Senator Cynthia Villar said Tuesday, June 21 that farm tourism and farm schools help augment the income of farmers and boost the country's agriculture.

Villar, chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee, said these are among the reasons why she authored the Farm Tourism Development Law, or Republic Act (RA) 10816,

She noted that this law paved the way for an increasing number of farmers, farm owners and farming communities who now enjoy the benefits of converting their farms into farm tourist sites and farm schools or learning sites.

"It multiplies the earning potential of farmers- from their crops, from the tourists who visit their farms and buy their produce or products, and from the tuition fees of the trainees in their farm schools," said Viilar.

During a visit to Oblate Galilee Farm Malangag, in Antipas, Cotabato, Villar said she shares the goal of its founder, Father Yves Caroff to develop “communities of poor farmers who constitute one of the poorest and most neglected social groups in the country”.

"And he helped them rise from poverty and hands-on agricultural education became the means he has employed.That is why I am an avid supporter to providing agricultural training through farm schools and learning sites," Villar said of her conversation with Father Yves.

The visit to the Oblate Galilee Farm with the local and provincial government officials and officers of the Together Ensemble Foundation and French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Villar emphasized, is indeed one great way to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Together Ensemble Foundation and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France.

The lady lawmaker also said she is happy that the Oblate Galilee Farm is on its way to become a TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)- accredited farm schools.

"Oblate Galilee Farm is a very good example of how a vision of one man can impact the lives of so many families and communities when dedicated and committed individuals and organizations come together and extend help," she stressed.

Villar said the increasing number of venues for agriculture-related training helps remove the barriers that prevent Filipino farmers and fisherfolks from being competitive and profitable.

She also acknowledged that the Hubert d’Aboville Together Ensemble also shared and supported Father Yves even back in the 1990s when he first visited Galilée Farm.