Filipino farmers remain to be the poorest among the basic sectors in the Philippines. One of the interventions done by the government is the enactment of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016. In support to this, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) established a Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) program for farms. SciCAT is the convergence of science and technology (S&T), innovation in farm techniques and practices, and tourism to showcase the farm’s natural beauty and distinct farm experiences through educational and recreational activities. Silan AgriFarm, a 21- hectare agricultural farm, situated at Brgy. Tambo M. Kulit, Indang, Cavite, started as a production farm showcasing dragon fruit as their main commodity. It is owned by Mr. Edilberto R. Silan, a Magsasaka Siyentista (farmer scientist) by the DOST-PCAARRD since 2006. It showcases agricultural innovations for improved and sustainable farm practices. The transformation of Silan AgriFarm into a SciCAT site paved the way for the farm owners to discover the beauty of agritourism as an avenue to a more sustainable livelihood sources and opportunities. From purely agricultural production for income generating purposes, Silan AgriFarm owners were given the opportunity to gradually open their hearts and minds to the world of agritourism and tourism through farm development and technology application. Along with the transformation, due to higher cost of farm inputs, the establishment of a camping site started immediately as an alternative source of income during the off-season. This transformation also led to opportunities to extend Silan AgriFarm’s technical expertise to help other farmers to establish their own dragon fruit farms. Likewise, more job opportunities opened to nearby communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Silan AgriFarm continues to support R&D activities related to agricultural production and processing for innovation, environmental protection, and profit. Research undertaking on the rehabilitation of the banana plantation at the showcased Banana-Lakatan production technology is being undertaken. Also, in preparation for the desire to venture into a food business, the development of baked and confectionery products using dragon fruit as the main ingredient is underway.
Keywords: farm development, technology application, sustainable livelihood, technical expertise, R&D activities
Filipino farmers remain to be the poorest among the basic sectors in the Philippines. One of the interventions done by the government is the enactment of the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016. In support to this, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) established a Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) program for farms. SciCAT is the convergence of science and technology (S&T), innovation in farm techniques and practices, and tourism to showcase the farm’s natural beauty and distinct farm experiences through educational and recreational activities. Silan AgriFarm, a 21- hectare agricultural farm, situated at Brgy. Tambo M. Kulit, Indang, Cavite, started as a production farm showcasing dragon fruit as their main commodity. It is owned by Mr. Edilberto R. Silan, a Magsasaka Siyentista (farmer scientist) by the DOST-PCAARRD since 2006. It showcases agricultural innovations for improved and sustainable farm practices. The transformation of Silan AgriFarm into a SciCAT site paved the way for the farm owners to discover the beauty of agritourism as an avenue to a more sustainable livelihood sources and opportunities. From purely agricultural production for income generating purposes, Silan AgriFarm owners were given the opportunity to gradually open their hearts and minds to the world of agritourism and tourism through farm development and technology application. Along with the transformation, due to higher cost of farm inputs, the establishment of a camping site started immediately as an alternative source of income during the off-season. This transformation also led to opportunities to extend Silan AgriFarm’s technical expertise to help other farmers to establish their own dragon fruit farms. Likewise, more job opportunities opened to nearby communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Silan AgriFarm continues to support R&D activities related to agricultural production and processing for innovation, environmental protection, and profit. Research undertaking on the rehabilitation of the banana plantation at the showcased Banana-Lakatan production technology is being undertaken. Also, in preparation for the desire to venture into a food business, the development of baked and confectionery products using dragon fruit as the main ingredient is underway.
Keywords: farm development, technology application, sustainable livelihood, technical expertise, R&D activities