SILANG, Cavite – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon celebrated another innovative success as it launched the two (2) coffee table books, Agriculturally Awesome: A Regional Farm Tourism Travel Guide and saRiLing ATIn: 25 Promising Native Plants of the Philippines on September 19, 2019 at Teofely Nature Farms, Inc., one of the Extension Service Provider (ESP) of the Center. Around 100 distinguished guests from local and national media, bloggers, Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited farm tourism sites, ATI Regional Network of Training Centers and other government agencies graced the momentous event. One of the guests, Mr. Joseph Francisco R. Ortega, Regional Director of DOT IV-A acknowledged the efforts of farm tourism sites and expressed support in farm tourism through his keynote speech. “Our farm tourism sites have become the benchmark and the standard of excellence in farm tourism in the country, promoting environment-friendly, efficient and sustainable farm practices and offering health and wellness services with high-quality farm-produced food. These are notable models of farm tourism development that everyone should emulate. DOT is continuously thinking ways to further support farm tourism in the country,” highlighted by Mr. Ortega.

On the other hand, Ms. Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon, cited the modern farming activities offered in agri-tourism, “Ang agri-tourism, patuloy din itong nagbabago. Noon agri-tourism equals to field visits o simpleng pag-iikot sa mga farms. Kumpara sa ngayon na ang agri-tourism ay nangangahulugan ng pagkakaroon ng interactive activities sa mga farms katulad ng glamping, paggawa ng mga concoctions, paggawa ng mga tsaa o yung simpleng pagpapakain ng mga hayop sa farms.”

Agriculturally Awesome highlights the 30 DOT accredited farm tourism sites in CaLaBaRZon. Moreover, the book contains the updated list of ATI CaLaBaRZon certified Learning Sites for Agriculture, Schools for Practical Agriculture and ESPs, regional festivals, delicacies, commodities of Magsasaka Siyentista and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center. While, saRiLing ATIn reintroduces the 25 native plants of the Philippines. These include katmon, himbabao, sapinit, and pili to name a few.

As part of the book launching activities, some bloggers and media visited different DOT accredited farm tourism sites and at the same time ATI certified LSA and ESPs to learn organic practices and experience various farming activities. They toured Teofely Nature Farms, Inc. in Silang, Cavite, Terra Verde Ecofarm in Maragondon, Cavite, MoCa Family Farm RLearning Center in Padre Garcia, Batangas and Forest Wood Garden in San Pablo City, Laguna.

Agriculturally Awesome is the fusion of its volumes 1 and 2. Meanwhile, saRiLing ATIn is a publication in collaboration with MoCa Family Farm RLearning Center, a Regional Extension Service Provider (ESP) of ATI CaLaBaRZon.