CONGRESS TO APPROVE FARM 

BILL TOURISM INTO LAW

    The much awaited Farm Tourism Bill is soon to become a law as Senate passed on 2nd reading the substitute bill.  The bill was sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate’s Committee on Agriculture and Food.

     The Senate version garnered support from legislators as it is set to draw up a Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan that is consistent with the National Tourism Development Plan, to provide specific programs and activities designed to help the industry stakeholders.

     The House version of the Farm Tourism Bill was authored by Cong. Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-Owa Partylist. It was passed by Congress and transmitted to the Senate last January 2015.

“Agriculture and tourism had a great potential in bringing income to poor farmers, not to mention its potential for the overall economic and cultural development of the whole country,” Garin said.

      “Farm Tourism will introduce, educate and even train the youth on agricultural practices as well as providing outdoor recreation. This combination of actual practice and cultural immersion will also open a way for our poor farming families to earn more as it will also generate employment,” she added.

     Farm Tourism, also known as agri-tourism, refers to the practice of attracting visitors and travelers to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes. It brings farmers and tourists or visitors together who want to be educated and trained in farming.    

      “Agri-tourism has been in the country for decades.  The socio- economic benefits, educational opportunities, and the cultural impact has a great potential. Passage of the Farm Tourism Bill as soon as possible will ensure that we will all reap these benefits,” Garin ended./MP