MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)–The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) recently turned over the Farmers’ Trading Post to the Malaybalay City government in a blessing rites at the city public market as a milestone in boosting local agricultural trade.
It marks Bukidnon’s first Trading Post, a vital hub for agricultural commerce.
Managed by the City Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (CEEDMO), the newly inaugurated facility aims to provide a well-organized and clean space for trade activities.
“This trading hub will aid small-scale farmers, often exploited by middlemen due to limited market access. By offering direct selling opportunities, the project benefits the farmers and customers,” said Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran.
Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran and DA-Northern Mindanao Carlota Madriaga, regional technical director for operations, lead the opening of the Trading Post at Malaybalay City public market. (Photo: JSA/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
The Farmers Cooperative and Associations (FCA) will operate eight stalls selling local farm commodities like vegetables and dairy products, benefiting Malaybalay farmers and neighboring towns.
Carlota Madriaga, DA-Northern Mindanao’s Technical Director for Operations, emphasized the Trading Post’s strategic location at the heart of the market for ease and direct transactions between farmers and consumers.
“This project is designed to empower our farmers by providing them a platform for trading and marketing their products. We know this initiative will have significant advantages for our agricultural community,” she said.
Alan Ryann Legaspi, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, emphasized the significance of the Trading Post, highlighting it as his first resolution since taking leadership. He said the official turnover ceremony is the city’s source of pride.
Entrusted with managing the facility by CEEDMO, Department Head Romeo Lapeciros Jr. and his team stand ready to handle the associated responsibilities.
Carlota Madriaga, regional technical director for operations of DA-Northern Mindanao, extends her gratitude to the city government of Malaybalay for its cooperation and support. (Photo: JSA/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
“Our team is prepared to take on the challenge and assume the responsibility of managing this Trading Post. This trading facility serves Bukidnon, and we aim to expand its reach,” Lapeciros said.
Merlyn Gallardo, President of Patpat Kahugpungan Mag-uuma Ta Payapat (KAMPAT), thanked the government for establishing the facility, acknowledging its vital role in assisting farmers who face challenges in marketing their products.
The Trading Post, she said, will enable farmers to directly sell their farm products to markets with transactions in large volumes, ensuring fair incomes. She added that agripreneurs and farmers will have the opportunity to rent stalls on a daily basis. (JSA/PIA 10/Bukidnon)
