Benguet town sees boost from Agri-Tourism

Once known simply as a cold farming town, the municipality of Atok has blossomed into a vibrant agri-tourism destination, thanks to attractions like the Northern Blossom Flower Farm and the Sakura Park. Local officials credit this boom for significantly improving the town’s economy and creating new livelihood opportunities for residents.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Mayor Franklin Smith highlighted how continued promotion of tourism is now yielding sustainable benefits for Atok. “Tourism is a big deal for us because the collection we get from it is helping us economically,” he said.

Since 2018, when Northern Blossom began gaining attention on social media, Atok’s visitor numbers have steadily increased. This growth translated into environmental fee collections of %u20B13.2 million in 2023, more than %u20B18 million in 2024, and already over %u20B15 million in just the first five months of 2025.

With a tourism development plan now in place and a dedicated tourism officer appointed, the town has expanded from just 11 transient homes to more than 20 accommodation options—supporting the increasing number of overnight visitors eager to enjoy Atok’s cool climate and sunrise views over flower gardens.

The rise in tourism has also opened doors for new businesses, boosting municipal revenue and generating employment, particularly among the youth. Tour guiding has become a viable livelihood, empowering the once-reserved townspeople to share their heritage and landscapes with pride.

Tourism revenue is also helping Atok invest in waste management infrastructure, including the purchase of garbage trucks and the promotion of village-level waste segregation to preserve the area’s environment.

Mayor Smith emphasized that the influx of tourists has also boosted local agri-sales. Visitors frequently buy vegetables, flowers, and potted plants directly from farmers, eliminating the need for transport to lowland markets. Among the top floral draws are carnations, heirloom rice, and highland vegetables.

Lany Ganayan, owner of Northern Blossom, recalled how their farm’s journey to becoming a tourist hotspot began. “A journalist took photos of our cabbage roses and brought a vlogger. That was the start,” she shared. As foot traffic increased, the family improved the site and hired locals, adding to the community's economic upliftment.

Another major draw is the Sakura Park, also known as the Japan-Philippines Friendship Garden, where cherry blossoms planted in celebration of bilateral ties have become a unique attraction.

Mayor Smith expressed gratitude for these private sector-driven agri-tourism initiatives. “We are thankful for the opportunity they gave to our people,” he said, noting that Atok’s inclusion in the Baguio tourism loop has further strengthened its economic momentum.