COFFEE TABLE BOOK. Department of Tourism 4-A (Calabarzon) Director Joseph Francisco Ortega (seated, 2nd from right) reads through the pages of the latest version of the "Agriculturally Awesome: A Regional Farm Tourism Travel Guide" after its launch at the Teofely Gardens in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (Sept 19, 2019). Calabarzon is recognized as having the most number of DOT-accredited farm tourism sites in the country. (PNA photo by Gladys S. Pino)
SILANG, Cavite -- The newly appointed director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) 4-A (Calabarzon) on Thursday assured the agency's support for the farm tourism industry.
In his message at the launch of the updated version of the coffee table book "Agriculturally Awesome: A Regional Farm Tourism Travel Guide", DOT 4-A Director Joseph Francisco Ortega said farm tourism is an opportunity for the local community to be involved in, as farmers could benefit from tourism, which is a driver of economic growth.
"Local farmers and farm workers now embark on a direction that is sustainable, eco-friendly, and beneficial to all," Ortega said.
In the past, the DOT subjected farm tourism sites to various industry skills training in support of the manpower and service standard needs of agri-tourism sites and farm enterprises in the region.
Ortega said the regional tourism office has completed the formulation of the three-year Regional Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan.
"This steers us into a vibrant direction, where interventions relevant to infrastructure, product and market development will catalyze inclusive growth," he said.
The Calabarzon region is recognized as having the most number of DOT-accredited farm tourism sites, numbering 30 to date, and has served as the benchmark and the standard of excellence for farm tourism in the country.
The farm tourism sites add up to the leisure possibilities in the region with its diverse farm offerings -- from organic farming, health and wellness, and even distinct culinary dishes served from farm to table.
But more than just a leisure destination, the farms also serve as learning sites for students and professionals who want to grow their own farm or enter into the farm business.
The coffee table book is a publication of the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute in the region. It is a merged version of Volumes 1 and 2, and contains the list of all DOT-accredited farm sites as of June 2019.
Added features to the book are the region's famous delicacies and agri-related festivals. (PNA)
