Governor Amy Alvarez said that agritourism is not only about attracting visitors but also about strengthening livelihoods and ensuring food security in Palawan.
In a message delivered by Atty. Queen Harra Sheigila Pantanosas during the Tourism Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop held at the Capitol on September 9, the governor said agritourism should empower barangays and local governments to develop their sites, create jobs, support small enterprises, and guarantee market access for farmers and fisherfolk.
“For the Governor, agritourism is not only about attracting visitors. It is about empowering barangays and LGUs to develop their sites, creating sustainable jobs, supporting local enterprises, and ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolks have reliable access to markets,” Pantanosas said.
Gov. Amy also envisions tourists staying longer in Palawan, communities earning more, and local products being showcased as symbols of identity and resilience.
She linked agritourism to her PALAWAN+PLUS Development Agenda, which prioritizes food security.
A food-secure Palawan, according to her, will lead to stronger health systems, better access to education and training for the youth, and more innovative programs at the community level.
“This vision is anchored in her PALAWAN+PLUS Development Agenda. A food-secure Palawan means stronger health systems, because nutrition is the foundation of wellness. It also means expanding access to education and skills training, so that our youth are prepared to lead in agritourism and related industries,” the governor’s spokesperson said.
The workshop, organized by the Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, aimed to gather insights from various stakeholders on the current state and challenges of the tourism value chain in Palawan.
It was attended by representatives from the provincial government, local governments, NGOs, cooperatives, the private sector, and Civil Society Organization Desk Officer Eduardo Modesto Rodriguez.
