WITH ITS contribution to the development of the agricultural sector in Davao Region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) XI introduced farm tourism in a way to maximize the benefits of tourism and agriculture in the region.
During its plenary sessions at the Davao Agri Trade Expo on Sept. 19, Tanya Rabat-Tan, DOT XI regional director, said farm tourism is becoming a popular tourism product of the country.
“Farm tourism recognizes that agriculture, coupled with tourism, is relevant in the economic, cultural development of the country, as it catalyzes agricultural development and provides additional income for farmers and farming communities,” Tan said.
Tan shared that farm tourism supplements the main activity of farming and involves activities that maximize income generation of existing agricultural fields in the country through tourism-related activities.
She explained that farm tourism is a concept that combines tourism and agriculture by drawing visitors to the farms to experience unique agriculture activities like harvesting agri-products, producing, feeding animals, fishing, camping, hiking, and even sampling the local cuisine, which could be an educational experience, especially to the younger generations.
“Now Davao City, which is known as a place where we could see the king of fruits, our durian. In the city alone, we have several engaged in durian farming, thus a very appealing area for farm tourism,” she said.
She said one appealing area for farm tourism is the Belviz Durian Farms, located in Brgy. Wangan, Calinan District, which is also known as a DOT-accredited agri tourism farm site.
“I must say that tasting the different possible varieties of durian, which we enjoyed a lot, is equally enjoyable. Also, the whole experience seeing the durian trees and other fruit trees and learning about them and getting to know the owners and their story,” she said.
She also highlighted other appealing farm tourism spots like the Agriya in Panabo City, known for its wide variety of bananas, the potential of cacao, coffee, and other establishments in Davao City and Davao Region.
“Davao, with a number of farms easily accessible, has a big potential for farm tourism, and the concept of “slow food” can easily be integrated where guests get to meet the farmers. These experiences enrich us, shape us, and give us better understanding, respect,and appreciation of ourselves, other people, and the world around us,” she added.
The Davao Agri-Trade Expo, organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, showcased the vibrant agricultural industry of Davao through their trade fair and agri-tech discussions last Sept. 19 to 21 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.
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