A LEGISLATOR has filed a bill seeking to promote agri-tourism by providing technical and marketing assistance to farmers and local governments.
Quezon City Representative Alfred D. Vargas filed House Bill 6046 on Jan. 23, which if passed, will be known as Agri-Tourism Promotion Act.
Under the bill, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will provide marketing advice, technical expertise, promotional support and product development related to agri-tourism to assist the Department of Tourism (DoT).
Tax credits will also be provided to farmers engaged in agri-tourism operators to “make up for costs of going into the agri-tourism business and to provide incentives to interested entities.”
The tax credit will cover 20% of the agri-tourism liability insurance, not exceeding P50,000 in any tax year.
Agri-tourism involves any agriculture-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch for “outdoor activities, education, shopping, dining or even lodging,” according to the Development Bank of the Philippines.
“The agri-tourism philosophy aims to improve the income of our farmers and promote the quality of living in rural areas. Agri-tourism also contributes to the alleviation of poverty and decongestion of urban areas as it creates employment and revenue opportunities for the rural community,” Mr. Vargas said in the bill’s explanatory note.
“In addition to these, the promotion of agri-tourism may also contribute to the improvement of other industry sectors like food and beverage, transport infrastructure, and hospitality,” he added. — Genshen L. Espedido
