Philippine E-Journals

Lolo Kap’s Strawberry Farm: It’s Potential for DOT Accreditation as an Agri-Tourism Site

Marjorie T. De Ocampo | Sandra Jane V. Tolentino | Gladys C. Villareal

 

Abstract:

This research study described the potential of Lolo Kap’s Strawberry farm to be accredited by the Department of Tourism as an Agri-Tourism Site. It specifically aimed to describe the current situation of Lolo Kap’s farm, its compliance on the DOT standards for accreditation of agri-tourism site, and the strengths and weakness of Lolo Kap’s farm. It also explored the possible concrete actions to address the weaknesses for the farm to fulfill the requirements of the Department of Tourism as an agri-tourism site. The researchers used the Provus Discrepancy Model to assess the current state of Lolo Kap’s strawberry farm using the criteria for accreditation of an agri-tourism farm site of the Department of Tourism. Data were generated through key-informant interview and observation checklist. The interview guide was based on the rules and regulations that govern the accreditation of agri- tourism. The observation checklist, on the other hand, was based on the Department of Tourism checklist stated in the accreditation for farm. A total of five (5) participants with the three (3) researchers were also part of the respondents, the owner and one of the family members (son). Based on the results, the farm only had 32% compliance rating. This means that it did not satisfy the criteria or standards set by the DOT. Lolo Kap’s strawberry farm has a workable potential to be an agri-tourism site, but there are gaps between the current situation of the farm and DOT standards. The researchers recommended that the rules and regulations must be posted in and out of the Farm for the tourists to be more aware of do's and dont's in Lolo Kap's Strawberry Farm. Overall, the strawberry farm should continue improving its amenities, facilities and services.