President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) to observe trading and post-harvest activities in the region’s highland vegetable industry.

The President was joined by Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and was welcomed by local officials including Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas, La Trinidad Mayor Roderick C. Awingan, and BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan.

During the visit, the delegation inspected farm inputs and equipment prepared for distribution to Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) under the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Program. They also toured Spot Trading Building 2 of the trading center, where post-harvest handling and trading activities take place, and interacted with farmers and stakeholders from the Cordillera highland vegetable sector.

In a brief statement, the President noted several government efforts aimed at helping farmers manage the challenges associated with transporting and marketing their produce, particularly amid rising fuel costs that affect the movement of agricultural goods from Benguet and nearby Cordillera areas. As part of the activity, the Office of the President also purchased approximately 20 tons of vegetables sourced from farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet and Urdaneta. These vegetables are set to be distributed to selected communities and institutions in Metro Manila, including local government units, social welfare programs, correctional facilities, and orphanages.

The activity forms part of broader efforts to support local farmers while facilitating the distribution of fresh produce to various beneficiary communities.//C.De Guzman, BAPTC Project Management Office