CITY OF SAN FERNANDO-- To help the agricultural sector start recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, a Bagsakan Center is being put up where farmers and agripreneurs in Pampanga can sell their crops and products at wholesale and retail prices starting in September.

The trading post is a partnership between the provincial and city governments. It will use the former City of San Fernando transport terminal and Salilungan Center along the Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Barangay San Juan here.

Governor Dennis Pineda pushed the project because the quarantine against Covid-19 restricted the mobility of farmers and their crops, causing prices to fall to low levels. Agricultural production either stopped or got delayed due to the high cost of inputs.

“Apektado po ang mga magsasaka, magkakarne, pati mangingisda at magpi-fishponds. Kailangan po natin silang tulungan sa production hanggang sa marketing,” Pineda said.

The Bagsakan Center will also “become the delivery point of fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and meat products coming from other provinces,” said Provincial Board Member Anañias Canlas, Jr. provincial committee chair on agriculture.

City of San Fernando Councilor Celestino Dizon said he would ask the council to make the facility rent-free as the start of the project.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command, private sector and agencies would assist in the project. (PR)