Marcos inspects Benguet trading hub, rolls out support for farmers amid rising costs
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) on Friday to assess conditions on the ground as the government steps up both immediate and long-term assistance for farmers in the Cordillera region facing rising fuel and transport expenses linked to the ongoing energy crisis.
Joining the visit, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the need to stabilize supply chains, noting that disruptions in vegetable transport are beginning to impact farmer earnings and the availability of produce in major markets.
The BAPTC serves as one of the country’s primary hubs for highland vegetables, handling about 165,000 tons annually, valued at roughly P6.4 billion. It connects over 110 farmers each day to buyers from Metro Manila and other key markets, distributing crops such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, and bell peppers.
However, rising fuel prices have put pressure on the system. Some farmers have recently delayed harvesting or risked spoilage due to low farmgate prices and high logistics costs, hoping for better returns at the trading center.
To address these issues, President Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture to fast-track interventions, including providing market support and deploying government trucks to transport produce directly from farms to markets. These measures aim to ease bottlenecks and reduce post-harvest losses.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy involving logistics coordination, backloading schemes, and expanded market matching. By mid-April, nearly 28 metric tons of vegetables had been transported and sold through these efforts, with an additional 57 metric tons scheduled for delivery.
During the visit, government agencies distributed P15.4 million worth of farm inputs, machinery, and trading capital to 45 farmer groups. This is part of a larger P859.6 million allocation for the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2026, covering seeds, fertilizers, irrigation support, post-harvest facilities, and training programs benefiting thousands of farmers and organizations.
Despite these interventions, challenges remain. Fertilizer prices have surged, and logistics expenses have risen by up to P10 per kilogram for inter-island shipments. A decline in wholesale buyers has also contributed to reduced trading activity at the facility.
Tiu Laurel highlighted the critical role of Benguet farmers in ensuring food security, stressing that disruptions in highland vegetable production can affect the entire supply chain—from wet markets to supermarkets and food service providers nationwide.
Officials added that continued investments in logistics, market systems, and infrastructure such as the BAPTC will be essential to maintaining stable supply, improving efficiency, and safeguarding farmer incomes amid fluctuating fuel costs.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
