Department of Tourism(DOT)

I am a 4th-year student of Bachelor of Science in Architecture. I would like to request your kind assistance in guiding me, as a researcher, and providing the data that I need in relation to the Agri-tourism. Below is the list of my requests:
 
❖ List of major facilities and equipment being used for farm tourism 
❖ Agri-tourism/farm tourism projects in Borongan, Eastern Samar 
❖ Possible Site Location for Agritourism Complex in Borongan, Eastern Samar
❖Space Requirements for Agritourism Complex

May 9, 2023

Dear Ms. Chavarria,

Thank you for your request dated May 09, 2023 under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Agritourism.

We received your request on May 09, 2023 and will respond on or before May 30, 2023 04:31:20 PM, in accordance with the Executive Order's implementing rules and regulations.

Likewise, please be informed that the standard processing period is fifteen (15) working days but it can be extended for another twenty (20) working days for complex requests.

Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact me using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://bcwdcorrectionv220190212-dot-efoi-ph.appspot.com/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPVC02MTk5MjU2NTI3MTYM, for request with ticket number #DOT-619925652716.

Thank you.


Respectfully yours,

Maricel C. Malalad
DOT FOI Receiving Officer

11 May 2023

Dear Ms. Chavarria,

We refer to your letter dated 9 May  2023 04:31:20 PM about your request for Agritourism data in Borongan, Samar, made under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.

Before processing your request, please ensure that your request is fully compliant with Section 13.4 of the Revised DOT FOI Manual by providing the following:

•Specific reason for, or purpose of, the request for information. Please note that general averments such as “for research”, “for information”, “for legal purposes” or other similarly worded purposes shall NOT be considered to have met the requirements of specificity; - kindly specify how the data will be used by providing the NAME/TITLE of research/ thesis/ study you are conducting with a brief background. 

The Revised DOT FOI Manual is accessible at http://tourism.gov.ph/transparency_seal.aspx

You may use the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPVC02MTk5MjU2NTI3MTYM, for request with ticket number #DOT-619925652716, to respond.

While we await your reply, your request will be put on hold. If we do not receive a reply on or before 3 August 2023 07:11:17 AM, your request will be closed.

We hope to hear from you at the soonest possible time.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Atty. Jennifer A. Olba
Acting DOT FOI Decision Maker

In the project entitled "Agritourism Complex in Borongan City," the data will be used as follows:

1. List of major facilities and equipment being used for farm tourism: 
This data will help in identifying and understanding the essential facilities and equipment required for a successful agritourism complex. It will guide the planning and design process to ensure that the complex is well-equipped to meet the needs of visitors and provide an enjoyable and educational farm tourism experience.


2. Agri-tourism/farm tourism projects in Borongan, Eastern Samar:
This data will serve as a reference to explore existing agritourism or farm tourism projects in the specific area of Borongan, Eastern Samar. It will provide insights into successful projects, their features, challenges faced, and lessons learned. This information can inform decision-making and help in developing strategies for the proposed agritourism complex.

3. Possible Site Location for Agritourism Complex in Borongan, Eastern Samar:
The data related to possible site locations will be utilized to evaluate different areas in Borongan, Eastern Samar, and determine the most suitable location for the agritourism complex. Factors such as accessibility, available land, proximity to tourist attractions, and environmental considerations will be taken into account during site selection.

4. Space Requirements for Agritourism Complex:
The space requirements data will be crucial in determining the size and layout of the agritourism complex. It will include considerations such as the area needed for visitor facilities (e.g., parking, entrance, reception), farm activities and demonstrations, dining and food preparation areas, retail spaces, educational facilities, and any additional amenities. This information will aid in optimizing the use of space and ensuring a well-designed and functional complex.

Overall, the data will be used to inform the planning, design, and decision-making processes involved in creating a successful agritourism complex in Borongan City.

Requesting a prompt response from the Department of Tourism as the required data is crucial for an upcoming project that is nearing its deadline. Your swift response to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

19 May 2023

Dear Ms. Chavarria,

Thank you for your response dated 18 May 2023 via the eFOI portal regarding our request for compliance with Section 13.4 of the Revised DOT FOI Manual.

We have now continued processing your request. Kindly give us until 8 June 2023 04:31 PM to respond regarding our findings.

Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact us using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPVC02MTk5MjU2NTI3MTYM, for request with ticket number #DOT-619925652716.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Atty. Jennifer A. Olba
DOT FOI Decision Maker

1 June 2023

Dear Ms. Chavarria,

We refer to your letter dated 9 May  2023 04:31:20 PM about your request for Agritourism data in Borongan, Samar, made under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.

Our response to your request is due on 8 June 2023 04:31:20 PM. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected to deal with your request.

We apologize for this delay. We have applied for an extension so we could work further on your request. We hope to be able to send you a response on or before 7 July 2023 04:31:20 PM.

Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact us using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHQsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEERPVC02MTk5MjU2NTI3MTYM, for request with ticket number #DOT-619925652716.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Atty. Jennifer A. Olba
DOT FOI Decision Maker

5 June 2023

Dear Ms. Chavarria,

Greetings!

Thank you for your request dated 9 May 2023 04:31:20 PM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.

Your request

You asked for the following agritourism data in Borongan, Samar:

1. List of agritourism facilities;
2. Agritourism/farm tourism projects; and
3. Requirements for Agritourism Complex

Response to your request

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance this Office does not have the information you have requested. We have coordinated with DOT Region 8 and in their response, they stated that currently, there is no DOT-Accredited farm tourism site/ facility in Borongan City. 
We have also referred this query to the concerned LGU. In their answer, they stated that as per their record, Borongan City has no agritourism facility recognized by the City Tourism Office or the City Agriculture Office. Also, their office has no existing projects related to agritourism/farm tourism and has no standards set yet at the city level for Agritourism Complex.

However, you may wish to send your query to the Department of Agriculture through the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests?agency=DA.

For further assistance, you may review the FAQ section of the eFOI site: https://www.foi.gov.ph/help.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with our response to your FOI request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review by writing a letter or email addressed to Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism and sending it through the email address: [email protected]. Your review request should be made within 15 working days from the date when you received this reply and must provide the reason/s why you are not satisfied. We will complete the review and notify you of the result within 30 working days from the date when we receive your request for review.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Office of the President under Administrative Order No. 22 (s. 2011).

Feedback

Additionally, for us to be able to provide you with better services, may we request you to accomplish the DOT FOI Request Feedback Form: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePz8rTG_IWrLgkIGCbNu39mM4Ms7XauR9LVUiE-6y8QCxyPg/viewform

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Atty. Jennifer A. Olba
DOT FOI Decision Maker