Dot-calabarzon endorses farm tourism and food-hopping
AS part of the reboot of the tourism industry in the Calabarzon Region, the Department of Tourism has rolled out its culinary circuits to showcase its notable farm tourism sites and their unique farm-to-table dining experiences.
Composed of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, the region is among the most visited areas for Metro Manilans because of its proximity and good road network.
According to Dot-calabarzon Acting Regional Director Marites Castro, the farm tour circuits consist of accredited establishments which tour operators and travelers can customize to showcase the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the five provinces.
She noted that the region currently has 26 accredited farm tourism establishments, which blend the charm of agrarian lifestyle and a touch of basic modern comfort and recreational facilities for those offering overnight stays.
Many of them are also recognized by the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as community farm schools.
There are also scores of farmthemed resorts and restaurants accredited by the government tourism agency.
The DOT launched last December the Green Corridor Initiative circuits which have been validated to be compliant with the government’s health and safety protocols, and these include farm tourism sites.
Castro also noted that farms are safe alternatives to the crowded tourist spots because of their vast open spaces, good fresh air circulation, physical distancing, and freshly cooked dishes.
Among the Dot-recommended farm tourism establishments in Cavite are Terra Verde Ecofarm in Maragondon; Sonya’s Garden, The Weekend Farmer and Queen’s Strawberry Farm in Alfonso; Bounty Harvest Farm, Luntiang Republika Ecofarms, and EMV Flower Farm in Indang, Yoki’s Farm and Paradizoo in Mendez; Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay City; and Asiong’s Caviteno Restaurant and Shambala in Silang.
The Cavite circuit is the latest to be rolled out by the DOT Calabarzon office, which also includes the campus farms of the Far Eastern University in Silang and the Cavite State University in Indang.
In Laguna, Graco Farms & Leisure in Pila, Silent Integrated Farm in Liliw, Farmshare Prime in Calauan, Jasif Integrated Farms, and Casa San Pablo in San Pablo City.
Meanwhile in Batangas, there’s Don Leon Nature Farm in San Juan, Mileah Bee Farm in San Jose, and Lica Farms in Lipa City.
For Rizal: Flor’s Garden and Nature Haven in Antipolo City, FDRJ Camping Sites Rental, and Pili Paninap Farms in Tanay; and for Quezon, there’s Francesca de Banahaw in Sariaya, and Bukid Amara, and Linang ni LK Restaurant in Lucban.