BY LOUANGEL JEI D. BENJAMIN
MIAG-AO, Iloilo – A sunflower farm in Barangay Kirayan Tacas here is attracting tourists and perking up the local agri-tourism industry.
“Nagdamo ang mga tawo. Pati ang mga taga-banwa sa tupad kang Miag-ao nagakadto naman,” said Municipal Tourism Information Center staff Roy Sollesta.
The public’s response to the sunflower farm was unexpected.
“I never thought people would flock that way. Even the locals are excited to see sunflowers,” said Vice Mayor Leonardo Naldoza.
The farm has some 7,000 sunflowers of various varieties. They are planted in such a way that from above the flower farm is shaped like a heart.
The perking up of the municipal tourism industry is good for the town’s economy, said Sollesta, as it has spawned livelihood opportunities for the residents.
“Natugruan kang livelihood ang mga pumuluyo sa Kirayan Tacas kay ti pag abot mo pa lang to may ara na gabaligya tubig. Asta sa sulod ridto may mga souvenir items run which is nami man,” said Sollesta.
One happy farm visitor was Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Tourism2019Sharon Idone.
“I am a sunflower lover. Seeing them bloom makes me happy,” she said.
Vice Mayor Naldoza said, “I am also planning on putting up a kapehan mula sa aming kabundukan, unlimited local coffee for visitors.”
The sunflower farm is admittedly a seasonal and weather-dependent tourist attraction. But according to Naldoza, he would try his best to sustain the flowers./PN
