PGLU PARTICIPATES IN TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION WORKSHOP
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photo By: Almira C. Pagaduan, DOT-RO1 | Date: February 18-19, 2020
OIC-Chief Arlene A. Alipio of the Office of Industry Manpower Development discusses Training Programs, Plans and Policies for 2020 to the participants of the Regional Tourism Stakeholders Consultation Workshop conducted by the Department of Tourism – Region 1 during the first day of the two-day training at the Marand Beach Resort, Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union on February 18 – 19, 2020. The workshop aimed to build a stronger linkage with the stakeholders and serve a venue to listen to the stakeholders’ insights and on-the-ground situation of tourism in the region.
The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) participated in the Regional Tourism Stakeholders Consultation Workshop conducted by the Department of Tourism – Region 1 on February 18 – 19, 2020 at the Marand Beach Resort, Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union.
This two-day consultation workshop is in pursuant to the implementation of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 of Republic Act 10816 with the aim to craft a Regional Strategic Action Plan for Farm Tourism involving the existing and emerging farm sites in the region.
A total of 50 participants gathered from various farms and tourism stakeholders and government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Trade and Industries, Agricultural Training Institute and Provincial Tourism Officers from the four provinces.
DOT Regional Dir. Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega urged the local tourism players to work together with the different government agencies especially the DOT to achieve Region 1’s vision of becoming a sustainable tourism-driven region. Aside from that, it was suggested that they join an existing or organize a new farmer/fisheries association and connect with the proper panelists on how to work together in increasing their farms produce, suitability of activities as well as the quality and sustainability of tourism products they are offering for the benefit of the local farmers and tourists.
Furthermore, DOT encouraged accreditable farm owners present during the activity to process their accreditation in order to enjoy exclusive support such as marketing and promotions.
Currently, a total of nine DOT-Accredited Agri-Tourism Sites in La Union are deemed compliant and are endorsed by the regional office to the various tourist markets. LUPTO believes the numbers will increase before the year ends since most of the existing farm owners are currently processing their renewal and number of new applicants are also increasing.
With high hopes in achieving the vision to become the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025, PGLU has been actively campaigning for the accreditation and will be looking forward in implementing more farm-related programs and activities throughout the year.
