La trinidad: Tourists heading to the famous strawberry farms in La Trinidad, Benguet, were urged to manage their expectations, as the plantations are still recovering from heavy flooding and continuous rains that damaged fruits and flowers over the past months.

According to Philippines News Agency, Valred Olsim, tourism operations officer of La Trinidad, mentioned in a media interview that while the strawberry farm is open, visitors should balance their expectations. The farm was flooded, and stakeholders are still working on repairs. The area remains muddy, impacting its readiness for tourist activities.

Olsim stated that the plants are regrowing, and souvenir shops at the site are operational. However, strawberry picking activities are anticipated to resume by December, with full capacity expected by January once the crops have recovered. Unlike other natural attractions, the strawberry farm is a manmade site requiring constant maintenance to remain appealing for tourists. Its condition heavily relies on the local farmers who nurture the plants.

Despite the current challenges, Olsim assured that La Trinidad continues to offer a variety of alternative attractions. The Shilan Tourism Villages, featuring flower gardens such as Darjanes Garden, and the Living Gifts nursery, known for its rare succulents, remain available for visitors. Additionally, Mount Costa and Admiral Farm in Puguis are popular among family visitors.

For adventure enthusiasts, Valleywood in Tawang and the nearby Mt. Kalugong Eco-Park provide scenic views overlooking the La Trinidad valley. Olsim added that many of these destinations have expanded to include caf©s and restaurants, enhancing the overall visitor experience.