DoT eyes Benguet as ‘Vegetable Capital of RP’

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon recently urged the provincial leaders of Benguet known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” to aim for another title — to be the “Vegetable Capital” of the country because of its abundance of fresh vegetables.

In a meeting with local leaders, Gordon enjoined the locals to share his vision of making the Philippines the biggest vegetable producing country in the region. On the other hand, the province’s academic community including the Baguio State University, immediately backed the DoT chief’s proposal and volunteered to create other delicacies such as diet crackers, savory soups out of the place’s famous products which are carrots, potatoes and strawberries.

Aside from making Benguet products more competitive in the local and international market, provincial leaders will also form partnerships with the private sector for the creation of agricultural package tours for tourists like flower and fruit picking in Baguio City, La Trinidad and the rest of the province.

“Benguet boasts not only of rich agricultural lands, but also of people who are proud of their heritage. The people of Benguet’s pride of place is the province’s strongest asset and therefore should be tapped,” Gordon said.

The secretary was the special guest during the recent Potato Salad Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event coincided with the celebration of the 103rd Benguet Foundation Day Anniversary. He was welcomed by the province’s officials including Governor Raul Molintas, La Trinidad Mayor Nestor Fongwan and DoT CAR Regional director Pura Molintas. Different varieties of potato salad recipes were showcased during the festival and were shared by guests and a hundred participants. This year’s event was organized by Midge de Leon of the Benguet Provincial Tourism Council and the local government of Benguet.

[ Benguet Provincial Capitol Wiki | Benguet State University Wiki ]