By Tracy Cabrera
DILIMAN, Quezon City — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has mobilized its resources to address the oversupply of vegetables in Benguet, as soaring fuel prices have hampered traders’ ability to purchase and transport produce, resulting in mounting losses for farmers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the issue was brought to his attention over the weekend, prompting immediate action from regional offices.
“Our objective is to ensure that vegetables are transported efficiently, minimize waste, and provide much-needed support to our farmers,” Laurel said.
In response, the DA has deployed around 18 agency trucks to haul vegetables from Benguet to various markets and cooperatives in need of supply. The government will cover all fuel expenses to guarantee delivery to key trading hubs, including the Baguio Agricultural Produce Trading Center.
Laurel acknowledged that the situation cannot be resolved instantly but emphasized that the intervention would help ease the burden on farmers.
He also announced plans to personally visit Baguio on Wednesday to assess conditions on the ground and identify additional forms of assistance.
The DA is expanding distribution efforts by transporting vegetables from La Trinidad and nearby municipalities directly to Kadiwa outlets in Metro Manila and other urban areas, aiming to broaden market access beyond traditional trading centers and help stabilize prices.
As part of its contingency measures, the agency is also rolling out additional modular storage facilities to temporarily hold excess produce, reducing spoilage and maintaining price stability.
ia/xf
