The Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated the Samal Trading Post at Brgy. Gugo in the town of Samal, Bataan, on 18 August 2026, a facility funded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the DA Central Luzon under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance.

The Samal Trading Post aims to provide a venue wherein consumers can have access to agricultural products that are fresher and affordable, directly being from the farmers themselves.

Regional Executive Director Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., APCO Bataan Marilou Ramos, representatives from the local government of Bataan, as well as Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) were present during the inauguration.

Around 20 FCAs, or around 1,000 farmers and livestock raisers, will directly benefit from the new trading post.

"Magsisilbi itong mahalagang sentro ng kalakalang pang-agrikultural sa Samal, kung saan mas maayos na maibebenta ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang mga produkto sa tamang presyo at direkta sa mga mamimili, nang hindi na kinakailangang dumaan pa sa mga trader. Sa kabilang banda, makikinabang din ang mga mamimili sa mas abot-kayang presyo ng mga produktong agrikultural," Lapuz said.

He urged beneficiaries and stakeholders to maintain sustainable and orderly operation of the trading post so it would be used for years to come.

Ronelio Isidro of the Palili Vegetable Growers Association said, "Malaking tulong ang Trading Post na ito dahil menos sa gastos at travel. Mas makakatipid kami ng halos kalahati dahil ang Balanga at Orani, na dati naming pinagdadalhan ng aming mga ani, ay malayo. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa DA dahil 95 percent po ng lahat ng request namin ay naibigay sa amin."

Through the Samal Trading Post, DA continues to create a direct link between farmers and consumers, providing fair prices for producers and affordable food for the consumers.