Recovery and Sustainable Strategies of the Farm Tourism in the 3rd Congressional District of Iloilo During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Basis for The Crisis Management Plan for the Farm Sites

Abstract

Farm tourism is promoted as a rural livelihood diversification pathway, yet COVID 19 restrictions disrupted on site experiences and threatened enterprise continuity in Iloilo, Philippines. This study examined recovery and sustainability strategies of farm tourism sites in Iloilo’s Third Congressional District as basis for a crisis management plan. A qualitative multiple case study covered eight (8) operating, recognized or DOT accredited farm tourism sites. Data came from in depth semi structured interviews with owners/primary decision makers (December 2021–January 2022), supported by document review and field observation. Data were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis using an input–process–output (IPO) framework informed by systems and resilience perspectives. Operators reported linked challenges: (1) operational/regulatory disruption (closures, reduced hours/capacity, evolving compliance); (2) human resource constraints (manpower shortages, multitasking, reduced workdays, pay adjustments); and (3) financial/market pressures (income loss, delayed payments, demand shifts, buyer loss). Recovery focused on strict health protocol implementation, facility and visitor flow redesign, cost control, intensified digital promotion, and repositioning toward local/domestic markets. Sustainability measures included strengthening farm production and direct sales, diversifying products and revenues, improving resource efficiency and waste management, and leveraging LGU and partner programs for training and promotion. Farm tourism resilience depended on compliance driven reopening and agriculture anchored, incremental diversification. Findings provide empirical inputs for a site level crisis plan and for strengthening local preparedness and coordinated support for future disruptions.