Innovative Approach to Promote Package of Technologies (POTs): The SciCAT (Science for The Convergence Of Agriculture and Tourism) Way

The tourism sector plays a significant role in the Philippine economy, with its contribution amounting to at least 12% of the GDP prior to the pandemic. With the country’s domestic tourism expenditure reaching a record-high of 61 billion US dollars last 2019, the government aims to continue this pre-pandemic momentum. The domestic tourism expenditure’s average growth rate of 17.4% (2000-2019) also indicates a strong desire of locals to explore the country's tourist spots (PSA, 2020). More importantly, the country was also proactive in diversifying tourism by introducing a game-changing support policy known as the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10816). Its key principle, among others, is the recognition of the state that “tourism, coupled with agriculture extension services, can disseminate the value of agriculture in the development of the country…” To achieve this, relevant government agencies led by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) and the University of the Philippines – Institute for Small Scale Industries (UP ISSI) have collaborated to implement the vision of the act. This collaborative project, entitled "The Establishment of the Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism Program," aims to showcase agriculture technologies developed by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in farm tourism sites. It targets market segments in the hope of inspiring and encouraging farming and improving the productivity of farm owners with the adoption of new technologies learned from these farm tourism sites. The methodology includes upgrading the competency in enterprise planning and management for identified farm owners. In addition, the government supports the renovation and improvement of facilities in farm tourism sites to improve their attractiveness for tourist guests. Overall, this collaborative effort aims to promote Agri-tourism while encouraging the adoption of new farm technologies. By providing a unique experience for visitors, farm tourism sites can showcase the value of agriculture in the country's development, while inspiring others to go into farming or replicate these technologies to improve productivity.