To ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the proposed vegetable washing and processing facility in Benguet, representatives from the Project Steering Committee (PSC) composed of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Benguet State University (BSU), and Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), convened on June 13, 2025, at the BAPTC compound.
The meeting was led by DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, MTM, in accordance with agreements made during the 4th quarter BAPTC Project Steering Board (PSB) meeting held in November 2024. The initiative supports BAPTC’s mission to enhance its facilities while ensuring compliance with national food safety and quality standards.
Undersecretary Caballero emphasized the importance of grounding the project in solid, reliable data. “We must gather all necessary and vital information to guide implementation and avoid issues down the line. Working from data is the best way to ensure that a project is carried out efficiently and sustainably,” she stated.
She also reiterated that the initiative aligns with the marching order of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to ensure proper coordination within the country’s food hub network, especially for fruits and vegetables.
“The PSB was created precisely for the establishment of this facility, and we need to see the totality, what the project aims to achieve, how it addresses food safety, and how we can produce high-quality, market-ready products. This project is part of our goal to make BAPTC a model of a sustainable, revenue-generating, and service-oriented food hub,” she concluded.
To maintain progress and ensure continuity, the PSC together with the Technical Working Group (TWG) is scheduled to reconvene on June 30 to further refine implementation plans and coordinate responsibilities. By Leny D. Mendoza
