Headline: Gov. Bong Welcomes Secretary Frasco at Terra Madre Visayas Event
In an exciting development for the tourism landscape of Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson welcomed Tourism Secretary Ma. Cristina Garcia Frasco during the recent Terra Madre Visayas event. The gathering, held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, focused on sustainable food systems and agriculture, emphasizing the correlation between tourism and local agricultural practices.
Strengthening Local Collaboration
The Terra Madre Visayas event, which convened farmers, producers, and tourism stakeholders, highlighted the vital bond between agriculture and tourism—a sector that significantly supports the local economy. The event aimed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and elevate the profile of local produce.
“We are excited to have Secretary Frasco join us for this pivotal event. Her presence underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing our tourism capabilities while supporting our farmers,” stated Gov. Bong Lacson during his opening remarks. The governor expressed optimism that increased tourism could lead to the growth of local businesses and create new jobs for residents in the region.
Innovative Programs and Initiatives
During her address, Secretary Frasco noted the importance of integrating food tourism into the broader tourism framework. “By promoting our local flavors and unique agricultural practices, we can develop a holistic tourism strategy to attract visitors and boost the livelihoods of our farmers,” she said. This sentiment resonates with the ongoing campaigns to market Negros Occidental as a culinary haven, renowned for its rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage.
Frasco announced the Department of Tourism’s plans to collaborate with local government units to introduce programs that will bolster agricultural tourism. These efforts include promoting farm-to-table experiences, encouraging culinary festivals, and providing markets for local products.
Sustainable Practices for the Future
The Terra Madre event is part of a global movement led by the Slow Food organization that emphasizes sustainable food production methods, biodiversity, and the protection of local food cultures. As scores of participants networked throughout the event, several workshops and discussions focused on innovative practices in sustainable agriculture and tourism.
Among the topics discussed were the importance of agroecology, community-supported agriculture, and the promotion of local flavors as key components of the overall tourism offering. “This event highlights the direction we need to head in—one that recognizes the intrinsic value of our local ecosystem and the necessity of sustainability,” shared local farmer and participant Marisa Delgado.
Far-Reaching Impact on Local Economy
The synergy between tourism and agriculture holds immense potential for revitalizing the local economy of Negros Occidental. In addition to attracting tourists, these initiatives aim to create awareness about sustainable eating habits and support for local farmers’ livelihoods, ensuring a balanced ecosystem.
As the event progressed, stakeholders engaged in meaningful dialogues, sharing insights and strategies to bridge the gap between agriculture and tourism. The enthusiastic participation underscored the community’s commitment to embracing sustainable practices that will foster growth and opportunity in the region.
Looking Ahead
The Terra Madre Visayas event was not just a moment of celebration but a call to action for all Negros Occidental citizens. With the support of Secretary Frasco and local leaders, the future looks promising for tourism and sustainable agriculture in the province.
We invite readers to stay informed about further developments from this collaboration and share their thoughts on how we can continue to support our local farmers and tourism enterprises. Join the conversation below; your insights are invaluable.
For more information on sustainable tourism practices, you can check out resources from the Department of Tourism and related articles on TechCrunch, The Verge, or Wired.
**How do the agricultural tourism initiatives discussed specifically target the economic empowerment of small-scale farmers in Negros Occidental, addressing potential disparities and ensuring equitable benefits?**
## Interview: Terra Madre Visayas – Cultivating a Sustainable Future for Negros Occidental Tourism
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re discussing the impactful Terra Madre Visayas event held in Negros Occidental, which brought together agricultural and tourism stakeholders for a crucial conversation about sustainable futures.
Joining us are two esteemed guests:
* **Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson:** The driving force behind Negros Occidental’s push towards sustainable tourism, Governor Lacson played a key role in hosting the Terra Madre event.
* **Maria Cruz, Local Farmer and Terra Madre Participant:** Maria brings invaluable firsthand perspective, representing the heart of Negros Occidental’s agricultural community and its role in the province’s tourism landscape.
**Governor Lacson, let’s start with your vision for Negros Occidental. What prompted you to prioritize sustainable tourism, and how does this approach intertwine with supporting the local agricultural sector?**
**(Governor Lacson responds)**
**Host:** Thank you, Governor. Maria, from your perspective as a dedicated local farmer, how did the Terra Madre Visayas event empower you and your fellow farmers?
**(Maria Cruz responds)**
***
**Section 2: Agricultural Tourism Initiatives**
**Host:** Secretary Frasco announced several exciting initiatives aimed at promoting agricultural tourism. What specific programs can we expect to see implemented in Negros Occidental?
**(Governor Lacson responds)**
**Host:** Maria, how can these initiatives ultimately translate to tangible benefits for farmers like yourself?
**(Maria Cruz responds)**
**Host:** Let’s explore the potential challenges. What obstacles might arise in implementing these programs, and how can we proactively address them to ensure their success?
**(Open discussion between Governor Lacson, Maria Cruz, and host)**
***
**Section 3: The “Farm-to-Table” Experience**
**Host:**
The concept of “Farm-to-Table” dining is gaining global traction.
Governor Lacson, how does Negros Occidental plan to leverage this concept to attract tourists and benefit local farmers?
**(Governor Lacson responds)**
**Host:** Maria, beyond the economic benefits, how does such an approach resonate with the values and traditions of Negros Occidental’s farming community?
**(Maria Cruz responds)**
***
**Section 4: The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Negros Occidental**
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are your individual aspirations for the future of tourism and agriculture in Negros Occidental?
**(Governor Lacson and Maria Cruz share their visions)**
**Host:**
This insightful discussion highlights the multifaceted potential of sustainable tourism in Negras Occidental. The collaboration between local leaders, farmers, and the Department of Tourism presents a shining example of a community working in harmony to nurture both its economic growth and its cultural heritage.
**We hope this conversation inspires readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of tourism, agriculture, and sustainable practices. We encourage you to share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below.**
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