AGRICULTURE

Vegetable traders warn public of veggies marked as Baguio, Benguet produce

Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY — A group of vegetable traders based in the capital town of Benguet warn the public of potatoes and carrots in carton boxes that are marked as coming from Benguet and Baguio City.

The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Inc. said that the carton-boxed vegetable crops are not coming from the province and the city as claimed by the markings of the said items. The boxes were said to bear the mark "A.B.C. Baguio".

According to the vegetable league, the products are being distributed by unscrupulous individuals in the markets in Manila, Sariaya in Quezon, and other places in the country.

The association stressed also that Baguio is not mass-producing potatoes and carrots. The group also stated that Baguio City and Benguet are not promoting imported vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

According to the league, the said products were smuggled and were supposed to be confiscated on 10 November 2023 by the Bureau of Customs in Olongapo, Zambales. 

The group appealed that concerned government agencies investigate the issue and that appropriate actions should be taken.