The local government of Piddig in Ilocos Norte agro-tourism here has reopened its place specifically to those wgho has been mesmerized by the sunflowers in a quaint village of Maruya.
One of its main attractions is the Piddig Organic Farmer’s Association which developed a two-hectare flower farm and food garden.
In almost two years of its existence, the sunflower farm boasts of an “Instagrammable” lagoon with center island gazebo, a hobbit house or reading nook, petting zoo of farm animals and a fish pond where visitors can grill their catch.
At the height of COVID-19 outbreaks in various parts of the province, farmer-cooperators here continued to improve the sunflower maze which has now grown into four patterns.
In-season fruits and vegetables are also available for "pick and pay". There is also an actual demonstration of Piddig’s traditional extraction of sugarcane juice with the help of a carabao (water buffalo).
Due to the pandemic, the management said they have reduced the entrance fee from P100 to P50 per person. Children aged 12 years old and below are free of charge. They are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily even during holidays.
“I love my place more than ever as it has become a word of mouth of visitors who have been here. This has also provided us additional income as we generate more livelihood and employment here,” said Maruaya resident Lourie De Leon.