The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) on Tuesday said it is also extending assistance to the municipality of La Trinidad in Benguet to develop the Strawberry Farm, a highly sought-after tourist attraction in the capital town.

“Nagpunta po ako sa La Trinidad kahapon at nag-usap kami ni mayor (Roderick Awingan) kasama ang DA (Department of Agriculture) para tulungan din sila sa problema nila sa (I went to La Trinidad yesterday and talked to the mayor and the DA so that we can help them with the problem of the) Strawberry Farm,” TIEZA Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Mark Lapid said in his message at the 117th Baguio Charter Day anniversary at Baguio Convention Center.

Lapid said there is also a possibility of setting up food and agri-tourism hubs

The municipal government earlier raised its Strawberry Farm problem with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to help address the more than two decades-long issue of flooding, which also affects flower and lettuce farmers, aside from traders who sell souvenir items.

To expedite the strawberry farm project, Lapid asked the local government to obtain a usufructuary agreement with the Benguet State University, which owns the 77-hectare Strawberry Farm lot utilized by farmers.

It can be recalled that during the recent visit of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon to the capital in the middle of August to check the infrastructure damage, he also visited the strawberry farm and the Bolo creek.

Based on the recommendation of the DPWH experts, Dizon assured short- and long-term assistance. (PNA)