DA, DOT to join forces to promote 鈥榝ood-farm tourism growth鈥�
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said that it will join forces with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote food and farm tourism, which aims to draw more foreign visitors, boost domestic travel, and advance President Marcos’ agenda of revitalizing rural economies and generating countryside jobs.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., in a statement on Saturday, shared that their agency’s team-up with DOT is what he had been looking for, describing it as “low-hanging fruits and quick wins.”
Laurel added that funding is available for a range of initiatives, including organic farming, livestock production, mariculture, and aquaculture, as well as infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads, cold storage facilities, ice plants, and greenhouses.
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“We also have a budget for rehabilitating the Banaue Rice Terraces. Just tell us where it’s needed, so we can help restore their beauty and allow more tourists to appreciate them,” Laurel said.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, meanwhile, shared four key pillars of the said collaboration, which includes gastronomy tourism development, farm tourism expansion, infrastructure and connectivity improvements, and strengthening local supply chains.
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DA and DOT have formed a technical working group tasked with developing a detailed roadmap within six months for the initiative, which would focus on pilot areas that are rich in culinary heritage, cultural attractions, and agricultural production.
The provinces include Bohol, Iloilo, and Benguet.
The two agencies also seek to lay out strategies for market rollout, farm-to-market access, and complementary infrastructure.
Both Laurel and Frasco recently tendered their courtesy resignation following the order of Marcos for all of his secretaries for a Cabinet revamp.
Meanwhile, as of writing, there is no announcement from the Malacañang yet if the president accepted or declined their resignations. /cb
