NUEVA VIZCAYA — In the highlands of Kayapa, where vegetable terraces cascade down the mountainsides and the air is crisp with pine scent, a new kind of harvest is taking root.
This, as the Department of Tourism in Cagayan Valley (DOT-2) office recently conducted a three-day training program to help local farm owners, workers, and operators transform their working lands into agritourism destinations, blending agriculture with immersive travel experiences.
From Jan. 13 to 15, 2026, the DOT conducted the “Fun Farms Orientation: Planting the Seeds of Agritourism and Fun Farmsthetics Training” in the municipality. The program aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to integrate tourism into agricultural enterprises while maintaining sustainability and productivity.
DOT-2 Director Troy Alexander Miano explained that the training responds to the growing demand for authentic and immersive travel experiences. “The orientation highlighted the concept of ‘farmsthetics,’ which focuses on enhancing the visual appeal, visitor readiness, and overall quality of farm sites,” Miano said.
Farm owners, workers and operators were taught how simple design improvements, proper site management, and adherence to tourism standards can transform working farms into attractive and market-ready agritourism destinations without compromising their core agricultural functions. The training covered topics such as landscape design, visitor experience planning, safety and sanitation standards, and marketing strategies for agritourism.
Miano expressed optimism that the training will help uplift Nueva Vizcaya’s rural economy by transforming traditional agricultural farms into viable agritourism attractions. “This is about empowering our farmers to diversify their income sources, create new jobs and showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nueva Vizcaya to a broader audience,” he said.
The initiative is part of DOT’s broader strategy to promote inclusive and sustainable tourism development in the Cagayan Valley region. By enhancing farm-based livelihoods, the program aims to position Nueva Vizcaya as a promising agritourism destination in the Philippines.
The training featured resource speakers Kenneth De Gracia and Michael Caballes, who shared their expertise in agritourism development and farm design. Miano thanked the speakers for their contributions, noting that they played a vital role in strengthening the confidence and readiness of local farmers to venture into agritourism.
De Gracia emphasized the importance of storytelling in agritourism: “Visitors want to connect with the land, the people and the food. Farmers can create memorable experiences by sharing their stories, their practices, and their passion for agriculture.”
Caballes added that “farmsthetics” is not just about making farms look pretty, but about creating a holistic experience that engages all senses and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
For many participants, the training was an eye-opener. Maria Santos, a vegetable farmer from Kayapa, said, “I never thought my farm could be a place for tourists. Now I see how I can add a small café, a walking trail, and a place for visitors to learn how we grow our crops. This could help my family earn more income.”
Local government officials in Kayapa welcomed the DOT’s initiative, noting that agritourism could help boost the local economy and create new opportunities for young people in the area. “We are excited to see our farmers become tourism ambassadors. This is a win-win for agriculture and tourism,” said a municipal official.
Through initiatives like the Fun Farms Orientation, DOT-2 continues to support sustainable tourism development that uplifts local communities and enhances farm-based livelihoods. The program aligns with the national government’s push to promote agritourism as a key driver of rural development and poverty alleviation.
“The future of agritourism in the Cagayan Valley region is bright, and the harvest is just beginning,” Miano said.