SA paggigiit na importante ang farm tourism at farm schools para madagdagan ang kita ng mga magsasaka at mapalakas ang agrikultura ng bansa, sinabi ni Sen. Cynthia A. Villar na kabilang ito sa mga rason sa pag-akda niya sa Farm Tourism Development Law o Republic Act 10816.

Ayon kay Villar, chairperson ng the Senate committee on agriculture and food, nagresulta ang batas na ito sa dumaraming magsasaka, may-ari ng mga bukid at farming communities at tumataas n benepisyo matapos gawing farm tourist sites at farm schools o learning sites ang mga bukid.

“It multiplies the earning potential of farmers- from their crops, from the tourists who visit their farm and buy their produce or products, and from the tuition fees of the trainees in their farm schools,” ayon kay Villar.

Sa pagbisita sa Oblate Galilee Farm sa Malangag, Antipas, Cotabato, sinabi ni Villar na kaakibat siya sa adhikain ng founder nito na si Father Yves Caroff- na isulong ang “communities of poor farmers who constitute one of the poorest and most neglected social groups in the country”.

“And he helped them “rise from poverty and hands-on agricultural education became the means he has employed”. That is why I am an avid supporter too providing agricultural training through farm schools and learning sites,” giit pa ni Villar tungkol kay Father Yves.

Ang pagbisita sa Oblate Galilee Farm kasama ang local at provincial government officials at opisyales ng Together Ensemble Foundation at French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, ani Villar, ay isang malaking paraan upang kilalanin ang 30th Anniversary of the Together Ensemble Foundation at 75th anniversary ng diplomatic relations sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Pransya.

Masaya rin ang senador na magiging TESDA-accredited Farm school na ang Oblate Galilee Farm.

“Oblate Galilee Farm is a very good example of how a vision of one man can impact the lives of so many families and communities when dedicated and committed individuals and organizations come together and extend help,” pahayag ng pa ng senador.

“The increasing areas of agriculture-related training helps remove the barriers that prevent Filipino farmers and fisherfolks from being competitive and profitable.”

Binanggit din niya na suportado rin ni Hubert d’Aboville Together Ensemble si Father Yves simula pa noong 1990 sa unang pagbisita nito sa Galilée Farm. (ESTONG REYES)