General Santos City, the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” will host the 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference (PIFTC) from Feb. 24 to 26 at the KCC Mall of GenSan. This major event will bring together farm tourism experts, practitioners, and stakeholders.
Guava Farm. (SHARED PHOTO)
Organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), this year’s conference is themed “Stimulating Sustainable Economic Growth in Rural Communities through Farm Tourism.” The event will focus on collaboration among farm owners and industry players, highlighting the socio-economic benefits of farm tourism.
Mina Gabor, ISST President, emphasized that the conference will explore sustainable growth in agriculture and tourism, including topics on fruit farming, aquaculture, and livestock. Attendees will also experience the region’s cuisine, attractions, and culture.
Sarangani Highlands’ Bougainvillea Avenue. (SHARED PHOTO)
General Santos Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has endorsed the event, encouraging local stakeholders to enhance their knowledge of farm tourism to help boost rural prosperity.
Key topics include Diversified Agriculture and Sustainable Farm Tourism Models; Innovations in Farm Productivity and Sustainability; Promoting Peace and Trust in Communities; and Livestock Farms as Farm Tourism Destinations.
The event will conclude with a tour of leading farm tourism sites in the Soccsksargen region.
The conference is supported by government agencies and partners, including the Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and Philippine Airlines. Local government units from Sarangani, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, along with General Santos and Sarangani’s congressional district offices, are collaborating on the event.
