LA TRINIDAD VEG. TRADING POST: SLOW EXPANSION WORKS, EXTENDS FARMERS HARDSHIPS

April 20, 2024 Provincial

Mayor Salda assures works will resume soon with addt’l funds

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Farmers and traders appealed to local authorities and contractor to finish the P120 -million, multilevel commercial center at the vegetable trading post. Government record showed, an estimated P40 million in revenues is generated yearly from the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post (LTVTP), the town ’s major economic contributor. Actually, the facility It started operating in 1989,the same year when it was turned over to this town, almost 35 years ago.

In an interview, Mayor Romeo Salda, asked stakeholders to remain patient with the P70M budget will be bidded by the end of April ,and to resume works for the extension of the municipal hall. Salda, who asked for patience, assured anew that displaced farmers during the expansion works will be given priority to occupy the first floor. Moreover, Salda revealed that his office received a reply from the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office to continue the
Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) entered into with La Trinidad, particularly the construction of a commercial
center inside the facility.

The mayor clarified that DA has is bankrolling P30-M , and an initial P12 million has been downloaded to the lgu
aside the P60 million allocated by the municipal government of La Trinidad as counterpart. In fact, due to funding
issues, especially from DA, the said MoA was almost quashed. to allow this town to look for other means to fund the
project. At present, farmers continue to struggle with their daily operations due to crowded space. Packing of
vegetables are mostly done on the floor and on the sides of the building where trucks are parked under the striking heat of the sun.

Municipal Engineer Benedict Pineda, disclosed that some P2 million locally sourced has been allocated for the
installion of temporary shed (tarp) in the “bagsakan” area. Pineda added following procurement procedures it will
take about 2 – 3 months until installation works start ,hinting by July. Janice Alleg, Market Supervisor II and Trading Post Head, said the process is still on-going. She explained that in terms of rehabilitation, what is mostly being done are just minor repairs. The most recent repair finished was the improvement of the drainage in front of the trading post.

Shine Grace B. Estigoy-UB Intern/ ABN