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MANILA,
Nov. 30 (PNA) -- The Philippines, one of the largest agricultural
producers in Southeast Asia, has much potential in agri-tourism,
Japanese "meisters" or experts have noted.
As
they move towards more healthy eating options, the Japanese continue to
look for high quality agricultural producers, an opportunity which the
Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT) considers as having high
potential in enticing a steadily growing niche market.
DOT
Secretary Joseph "Ace" Durano said, "The increasing popularity of the
healthy lifestyle in Japan will definitely attract the specialized
market segment of vegetable and fruit meisters to the Philippines."
The
slogan "you are what you eat" is something that a rising number of
Japanese women are now adhering to. The focus is now more on fruits and
vegetables, and recently Japanese meisters have taken notice of the
country's high quality organic produce.
With
the advocacy of further promoting agri-tourism and organic farming in
the country, DOT welcomed recently representatives from the Vegetable
and Fruit Meister Association of Japan to choice farms, and let them
experience sustainable organic farming in the country.
The
Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association will publish their stories on
Philippine organic agriculture in their magazine entitled "Yasai
Tsushin," to promote not only the tropical fruits and vegetables but
also the country's agri-tourism destinations, attractions, and
festivities.
Durano
added, "Agriculture has been the traditional backbone of the economy,
and there is synergy with tourism. The Philippines can also be known
for agri-tourism, since here in our country is a whole selection of
quality organic products."
Xavier
University College of Agriculture and the Sustainable Agriculture
Center in Cagayan de Oro City; the Del Monte Farms in Bukidnon; and
Mariculture in Misamis Oriental, are among the featured institutions
where local experts demonstrated the procedures in growing vegetables
and fruits, as well as various ways of preparing vegetable dishes and
recipes.
Dr.
Floro Dalapag of the College of Agriculture in Xavier University
presented the different preparations of rice cookies, papaya preserves
and corn coffee to the Japanese fruit and vegetable meisters.
Montegelo
Agri-tourism Resort Complex, owned by plant pathologist Dr. Faustino
Obrero, featured their own specialty - cactus soup, an exotic soup rich
in vitamins and minerals.
Obrero's establishment is famous for its flexible facilities for students, families, and long-stay tourists.
Undersecretary
for Tourism Planning and Promotions Eduardo Jarque Jr. said, "The
Philippines has a wealth of tropical produce that would definitely
entice fruit and vegetable meisters. These products would enhance their
activities and help promote healthy living."
Jarque
also noted, "These trips cater to a niche market of travelers who
prefer to take more time in immersing themselves in the culture of a
specific town, or a farming community. The tourism department is bent
in promoting these more."
The
Vegetable and Fruit Meister Association aims to foster food culture and
advocate healthy eating habits by training specialists, and to inspire
their fellow Japanese to practice and adhere to using only organic
agricultural produce.
Director
Benito Bengzon, head of DOT Team Japan, said, they also went to the
rich organic farms of Camiguin Island, famous for its Lanzones
Festival.
The
region, known for its abundant supplies of raw materials used as
organic fertilizers and fungicides, also is rich in a diverse flora and
fauna.
Bengzon
and the group also toured the Gardens of the Malasag Eco-village, where
the colorful culture of the various tribes in Northern Mindanao can be
experienced first-hand.
Sometimes
referred to as a "living museum," immersion in their community is a
truly unique and fulfilling encounter; indigenous weaving, singing, and
dancing and all their practices are all intact – a quality which has
kept them united throughout the years.
According
to Bengzon, "While the country is still in its initial stages in making
full blast as with organic farming, there are already 35,000 organic
farms on 14,140 hectares of land with a total share of 0.12 percent of
total agricultural lands."
It
was also reported by the FAS/US Department of Agriculture in 2000 that
organic agricultural production is limited though steadily growing,
between 10 to 20 percent annually.
In
support of the initiative to boost organic farming in the country,
Executive Order No. 481, entitled "Promotion and Development of Organic
Agriculture in the Philippines" was issued by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005.
(PNA) |
