The country’s expanding farm tourism industry reaches new heights as it hosts the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference in Baguio City from March 4–6 at the Hotel Supreme Mall and Events Center.

Baguio City hosts 9th International Farm Tourism Conference

Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), this year’s event is themed “Highland Harvest, Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism” and will showcase the expanding industries in the Cordillera mountain region.

According to ISST president Mina Gabor, the event is the country’s largest gathering of practitioners and authorities in agriculture and tourism, highlighting investments and the development of upland farm-based attractions while ensuring their sustainability.

Cosmic Farm

Senator Francis Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, will keynote the three-day conference to discuss the Upper Chamber’s legislative agenda on food security.

The event was formally opened by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, along with ISST chair Jaime Bautista, Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Philippine Retirement Authority General Manager and CEO Bob Zozobrado, and Cooperative Development Authority Director Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo.

ISST president Dr Mina Gabor

“The confab will feature an exhibit of agricultural produce, processed food, native crafts and finished products from the Cordilleras to be led by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona. Participants can also immerse in the exotic cuisine, natural wonders, adventure attractions and well-preserved culture of the highland region,” says Gabor.

Panel discussions will explore Highland Coffee Innovation with Dr. Alejandro Mojica from the Philippine Coffee Board and columnist Noemi Lardizabal–Dado of The Manila Times, as well as Tradition to Technology featuring La Trinidad, Benguet municipal councilor Belmer Elis, Cordillera culture bearer and master weaver Cathy Ekid, and Cosmic Farm president Rogel Marsan.

Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts

Other topics covered include the Six Pillars of Sustainable Farm Tourism, discussed by SVD Laudato Si’ Farm founder Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, digitalization in farm tourism presented by Vulcain.ai founder Gregory Duffell, and efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage through Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts director Lucia Capuyan Catanes.

Laudato Si’ SVD Farm

There will also be scientific and technical contributions, including ‘Sustainable Food System for Food Security’ by FAO country representative Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, ‘Brand Storytelling and Marketing Strategies’ by Approach Consultancy President Lorenzo Manalang, ‘Adapting Agriculture to Climate Reality’ by IIRR country director Emilita Monville Oro, and ‘Building Resilient Communities in the Highlands’ by ASEAN Center for Biodiversity adviser Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will also highlight Aquaculture Tourism to showcase upland freshwater technologies.

Additionally, Kristine Ramos, president of Uma Verde Econature Farm, and Sophia May Alameda, founder of Alameda Farms Surigao del Sur, will share their success stories.

Narda’s Handwoven Arts and Crafts

A highlight of the conference is Asia’s Farm Tourism Awards Night, featuring Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as the guest of honor. Now in its fifth edition, the Awards will recognize outstanding local and Asian entrepreneurs who have led the way in farm tourism through their innovative initiatives.

The visit concludes with a tour of farm tourism sites in the country’s Summer Capital and its surrounding areas, which have now become additional must-see attractions.

BenCab Museum Farm & Gardens

The 9th International Farm Tourism Conference is supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Retirement Authority, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Tourism Promotions Board, and the Department of Trade and Industry, with Philippine Airlines serving as the official carrier.

For details, contact (02) 8442-2998, 0977–2946763, 0966-2430529, email [email protected] or [email protected], visit www.isst.edu.ph or its Facebook page ISST Philippines.

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