Business Bayani PH

The Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Tiu Laurel led a meeting with highland vegetable industry stakeholders to boost the agricultural sector and increase incomes in the Cordillera region. The meeting happened during his visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center on January 26.

The primary objective, as Secretary Laurel highlighted, is to collaboratively develop strategies that enhance the farm sector and increase income opportunities for farmers. 

He emphasized the importance of the dialogue, saying, “Konsultasyon talaga ito para magkaroon tayo ng polisiya na gusto ninyo at nais rin natin sa pamahalaan para ma-achieve ang layunin ni Pangulong Marcos na Bagong Pilipinas.” [This is really a consultation to have the policies that you want, and we also desire in the government, to achieve the goal of President Marcos for a New Philippines.]

The dialogue convened various stakeholders, including key officials, farmer leaders, traders, truckers, market facilitators, agricultural extension workers, and representatives from Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province.

Addressing the vegetable industry stakeholders, Laurel reassured, “Gusto kong malaman niyo na hindi kayo nakakalimutan ng DA. Sa mga stakeholders ng cabbage, tomato, carrots, potatoes, lahat iyan importante. Lahat yan prayoridad ng gobyerno.” [I want you to know that you are not forgotten by the DA. For stakeholders in cabbage, tomato, carrots, potatoes, all of those are important. All of them are government priorities.]

The Secretary emphasized his dedication to tackling challenges in the vegetable industry. His goal is to create strategies that lower production costs for farmers and boost their income. He highlighted the importance of reducing overall production costs while maintaining or increasing farmers’ earnings.

Issues raised during the town hall meeting included the high cost of farm inputs, lack of market outlets for Good Agricultural Practices-certified products, concerns about the unrecognized food lane passed by authorities, and issues related to smuggling.

In response, Laurel pledged a series of initiatives. These include establishing nationwide facilities akin to the Food Terminal Inc., creating market outlets for GAP-certified products, expanding KADIWA stores in Metro Manila, enforcing laws related to vegetable and fisheries trading, and ensuring the strict implementation of Executive Order 41, which suspended the collection of fees by local government units from vehicles transporting goods.

Regarding smuggling, Laurel affirmed the government’s dedication, emphasizing that they will not cease efforts. This aligns with President Bongbong Marcos’ prime directive to apprehend, penalize, and imprison those involved in smuggling.

Laurel welcomed industry stakeholders’ active role in combating agricultural smuggling, encouraging them to be partners with the DA in achieving these goals.

During his visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, the Secretary identified the need for improvements. He assured stakeholders that these concerns are part of broader initiatives to enhance the agricultural sector. His efforts align with government goals, contributing to food supply, lower prices, and efficiency, in line with the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.◼