27 July 2004
DOT launches first farm tour in Bohol
The Department of Tourism together with the Department of Agriculture, local government unit (LGU), tour operators and the Ubay Agri-Park Farmers’ Information and Technology Services Center (UAP-FITS) will launch the Ubay Farm Tour in Lomangog, Bohol on July 24 as part of DOT’s commitment to provide technical assistance to one of its pilot agri-tourism sites in Central Visayas.
Aside from marveling the grandest natural wonders and rich historical relics of Bohol, the 2003 Kalakbay Destination of the Year, also entices agri-tourism enthusiasts to experience the farm tour in the new leisure park developed in the province.
DOT’s agri-tourism otherwise known as ‘farm tourism’ includes visits to the different points of interest and attractions, activities, services and amenities including the cultural resources of the agricultural area. Within just 25 kilometers from Ubay Agri-Park, the tourist could easily make satellite stops and destinations of the tour to Philippine Carabao Center, Marcelo Farm, Bohol Experimental Station and Capayas Dam.
According to Tourism Secretary Roberto ‘Obet’ Pagdanganan the program is intended to promote an appreciation of the local culture, heritage and traditions through personal contact with the local people in the farm communities.
The Ubay Agri-Tour features the different agriculture-related research centers and demo areas of the Agri-Park in Bohol. Visits to these areas provides access to information on agricultural techniques and farming procedures like planting, animal feeding and others. The tour provides an experience with the park’s unique natural setting and interactive on-farm activities with a choice of horseback, carabao riding, balsa, caromata ride, fishing and encounter with farm animals or visit to farming communities.
The Ubay Agri-Park is a 3,000 hectare terrain of gently rolling hills in Barangay Lomangog, Ubay, Bohol located 242 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. It has been home to Ubay Stock Farm which is a research and development facility intended for animal breeding the cattle, goats, sheep and carabaos.
It also showcase the agricultural wealth and mountain resources of the northeastern sites of Bohol focusing on the Agri-Tourism Center and the viewing of other attractions like Wahig Pamascalan Dam in Pilar as well as adventure activities in the area.
The Ubay Agri-Park likewise, boasts of products like fresh cow, goat, carabao’s milk, white cottage cheese, pastillas de leche, ornamental and fruit tree seedlings.
The park is situated along the national highway, approximately two hours drive from Tagbilaran with daily trips of passenger buses, air-conditioned vans and jeepneys available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. trips going to Ubay passing the picturesque coastal towns of Dmiao, Guindulman and Alicia.
The town of Ubay is also accessible by pump boats and small ferry boats from Cebu (5-6 hours trip) and from Bato, Leyte and Maasin City. Tricycles from the town center will take one to the park via Tubigon route for P10.00 per pax.
Other agri-tourism sites identified by the government in Central Visayas include the Norkis Farm in Babag, Cebu and Oisca Farm in Kanlaon City, Negros Oriental.
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