METRO Manila residents now have options for purchasing affordable vegetables.
Martin was late in harvesting cabbages to send down the mountain.
The livelihood of vegetable farmers in Benguet relies on vegetable prices in the market.
“Yes, there’s a real challenge. Right now, it’s kind of lacking in support… Lacking in family support,” according to Martin Bunoy, Benguet Vegetable Farmer.
Aside from cabbages, they also grow carrots, potatoes, radishes, and pechay Baguio on the farm.
All their produce is directly sold in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
According to Billy Cariño of Benguet-Vizcaya Trading Post, all of these vegetables can be bought in Metro Manila at reasonable prices.
So, they established a trading post in Taguig City that started operating in December last year.
“We used to have few outlets from the farm. Divisoria, Balintawak, that’s what Metro Manila residents knew. That’s where they used to buy. But now that there are more farmers, and more gardens, the products are still constrained, leading to oversupply. So, we needed to create an outlet like a trading post,” according to Billy Cariño, Chairman, Benguet-Vizcaya Trading Post.
Vegetables are transported from the province of Benguet to the trading post.
Here, vegetables can be bought at a cheaper price, whether retail or wholesale.
“Yes, it’s more economical than in our market,” according to one of the farmers.
The trading post operates 24/7.
The vegetable prices here match those in Benguet.
It’s a literal farm-to-market transaction.
Those managing the trading post ensure they control the vegetable prices.
“We are direct. Direct farmers. No middleman,” Cariño, said.
Food Terminal Incorporated ensured support for the trading post.
Especially since the new vegetable market is located on FTI’s property.
“It’s just right and proper since FTI is committed to food security and food stability. That’s our mandate for our marginalized fisher folks and farmers,” according to Atty. Lara Brusola, President and CEO, Food Terminal Inc.
Benguet farmers are hopeful for the success of the trading post.
To avoid wastage of their produce and contribute to feeding Metro Manila residents.
“Hopefully, to expand our trading. So, we can supply more vegetables,” Martin Bunoy added.
“We want to inform Metro Manila that there are affordable vegetable prices here at the trading post in Taguig. It’s called Benguet-Vizcaya trading post in Taguig,” Cariño, said.
For those interested, simply visit the trading post at the FTI cold storage facility compound in Taguig.
