Nearly 500 organizations, exhibitors, local government officials, and tourism officers from across the Philippines gathered in Mindanao to discuss the need to boost farm tourism in the country.

The 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference 2025 was held in General Santos City, spearheaded by the International School of Sustainable Tourism.

Experts from the Philippines and other countries were invited to share their experiences and strategies for improving farm tourism in the country.

“What we show now in every conference is actually the upgrading. We show the latest innovation, we show the latest technologies, latest trends,” International School of Sustainable Tourism President, Dr. Mina Gabor, said.

One of those who shared her knowledge, challenges, and successes was farm tourism expert Flor Tarriela.

Tarriela is a banker and a gardener who owns a farm in Antipolo, Rizal.

She highlighted the importance of keeping the soil healthy.

“Kasi, ang secret pala is in the soil. Yung soil napaka-importante that we keep it healthy. So kailangan ng organic matter kasi there is a whole world beneath our feet, the soil. And what I would like to impart is, sana mag-start tayo mag-compost, mag-add ng organic matter and let’s respect the soil,” Tarriela said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said it would empower the farm tourism sector in the country, as this would help create economic opportunities.

“I share in your vision for creating economic opportunities for our farmers while enriching the experiences of travelers from all over the world. At the heart of farm tourism lies a simple yet powerful idea that our farms are more than just places of production; they are living landscapes of our culture, our history, and examples of sustainability,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

During the event, more than 20 exhibitors from the agri-fishery sector also showcased their products like tuna chicharon, coco sugar, turmeric powder, fresh honey, among others.

The local government of General Santos City expressed its gratitude that the city was chosen as venue for the event.

“GenSan is the gateway of southern Philippines. We are SOCCSKSARGEN’s window to the world. Surrounding GenSan offers a variety of tourism experience. GenSan is also the prime mover for aquamarine and agricultural tourism,” GenSan City Economic Manager, Leonard Flores, said.