Agri-preneur, Roberto Puentespina, recently told the BusinessMirror that he is hoping to spark “agriculture tourism” as a way of life.
Puentespina said the livestock industry of local farmers in Calinan district in this city can be an attraction for other farmers coming from the nearby provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, North Cotabato and other provinces since agriculture is the backbone of their local economy.
Aside from having an economic opportunity, the farmers could also share the values of having a farm in the rural areas for those working in the offices on weekdays.
“As a farmer, we would like to share to other people the benefits of having even a small farm as a lifestyle weekend activity. After a stressful week day, they should come to their farm on weekends to relax and at the same time enjoy the benefits of having a few farm animals,” he said in an interview.
But Puentespina acknowledged that many of those who are in white-collar jobs lack the basics of starting up a small farm or even raising goats and chicken in their own backyards.
Thus, on August 7 to 8, it’s  an “open house “ in Malagos Garden Resort where visitors on the first day of the event can attend seminars on the Philippine cheese industry, renewable energy application in the farm, creating micro habitats and food tasting.
On the second day, there will be seminars on raising organic chickens and pigs, freshwater fish farming, cacao farming and craft-making sessions.
Photo by chris friese