Farm tourism’s non-inclusion in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2017 and lack of financing for agritourism cooperatives have been identified as major gaps that hinder Philippine agritourism development. At the same time, its other benchmark is Japan’s use of “prefecture” identity—promoting its unique products like wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and wagyu (Japanese cattle breed). “We are happy that four years later, the Philippines has signed into law the Farm Tourism Development Act. It will help raise farmers’ income and increase players in the rural tourism industry,” said SEARCA Director Gil Saguiguit Jr. SEARCA has partnered with the International School of Sustainable Tourism, Agricultural Training Institute, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Trade and Industry, and the office of Sen. Cynthia Villar in pushing for agritourism development.

Source: Manila Times December 28, 2017 16:07 UTC