BACOLOD City – Two more agri-tourism sites were accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Negros Occidental.
The PeacePond Eco Tourism Events and Learning Center in Binalbagan, Negross Occidental and the Melba’s Farm in Talisay City, Negross Occidental were the latest to obtain accreditation on Thursday.
The two accredited sites met the DOT standards, including fire safety and required permits said provincial supervising tourism operations officer Cristine Mansinares.
“Our target is to have more accredited farm-tourism sites as it will help in our efforts to promote Negros Occidental as a sustainable destination,” Mansinares said.
Founded by Antonio Jesus and Checcs Orbida, the PeacePond runs a five-hectare organic farm and fish production area in Barangay Enclaro, Binalbagan.
Through the Plastic Bottle Learning Center and Eco Seed Factory, the site aims to promote health, education, information dissemination, and food security, especially among small farmer-families.
Melba’s Farm, a 10-hectare property owned by Alvin Carranza located in Sitio Masanglad, Barangay Cabatangan, offers “relaxing lodging, forest bathing, and peaceful getaway.”
“We help them to learn about zero-carbon footprint agricultural systems and other innovations which shall guide them in taking care of the earth we live in,” Mansinares said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
