Duterte cites farm tourism

President Duterte on Friday recognized how farm tourism became an effective tool in facilitating the growth of local communities and sustainable development and how it spices up the Philippines as a culinary destination.

In a speech during the Kaon Ta! Food and Travel Expo in Davao City, Duterte reaffirmed the role of tourism in achieving inclusive growth and reducing poverty through the creation of more job opportunities for the people.

The President also lauded the Department of Tourism's approach in promoting Filipino cuisine as part of the country's attractions by making the Philippines as a "center of food and gastronomy in the world."

"I am glad that this tourism approach has gained increasing popularity with the growing number of Filipinos and foreign tourists aspiring to take a break from the stress of city life and, at the same time, augment their income, help them provide more for their families, and improve the crop production," he said.

"The success of this platform demonstrates our commitment to raise awareness and generate more demand for these growing industries. More importantly, this will also provide our people access to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle," he added.

According to the President, gathering local chefs with their worldclass dishes in one event fosters the image of the Philippines as a great culinary destination.

"Let this occasion therefore strengthen your resolve to further develop Filipino cuisine, agricultural products, and technology that celebrate the best of being Filipino," Duterte said.

"I trust that the participants will always pursue sustainability and innovation in their production processes so we can ensure their global quality and competitiveness with the rest of the world," he added.

Duterte expressed hope that the diverse Filipino culinary experience would be appreciated more by Filipinos as farm tourism soars to "greater heights."

Kaon Ta! is a food and travel festival designed to create awareness and interest in Philippine cuisine and tourist destinations. It features local chefs, local dishes, local products, and farm tourism sites.