Benguet Congressman caretaker to face small-scale mining, vegetable production

January 6, 2020 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet— The survival of thousands of small-scale miners and support to vegetable farmers to sustain production of highland vegetables are among the issues that shall be addressed by the incoming congressman of this province who will act as “caretaker.”

To date, the stoppage order on the operation of smallscale mining is still in effect and has displaced thousands of pocket miners in Itogon, Tuba, Mankayan an Bakun.

The appeal of several small-scale mining associations and local government units (LGU) in those towns, especially in Itogon to Department of Natural Resources through the Mines and Geosciences-Cordillera (MGB) to grant them a temporary mining permit served futile.

The influx of “cheap” imported vegetables from other countries, especially from China has threatened the vegetable industry aide from the competition from neighboring towns – Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya and La Union Province which are now producing temperate vegetables.

Support to the 13 municipalities like in the field of education- medical, sports and social services are also a priority. Protection of the environment is also on top of the list to be in harmony with pace of development. Benguet is rich in natural resources – watersheds.

Benguet plays a critical role in the pursuit of regional autonomy since the region became an administrative region in 1987.

Responsible co-operation to the Baguio-La Trinidad- Itogon-Sablan. Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) is also a top agenda meeting the challenges of times.

Reportedly,it will be the Speaker of the House who will appoint the caretaker of the province when its session resumes on January 20. Reports circulating, Baguio City Congressman Mark Go is being eyed to become the Benguet congressman caretaker.

“It will be an honor, but,personally, i would like to focus on Baguio,”Go said in a radio interview.

Primo Agatep/ABN