BUKIDNON, Region X – Thirty (30) officers of the Rural Based Organization (RBO) conducted a benchmarking in premiere farm tourism sites in the province.

The officers visited the Alomah’s Place, Mt. Kitanglad Agro-Eco Tourism Farm, Jaya’s Secret Garden and Binahon Agro Forest Farm (BAFF). They learned about farming activities, backyard gardening, organic agriculture, preparation of medicinal herbs and salads, agro-forestry, plant organization, techniques in crop production, learning site and farm tourism establishment. Through the activity, they were encouraged to transform their land into an eco-tourism attraction as an additional source of income. Moreover, the trip gave them the idea that an integrated and diversified farming system with value-adding activity, business-wise, is more advantageous than the mono-cropping system. Lastly, the participants revered family bonding in the farm, the value of hard work, healthy lifestyle, importance of nature and balanced ecology and the promotion of camaraderie and friendship during the exposure trip.

“First and foremost I want to thank ATI for this interesting and relevant activity especially for me who is aspiring to have my own learning site in the future. It serves as an eye opener to those interested. The sites we went were amazing. In Alomah’s Place, they emphasized the importance of eating fresh and green vegetables and development of slopes into a beautiful and attractive contour farm. Next is the Maputi Farm in Mt. Kitanglad where the scenery was simple and natural. The activity motivated us leaders to be more productive and successful in the future,” expressed Lilibeth Arce, President of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) in Surigao City.

The exposure trip happened last October 22-26, 2018 with Mary Jane Gonzaga, RBO Coordinator/ Agriculturist I of ATI-Caraga, acting as Project Officer.