Laoag Village Turns Idle Lots into Agro-Tourism Flower Farm
Laoag City – A rice-farming village in this city is transforming previously idle lots into a colorful agro-tourism flower farm, offering both a new attraction for visitors and an additional source of livelihood for residents.
Barangay 30 Suyo recently opened its community flower farm located near the village hall. The garden was developed through the collective efforts of village officials, youth members, and volunteers who worked together to turn unused land into a productive and welcoming space.
Barangay councilor Edmar Tagama, who also serves as president of the local 4-H Club youth group, expressed pride in the project and the community’s involvement. According to him, seeing visitors appreciate the garden makes the hard work worthwhile.
“We are happy to see people enjoying what we created together. We hope this project inspires others to support sustainable farming while also helping the community earn additional income,” Tagama said.
Local officials explained that the project was inspired by the HAPAG KAY PBBM movement, which promotes urban and peri-urban agriculture as a way to improve food accessibility, affordability, and food security through community participation.
City agriculturist Sheila Opelac said similar farm tourism sites are being developed across Laoag through partnerships with farmers’ groups. The goal is to encourage visitors to stay longer in the city while providing additional livelihood opportunities for local farmers.
“We see farming not only as a way to produce food but also as both an art and a business,” Opelac said, thanking community partners and stakeholders who helped bring the project to life.
To help sustain the garden, visitors can enjoy a “pick and pay” experience for seasonal fruits such as mulberry and papaya, as well as various lowland vegetables grown in the area. A donation box has also been placed at the entrance to support the maintenance of the communal garden, which is located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Laoag.
NPO News Team | Philippines News Agency – PR
