Murcia: The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Negros in Murcia, Negros Occidental, has been accredited as a farm tourism camp after fulfilling national standards for such operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Western Visayas awarded the certificate of accreditation to DA-PhilRice Negros Station Director Ommal Abdulkadil, handed over by Municipal Tourism Officer Estela Barbo on Wednesday. Barbo expressed that it was a privilege for the local government unit (LGU) of Murcia to see PhilRice-Negros included in the DOT accreditation, acknowledging the efforts and dedication of PhilRice as a significant partner in this initiative.

The DA-PhilRice Negros Station, situated in Barangay Cansilayan, met the criteria for regular accreditation as outlined in Republic Act 9593, also known as The Tourism Act of 2009. The station stated that this development enhances its role as a center for rice agricultural innovation and public engagement.

For over two decades, the station has been a hub for capacity-building initiatives, demonstration trials, and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at benefiting rice farmers across Negros Occidental and surrounding provinces. Accreditation strengthens these services, aligning them with tourism standards to better accommodate organized field visits, academic immersions, benchmarking activities, and stakeholder engagements.

The DA-PhilRice Negros Station welcomes field tour requests from individuals, schools, LGUs, agencies, and organizations. Tours include research-based rice technologies, science and technology innovations, extension services, and on-site field demonstrations, all supporting sustainable and climate-resilient rice production systems.