know this gathering will give us more wisdom on our best practices and motivation as we strengthen our agriculture and tourism sector,” said Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado in his welcome message.
He added that these are also opportunities for further development of the local economy.
“It is therefore with distinct pride that we welcome you not only to the Philippines for our foreign guests, but to the first UNESCO Global Geopark province of Bohol that is known for its rich mega-biodiversity and enchanting landscapes, the very rich flora and fauna that is unparallel elsewhere. I am from Cebu but I am always enchanted by the province of Bohol,” said DOT Undersecretary Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan in her message.
According Bathan, the conference is timely as farm tourism is a rising, promising niche in the field of tourism.
“The gathering today composed of tourism advocates, stakeholders, practitioners, is very important to the Department of Tourism as it connects and engages us with the valuable members of our tourism value chain particularly those under sustainable living, responsible tourism and farm tourism,” Bathan added.
Former tourism secretary and now International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) chairman and president Dr. Mina Gador said this year’s conference will focus on sustainable growth through the cultivation of fruit and vegetable farms, aquaculture and artisanal fisheries, and green investments in farm tourism.
Topics to be discussed during the conference include the following: hospitality industry embracing sustainable farm-to-table concept, processing fruits and vegetables – key to food security, right marketing and revenue, value added benefits of artisanal fisheries, revival of the country’s multi–million peso seaweeds industry, the pompano fish as upcoming star of aquaculture, and green investment in agriculture and tourism in the Asian setting.
The conference also has a Department of Trade and Industry-led exhibition area where agricultural produce and by-products are on display.
A highlight of the conference is the conferment of the 4th Lakbay Bukid Awards to five local and foreign individuals and organizations that have contributed to the development of farm tourism in Asia.
Participants will also tour notable farm sites, such as Loboc Cacao Farm, Asin Tibuok makers in Alburquerque, Kinaiyahan Forest Park in Bilar, Lasang Cacao Farm in Maribojoc, Green Thumb Farm in Corella, South Farm in Panglao, Bohol Bee Farm in Dauis, Manay’s Farm in San Miguel, Ubay Dairy Farm, and Jagna Recycling Facility and Eco Farm. (ECB/PIA7 Bohol)
