With barely a month in operation, the Ilocos Norte Agricultural Trading Center-Bagsakan continues to serve as a local trading hub for hundreds of farmer-producers and entrepreneurs.
As part of the provincial government’s efforts to strategize the Bagsakan Center’s implementation, local authorities announced Thursday the provision of incentives to those who transact business in the area located in Barangay Billoca, Batac City. These incentives include fuel subsidies, free hauling services and marketing assistance.
“This is not to threaten the traders, but we just want to fully activate the operation of the Bagsakan to serve its purpose,” said Ilocos Norte Vice Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc, who initiated the establishment of the Bagsakan Center.
To encourage more transactions at the Bagsakan, the provincial government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, has been providing hauling trucks, fuel assistance and direct market linkages to buyers. These efforts help ensure a steady supply of goods, reduce transport costs and establish more reliable and sustainable market connections for local farmers.
Latest provincial government data shows over 260 metric tons of agricultural commodities, including surplus white onions, have been facilitated and sold at the Bagsakan so far.
With billions in government allotment for the agricultural sector, Manotoc underscored the need to address the complex problems in agriculture. He said one way to do so is to know and understand the real numbers.
Through the Bagsakan Center, the provincial government hopes to collect market data such as real-time price monitoring and information on where produce is going.
“We can’t help our farmers if we do not have accurate data. We need to know the large agri transactions in the province and come up with a long-term goal to improve the life of small farmers,” he added.
Farmers, traders and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector may contact the designated focal person or visit the Provincial Agriculture Office at Barangay 2, Laoag City for inquiries on how to avail of the assistance. (PNA)
