Transformation to Eco-Agri Tourism: The Case of Casile, Cabuyao City

Abstract. The study was conducted to determine the acceptability of the residents of Barangay Casile, Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines in transforming their locality into an eco-agri tourism site. A total of 241 residents participated in the data collection using a survey questionnaire and interviews. Barangay Casile is an agricultural area and is also noted for its natural heritage such as the Matang Tubig River and Falls and the Marcos Twin Tower. Because of this, the local government unit of Cabuyao City plans to develop the area as a nature- based tourism destination specifically as an eco-agri tourism site. The survey revealed that the respondents agreed on the proposition of transforming their area into agri-tourism site. Cultural acceptability ranks the highest which means that the locals are open on the possible effects on their culture that the development could bring them. Economic and social acceptability were also ranked high because of the income they could get from the influx of tourists. Environmental acceptability is the least agreeable because most of the respondents were environment sensitive and are concerned with the changes to the natural façade of their area. It can be concluded that agri-tourism development involving local residents provides control over the development and management of the project.