BAGUIO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary (USec) Domingo Panganiban visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), Maharlika Livelihood Complex (MLC), and Baguio Animal Breeding and Research Center (BABRC) Friday morning to familiarize with the facilities and operations of these establishments.
At the BAPTC, Panganiban recognized the need to modernize and maintain some equipment to improve productivity. USec Panganiban was also briefed about the situation of the MLC, which is also under the supervision of DA and under the Human Settlements and Development Corporation (HSDC).
The HSDC was created in 1978 by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. as the corporate arm of the defunct Ministry of Human Settlements. It was supervised by the DA in 2000 by virtue of EO 233 as most of its beneficiaries were farmers and fishers then. The MLC is under a 50-year contract, and the said establishment will be transferred to the City Government by April 2025.
Since December 2022, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan was designated to oversee the HSDC-MLC Transition Management Committee under a Special Order from the Office of the Secretary.
During the latter part of the visit, DA-Cordillera explained to USec Panganiban the status of BABRC, its ongoing activities pursuant to existing laws, and other property concerns.
Yesterday, Panganiban visited various Bureau of Plant Industry-Cordillera facilities to appraise the services and offer technical advice to enhance its operations. By CEWaytan and JBPeralta
