The AGRI Party-list on Thursday said it will push for the development of agri-tourism and the establishment of agri-tourism centers in the country.
“Alam naman nating napakahalaga ng agrikultura sa ating ekonomiya. Batid din natin ang turismo ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayang nasa remote at underdeveloped na mga lugar sa bansa,” AGRI Party-list first nominee and former judge Frank Lobrigo said.
Lobrigo said there is a vast untapped potential of agri-tourism in the country as there are currently only select areas where agri-tourism is being practiced.
“Gusto nating i-institutionalize ang agri-tourism nang sa gayon ay magkaroon tayo ng regulatory mechanisms para maging sustainable at eco-friendly ito,” he added.
The former judge said “agri-tourism” is the practice of inviting visitors to any stage of the agricultural process for purposes of encouraging the sale of agricultural products or earn income through their visit.
Lobrigo said there is a vast untapped potential of agri-tourism in the country as there are currently only select areas where agri-tourism is being practiced.
“Ang top-of-mind kapag agri-tourism ang pinag-uusapan ay ‘yong strawberry farms sa Benguet at pineapple plantations sa Bukidnon. Pero madami pang mga lugar ang may potential na maging agri-tourism hubs kapag ang mga ito ay nadevelop,” he said.
“Gusto nating magkaroon ng dedicated na Agriculture Undersecretary for Agri-tourism na siyang mangangasiwa sa lahat ng pangangailangan upang ma-develop ang industriyang ito at gagawa ng mga polisiya para sa maayos na pamamalakad,” he added.
Lobrigo is also proposing for the creation of a Bureau of Agri-Tourism (BAT), which shall be in charge of creating and implementing a Comprehensive National Agri-Tourism Industry Development Plan.
“The BAT will also oversee the indentification of areas that are suitable candidates for the development of agri-tourism,” he said.
“Agri-tourism will introduce a boost of economic activity with no significant cost to our farmers and fisherfolk, and will provide them an additional means of income,” he stressed.