A 5-hectare flower farm is drawing raves as the next top agri-tourism attraction in the province.

Dozens of tourists and residents have been flocking daily to the newly-opened Eden’s Flower Farm, which is home to beds of Malaysian mums already starting to bloom.

Perched atop a scenic hill in Sitio (sub-village) Lemblesong of Barangay Kablon, the farm was formally opened to the public by its owners last Oct. 12 to add to the showcase of the town’s booming flower industry.

Nova Monteclar, Eden’s Flower Farm operations manager, said Tuesday they pushed for the site’s development five years ago to take advantage of the thriving tourism industry.

She said the farm started to grow various flowers, among them Malaysian mums, which are in high demand during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as well as other occasions.

They eventually decided to turn it into a farm tourism site to further develop the area and earn additional income, she said.

She said the farm currently employs workers from the area’s Blaan indigenous peoples’ community.

Monteclar said Malaysian mums of various colors at the site are usually in full bloom from October 20-29.

“(But) we have decided to open the place early due to insistent public demand,” she said in an interview.

Due to its tourism potential, the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Soccksargen is currently assisting the accreditation of the farm as an agri-tourism site.

Rechielyn delos Santos, DOT 12 Tourism Officer, said their people have visited the place several times as a pre-requisite. “It’s now ready for accreditation,” delos Santos said.

Aside from Malaysian mums, strawberry and organic vegetables are grown in the farm, providing a perfect backdrop for selfie-loving visitors.

The cool breeze and serenity of the place is a must for those who want to take a breath from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Lolita Quino, a visitor from Carmen town in North Cotabato, said the flower farm is really worth visiting. “It is heavenly. The place and nature are really beautiful,” Quino said.

The beauty of the flower farm can be enjoyed at regular entrance fee of PHP80 for adults and at a discounted rate of PHP60 for children, students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. It is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

Eden’s Flower Farm can be reached through a 30-minute travel from the national highway in Barangay Kablon, Tupi.

There are motorcycles for hire or “habal-habal” going to the site on a regular basis from the town center and the national highway at fare rates of PHP60 to PHP175. (PNA)