DOT reiterates appeal to push farm tourism

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has again called on tourism stakeholders in Cebu as well as capitalist-farmers to be serious in promoting farm tourism.

DOT undersecretary Arturo P. Boncato, Jr., urged farmers in Cebu to open their farms as among the tourist attractions in the province.

Although Cebu is not largely an agricultural province, modern and urban farms, organic farms, healing farms, and other specialty farming destinations can be a good addition to the list of DOT-accredited farm tourism circuit in the country.

Tourism stakeholders in Cebu are likewise encouraged to actively partner with existing farmers to help them open their farms to tourists and take advantage of the growing number of tourists, local and foreigners alike, whose interest are leaning towards nature-rich destinations like farms.

In a separate interview with Cebu Alliance of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) president Alice Queblatin, she said that eco-tourism and farm sites are now the new come-ons of Cebu that is expected to give the province another interesting aspect for modern travelers.

So far, the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) only has one farm tourism accredited farm in Cebu, the Lamac Multi-Purpose Integrated Farm School in Pinamungajan.

Farm tourism as defined by the law is the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational, and recreational purposes which involves any agricultural or fishery-based operation or activity and may also provide a venue for outdoor recreation and accessible family outings.

Apparent from its title, the Act recognizes that combining tourism with agriculture can disseminate the value of agriculture in the economic and cultural development of the country, serve as a catalyst for the development of agriculture and fishery communities, and provide additional income for farmers, farmworkers and fisherfolk.

Former President Benigno S. C. Aquino III signed into law R.A. No. 10816, also known as the “Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016” (the “Act”), on May 23, 2016. (FREEMAN)