Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. met with farmers, truckers, and key stakeholders during a dialogue held at the Benguet Agripinoy Trading Center, where concerns over rising production and transport costs dominated discussions.

The ‘ugnayan’ brought together agricultural workers and local government officials from Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. Participants highlighted the growing strain on the regional agricultural sector, particularly due to soaring oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Farmers and truckers shared firsthand accounts of increased operational costs, noting that higher fuel prices have significantly impacted the transport of vegetables to key markets, including Metro Manila.

In response, Secretary Laurel assured government’s continued support, emphasizing efforts to ease the financial burden on farmers and maintain the steady flow of produce from the Cordillera region to urban centers.

Officials from Benguet State University, led by University President Kenneth A. Laruan, also attended the dialogue to explore ways it could collaborate with the Department of Agriculture in supporting farmers and strengthening the region’s agricultural sector.