The Department of Agriculture – High Value Crops Development Program Central Office [Mr. Jeff Rodriguez, Mr. Kenneth Hizole and Atty. Joycel Panlilio] and Regional Field Office III [Ms. Christine Joy Corpuz], together with Bulacan HVCDP Coordinator [Mr. Raymart Santiago] conducted an initial meeting with Mr. Ricky Bonamy – owner of the proposed trading post, for the operations of the facility as food terminals. Mr. Bonamy proposed that the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, lease the facility for the benefit of farmers. He said that the area is accessible and very near Metro Manila. During the discussion, he confirmed that the DA may use the facility for two (2) months without the corresponding payment of rentals to test the market and the response of the farmers who will trade their produce in the facility. If found feasible during the said period, negotiation shall ensue to finalize the terms and condition of the proposed agreement.

The team also conducted an ocular inspection of the said proposed wholesale trading facility, which is located along Plaridel-Balagtas By-pass Road of the North Luzon Expressway. The open space allocated is 3,000 square meters, more or less. The area is equipped with water and electrical supply, CCTV system and public announcement system, toilets, parking space, and an office space which the DA may use.

The team likewise went to the Municipality of Guiginto, Bulacan to meet with Municipal Agriculture Officer, Dr. Roel G. Dela Cruz to discuss the proposed trading post including the possible assistance that the municipality may extend during the trial phase of the operation ofthefacility.

Dr.DelaCruz shared that the current trading area in the province is inMalolos, Bulacan, which is a wide open space that is easily accessible to producers and traders from the North. It operates from 8 pm until dawn.
This proposed establishment of a wholesale trading post is in line with the DA’s plan to expand “KADIWA” outlets so that more buyers will have access to quality, safe, and affordable agri- fishery products. KADIWA is a marketing initiative of DA, implemented through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAS), which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.

Source: Mr. Jeff Rodriguez – HVCDP CO Facebook Page