Section 5Sec./Art. 5

Creation of the Farm Tourism Development Board. To ensure the attainment of the objectives of this Act, there is hereby created the Farm Tourism Development Board, herein referred to as the Board, which shall be attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The Board shall formulate plans and programs for the development and promotion of farm tourism in the country and shall set the overall direction for the implementation of the Plan.

The Board shall have the following powers and functions:

(a) Formulate, advocate, coordinate, oversee and assess the implementation of the Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan;

(b) Increase awareness on the value of farm tourism through advocacy campaigns and marketing activities;

(c) Recommend infrastructure projects and transportation programs for funding by the DOT, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and other concerned government agencies;

(d) Formulate and oversee the conduct of farm tourism research and development projects to ensure sustainability of the countrys farm tourism program, such as on market research, trends and innovations, and information dissemination; financing requirements; industry manpower development; resource productivity and utilization improvement; and sustainable agriculture practices and education;

(e) Create technical panels, working groups, or task forces that will assist the Board in the performance of its functions;

(f) Establish cooperation among, and/or request the assistance of, departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, farm tourism stakeholders, financial and educational institutions, nongovernment organizations, peoples organizations and other like-minded institutions and individuals in the implementation of its functions and the attainment of the objectives of this Act; and

(g) Perform such other powers and functions which shall advance the development and promotion of farm tourism camps and activities.