GenSan to host 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference

GenSan to host 8th Phl Int’l Farm Tourism Confab

Gen. Santos City, renowned as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” is set to welcome the 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference. This prestigious event, recognized as the largest gathering of farm tourism practitioners and authorities in the country, will take place at the bustling KCC Mall of GenSan from February 24-26.

The conference, skillfully organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), is themed “Stimulating Sustainable Economic Growth in Rural Communities through Farm Tourism.” This year’s gathering aims to foster collaboration among farm owners and farmers while showcasing the significant socio-economic benefits that farm tourism can bring to local communities.

Mina Gabor, president of ISST, highlighted that the focus for this edition will center on promoting sustainable development through diverse initiatives such as the cultivation of vibrant fruit farms, innovative aquaculture practices, and responsible livestock management. Additionally, the conference will explore potential investments in agriculture and tourism, paving the way for a thriving future in rural communities.

“The three-day confab opens with an exhibit of agricultural produce, processed food, native crafts and finished products from Gen. Santos and neighboring provinces. Conference participants can also immerse in the diverse cuisine, natural wonders, adventure attractions and exotic culture of the Soccsksargen Region,” says Gabor.

In a notable development, Gen. Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has enthusiastically endorsed an event aimed at enhancing the insights and expertise of local industry stakeholders in the realm of farm tourism. This initiative is envisioned to foster economic growth and prosperity in the countryside.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Department of Tourism Secretary Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Dewi Suryani, the Human Centre and Innovation Department Manager from SEAMEO BIOTROP (the Southeast Asian Regional Centre for Tropical Biology). Additionally, it was honored by the presence of Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Constante Palabrica and Romleah Pulido Ocampo, the Executive Director of the Center for International Trade, Expositions, and Missions (CITEM). Their participation underscores the collaborative effort to promote sustainable development and enhance the agricultural landscape of the region.

This year’s conference marks a historic milestone as it takes place in Mindanao, a region known affectionately as the Land of Promise. It will illuminate the remarkable progress and enduring peace that Mindanao has achieved in recent years.

The agenda features an array of engaging topics, including Diverse Agricultural Practices and Innovative Sustainable Farm Tourism Models, Strategies for Enhancing Homegrown Food Security, the Adoption of Cutting-Edge Innovations and Technology to Boost Farm Productivity and Environmental Sustainability, Building Peace and Trust Within Communities, Transforming Livestock Farms into Engaging Farm Tourism Destinations, and the Development of Aquaculture with Exciting New Products.

To conclude this enriching experience, participants will embark on a familiarization tour of some of the premier farm tourism sites in the vibrant Soccsksargen Region. Highlights of the tour include Felicidad Orchard, renowned for its lush landscapes and fruitful bounty; the Fish Port Complex, a bustling hub of aquaculture; Guava Farm, celebrated for its organic practices; and the picturesque Bougainvillea Avenue at Sarangani Highlands, a feast for the senses with its stunning floral displays.

The 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference is proudly supported by a robust coalition of esteemed organizations, including the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Key contributions come from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Bureau of Animal Industry, along with the Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport). The event also receives vital support from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and Philippine Airlines, which serves as the official carrier for the conference.

Further enriching the conference’s impact, international partners such as the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity are joining forces with the Institute for Sustainable Tourism (ISST) to share pioneering practices and innovative strategies from across the Southeast Asian region.

Local government units are also deeply involved in this initiative, with significant collaboration from the provinces of Sarangani, Cotabato Province, and Sultan Kudarat, as well as the congressional district offices of General Santos and Sarangani, highlighting the community-driven effort to promote farm tourism in the Philippines.

For details, contact 8442-2998, 0977–2946763, 0966-2430529, email [email protected] or [email protected], or visit www.isst.edu.ph or its Facebook page ISST Philippines.

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