Phl vegetable producers unite vs AFTA

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- Leaders of the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board (PVIDB)  have become cooperation partners from competitors and vowed to oppose the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area of the ASEAN (AFTA) in 2015.

“Now we will work together as one, those who were competitors before are now moving as one,” said PVIDB Chairman Marcelino Remotigue, who presided over a meeting at the Gloriosa Hall in Wangal with Jose Andiso (vice president for Luzon), Edgardo Codilla (Visayas) and Jose Victor Santos (Mindanao).

Cooperation between and among stakeholders will now take place, Remotigue said, adding, “what we lack in Mindanao, maybe Benguet can fill as well and vice versa.”

Remotique said a pro-active stance must be undertaken in battling the AFTA.   “We need to improve production by stabilizing volume of vegetables produced as well as quality, sustainability of supply and last, the reliability of supply.”

The entire PVIDB was in Benguet to hold an official meeting to discuss the AFTA Tuesday here.

Codilla said  “we have set our safety nets for the AFTA, we have to talk it over, or else mahuhuli tayo.”

Codilla said a roadmap has been in place so that farmers as well as the government will know what what to do once the AFTA takes effect.

Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan serces as consultant of the PVIDB. “Hindi na tayo magkakalaban ngayon.”

Fongwan relayed the Benguet experience when smuggled vegetables flooded the market years ago and said the AFTA legalizes the entry of produce from other nations,  posing a challenge to local farmers and traders.

Fongwan said the AFTA will test the production, quality and consistency of the local stakeholders.

Fongwan said Benguet province can supply 65 percent of the needs of the nation and is currently releasing a minimum of 1 million kilos of vegetable a day to various wet markets in the country. -  Artemio A. Dumlao