DMCI Homes holds agritourism training for Tuba Farmers

In line with its commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism development, DMCI Homes recently organized a comprehensive agritourism training for members of the Tuba Agri-Tourism Community (TATC) at the Cabin in the Sky in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet province.

The training is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DMCI Homes and TATC, which seeks to help local farmers grow their livelihood and create farm-based tourism experiences that will be connected to Moncello Crest, DMCI Homes Leisure Residences’ upcoming eco-agri resort condotel in the area. 

The training, titled “Unlocking Your Garden’s Potential into an Agritourism Destination,” was led by TATC Vice Chairperson Jennelyn Saingan, a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited training provider for Organic Agriculture Production. 

Also present to lend their support and expertise were Tuba Municipal Tourism Officer Annabelle Degawan and Municipal Agriculturist Flordelizo Abance.

The session introduced participants to the concept of agritourism, not just as a tourism trend, but as a transformative approach that helps farmers increase

their income, engage with visitors, and share their agricultural traditions in meaningful ways.

Through the session, farmers explored how their gardens and farmlands could evolve into vibrant tourism spots offering immersive experiences such as guided farm tours, fruit and vegetable picking, farm-to-table dining, and cultural storytelling.

Participants also learned how to assess their properties for agritourism potential, considering factors like accessibility, available amenities, safety, and the uniqueness of their farming stories.

The training guided them in outlining agritourism plans tailored to their land’s features and their personal vision, whether it be through hosting day trips, culinary classes, or interactive farm activities.

Another important aspect of the training focused on the legal and safety considerations of opening a farm to the public. These included securing necessary permits, ensuring guest safety, and meeting local regulations. To prepare participants for launching their ventures, the session also discussed how to register a business and navigate the processes involved in starting a tourism-related enterprise in their community.

Marketing and promotion strategies were also tackled by Saingan, who drew from her own experience managing an eco-agri tourism site. Her firsthand insights offered practical tips on how farmers can build their brand, reach new

markets through social media, and attract visitors by highlighting the Cordillera Region’s rich culture and beautiful way of life.

Farmers were introduced to strategies to attract visitors, including social media use, community collaborations, and leveraging local tourism platforms.

Discussions extended into the financial aspects of agritourism—highlighting revenue streams, cost considerations, and ways to sustain long-term operations. Case studies of successful agri-tourism sites in Benguet and similar farming towns were shared to inspire and provide practical insights.

Butch Mendizabal, DMCI Homes Corporate Communications Manager, said this initiative forms part of a larger vision to integrate Tuba’s farms into the Moncello Crest guest experience.

Once completed, Moncello Crest will serve as a gateway for travelers to discover the richness of Cordilleran farm life through visits to nearby farms, direct purchase of fresh produce, and hands-on farming experiences.

“Tuba has so much to offer in agritourism. We’re grateful to be part of its bright future and to grow with the community,” said Mendizabal.”

DMCI Homes is also studying ways to dedicate spaces within Moncello Crest and other developments where local farmers can showcase and sell their products.

As Benguet continues to gain recognition as a premier eco-agri tourism hub in the North, the partnership between DMCI Homes and the Tuba farming

community highlights how meaningful collaboration can create new pathways for inclusive growth while preserving the traditions, stories, and flavors that make the Cordillera highlands unique.

DMCI Homes Leisure Residences is the new brand of Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes offering resort condotels in sought-after vacation destinations all over the country. True to DMCI Homes’ brand of superior value, each DMCI Homes Leisure Residences property features best-in-class product and service features found in top-rated luxury resort properties, at price points that will delight value-discerning clientele.  

To learn more about Moncello Crest, call (632) 5324-8888. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.