𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐒𝐔 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦

In pursuit of a unified and sustainable approach to the development and promotion of the Strawberry Farm Complex, the Strawberry Farm Cooperation and Promotions Board convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to address existing concerns, align institutional initiatives, and identify strategic areas for collaboration. The meeting brought together key representatives from the Local Government Unit, Benguet State University, national agencies, barangay leadership, farmers, vendors, and the private sector, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthen governance, improve visitor experience, and advance inclusive, environmentally responsible development. The discussions focused on both long-term planning and immediate, actionable interventions that collectively aim to elevate the Strawberry Farm as a premier agro-eco-edu tourism destination.

The Strawberry Farm Cooperation and Promotions Board was formally convened by Municipal Mayor Roderick Awingan, together with Councilor Belmer G. Elis, to deliberate on prevailing concerns affecting the Strawberry Farm and to identify strategic areas for partnership, development, and sustainable promotion of the site.

During the meeting, the President of Benguet State University (BSU) informed the Board that the University has already submitted its BSU Strawberry Farm Sustainable Development Plan, proposing the conversion of the area into an Agro-Eco-Edu Tourism Zone, to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for possible funding through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). The proposed master plan envisions the establishment of a Science, Technology, and Innovation Park, a Strawberry Museum, a Cordillera Indigenous Peoples Initiative and Advocacies Futures Center, a BSU Coffee Shop, and other complementary facilities. The conceptual design further integrates a dedicated Strawberry Farm walkway and eco-friendly architectural features to ensure environmental sustainability and enhanced visitor experience.

In addition, the BSU President reported on an ongoing partnership with a private group for the improvement of the souvenir booths and the parking area located in front of the Strawberry Valley Hotel and Restaurant (SVHR), underscoring the University’s openness to public-private collaboration in site enhancement.

While the comprehensive development project remains at the proposal stage and pending funding approval, the Board approved interim improvement measures to immediately address visitor safety and site functionality. These include the installation of brick pavers on identified farm walkways and the establishment of designated photobooth areas in available spaces. The Board agreed that these improvements shall be funded through the Tourism Environmental Fees (TEF). The Municipal Tourism Office was directed to closely coordinate with BSU–Agro-Technology Business Incubation (ATBI), headed by Dr. Ruth Diego, in the planning and implementation of these interventions.

Addressing the long-standing concern on water supply, particularly for the washing of freshly picked strawberries, the Board approved the funding and installation of manual hand pumps in strategic areas within the farm. BSU also reported the completion of a National Irrigation Administration (NIA) solar-powered water pump, which will augment water availability in the area. In support of this initiative, the Municipal Tourism Office committed to the procurement of water storage tanks for the direct use of farmers (sourced from TEF)

On matters related to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), the Office of the Municipal Agriculture, led by Ms. Nida Organo, committed to partnering with BSU in conducting GAP trainings and specialized capacity-building programs for strawberry farm stakeholders. The farmers’ sector, represented by Mr.Peter Bulangen, expressed full support for these initiatives and committed to active participation in GAP Programs.

Representative from the souvenir shops and vendors’ sector, Ms. Veronica Buya, proposed the conduct of specialized trainings to enhance their capacity in assisting and informing visitors. They also shared their initiatives in improving visitor services, including their early efforts toward the operation of the existing toilet facilities. In response, the Local Government Unit (LGU), with the approval of BSU, committed to funding the rehabilitation and improved operation of the existing toilet facilities, ensuring tourism-oriented comfort and sanitation standards.

Punong Barangay Monaliza Comila of Barangay Betag raised concerns regarding the condition of drainage canals within the area, which were duly noted by the Board for appropriate technical assessment and solutions. She likewise informed the Board of her personal initiatives to sponsor projects that would directly benefit the farmers.

Meanwhile, PLt. Col. Zacarias Caloy Dausen discussed traffic management challenges during peak tourism seasons and proposed the temporary use of the BSU Lot (demolished area) fronting the SVHR as an auxiliary parking area to help decongest traffic in the vicinity.

The meeting concluded with a short site walk-through, allowing members to directly observe existing conditions and proposed improvement areas. The activity ended with renewed commitment and collective motivation among stakeholders to collaboratively address current challenges and pursue the sustainable development and promotion of the Strawberry Farm.

Author & Photographer: V. Olsim

Original Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AiwygzPbr/