Over 3,000 farmers from Bataan province are expected to benefit from a three-pronged program that features farm tourism, use of satellite technology, and livelihood support.
The 3 programs, the creation of Agro-Inotech Center, the launching of agri-tourism, and the training of farmers in Bataan are expected to benefit the 3,000 farmers and have an impact on and improve the overall healthy lifestyle of more than 110,000 residents in 46 barangays.
Dinalupihan Bataan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia announced on February 25, 2020, that the Agro-Inotech Center will be built under the Private-Public Partnership program, the agri-tourism will be piloted by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and SM Foundation will provide training and market linkage.
Agro-Inotech Center
The Agro-Inotech Center, which will be built under the PPP scheme, will be equipped with satellites and modern gadgets to monitor pest problems, soil, climate, irrigation, and other field-related concerns to produce high-quality vegetables with a ready market, through the use of hydroponics.
“Hopefully, we can produce 2.5 million lettuce heads so we can also contribute to the food sufficiency program of the Philippines,” the city mayor said.
Agri-Tourism
The next project is the launching of agri-tourism which DOT Regional Director Carol Uy emphasized is about making Dinalupihan a pilot area.
There will be farm schools built, areas for capacity-building, as well as trained tour guides.
“We want our town to be a rural tourism attraction and hope to involve most of the 3,500 hectares of agricultural lands under the program,” Garcia stated.
Farmers Training
The third program is the training of farmers in Barangay Palanggang by SM Foundation, Inc. wherein farmers will be trained and guided on what to plant as well as be provided a ready market linkage through SM malls for their produce.
The implementation of these programs aims to improve the overall healthy lifestyle of farmers and residents in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
“All these programs will be a convergence of efforts of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development and DOT, among some other agencies,” Mayor Garcia added.
Similar projects or programs that seek to promote farm tourism and agriculture include the DOT farm program that benefits farmers and fisherfolk and the NVKROPS e-commerce platform which seeks to help farmers with their produce.
SEND WELL WISHES in the comments below to the farmers and residents of Dinalupihan City in Bataan for these upcoming projects that seek to take care of farmers who feed the country!
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