Lanao emerging as agri-tourism haven

MANILA, Philippines - Nature lovers, agriculture-oriented tourists and students will soon find a new haven in the pastoral town of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, which recently rolled out its agriculture-based tourism program.

Launched at the Kahumayan Festival, the municipality showcased its rich agricultural yield which is a springboard for agri-tourism, an emerging sub-sector of the tourism industry.

Mayor Benjamin Baguio said that the town is endowed with three rich ecosystems of flatland, upland and coastal, making it ideal for eco- and agri-based tourism.

He said that with its vast fertile farmlands and bustling aquaculture industry, the town is regarded as a rice granary and the prawn and crab capital of Lanao del Norte.

Kapatagan has an aggregate agricultural land area of 23,312 hectares – 2,373 of which are devoted to rice fields, 1,713 to aquaculture and 685 to bangus fishpens.

The town yields an annual production of over 45 metric tons of palay and has begun producing organic black rice, which is increasingly in demand among consumers in the Visayas and Mindanao. Black rice also has a big potential as an export product, given the huge demand abroad for specialty organic rice.

Kapatagan also produces almost 2,000 metric tons of prawns, the biggest in Lanao del Norte, as well as significant yields of crabs, tilapia and bangus (milkfish).

The river village of Taguitic, a major crab producing area, has a strong potential for agri- and nature-based recreational activities such as river cruises and educational tours.

Department of Tourism regional director Catalino Chan III has expressed interest in supporting such undertakings, which will add diversity to the tourism products being offered by the Northern Mindanao region.

Due to its strategic location, Kapatagan also serves as an agricultural trading post for neighboring towns in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur, adding to its diversity and vibrancy.

Baguio said that the town also has strong eco-tourism potential because of its two scenic waterfalls – the Cathedral and Sta. Cruz falls – plus majestic mountains and vibrant riverine communities.

He added that the Kahumayan Festival, which coincides with the patronal feast of St. Francis Xavier, is a showcase of its vast tourism potential.

The center of the festivity was the street dance parade and competition which depicted the various stages of the planting and harvest cycle.