PANGASINAN—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) extended support and assistance to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the conduct of a Farm Tourism Product Audit in selected farm sites in Pangasinan last October 17-20, 2023.
DOT undertook a thorough audit of Pangasinan’s agriculture tourism destinations that have received DOT accreditation. This program was a part of ongoing efforts to make sure accredited agricultural tourism facilities fulfilled and upheld the high criteria established by the department.
The conduct of the audit aims to assess the location, services, activities, and establishments of the identified farm tourism camps; consult stakeholders in developing farm tourism in their respective areas, and discuss issues and concerns and identify peripheral activities for inclusion in tourism circuits within Pangasinan and in the region.
The activity was led by the Department of Tourism Central Team composed of Ms. Ayra N. Ngitit, Tourism Operations Officer II; Ms. Dawn Sheila S. Monter; and Mr. Samuel Luis Dacuma, Tourism Operations Officer II of the Regional Monitoring Services.
DOT Region I was represented by Mr. Reynaldo Gesmundo (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person), whereas the PTCAO Team was represented by Mr. Edward N. Muego (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person) and Ms. Edrea-Ann Fernandez; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan was represented by Mr. Juanito Reyes, Jr. and Mr. Jo Agonoy; the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO I) was represented by Mr. Virgilio Macaraeg, Mr. Juanito Malazo Jr. APCO, and Mr. Marvin G. Quilates. Representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs) served as subject matter experts during the farm tourism product audit with farm tourism operators and stakeholders and provided technical assistance during the assessment of farm tourism sites.
The selected farm tourism camps were: RISATI/Reotutar’s Farm Resort, Villasis; Greentop Organix Farm Agribusiness Skills Training and Assessment Center, San Fabian; Roheim Farm and Wellness Resort, San Fabian; R.Rebs Integrated Eco-Farm, Natividad; Maria’s Luntiang Bukid Agricultural Learning Center, Natividad; Our Farm Republic Integrated Organic Farms, Mangatarem; and Teraoka Integrated Farm, Mangatarem.
The insights gained from this audit will serve as a foundation for further improvements, ensuring that farm tourism sites continue to offer exceptional experiences to tourists in Pangasinan.
/EAF
Photos: TPPDD
