LT’S TRADING POST GENERATES 400 METRIC TONS OF HIGHLAND VEGGIES, P33-MILLION REVENUES ANNUALLY

April 8, 2023 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

The decades-old La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Center (LTVTP) generates an average 400 metric tons (mt.) of highland vegetables and contributes almost P34 million income annually, officials said. According to Janice Binay, marketing supervisor of the facility renowned for its fresh vegetable produce, has remained consistent in terms of its trading volume, number of farmers, traders, and packers, and number of stalls.

Based on the data obtained from the local treasury office, in 2022, total revenue receipts from economic enterprise posted at P85.502 million an increased of 57.45 percent against it’s targeted goal of P54.303 million. The capital town grand total revenue receipts for 2022 amounted to P724.141 million to include regulatory, realty and business taxes,among others. For LTVTP, Binay said the trading post generates around P33,929 million annually. this does not include revenue from other sources.

Binay has encouraged local leaders to allocate a budget for the construction of a weigh bridge to determine the exact volume of vegetables traded as vehicles utilizing the vegetable hub have increased in recent years. As for development and expansion, Binay explained that “as of now, we cannot really discuss those things because we are in the process of expanding our municipal hall,
so the development of the facility is still on hold.”

On the issue of accreditation, Binay said there is an ongoing process to craft an ordinance by the
Sangguniang Bayan. At present the official said her office has all the records of individuals through the acquisition of gate pass to allow entry to the facility. She stressed that a business permit is required for an individual could avail the use of the hub.The requirements of a business permit include a sanitary permit, which ensures that they have undergone health protocols.”

Overall, local officials claimed that La Trinidad continues to provide a steady supply of fresh vegetables to the community, with no major changes in trading volume, number of farmers, traders, and packers, and number of stalls.

Tristan John Quiaño/ Rayah Jahziel Tayag-UB Interns/ABN