Thesis Title: “PAHIYAS: A Proposed Agri-Tourism Complex Integrated with Post-Harvest Facility and Farmers’ Cooperative Center”
Thesis Proponent: Gabrielle Marae A. Mapalo
Thesis Adviser: Ar. Brian R. Bradecina, UAP
School: Cavite State University – Main Campus
Year of Defense: 2024, BEST THESIS (Ranked First)
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in Lucban, Quezon Province, from November 2023 to May 2024, with the concept of a mixed-use complex that sought to revitalize agriculture through tourism. The primary objective of the study is to develop a complex that will serve as a platform to amplify the voices of local farmers through providing agricultural facilities that support farmers, showcasing the local culture and tradition of the province, offering means of livelihood, and encouraging community involvement.
The vision of this research was to address challenges in market access and post-harvest losses experienced by local farmers. In addition, the study aimed to optimize the potential of agriculture through farm tourism. Various variables were considered during the design phase including laws and standards, circulation, sustainability, accessibility and mobility, zoning and orientation, post-pandemic situation, and expansion and future development.
The main facilities covered in this study were segmented into three zones: (1) general public area, which is commonly used by the public and where heavy traffic occurs. Facilities in this zone include the Agritourism Complex, cabins, campsite, Farmers Trading Center, gardens, and parks; (2) the high-security area, which is primarily used by staff but can also be open to the public with proper guidance. These zone houses, the post-harvest facility, Farmers' Cooperative Center, and farm; (3) the restricted area, where the public is segregated and only staff can enter. Facilities in this zone are the material recovery facility and motor pool. The feasibility of the study is further strengthened by RA 10816, also known as the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, which aims to optimize the benefits that may be obtained from both agriculture and tourism.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
As the nation's agricultural sector continues to deteriorate, there is an increasing need nationwide for an effective agricultural facility to meet the sector's expanding demands.
The proposed integration of an agritourism complex with a post-harvest facility and farmer's cooperative center aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the agricultural sector. To benefit both the present and future generations of farmers and agriculture workers, the project was primarily proposed as a means of supporting, assisting, and promoting them without endangering the environment or natural resources.
Specifically, this research sought to find answers to the different major and minor problems.
An architectural solution to the deteriorating state of agriculture and the inadequate emphasis placed on issues about farming, tourism, production, and farmer support. As major problems, this sought to answer the following:
1. How can the researchers meet the needs of local farmers and agriculture workers concerning market access and inadequate storage and production facilities through strategic design?
2. What would be an efficient solution and strategy for an agritourism complex that can bridge both the agriculture and tourism industries?
3. What are the agriculture facilities that can provide community engagement and livelihood to the provincial locals?
As minor problems, this sought to answer the following:
1. What are the governing bodies, laws, and regulations that are involved and should be considered in designing the project?
2. What are the advantages of having these facilities and who will be the beneficiaries of the project?
3. In terms of ecological issues, how can the mentioned proposal’s design be both sustainable and user-friendly?
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Generally, the study was conducted to design a proposed agri-tourism complex integrated with a post-harvest facility and farmers’ cooperative center in the province of Quezon.
Specifically, it aimed to:
1. identify the need to establish agricultural facilities addressing poor farmers' support, crop storage, and proper market access, and to assist local farmers in adopting modern farming techniques through improved facilities that promote supervision and produce handling;
2. determine suitable strategies through designing an agritourism complex, showcasing the agriculture and tourism industries of the province;
3. involve and raise interest in agritourism through the presence of an institute that conducts initiatives about it;
4. establish a comprehensive institute that specializes in agriculture and tourism development while promoting crop production and cooperative farmers' support in a strategic location within the province's vicinity;
5. provide better communication channels between farmers, tourists, and cooperative members, and to aid challenges regarding maintaining product quality from farm to consumer;
6. promote modern agritourism as a response to the potential loss of local cultural practices and traditions in Quezon; and
7. minimize seasonal fluctuations affecting the availability of tourist activities and agricultural products.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Benefiting the study are the various sectors as follows:
The proposal will contribute to the Department of Agriculture by promoting rural development, improving market opportunities for local farmers, and fostering collaboration among agricultural stakeholders, thereby enhancing the overall development and resilience of the agricultural sector.
The proposal will contribute to the Department of Tourism by creating new tourist attractions, fostering sustainable tourism practices, and boosting economic opportunities for local communities, thereby enriching the tourism industry.
The proposal will benefit the local farmers and agriculture workers by providing a direct market for their produce through agritourism, offering access to modern post-harvest facilities for efficient processing, and establishing a cooperative center to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective bargaining power, ultimately improving their livelihoods and fostering agricultural sustainability.
The proposal will contribute to the local community by generating employment opportunities, boosting economic activities through tourism, and fostering a sense of pride and identity as residents actively participate in the development of the agritourism complex, leading to enhanced social and economic well-being.
The proposal will contribute to the provincial locale by boosting tourism, attracting visitors to experience local agriculture, improving agricultural infrastructure with the post-harvest facility, and promoting community collaboration and empowerment through the farmer's cooperative center, ultimately enhancing the overall prosperity and resilience of the province.
The proposal will benefit the Local Government Units (LGUs) by stimulating economic growth through tourism, creating job opportunities, and supporting sustainable agriculture. By fostering community engagement and collaboration in agricultural and tourism efforts, the integrated complex can help promote local government.
The proposal will contribute to foreign and local tourists by offering unique agritourism experiences, providing insight into local agricultural practices, and creating opportunities for direct engagement with farmers through the agritourism complex. Additionally, the post-harvest facility and cooperative center will showcase sustainable farming and processing methods, enriching the overall tourist experience and encouraging a deeper connection with the local culture.
The proposal will significantly contribute to the country by boosting agricultural productivity, supporting rural economies through tourism, and fostering community development. This integrated approach has the potential to serve as a blueprint for sustainable agricultural practices and inclusive economic growth across diverse regions of the country.
The proposal will be a valuable resource for future researchers by providing a case study on the integration of agritourism, post-harvest facilities, and cooperative centers, offering insights into effective models for sustainable rural development, agricultural innovation, and community engagement. This holistic approach can serve as a reference for studying the multifaceted impacts of such initiatives on local economies and agriculture.
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