Developing Buenavista Agri-Tourism

Yook (population: 3,600), is one of the 15 barangays of Buenavista in southern Marinduque and one of the poorest barangays in the province. Its main economic activities are farming, livestock raising and fishing. Farmers are engaged in copra-making, and corn production.

It is also one of many places where due to years of slash and burn farming method the land has been degraded. Through the Technology and Livelihood Center Management Committee chaired by Gov. Jose Antonio Carrion, a community-based agri-tourism and eco-park project has now been conceptualized that aims to create additional livelihood opportunities for the villagers.

The project involves rehabilitation of some 100 hectares of land through the planting of endemic tree species as well as high value fruit trees such as lanzones, rambutan, pomelo and mangosteen. Some 200 farmers and marginal fisherfolks are expected to benefit from the project.
























Partners in this pilot project being undertaken with Manila Bulletin includes the municipal government of Buenavista under Mayor Madrigal, Barangay Yook through its farmers cooperative, and the government of Marinduque through the TLDC. A similar project has also been eyed for nearby Barangay Lipata.

Dr. Emilio T. Yap, chair of Manila Bulletin recently turned over to the provincial government of Marinduque the amount of P 1-million for this project. Seen in the above photo are Gov. Carrion, retired Gen. Recaredo Sarmiento II who co-chairs TLDC and project coordinator, Ms. Marian Cunanan of the Provincial Planning & Development Office.