A rice farming village in this city is slowly developing idle lots into a vibrant agro-tourism flower farm to attract more visitors and generate income, local officials announced Tuesday.

Barangay 30 Suyo launched its agro-tourism flower farm near the village hall, developed by village officials and volunteers.

Edmar Tagama, village councilor and president of the 4-H Club youth group, shared his excitement about the community garden.

“We are glad to see everyone enjoying the beauty of our hard work. We hope to inspire them to support sustainable farming and to generate livelihood,” Tagama said.

Local officials said the garden was inspired by the HAPAG KAY PBBM movement, which promotes urban and peri-urban agriculture to achieve food accessibility, affordability and security through community engagement.

City agriculturist Sheila Opelac said several farm tourism sites are being developed in Laoag in partnership with farmers’ associations to make visitors stay longer and generate livelihood for locals.

“We know that farming is an art and a business,” Opelac said, expressing gratitude to community stakeholders for their cooperation in promoting sustainable farming and attracting farm visitors.

To generate profit, visitors may avail of “pick and pay” for in-season fruits like mulberry and papaya, including assorted lowland vegetables. A donation box is also set at the main entrance for the upkeep of the communal garden, located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Laoag. (PNA)