BAPTC - "Ikaw ang bida dito" (You are the star here)

The new facility which is the BAPTC.  It's pre-launch was well attended by stakeholders - farmers, traders, financiers, and personnel of different government line agencies.

One of the latest infrastructure that has changed (and continues to change) the La Trinidad is the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center or BAPTC.  It is also expected to change the lives of the communities in this town, the entire province of Benguet, even the Cordillera Administrative Region, and nearby provinces.  BAPTC as an institution has for its mission, as advertised in a brochure distributed, “Building avenues for farmers and buyers to have a better market access through participatory capability building and provision of innovative technologies and quality facilities collectively aimed at bringing desirable change towards inclusive growth and development.”

Secretary Alcala tastes the tamarillo at the mini-agro-trade-fair which is part of the BAPTC pre-launch

This trading facility had its pre-launch today, October 26, 2015 with the country’s Department of Agriculture Secretary, Hon. Proceso J. Alcala, as the Guest of Honor.  One of the first activities is the tour/inspection of facilities and some ceremonial trading.  At one point, the secretary interacted with some young men who were repacking wombok (Chinese cabbage) at one of the trading bays.  Cameras were chasing the secretary thus the young men tried to veer away from the flashes.  The men were probably farmers, or traders, or helpers and undoubtedly were among the main stakeholders of the trading center.  The secretary categorically recognized that thus he said to one of them, “Bakit ka umaalis? Ikaw ang bida dito!” (Why are you going away? You are the star here!)

The secretary’s spontaneous remark in that sequence reverberated throughout the event.  The speeches of government officials and local politicians in the opening program/stakeholder’s consultation had highlighted in different ways the importance of farmers, traders, financers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders in the success of the trading center.  It is touted to be the biggest trading center when it would be fully operational as it caters to this part that produces seventy to eighty percent of the vegetable supply in this country.

In giving an overview of the BAPTC project, Assistant Secretary Leandro Gazmin of the Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness arm, mentioned of the many hardships that people from different sectors and agencies went through before today’s pre-launch.  He admits that there’s are still many things that have to be done before full swing trading operations can be done but are achievable when the different stakeholders places sense of ownership to the BAPTC.

There were seven agencies/sectors from where the project steering committee come. These are the Department of Agriculture  (DA) – Central Office, DA-CAR Regional Office, Benguet State University, Office of the Benguet Lone Congressional District, Provincial Local Government Unit-Benguet (PLGU), Municipal Local Government Unit-La Trinidad (MLGU), and the farmers sector.  They are represented in the steering committee by the current heads -  Secretary Alcala as Chairman, BSU President Ben D. Ladilad as Vice Chairman, and members are Benguet Congressman Ronald M. Cosalan, Benguet Governor Nestor B. Fongwan, La Trinidad Mayor Edna C. Tabanda, DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Lorenzo M. Caranguian, and John P. Sagpa-ey as representative of the farmers sector.  The roles of previous heads of some of these agencies were also acknowledged by Asec. Gazmin  - the three previous regional directors of DA-CAR, the immediate past president of BSU, and the preceding mayor of La Trinidad.

Vice Mayor Romeo Salda represented La Trinidad MLGU in the pre-launch.  He gave the welcome remarks in which he acknowledged the importance of the farmers and the different staeholders.

Governor Fongwan, in his speech, cited the role that the current La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post has been accomplishing in promoting Benguet vegetables then stressed that BAPTC is the “next level” in the marketing of province’s produce.  He mentioned that BAPTC can soon cater to value adding processing systems such as better packaging hence better prices for the farmers to soon realize more income that can better empower farmers.

For his part, Rep. Cosalan identified two problems that the BAPTC is currently facing which he referred to the Agriculture Secretary.  One is the legal status of the BAPTC.  He asks, is it under DA or under BSU?  The other is the status of the representation of the farmers to the steering committee as the current representation is identified in the Memorandum of Agreement as interim.  He said that such should be addressed for the success of the BAPTC.

Farmers gave their testimonies/sharing of experiences.  Most of them identified problems the farmers are facing such as the price fluctuation, long queues to the current trading center, the possible impact of the free flow of goods from other countries due to the ASEAN economic integration.  They however have acknowledged seeing hope in the works of Secretary Alcala, including the establishment of the BAPTC.  As the farmers representative to the steering committee has said, the BAPTC offers better marketing system, centralizing trade because of the wider facility for better marketing power, and solving price disparity.

Secretary Alcala bolstered the hopes of the farmers and the stakeholders when he alluded that a successful trading center can really economically empower farmers.  He referred to the trading center which he established when he was Congressman in his home province of Quezon.  He jested that because of the successful trading center, the new problem of the farmers of his province is that their children always drive away with their SUV (with emphasis) at night.  He mentioned that said trading center is the model for the BAPTC except that the latter is grander.

   

   The vision for the BAPTC, presumably developed by the current Project Management Office headed by Chief Operations Officer Leon C. Cabradilla is “By 2020, the BAPTC is a world-class model trading center that empowers farmers and offers quality and safe agricultural products for consumers.”  Secretary Alcala, in closing his speech, placed a vivid image for farmer empowerment when he envisioned a time when farmers can proudly say to anyone, “Magsasaka ako….”

The young men at right (perhaps farmers, traders, or helpers) tried to escape the camera lenses but Secretary Alcala told them, you are the star here.  With the secretary during the tour of facilities and trading activities is the BSU President, Dr. Ben D. Ladilad (in photo) and officials and representatives of the Department of Agriculture and the local government units. 

Divine help was also very much underscored.  Many of the speakers referred to it especially mentioning the invocation led by Bishop Carlito Cenzon of the Diocese of Baguio.  Secreatary Alcala himself asked for continuous prayer from the Bishop for particularly the BAPTC and generally the agriculture industry of the region.

Ride on to La Trinidad

La Trinidad Valley as viewed from Barangay Kesbeng.  

La Trinidad is the capital town of Benguet province, one of the six provinces of landlocked and mountain-gifted Cordillera Administrative Region.  Though a first class municipality and an urban center, its popularity is often shadowed by Baguio City.  Many tourist either consider La Trinidad as part of Baguio City or do not know that La Trinidad is one of the main supplier of products considered as "pasalubong" from Baguio.  But for those who know, La Trinidad is worth the extra ride from Baguio or a stopover in going to or coming from Sagada, another main tourist attraction of the Cordillera.

There are two main dispatch points of public utility jeepneys going to La Trinidad from Baguio City.  One is the road in between Rizal Park and the Baguio City Hall (these La Trinidad line is labelled as "Bokawkan") and the other at the corner of Bonifacio St. and Magsaysay Avenue, near the Baguio Center Mall ( labelled as the "Magsaysay" line).  Generally, there are three jeepney lines going to La
Trinidad in these dispatch points.  One is the Baguio-Tomay which also passes through Camp Dangwa and barangay Cruz. Another is the Baguio-Buyagan-Motorpool.  The third one is the Baguio-Pico.  There are other lines that goes to specific barangays such as Baguio-Balili, Baguio-Alno, and Baguio-Lubas.  The jeeps going to Ambiong and Beckel, which are also part of La Trinidad does not pass through the town center.

The Strawberry Farm of the Philippines (also known as the Benguet State University Strawberry Farm) for strawberry picking among other activities, and the La Trinidad Trading post for the purchase of fresh agricultural products are the better known destination for tourists.  But those who wanted to explore more, the town has more places, sights, tastes, and take homes to offer.  In other words, there are alternatives especially for those who want to enjoy nature  which may not be on the mainstream tourist trail.

Let me just recommend the following itinerary while in La Trinidad which can be done by commuting.

The La Trinidad "welcome arch" at the highway boundary of La Trinidad and Baguio

1. The Bell Church
This is actually a Taoist Temple at the border of La Trinidad and Baguio.  It is more or less three kilometers from Baguio thus jeepney fare from either dispatch points mentioned above is Php 8.50.  The structures of the temple which is distinguished by the Chinese designs are actually visible from the highway.  Another landmark for the drop-off point is the "Welcome of La Trinidad" arch ("Welcome to Baguio City" on the other side) that features Igorot statues.  The cool and quiet environment of the compound and its gardens are very much conducive for reflection.

Strawberries and flowers are the pride of La Trinidad valley thus they are most often featured in festivities.  The Strawberry Festival in March and Adivay in November are the two main festivals in the valley.  The former is spearheaded by the municipal government while the later is spearheaded by the provincial government.  This photo was  taken during a recent Strawberry Festival.  It would be noted that the performers are clad in attire attributed to the Kalingas, natives of a different Cordillera province.  La Trinidad, like Baguio City, is a melting pot of different cultures.

2. The promontories of Tawang/Lubas.
 There are actually two good promontories that is best for viewing the La Trinidad valley and its surrounding towns.  One is Tayawan and other is Yangbaw.  Of course, it is different experience to go to both.

These climbers to Mt. Yangbaw, east of La Trinidad take time to view the City of Baguio and the towering Mt. Sto Tomas which is one of the other sights atop that mountain aside from the Strawberry Farm.

From Bell Church, take the jeep bound for Tomay.  Ask to be dropped at Cruz.  Fare for that distance is also Php 8.50 as it is less than four kilometers from Bell Church.  Trek up the hill which is actually a concrete road up to a certain point. Then the rough road.  There is an entrance fee of Php 50.00 to enter what is known as Mt. Kallugong.  These natural park which is enhanced by the owner of the land (thus justifying the fees) features beautiful rock formation and picnic areas under the pine trees.  Legend has it that the rock formations are actually what remains of the bodies of god/godesses who were once heard having a feast on that mountain.  From on top of the rocks is the view of the Strawberry Farm.

Do not exit from where you have entered as you can actually go through the experience of following a trail by the mountaintop to the Tayawan Viewpoint.  This spot will give the view of north slopes of La Trinidad and other towns of Benguet.  The trail will lead to Barangay Tawang which actually gives the options of climbing up what is known as Little Pulag or Yangbaw, or going down to the main highway for a trip back to town.  Yangbaw offers a different angle of the Strawberry Farm.

3.  The Town and Strawberry Farm
From Tawang, the jeepney ride back to town is through a winding road weaved at the mountainside.  One can opt to get down at Bahong or Alno intersection and get down to these barangays and have a glimpse of flower gardens or even purchase some for take home.  Or head straight to what is known as "town."

One can also have a taste of what is native to the Cordilleras like this Kinuday (smoked and salted pork) boiled with fresh vegetables.  This and other native tastes such as sweet potatot and pinikpikan, are offered in several restaurants in town.

"Town" is where the Benguet Provincial Capitol is.  On weekdays, the Benguet Museum which is at the side of the capitol is open where one can take a glimpse of the culture of the place.  Nearby is also the Saint Joseph Parish which, for Catolics, is designated as pilgrimage area as it houses the image of the Our Lady of Covadonga.

Less than two hundred meters from the foot of the hill to Capitol is the gateway to the Strawberry Farm of the Philippines.  Right now, the most enjoyable activities for tourists is stepping into the farm and pick some berries.

4. The Benguet State University compound
Most part of the Strawberry Farm is part of the reservation of Benguet State University, primarily an agricultural university whose history is well part of the history of the town of La Trinidad and the province of Banguet.  Its main campus is just across the road from the Strawberry Farm.  A walk through the campus spares one from the air pollution of the congestion-laden main highway.  At its Marketing Center, premium jams and pastries available which is best for pasalubong.  The southern side of the campus is near the La Trinidad Trading Post.

The trees and other greens of Benguet State U campus provides a good ambiance for walking from the Strawberry Farm to the campus' pasalubong centers - the Marketing Center, Food Processing Center and Souvenir Shop.

5.  The Ampasit Trail
Ampasit, west side of the valley is best for jogging or walking.  If one loves the descent, the starting point is Longlong.  If ascent is preferred, Motorpool is the starting point.  Jeepneys to the starting points are dispatched from the vicinity of the La Trinidad Public Market.  Walking into this trail is actually going into a forest.

A portion of the Ampasit Trail.  This also part of the Benguet State University land reservation, the university being a forestry school.

No. 4 and No, 5 in this itinerary can be interchanged for convenience.  If one chooses to have the Ampasit Trail last, the ascending trail is recommended.  At Longlong, one can already have lunch at a restaurant that has also developed a view deck offering a nice glimpse of La Trinidad valley and the Strawberry Farm.  This option will actually lead to the alternate road to Baguio City to avoid the traffic delay along the Kilometer 4 and 3 stretch of the main highway.  This alternate road via Longlong can give one the chance to drop by the Tam-awan Village, a theme attraction in the City of Baguio for culture and arts in the Cordillera.

If once chooses to have No. 4 last, one can now choose riding the Bokawkan route (for those going to Burnham/City Hall side of Baguio City) or the Magsaysay route (for those going to Baguio Center Mall vicinity).

The visit to La Trinidad maybe timed so as to catch a glimpse of sunrise (between 5 - 6 AM) or sunset (between 5-6 pm) in this valley.  Nice sunrise views are seen from the promontories of Tawang/Lubas.  This one was was taken along the way to Mt. Kallugong.

A Walk to Ampasit

My children and I took this Independence Day respite to explore more of La Trinidad, the town I lived for more than fifteen years now and the birthplace of my kids.  Earlier yesterday evening, I suggested that we go take a walk at Ampasit to which they agreed.  We all woke up at some minutes past five and were soon all ready at quarter to six.  We took a jeep from the La Trinidad town center to Motorpool where we started the walk up Ampasit.

The walk started at sitio Motorpool, part of Barnagy Wangal.

Sometimes the walk turned to run...

The boys trying a shortcut/alternate trail.

Sun rays penetrating the forest.

Rest and photo op.

My son showing a mushroom he picked somewhere in the forest.

The hill forest is mostly part of the land reservation of Benguet State University.  There is road that was carved traversing the forest probably for authority’s use in monitoring the area.  The foot of the hill is residential but once you get in the forest, there’s that cool atmosphere with the fresh scent of pine.  The end of the trail which is also a gateway to the forest from the Puguis-Longlong Road is also a populated area.  We actually got scared by dogs there.

A peek into the Strawberry Farm from Ampasit.

The trail in one of the hill's crest.

Enjoying the walk.

The Benguet State University Training Center as viewed from the Puguis-Longlong Road.

We had a break in our walk with a meal at a restaurant and view deck in Longlong then proceeded downhill via the concrete Puguis-Longlong Road then passed through the Strawberry Fields back to town.  As we did it very leisurely, we finished the walk in more than three hours.

Energy break at Longlong

The walk culminated at the Strawberry Field

  It was so exhausting, the kids said, but I guess they enjoyed