BSU Plans to Develop Strawberry Farm into Ecotourism Destination
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet State University (BSU) has proposed a plan to transform the town’s well-known strawberry farm into an ecotourism destination while preserving its agricultural purpose.
BSU President Dr. Kenneth Laruan said the proposal has already been submitted to the Strawberry Council of La Trinidad and is also being presented to several partner government agencies that could provide funding for the project.
According to Laruan, the development plan will focus on maintaining the natural environment of the strawberry farm rather than building large infrastructures. The goal is to promote tourism while protecting the area’s agricultural value.
The proposal supports the Department of Agriculture’s designation of the farm—locally known as the “swamp”—as a protected area for both agriculture and ecotourism. BSU is currently seeking around PHP 20 million in funding from government partners to improve the site.
Laruan explained that the university manages a significant portion of the strawberry production in the area. The land owned by BSU is supervised by two university offices: the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, through its agri-based technology innovation center, and the Office of Business Affairs. These offices also work with two groups managing the area—the Sariling Sikap group, composed of 206 members, and the Farmers Cooperative.
Meanwhile, Municipal Agriculturist Nida Organo shared that records show around 519 farmers currently cultivating strawberries in the swamp area. The farmers manage about 39 hectares of farmland, producing approximately 1,775 metric tons of strawberries.
Organo added that farmers’ incomes have improved in recent years due to the introduction of farm tourism activities and strawberry product processing, which have attracted visitors to the area.
La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan expressed strong support for the proposal, saying any initiative that benefits local farmers is welcome.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting the strawberry farm, especially from flooding during the rainy season. According to the mayor, cooperation between the community and the local government is essential to preserve the area.
“This is part of our identity, and we should work together to protect what we have,” Awingan said.
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