March 29, 2024

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Department of Agriculture has given the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) P20 million to purchase excess and/or unsold vegetables produced by farmers.

“This is part of the government’s effort to help our farmers so that they will not just throw their products. The BAPTC will buy them and process them,” Gov. Melchor Diclas said.

Diclas said DA Sec. William Dar has approved the allocation of the amount during the BAPTC board meeting on Oct. 29 at Benguet State University.

The DA constructed the BAPTC during the Aquino administration at the BSU property to help vegetables farmers in the Cordillera who bring their agricultural products to La Trinidad for trading.

Diclas said the money will be used by the BAPTC led by Chief Operations Officer Violeta Salda to assure there will be no wastage in vegetables produced by buying and processing them.

The unsold excess vegetables have led to losses for farmers who invested money and effort for its production.

Dar earlier turned over P20M for the completion of the processing facility and make it functional immediately.

Pending the completion of the processing plant, the BAPTC will use the excess vegetables bought from farmers in making veggie noodles and other processed foods. – PNA