BISLIG CITY — In a sprawling 27.5-hectare expanse of green in Barangay Santa Cruz, a different kind of destination awaits travelers. The City Organic Agri-Fishery Tourism Complex (COAFTC) is not just a farm, a training center, or a tourist spot, it is a living, breathing model of how agriculture, education, and tourism can weave together into one sustainable system. For visitors seeking an experience that nourishes both curiosity and conscience, COAFTC offers a journey into the heart of organic farming and the future of food.
A Living Classroom for Sustainable Agriculture
COAFTC was established in 2014 with a vision to transform the city into a model for organic agriculture. Today, it has grown into a vibrant hub where learning and production coexist. Visitors can explore organic vegetable and fruit production, aquaculture, and a collection of herbs and spices, all cultivated using sustainable practices. The complex also features a hydroponics system, an agriculture greenhouse, and a nursery equipped with an automated fertigation system, offering a glimpse into the science and technology that drive modern organic farming. Whether you are a student, a farmer, a family, or simply a curious traveler, COAFTC offers a meaningful encounter with the agricultural systems that sustain communities.
A Leader in Organic Education and Innovation
COAFTC's impact extends beyond the local community. Bislig City's commitment to organic agriculture has been recognized on an international scale, with the city playing a key role in the Asian Local Governments for Organic Agriculture (ALGOA), the daughter organization of IFOAM Asia. Through this network, Bislig has hosted significant gatherings, including the 3rd Organic Asia Congress, and serves as a hub for the Organic Education and Social Innovation Institute (OESI) framework. This initiative cultivates a holistic approach where practitioners are encouraged to think, develop ideas, and bring new perspectives and social innovations to organic agriculture. As a result, Bislig has trained over 2,300 farmers who have fully adopted organic practices, and it has established the Bislig City Organic Consolidated and Marketing Cooperative, which allows farmers to earn premium incentives for their produce.
A Destination for Recreation and Relaxation
Beyond its agricultural and educational functions, COAFTC is a welcoming space for recreation and relaxation. The complex has been enhanced with a display center, dormitory, cottages, a clinic, a warehouse, a playground, a campsite, a tree house, a foot reflexology park, a stingless bee project, and a fishing deck. These amenities invite visitors to linger, explore, and connect with nature. It is a place where families can enjoy a weekend picnic, students can immerse themselves in experiential learning, and travelers can discover a side of Bislig City that goes beyond its famous waterfalls.
Growing a Better Future Together
COAFTC's story is one of vision, perseverance, and collaboration. Guided by the four principles of organic agriculture, Care, Health, Ecology, and Fairness, the complex serves as a testament to what can be achieved when a community commits to sustainable development. As visitors walk through its gardens, learn from its exhibits, and breathe in the fresh country air, they become part of a larger mission: cultivating knowledge, nurturing nature, and growing a better future together
