The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have entered into a new partnership aimed at expanding farm tourism and reinforcing the connection between food production and the country’s growing travel industry.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. formalized the memorandum of agreement on 16 February 2026, committing both agencies to align programs and infrastructure to support rural enterprises and promote Filipino cuisine.

The collaboration seeks to position the Philippines as a stronger food and gastronomy destination in Asia, while creating broader economic opportunities for farmers.

By linking agriculture more closely with tourism establishments such as hotels and restaurants, the government hopes to create steady demand for local produce and encourage investments in value-adding activities.

Tiu Laurel described the initiative as more than a promotional effort for farms.

“This is not simply about adding tourist stops to farms, a visit that could even spur greater investment in the farm sector,” the DA chief said. “It is about creating stable institutional demand for local produce, encouraging value adding, and integrating agriculture into the broader services economy.”

He added that stronger ties between farmers and the hospitality sector could have lasting economic benefits.

“When hotels and restaurants source consistently from Filipino farmers, we stimulate rural investments, generate employment, and expand economic activity beyond primary production,” Tiu Laurel said.

A central feature of the agreement is the coordination of infrastructure projects. Farm-to-Market Roads will be aligned with tourism circuits under the government’s Tourism Road Infrastructure Program to improve access to farm destinations and strengthen logistics for agricultural goods.

The partnership is anchored on existing laws that promote agricultural modernization and countryside development, including the Tourism Act of 2009, the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997.

To ensure proper implementation, the two departments will create a Joint Technical Working Group tasked with drafting work plans and coordinating stakeholders. Each agency will shoulder its own expenses, reflecting a convergence model based on coordination rather than pooled funding.