BOLINAO, Pangasinan -- Mayor Alfonso Celeste expressed 100 percent support for the development and beautification of the newly-developed eco-tourism site promoted by Filomena's Farm as an additional attraction in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Over 5000 calamansi trees and other citrus are planted in Filomina’s Farm’s 20-hectare plantation where the visitors themselves would be allowed to pick calamansi. There is also a plan to venture into calamansi juice production.
Apart from the eco-farm tour, there will also be a camping site, coffee shop and other sports activities that are popular for adventure.
The farm is in Samang Norte, Bolinao and is not far from the famous Bolinao Falls.
Mayor Celeste and Rodolfo Agoot, president of Filomena’s Farm, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the launching of Filomena’s Farm on March 11.
Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, Bolinao Tourism Officer Mary Ann de Guzman, Barangay Captain Manuel Ferrer and Engr. Antonio Domes-ag, farm officers, family, friends and residents graced the occasion.
The four-hour program enabled the participants to witness the activities including Audio Visual Presentation of Filomena’s Farm ‘Now and Beyond’, Unveiling of Logo, Blowing of the Candle by the Founders and Ceremonial Tree Planting.
Mayor Celeste said "we express our support for this project which will be a contribution to the field of tourism that our municipality is developing. Not only does the farm bring tourism, but it also helps a lot in employment.”
He said Bolinao recorded more than 500,000 visitors in 2019, owing to its attractions that include white sand of Patar Beach, historical sites, oldest St. James Church, Bolinao Falls 1 and 2, Tara Falls, Balingasay River for cruise, Cape Bolina Lighthouse, Rock View Beach Resort, Santiago Island, Sungayan Grill River Cruise, caves, giant clamp production and many more.
“We must work together for its good because it is not only the government that is honing or shaping an area, but also the private investors,” Vice Mayor Celeste said in his message.
Vice Mayor Celeste joined the farm tour and was extremely pleased with the expanse of the area.
"I can already see the outcome of this farm in the future, because I see the perseverance of the owner's family to revive one and turn it into tourism," the Vice Mayor added.
“With its beneficial and goal-oriented developmental scheme, Filomena’s Farm indeed will earn success. The LGU Bolinao is excited and grateful seeing its vision which is to establish the farm not only for the founders alone but for the community as well,” said tourism officer De Guzman.