Local government and agriculture officials lead the groundbreaking for aggie trading post. Photo by Armand Galang
BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Top ranking agriculture and local officials hailed the P210-million trading post that will rise in Barangay Curva here as “a major breakthrough” in recovery efforts of farmers from the pandemic.
On Wednesday ground was broken for the local government unit-initiated Bongabon Agricultural Trading Post and Livestock Auction Center, the first in Central Luzon, that is expected to operate by the first part of 2022. Leading the rites were Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, Nueva Ecija 3rd District Rep. Rosanna Vergara, and 3rd District Mayors Association president Palayan City Mayor Rianne Cuevas.
“Ang purpose po nito, dahil malaki po ang production area ng Bongabon, Nueva Ecija at mga karatig na probinsya, ay para mapag-ugnay-ugnay, ma-consolidate ang mga produksyon para ma-empower ang mga farmers,” Cayanan said.
He called on farmers to never lose heart after the adverse effects of the pandemic in agriculture sector.
“Huwag po tayong susuko bagama’t may pandemya. Lumaban po tayo kasi papunta na tayo sa new normal. Pag nagbukas ang mga institutional buyers katulad ng mga restaurants ay mayroon nang ready markets,” Cayanan said.
Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla said that under the program, the LGU will procure all local produce, provided that farmers were good agriculture practice-accredited at the 11-hectare trading center.
Municipal agriculture officer by Jayson Leonardo said their office will actively assist farmers, including clustering of farms based on vegetables to plant.
Gamilla explained that by minimizing the role of middlemen, farmers can get the best prices for their produce while consumers can enjoy lower prices for their needs.
“Dito niyo na po dadalin yung ating mga bentahing hayop…malaki man o maliit. Dito na po centralized na po lahat,” Gamilla said, adding that in the process, farmers are spared from middlemen.
He thanked the sangguniang bayan for the authority given him to enter into the loan agreement with Land Bank.
DA undersecretary for livestock William Medrano, regional executive director Nelson Bautista, Land Bank of the Philippines officials and Mayor Josefino Angeles of Santa Rosa were also present during the activity.
