By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A delegation of students from Japanese universities visited the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol to consult with the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office for an academic study on developing agritourism anchored on the province’s farmlands and other local assets.

Held with the full support of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, the visit aims to surface practical strategies to grow agritourism and expand livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

Acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales led the discussions with the students, joined by GLM Institute Representative Director Kazuhiro Yamamoto; Vizcaya FRESH Operations Manager Ronnel Acio and ARMLED, Inc. Operations Manager Alvin M. Agsalda, on August 6.

With its extensive farmlands and deep agricultural heritage, Nueva Vizcaya is seen as an ideal setting for agritourism innovations that can create jobs, diversify farmers’ income, and bring local products to wider markets.

The students are expected to consolidate their findings into recommendations that could inform pilot initiatives and future academic–industry collaborations. For the PTCO, insights from the exchange will help refine programs that advance inclusive and sustainable tourism.

The meeting underscores the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya’s openness to international collaboration and fresh ideas that strengthen both tourism and agriculture—for the benefit of Vizcayanos today and in the years to come.