BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
Farmers in Tuba, Benguet are expected to benefit from a new partnership aimed at strengthening the town’s agri-tourism industry.
The local government of Tuba has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a private company to support local farmers.
Wilmer Filangen, a strawberry farmer from Sitio Bilis in Sto. Tomas School Area, Baguio City, shared how they initially struggled with selling their produce.
“Transporting our strawberries to La Trinidad for sale takes time, and we often lose some earnings due to middlemen fees,” he said.
With the new partnership, Filangen and around 50 other farmers will have a more direct market for their products.
“They will buy from us and handle the selling themselves,” he explained.
The initiative is backed by real estate company DMCI, which aims to create a sustainable system that benefits both farmers and tourism in the area.
“This agreement ensures that local farmers have a stable market while promoting agricultural tourism,” said Januel O. Venturanza, DMCI Homes’ Vice President for Marketing.
Tuba’s municipal tourism officer, Anabelle Degawan, believes this will also boost tourism in the town.
“This initiative will help promote local attractions while supporting our farmers,” Degawan said.
Municipal agriculturist Flordelizo Abance added that strengthening agricultural ties would improve the local economy and introduce Tuba’s agricultural products to a wider market.
The partnership is seen as a major step in promoting Tuba as an agri-tourism destination while ensuring a steady livelihood for its farmers.
