Tuba Highlights Sustainable Tourism with Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth Contest, Get the Details Here

Published on December 16, 2025

The 114th Foundation Anniversary of Tuba, Benguet ended on December 11, 2025, with the highly awaited awarding of the Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth at the Municipal Circle. As part of the week-long celebration that started last December 5, the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair featured the best of local agriculture, processed products, and sustainable tourism practices. It was Barangay Poblacion that emerged as the winner, taking home the highly coveted Best Dressed Booth award worth Php 50,000. The anniversary celebration highlighted the continued support of the municipality for local farmers, sustainable tourism, and the uniqueness of Tuba’s agriculture products.

The Agro-Tourism Trade Fair: A Highlight of Tuba’s Anniversary

The Agro-Tourism Trade Fair, a central part of the anniversary celebration, brought together farmers, local artisans, and businesses to highlight the agricultural heritage of Tuba. Over the course of the week, visitors had the chance to explore various booths, each showcasing a mix of fresh, locally grown products and unique processed goods from the area. This event is not only a platform for local farmers but also an opportunity for Tuba to establish itself as a destination for agro-tourism, attracting visitors interested in experiencing the rural charm and natural beauty of the area.

The competition for the Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth was fierce, with each barangay working hard to present their products in the best possible light. The focus was not just on product display but also on the use of eco-friendly materials for packaging, as sustainability is a core value in Tuba’s tourism strategy. The use of biodegradable, reusable, and recyclable packaging materials was a key component of the evaluation process, promoting environmental consciousness among the participants.

Barangay Poblacion Takes the Lead

Barangay Poblacion, which secured the top prize, stood out for its thoughtful and creative booth design. The booth featured a wide array of locally grown products, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, along with processed goods such as jams, sauces, and dried products. It also highlighted the work of local artisans and small businesses, showing the growing entrepreneurial spirit within the community.

Poblacion’s booth was praised not only for its product variety but also for its organizational layout, which encouraged visitors to engage with the products and learn about the origins of each item. Punong Barangay Oliver K. Paus expressed pride in the hard work that went into the booth’s creation, noting that despite limited funding for livelihood skills training, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the area have established important partnerships with other groups, allowing them to expand their reach and increase their impact.

Paus also thanked all the stakeholders, local volunteers, and the judges for their support in bringing the booth to life, acknowledging that their collaboration played a crucial role in the success of the initiative.

Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Tourism

The focus on agro-tourism in Tuba highlights the municipality’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and supporting the welfare of its farmers. This aligns with Tuba’s overarching theme for the anniversary celebration: “A Resilient, Healthy, and Self-reliant Municipality.” The Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth competition not only encourages the development of local products but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the tourism industry. By attracting tourists who are interested in learning about local farming practices, sustainable livelihoods, and the natural beauty of the area, Tuba aims to create a model for rural tourism that benefits both visitors and the community.

Tuba’s agricultural strength, coupled with its scenic landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for agro-tourism. The municipality’s commitment to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable livelihoods is evident in the increasing participation of the community in such initiatives. The incorporation of eco-friendly practices into tourism operations further strengthens Tuba’s position as an environmentally conscious and community-oriented destination.

The Economic and Social Impact of Agro-Tourism

The agro-tourism initiatives in Tuba are already proving to be a significant driver of local economic growth. By promoting local products and providing a platform for small businesses, the municipality is not only boosting tourism but also creating job opportunities and strengthening its economy. The tourism industry, particularly agro-tourism, has the potential to be a major source of income for rural communities, providing sustainable livelihoods for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

In addition to the direct economic benefits, agro-tourism also plays an important role in preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Through events like the Agro-Tourism Trade Fair, Tuba is helping to keep traditional farming practices alive while introducing new, innovative approaches to agriculture that align with modern sustainability standards. Visitors to Tuba can experience the beauty of the land, learn about local farming techniques, and connect with the community, fostering cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for rural life.

Looking to the Future: Expanding Agro-Tourism in Tuba

The success of the Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth competition signals the growing potential of agro-tourism in Tuba. As the municipality continues to promote its agricultural and eco-tourism offerings, there is hope that more visitors will be drawn to the area, creating lasting economic and social benefits. Tuba’s strategic focus on sustainable tourism and community development is positioning the municipality to become a model for rural tourism in the region.

The upcoming 2026 ASEAN Summit, to be hosted in the Philippines, will further amplify the importance of agro-tourism in Southeast Asia. As more countries recognize the value of sustainable, community-based tourism, Tuba’s efforts to showcase its agricultural heritage and promote responsible tourism practices will be an example for other destinations to follow.

Tuba’s Growing Role in Agro-Tourism

In summation, Tuba’s emphasis on agro-tourism is changing how both residents and foreigners experience Tuba. For example, through competitions like the Best Dressed Agro-Tourism Booth, Tuba is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable living and economic growth. The rising popularity of agro-tourism will position Tuba at the top of destinations for tourists and non-visitors alike, as it provides an opportunity for tourists to engage in meaningful interaction with nature and its resources.