By Faye Pablo / Special to the BusinessMirror
THE Maribojoc demo farm in Bohol, which practices natural farming, will receive a P16-million grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to support its activities in sustaining the town’s agri-tourism.
The farm is a community-based agricultural development model of partnership among the local government volunteers, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, land owners, and the general public who are committed to promote natural farming.
Jun Jabonillo, manager of the demo farm, said they are expecting for a P16-million donation to help them develop the demo farm.
Jabonillo said the income of the demo farm is fully allotted for the benefit of the farmers.
“To help the farmers, we give them inputs, including feeds for their pigs, chickens, goats, that will give them enough information in maintaining their livestock,” he said.
This is also a way to ensure the availability of food for the people of Maribojoc and provide them long-term household economic security.
“The operation and maintenance of the demo farm is provided by the local government of Maribojoc,” Jabonillo said.
The demo farm also helps promote agri-tourism in Bohol, diversifying activities for tourists other than the famous Chocolate Hills.
As part of the tourism project, the provincial government of Bohol conducts training seminars to all tourists, including visiting the demo farm.
There’s a choice of training to promote organic practices, including poultry and livestock production.
The live-in training costs P20,000 for five days, inclusive of accommodation, meals and training materials. Basic training is also available for P6,000 only.