At the Senate Public Hearing of the Committee on Agriculture and Food Chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar. May 26, 2015, Tuesday, Padilla Hall, 10:00 AM. Also present is Senator Serge Osmeña.
Agenda: SB 802, Trillanes, 2184 Lapid, 2234 Ejercito, 2673 Angara, 2766 Villar and HBN 5299 Garin, Relampagos, Alvarez, et. al. " An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Farm Tourism in the Philippines."
Farm tourism or agritourism is now a sunshine industry and the activities include visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operation to enjoy, be educated or involved in what is happening. It is also a commercial enterprise to generate supplemental income for the owner. The goal is more about fostering a deeper understanding of the farming process through education, healthy lifestyles, simple food and amenities and hands-on experience. It create jobs as well as stimulate investments and support for local services. It also stimulates heritage preservation and contribute to the sustainable biodiversity. Resource persons are Mina Gabor, Pres. School of
Sustainable Tourism, Desiree Duran of Duran Farms, Josie Costales of Costales Nature Farms, Sandra Ichon of the Spread Organic Agriculture, Nonong Bagatsing of Kahariam Farms, Edilee Omoyon GM Milea Bee Farm, Gracia Lomboy of Lomboy Farms, Vianney Garal of ACESS Farms, Ilog Maria - Mr. Joel Magsaysay from the Private Sector. Govt. Sector present are: Secretary Gil Delos Reyes of the Dept. of Agrarian Reform, Luz Ampongan of TESDA, Ma. Corazon Divas of CHED, Atty. Ulyses Aguila of DOJ, Mr. James Yap of DTI, DOF Miriam Serrano and BIR and Arnel Andrada of DOT. A Technical Working Group is set on June 2, 2015 at 10:00 am also at the Senate.