THE local government of La Trinidad and Benguet State University will be assigned to take over the operations of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC).
Although still waiting for validation from the Department of Agriculture, members of the Project Steering Committee have recommended La Trinidad and BSU to manage the four-hectare trading center in Barangay Pico.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda confirmed the recommendation after the Technical Working Group (TWG), headed by DA Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, meet Tuesday afternoon.
“The TWG has agreed to the LGU and BSU partnership. This was the suggestion taken to fast track the process and land on an agreement of taking over the trading center,” Salda told Sun.Star Baguio.
According to Salda, there were four original concepts proposed on who will be handling the operations and management of BAPTC.
This include conveying the business to La Trinidad only, BSU only, La Trinidad and BSU partnership, or the creation of a Government Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC).
“The Steering Committee has agreed why not put the administration under both the LGU and BSU since the university cannot venture into private business while many shareholders agree that the management should be supervised by the LGU,” Salda added.
Vegetable farmers and other stakeholders remained confused on the administration of the BAPTC despite being operational since 2015.
Salda added the agreement if approved will only take effect in three years time before the trading center will be completely transferred to the care of a farmer’s association.
“We see no problem about the LGU-BSU partnership, kasi transitory lang naman yan eh. By 2019 a turnover will again be made when the farmer’s association has already sustained stability in managing BAPTC on their own,” Salda stated.
According to Salda, the TWG suggested the provisions for the trading center in accordance with DA Secretary Manny Piñol’s intent to revisit the original purpose of the facility, which is to be overrun by local farmers.
Piñol is expected to return in the province next week to assess the reports created by the TWG for BAPTC.