THE DEPARTMENT of Tourism Region 6 (DoT-6) office is aiming to accredit 30 farm tourism sites within Western Visayas by the end of 2018, with a long-term goal of having one agriculture facility as a tourist destination in every town. “In a period of three years, Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon Region) recorded 12 accredited farm tourism sites while we have seven. By the end of the year, we are targeting 10, and 30 by end of 2018,” said DoT-6 Regional Director Helen J. Catalbas. Tourism Undersecretary Silvino Q. Tejada said one of the department’s goals is to help provide income opportunities to farmers through tourism. “This will be a lasting legacy for all of us here in promoting the country as an agricultural tourism (destination). Farm tourism is seen to be an attractive option to the usual sand and beach activates and contributor to sustainable source of income for farmers,” Mr. Tejada said in his speech on the second day of the 5th Farm Tourism Conference and Festival in Iloilo City on Oct. 3. Ms. Catalbas said they are also looking at developing fish farms as destinations in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Mr. Tejada also noted the need to improve access roads to farm tourism sites to sustain the program. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

The existing DoT-accredited farm tourism sites in the region are:

• Orchard Valley, Inc. in Pavia

• Ephrathah Farms Corp. in Badiangan

• RPJ Multi-Ventures, Inc. (Midway) in Passi City

• Owataks Herb Farm & Resort in Talisay City

• Peñalosa Farms in Victorias City

• Rapha Valley Place of Wellness in San Carlos City

• May’s Organic Garden and Restaurant in Bacolod City for Negros Occidental

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