Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Benguet cold facility management, users arguing over rentals
THE management and the users of the Benguet cold storage project are at odds over the rates imposed on the use of the cold chain facility.
During the consultation at the Provincial Capitol recently, facility users claimed that rates imposed on reefer vans are exorbitant and requested that these be reduced for the benefit of both parties.
But the management of the facility maintained that the rates are fair.
Rentals for the 10-, 16- and 20-footer reefer trucks amounting to P4,800, P7,000 and P10,000 per trip, which could accommodate 1,000, 2,500 and 3,500 kilos of vegetables, respectively.
The Benguet Cold Chain project was established in 2004 and funded by the National Government. Its operation is subsidized by the Provincial Government with an annual budget allocation of P2 million.
The management of the cold storage, meanwhile, proposed an increase in rentals to P3,500, P4,500 and P6,500 for the 10, 16 and 20-footer trucks, respectively.
It said the move is intended to recover the expenses incurred in the operations of the facility.
Individuals making use of the facilities of the cold chain, however, proposed that rentals be increased only to P3,000, P3,500 and P5,600 per trip, which management acceded to.
The Benguet Farmers Federation (BFF), meanwhile, is already preparing a business plan relative to its move to co-manage the facility.
Pending the completion of the business proposal, officers of the organization said they would stick to the existing rates and the management's proposed increase in the rentals but would impose necessary adjustments if future situation dictates. (JC)
(September 19, 2006 issue)
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