The Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) successfully held its Stakeholders’ General Assembly cum Consultative Meeting at the BAPTC STB 1 Function Hall yesterday, April 29, 2025. The event brought together stakeholders, including farmers’ groups, market facilitators, lessees, and traders, for a day of updates, discussions, and collaborative planning.
The program commenced with registration, followed by an opening prayer. Mildred Licangan, Human Resource Management Unit Officer I, acknowledged the attendees and provided an overview of the day’s activities.
A key segment of the assembly features informative presentations. Ruth C. Diego, General Manager of BAPTC, presented on the “Potential Farmers’ Representative to the Project Steering Board (PSB)”, highlighting opportunities and processes for farmer involvement in the center’s operation and management. This was followed by a presentation on the “Stakeholders’ Directory and Accreditation” by Octavia S. Ablos, Institutional Development and Extension Services Unit Officer II & Officer-In-Charge of the Trading Operations Division, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive stakeholder network.
The meeting then transitioned into a crucial “Reiteration of Policies” session. Raymart C. Tarasi, General Services Unit Officer II, reviewed the “Solid Waste Management Guidelines”, underscoring BAPTC’s commitment to environmental sustainability. During a working lunch break, Juancho C. Cruz, Assets and Amenities Division Chief, elaborated on the “Existing BAPTC Facilities and Parking Policies & Guidelines”, ensuring clarity and adherence to operational policies. Engr. Tarasi provided additional insights on these policies.
Looking ahead, Elsie W. Gis-it, President of the Highland Vegetable Festival Association, Inc. (HVFAI), shared the history of the festival and insightful event details about the upcoming “7th Highland Vegetable Festival”, fostering anticipation and encouraging stakeholder participation. Details will be finalized at an anticipated meeting.
Kenneth A. Laruan, President of Benguet State University (BSU), delivered an insightful message, setting the tone for the open forum that followed. The afternoon session provided a valuable “Open Forum”, allowing stakeholders to directly engage with BAPTC management to address their concerns, ask questions, and offer suggestions. The meeting concluded with closing remarks by Mildred A. Licangan and a prayer by a participant.
The Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center’s Stakeholders’ General Assembly cum Consultative Meeting served as a vital platform for communication, collaboration, and strategic planning. The active participation of stakeholders underscores the collective commitment to the continued growth and success of BAPTC as a pivotal agricultural trading center in Benguet. The discussions held and insights shared are expected to contribute significantly to the center’s future initiatives and its ongoing efforts to support the farmers and the agricultural industry in Benguet and other neighboring provinces.
