Global Journal of Management and Business Research, F: Real Estate, Event and Tourism Management, Volume 22 Issue 3

Governance Framework for Farm Tourism in Camarines Sur, Philippines 22 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXII Issue III Version I Year 2022 ( ) F © 2022 Global Journals understanding on farm tourism are posed as challenges of government agencies in initiating farm tourism-related programs. Meanwhile, the profile of the Local Government Units (LGUs) shows that there is a need for understanding and appreciation of farm tourism concepts among the tourism office and agricultural office in the municipal level. Lack of designated personnel to handle programs on farm tourism is also a problem. Although some municipalities are exerting effort to assist farmers, the coordination between the two offices (tourism and agriculture) still needs to be strengthened. The roles, strengths, weaknesses, as well as the stakeholders’ implications in involving them in governance were also assessed based on their profile and the current relationship that they have. In terms of the current relationship that the stakeholders have, the DOT is considered as the most central actor. The network map shows that the DOT and the DA-ATI are the most prominent entities in the industry while the DOT and CBSUA are the one with high level of awareness as to the stakeholders with important roles in farm tourism industry. This also implies their willingness to have a network with greater number of stakeholders. Overall, the study concluded that network administrative organization (NAO) type of network governance is the suitable mode of governance for the development of farm tourism industry in Camarines Sur. In establishing this, the industry should evolved from a self-managed to a NAO type of governance through different strategies. This way, stakeholders can build networks and promote convergence effort. This form of governance also enhances learning between network actors, and may result in strategic alignment towards common goals and collective outcomes, thus enhance the ability of the network to create shared value. The NAO type of governance can be attained by capacitating the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur through the effort of the Department of Tourism- Regional Office V (DOT-RO V0 which is considered as the most prominent actor among the stakeholders. Further, the study recommends the conduct of research studies focusing on community participation on farm tourism and the acceptability of NAO as a governance framework for the industry in Camarines Sur. Statement of Contribution This research introduces concepts and ideas necessary in understanding the basic principles of farm tourism as an industry. It is an exploratory study which considers the current status of the farm tourism industry, relationship of stakeholders, and current governance set-up as bases in determining the ideal governance framework. More so, the study is anchored on the concept that governanceserves as harmonizer of stakeholders. Thus, study contributes to the knowledge building of network governance and its application to the development of an emerging industry such as farm tourism. The output of the study aims to serve as basis in developing strategies and policies on farm tourism and provide better understanding of the importance of the elements of public governance such as such as institutions, systems and processes, and actors of development. The study encompasses the fields of governance, development management, and farm tourism. It covers concepts on network governance as a mechanism to promote interdependency and collaboration for mutual benefit. Hence, the researcher included state and non-state actors as respondents of the study. It also highlights the roles and importance of stakeholders from various sectors which is anchored on the very aim of Development Management - to capacitate the government, private sector, and civil society as major development actors. Lastly, the paper highlights farm tourism not just as a subset of tourism but a tool in achieving a more inclusive and sustainable form of development. Research Highlights • The farm tourism industry in Camarines Sur, Philippines is young, yet, developmental. • The stakeholders of the industry exhibit a self- managed mode of governance. • Harmonizing and limiting factors are identified and considered for a functional governance framework. • The farm tourism industry in Camarines Sur has to evolve from a self-managed to a network administrative organization (NAO) mode of network governance. R eferences R éférences R eferencias • What is the Contribution to Knowledge, Theory, Policy or Practice Offered by the Paper? • How does the Paper Offer a Social Science Perspective/Approach? 1. ANSELL, C. (2012). Collaborative Governance. Handbook on Theories of Governance. Oxford University Press, pages 498-511. 2. ARCHER, B. & COOPER, C. (1998). The Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism. Global Tourism, Chapter 5, 3rd Edition. 3. ARGANOFF, R. (2001). Big Questions in Public Management Research. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory , Volume 11, Issue 3, July 2001, Pages 295–326, https://doi.org /10.10 93/oxford-journals.jpart.a0 03504