To assess flow of goods from Baguio to Metro Manila, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez together with DA-CAR Regional Technical Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan, and Benguet State University’s (BSU) Vice President of the University Business Affairs and newly appointed BAPTC’s Chief Operating Officer Dr. Norma Banania, inspected the Benguet Agri Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad on March 24, 2023.
The BAPTC serves as a major hub for the trade of highland vegetables, which are distributed to various markets in Metro Manila and other nearby provinces.
During the visit, the officials assessed the operations of the Center and recommended plans of action to improve its services to farmers and consumers.
The BAPTC is governed by a Project Steering Board (PSB) Chaired by the DA Secretary Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., represented by Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban. Vice-Chair is Benguet State University President Felipe Salaing Comila, with its members Congressman Eric Yap, Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas, La Trinidad Municipal Mayor Romeo Salda, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Cameron Odsey, and Farmer Leader Representative Joaquin Geronimo Depalog. ### (photos by Gian Carlo Luague, DA-AFID)
