AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has committed to the establishment nationwide of facilities similar to those in the Food Terminal Inc., and creating market outlets for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified products.

Laurel made the commitment to the highland vegetable industry stakeholders during a recent visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center.

Laurel said the agency will enforce laws related to vegetable and fisheries trading, ensuring the strict implementation of the Executive Order (EO) 41 which suspended collection of fees by local government units from vehicles transporting goods and providing support to the cut flower industry in the region in recognition of the industry’s role in job creation and livelihood.

Laurel explained the series of dialogues being conducted aims to find ways to further develop the farm sector and raise income in the Cordillera region.

It also aims to align strategies that reduce the production cost of farmers and increase their income.

Key officials, farmer leaders, traders, truckers, market facilitators, agricultural extension workers, municipal and provincial agriculturists and other stakeholders from Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province attended the dialogue.

“Gusto kong malaman n’yo na hindi kayo nakakalimutan ng DA. Sa mga stakeholders ng cabbage, tomato, carrots, potatoes, lahat iyan importante.

Lahat yan prayoridad ng gobyerno. Kaya dinala ko itong buong team dito na kasama natin sa national office para makatulong pag-isipan iyong current situation natin and see how we can improve,” he said.

Laurel added his visit should underscore his commitment to dealing with the challenges faced by the vegetable industry.

During the consultation, Laurel also pledged to translate these efforts into tangible results for the nation, specifically focusing on meeting the country’s expectations of providing ample food supply, lowering commodity prices and improving efficiency while minimizing costs.

Issues raised during the town hall meeting include the high cost of farm inputs, like fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides; lack of market outlets for GAP-certified products; concerns about the unrecognized foodlane passed by authorities; and issues related to smuggling.

“Sa anti-smuggling naman, hindi tayo titigil dyan dahil ‘yan ang isang pinaka-prime directive ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos na kailangan mahuli, maparusahan at makulong.

Buti na lang may ilalabas tayong bagong anti-smuggling bill na mas may ngipin,” Laurel said.

Laurel underscored the importance of the dialogue as it is conducive to a vibrant exchange of ideas. He called on stakeholders to work together, envisioning a scenario where farmers and consumers mutually benefit.

He also expressed eagerness for the crafting of policies that would govern the vegetable industry, contributing to the realization of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign for the advancement of all Filipinos.

During his visit to the BAPTC premises, Laurel observed the need for improvements to optimize the trading center’s operations.

He assured stakeholders these concerns would be thoroughly addressed as part of the broader initiative to elevate the agricultural sector.