“AGRI-TOURISM is defined as a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processes with tourism in order to attract visitors unto a farm or ranch or other agricultural businesses for the purposes of entertaining, educating the visitors and generating income for the farm or business owners.” -- as quoted from Ms. Gia Visaya (Landscape Artist and Manager of JJ’s Garden and Viewdeck) as lecturer during the agri-tourism symposium.

This innovation, the “1st Potted Plant Flower Festival,” by Barangay Alapang, will certainly attract the locals and moreover the tourists to this dynamic barangay’s projects, sceneries and advocacy. This activity has also signaled the barangay’s monthlong festivities, which started last April 1.

Dubbed as the “Colours of Alapang,” the bright and varied colors of the different flowers and landscapes truly reflect the beauty of nature and the people of Alapang itself.

In attendance were the municipal and Barangay Alapang officials among them Mayor Romeo Salda, Vice Mayor Joey Marrero, Felicitas Ticbaen (Municipal Agriculture Officer) and Valred Olsim (Municipal Tourism Officer).

Also gracing the event were the various organizations (Alapang Senior Citizen’s Association, Alapang Women’s Organization, Bacopa and SDAWA) who also entertained the visitors.

The judges for the Landscape competition were Arsenio Diego, Gia Visaya, Lina Tindongan, Valred Olsim, and yours truly.

Congratulations Barangay Alapang headed by Punong Barangay Rolando Leon and to their very active kagawads! Onwards to being the Potted Flower Capital of the Philippines! Special thanks to Kagawad Alvin Morales.

Photos by Tolitz Villanueva of Osharé. Brenda Lee Villanueva (drbrendaleeavillanueva@ymail.com).